COVID-19 and Brexit leads to new opportunities for business owners

There are strong indications that many proprietors are seeking to diversify in the post-pandemic world, whilst others are looking to take advantage of the increased interest from overseas investors following the UK’s departure from the EU.

 

From idea to reality: turning a fear into a business opportunity

It all started when I travelled for the first time to be a waitress in Italy. I was 18 years old, travelling for the first time without even knowing what to do or expect.

Balancing People and Technology to Navigate the New Era of Digital Transformation

Digital transformation has been pushed into hyperspeed, moving from a buzzword, to being business critical virtually overnight. From financial services right through to retail and education, the sheer pace of change has created challenges for almost every sector in the hybrid world we find ourselves in.

5,000 UK kids to receive free digital glove from OpenUK

OpenUK has announced its 2021 Kids Digital Glove Giveaway, sharing 5,000 Digital Gloves, sustainably made in the UK, and sponsored by Nominet and the Open Data Institute. With a focus on engaging children in practical open source software coding, whilst teaching the open source definition and the sustainable development goals, the course builds on OpenUK’s 2020 Summer Camp.

Sustainable startup in the running for National Award

Environmental service company, Legasea has been named as a finalist in the Manufacturer MX Awards, in the category of Sustainable Manufacturing Company of the Year.

Is the circular economy transition fast enough?

Research by DNV and World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) reveals that despite the growing attention in the public, among legislators and companies, the shift to business models that design waste out of the system seems to progress slowly, and circular economy is rising on corporate agendas across geographies.

Xero employees choose their own career adventure with new flexible work options

Xero has unveiled its redesigned flexible work program, giving its growing product and tech teams the opportunity to work where they perform best, at home, in the office or a mix of both.

Barclays launches startup accelerator for Black founders

Diversity in entrepreneurship is boosted through the launch of Barclays Eagle Labs’ 12-week virtual accelerator programme which helps early-stage tech businesses founded by one or more Black entrepreneurs.

AirBolt secures $2m after GPS crowdfunding campaign

AirBolt, a consumer and enterprise tracking and access company, has announced the closing of its $2m series seed fundraising round, with a majority growth investment led by 72Capital. The investment will accelerate plans to expand AirBolt’s range of connected devices and global partnerships. It will also allow AirBolt to grow more aggressively internationally, expand into new product categories, and enhance its global live tracking service to deliver more peace of mind to its growing community of users.

Philip Hammond and investors back quest to deliver sustainable finance

Algbra, a sustainable and values-focused digital finance provider dedicated to providing ethical finance solutions and promoting financial wellbeing, has attracted a wide range of high-profile backers. The Seed investment round, led by New World Group and SFC Capital earlier this year, was oversubscribed.

Almost 80 new businesses created every hour across UK in first half of 2021

According to research by iwoca, almost 80 new businesses were created every hour across the UK in the first half of 2021. Analysis of Companies House data reveals that 340,534 businesses were registered in the UK between January and June 2021, an increase of 32% from 257,243 over the same time period in 2019.

6 steps for creating the perfect graduate onboarding experience

After rounds of interviews and many applicants, you’ve now found your star candidate and you’re ready to hit the ground running. Onboarding a new graduate should be handled a little bit differently to those who have years of experience. You want to make them feel comfortable and not overwhelm them on the very first day.

5 tips for creating your post-pandemic marketing strategy

As control over the pandemic increases, businesses and their customers balance optimism with curiosity about just what ‘normal’ will look like going forward. If you’re a startup, taking critical next steps may involve reassessing your marketing strategy. After all, it is indeed a changed world. It only makes sense that your marketing plan could use some adjusting.

Cera has delivered more than ten million healthcare visits across UK during COVID-19

Cera, a UK based provider of at home healthcare services, has now delivered more than ten million in-person healthcare visits to older and vulnerable people throughout the UK, in their homes, since the outbreak of COVID-19.

Fate revealed for COVID-inspired startups

A new survey of 2,000 UK adults has revealed the fate of COVID-inspired business launches.

World Suicide Prevention Day: overseas employees in need of support

World Suicide Prevention Day takes place on the 10th September 2021. Overseas employees face very specific challenges that can differ depending on their host nation. Employers must be aware of the support, or lack of it, available in different countries and ensure their provision leaves no gaps.

Starting a movement to open up production technology

Making.com, an online platform that simplifies the connection between people looking for production technology and suppliers that offer it, has launched. It is a platform to group technologies around the products they help make, allowing creators of all sizes access to the ‘hidden network’ of machines, manufacturers, tooling suppliers and therefore the knowledge previously accessible only through long-established private networks.

Dojo’s study reveals the daily habits of famous female entrepreneurs

A new study by card payment provider, Dojo, reveals the daily habits of some of successful female entrepreneurs, to see just how their routines contribute to their success. 

Endeavor Nigeria unveils cohort for its ScaleUp program

Endeavor Nigeria has unveiled the inaugural cohort of entrepreneurs for its ten-week Endeavor ScaleUp Program that aims to support Nigeria’s most promising business leaders. 

Gifting demand soars and supports UK retailers out of lockdowns

UK-based Prsnt, the instant gifting app, is going public later this month after a successful beta testing phase over the past six months during which the search term ‘online gift’ increased over 80% last year. The app enables users to choose a gift from hundreds of the UK’s high street brands (online or in-store) and sends it directly to another person’s smartphone.