Technology and the ‘New Normal’

London Tech Week 2020 launches today showcasing the best of global tech and how it will play a crucial role in helping us navigate the challenges facing our changing world.

Top Tips to managing cash flow

It is often said that turnover is vanity and profit is sanity. But, even more importantly, do not forget that cash is king. Put simply, businesses fail because they do not have enough cash or other liquid assets to pay their bills or meet their immediate obligations. So, whilst increasing turnover and growing profitability are what every business owner is aiming to achieve, it is crucial to still have a very strong focus on cash flow and the levels of cash in the business.

Innovative new company launched on the shores of Lake Victoria

A German-Dutch startup is testing a unique business model in Mbita, a small fishing town in Kenya. Torqeedo electric motors are hired out to the local fishermen for a monthly fee that includes training, maintenance, and a solar powered battery charging service.

British startups named in European sustainability competition

British startups Jiva Materials (featured recently on Startups Magazine) and SoluBlue have been awarded a place in the final for the 2020 Postcode Lotteries Green Challenge. The two startups, working to tackle some of the most challenging types of waste pollution, have won at least €100,000 each and are now in the running for the €500,000 grand prize.

The material that can change the world

We are in the year 2020, which means a lot of things. However, one major transition more people are turning to is sustainability and a meat-free world. Not just giving up meat as a food, but all animal based products, however, this can prove difficult when it comes to clothing and the fashion industry.

Demand for smaller offices in city fringe locations on the rise

The ‘commute’ was falling out of favour prior to the pandemic, as an increasing number of office workers started to embrace flexible working.

The five reasons you should attend the ES Virtual Expo

On 1st September, Electronic Specifier will be bringing the latest products and technology trends together at the ‘Electronic Specifier Expo’. Attendees of this virtual event will have the opportunity to hear from a wide variety of industry experts who will be sharing the latest products, technologies and solutions in the industry, as well as contributing to an informative programme of webinars and motivating talks.

Why employee benefits in 2020 have never been more important

With more and more employees working remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic, the role of employee benefits has arguably never been more important.

Supporting European businesses and boost economy

Phos, the fintech behind the first-ever software Point of Sale (POS), has today announced the extension of its partnership with Mastercard to introduce their innovative mobile payment solution. 12,000 small businesses across 12 European countries will now be able to accept contactless payments using their Android mobile devices, with this number set to increase over the coming months. This will allow merchants to digitalise their payment processes and offer more payment options to their customers, with the potential to drive sales and grow their businesses.

Businesses must put driver safety first

Concerns have been raised about van driver safety after Department of Transport data revealed road traffic has risen to 83% of pre-lockdown levels. It is estimated demand for home delivery has increased by 100% due to COVID-19 as online sales have become a lifeline for small businesses.

Esports startup celebrates first anniversary

Gaming platform 3D Aim Trainer celebrated the first anniversary since its founding in June. The company, based in Dendermonde in East Flanders, Belgium, started as a passion project by competitive gamer Bernd Matthys and has since become a global success.

Jawline training e-commerce startup redefines the global thinking

Your face can be developed in a natural way from the comfort of your couch. It is no longer determined only by genetics! 

New book release dedicated to 3 million #ExcludedUK

A new resource for anyone who runs their own business – or is thinking of doing so – has been launched by one of the UK’s most prolific supporters of micro businesses. The Happipreneur – Why #MicroBizMatters? is 2020’s ultimate guide for enterprising people, dedicated to helping ambitious entrepreneurs with innovative ideas to achieve happiness and success by controlling their own destiny.

New study finds SMEs should re-invest 9% of profits to succeed

A new study, commissioned by business bank, Allica Bank has looked to quantify exactly how much UK small businesses should be re-investing to succeed post-COVID-19. The study analysed data from over 1,000 companies and ranked their success on a scale that evaluated factors including productivity, growth, consistency and outlook.

The sextech startup democratising access to sex therapy

An empowering new healthtech app called Blueheart has launched to democratise access to sex therapy and help people overcome sexual dysfunction to have healthy personal relationships.

Fertility rates are plummeting Around the World — Here’s Why

Around the world, fertility rates are falling dramatically. Researchers have described the decline as “jaw-dropping” and the impact that it is going to have on societies is difficult to fathom. According to their research, nearly every country is set to see a serious decline in the number of babies being born. To make the shift even more monumental, the worldwide population is also ageing dramatically, and many countries are likely to see as many people turning 80 as there are being born.

UK fintech R8 relaunches as Mode

UK fintech R8 is rebranding as Mode in order to bring together the Group’s separate businesses under one common identity. Mode has also announced the appointment of ex-Alipay executive, Rita Liu, to the leadership team. Rita will help advance the Group’s vision of transitioning the world to a truly digital financial system that reduces friction and costs for consumers and merchants, and that gives digital assets the place they deserve in today’s modern economy.

Entrepreneur sees gap in the market for short term lending

A London-based entrepreneur has launched a startup to target the industry of high-cost lending.

How startups can use specialist finance to grow their businesses

A lot of startups require funding to gain momentum and sustainable growth. For many entrepreneurs, they might start by investing out of their own pockets, or some prefer to use a business loan, bank loan or through a venture capital firm to raise several millions.

Google finds we are an economy of kindness

Local businesses are core to our communities, but the impact of COVID-19 has been tough on business owners and the surrounding community. As part of Google’s commitment to supporting local businesses in the UK, new research conducted by YouGov on behalf of Google has been released today which reveals the positive changes in people’s connections to their local community sparked by lockdown and that up to date online information is key to reigniting consumer confidence.