Where to get help and cut costs during the coronavirus pandemic

We are now a few weeks into the UK’s ‘lockdown’, and the existence of many small – and large – businesses is under threat. An inability to operate cash flows as normal is undoubtedly a major concern and so many are seeking ways to cut costs and access cash, and fast.

SMEs missing out on thousands of pounds in unclaimed funding

UK businesses are still missing out on thousands of pounds of unclaimed tax credits, according to new figures from Leyton, the UK’s leading innovation funding consultancy. Leyton’s clients – 85% of which are SMEs – claimed an average of £78,000 in R&D tax credits last year.

Gen Z payment pioneers launch open-banking software

VibePay has announced its open banking driven offer for businesses. The latest products will allow brands to process frictionless checkout and subscription payments online, increasing transaction success and reducing fees, whilst giving brands a gateway into their engaged Gen Z community.

How crucial is employee training in 2020?

In 2020, companies throughout the world are investing significantly in colleague training. 94 per cent of British businesses’ suggesting, ‘that even in the current economic climate, learning and development is at the heart of their strategy’. The report by UK L&D noted how none of the companies who are spending more than the national average of £300 on training for each employee have a retention rate of less than half a year. Clearly, staff morale and job satisfaction are enhanced by sufficient training.

Big life questions answered…

As a startup there is probably a high possibility you are not currently doing what you planned to do when you were child. ‘When I grow up I want to create my own business’ isn’t heard as often as policeman, astronaut or pilot we surely all have to agree.

FAQs for small business owners on the COVID-19 virus

The current Covid-19 pandemic is causing havoc for businesses across the world. If you are an employer with a small business, you are likely struggling or are concerned about the future of your company in the current economic climate.

A survival guide for business owners and entrepreneurs

Found & Flourish is a female founders and aspiring entrepreneurs online membership, media & events platform. We have over 10,000 women within our network and run on average 40 events a year. Our mission is to empower women in business to launch, grow and scale their dream businesses. We also provide services, resources and community to support the women at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey.

“How will my business trade six months from now?”
This article is part 15 of 26 in the series Overheard at a startup...

Any business at any time has to constantly be considering how best to trade in the present, and how best to trade in the future. This is equally true in the good times as it is in the difficult times. For many, this strange period where the world is caught up in the coronavirus pandemic is certainly one of the much more difficult times, but for some lucky businesses it is actually a period of rapid growth and great opportunity.

Life on the ocean waves just got a lot simpler

Inspiration can be found in the most unusual of places, although clinging to a yacht’s mast in the middle of a Caribbean storm might not be an obvious source of entrepreneurial zeal. However, this was the case for Jelte Liebrand, Founder of marine navigation platform Savvy Navvy, who has also recently been named as the Seedrs Entrepreneur of the Year. We caught up with him to find out more.

Akoni – fintech for startups

With interest rates constantly changing, it can be difficult to secure the best rates every time the market moves. So how can you make the most of your cash?

New sustainable investment app launches crowdfunding campaign

A new fintech platform for sustainable investments, Clim8 Invest has launched its first ever Crowdcube campaign.

It’s about open solidarity

Since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared on the 30th January, OVHcloud have been carefully observing how the situation has developed across the globe. Today, depending on the guidelines issued by governing healthcare authorities, the company is managing local situations in all regions where it has teams. It is doing this to guarantee the employees’ safety, and also guarantee continuity for customer services.

Free digital skills training to support productivity and growth

Business and public, private and voluntary sector professionals in the Tees Valley and County Durham are now able to sign up to free digital skills training – both technical and creative – following some quick thinking by Teesside University as part of its comprehensive response to Covid-19.

Struggling SMEs offered free access to 3D made-to-measure tech

As the global retail industry continues to feel the full impact of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, Swiss retail technology company meepl – the easy-to-use and time-saving online shopping companion for clothing – has announced it will offer complimentary access to their smartphone-enabled, 3D body scanning technology for vulnerable SMEs working within the fashion industry.

How small business owners can turn down-time into an advantage

It’s part of the natural ebb and flow of running a company. Sometimes there’s peaks, sometimes there’s a trough. Some seasonal businesses experience them every year so have them planned into their annual activity. But what if you have an extended period of downtime enforced upon you?

Growth vs profit: The ultimate conundrum
This article is part 2 of 2 in the series Scale-up 2.0

A staggering 66% of startups have less than 12 months runway and 39% have less than six.  These bleak statistics paint a somewhat gloomy picture and yet, in the UK alone, we saw a steady 8.5% increase in the number of companies being registered last year, so these figures are certainly not deterring the business leaders of today. Here James Hyde, CEO and co-founder of James and James, explains more…

Ten steps to safeguard your business

With many office-based businesses still required to work from home, it can be stressful trying to manage your company and protect your employees, customers, and interests. Capital on Tap’s CEO, David Luck shares his ‘business health MOT’ checklist, to ensure you’ve got the best plan in place for your business’ longevity.

Marketing during COVID-19

As a global pandemic sweeps large parts of our world, one could be forgiven for not having their new marketing strategy or business pivot plan at the top of their agenda. We are collectively experiencing some form of anxiety to one degree or another, with our systems on constant, low-level ‘limbic alert’.

From fired to founder

It may surprise some, but there are many similarities between the best attributes of an immigrant and a tech entrepreneur. We speak to Manoj Ganapathy about his journey from humble beginnings in his native India, to CEO of business travel and expense management system, SalesTrip.

How employers can close the gap on gender inequality
How employers can close the gap on gender inequality

In the current climate, overcoming the fallout from the coronavirus crisis will be a top priority for most, if not all, businesses worldwide. However, this does not mean we can ignore the underlying challenges that continue to impede global progress towards goals like ending the gender diversity crisis.