Small businesses have been some of the worst affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, lacking the resources needed to recover in the same manner as bigger companies. The new Help to Grow scheme announced by the UK Government plans to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) develop their digital competencies and boost their profits, while helping the nation expand its technological infrastructure. Here Neil Bellinger, head of EMEA at automation parts supplier EU Automation, explains what the new initiative means for the manufacturing sector.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused disruption and setbacks for many, but it has also presented opportunities for others to turn their part-time passions into fully fledged businesses.

In today’s technology powered world, the management of businesses across every industry, no matter how big or small, is heavily reliant on digital platforms and software development.

Have you noticed that there has been a dramatic shift in people's priorities over the last 12 months? But as things begin to ease out of the third lockdown and into a 'new normal', how are we going to maintain habits and rebuild our businesses so they are fit for the unknown future? Here Sara Osterholzer, co-founder of The Good Business Club, shares some insights on the small business movement to Build Back Better and how to get involved.

Last week we officially reached the milestone of a year since the first national lockdown. With lots of change and uncertainty - both at home and work - many of us turned to Google for advice and support.

Yeo Valley Organic, Britain’s largest organic brand, has created scannable QR codes that have been shaved into the hides of all 400 of their own British Friesian cows, to celebrate the national rollout of their connected  packaging. 

New data released today by Innovate UK, points to a dramatic increase in the number of young people setting up their own businesses in the last decade – with the number nearly doubling (98% increase) from 2009 to 2020. What’s more, despite the pandemic - and in some cases inspired by the impact of COVID-19 and the subsequent lockdowns - numbers continued to jump in 2020, with a 15% increase in the number of young people starting their own businesses from 2019.

The fifth edition of Digital Enterprise Show confirms its celebration in person at IFEMA, bringing together the entire technological ecosystem. DES2021 will guide Spanish companies to take advantage of NextGeneration EU European recovery funds and find the technological partner to drive the transformation of their business model.

It’s hard to believe that this month marked one year since the Prime Minister’s solemn address where millions of us were asked to stay at home.

Pre-pandemic, the economy was expanding. We’d come out of the global economic crisis wounded but wiser, and looking for change. With startups everywhere and SMEs acknowledged for their serious contribution to the economy, things were pretty good. But no one was prepared for COVID-19.

On April 6th 2021 a new Government loan scheme has come into force to help those businesses with the next steps after they have been affected by the economic difficulties and uncertainties caused by the Covid lockdowns. 

Psyomics, the innovative UK-based healthtech company, has launched its mental health assessment platform Censeo with two London based GP practices, to gather real world data and feedback prior to commercial launch later this year. 

Medical innovation has become a significant focus for venture capital investment in the last ten years. A growing, ageing population combined with the opportunity to develop global solutions is driving a spike in investment innovation that helps people better manage wellbeing or enables them to get well sooner. 

Towergate Health & Protection is warning employers that they could unwittingly be leaving themselves open to uninsured liabilities that could cost them hundreds of thousands of pounds if their employee benefits are not aligned with their contracts of employment. 

The twin forces of Brexit and the coronavirus pandemic have wreaked havoc on business confidence in the UK. It therefore comes as little surprise that almost two thirds (64%) reported the combination of the two made 2020 the hardest year they have faced, according to a recent survey of commissioned by One World Express.

Empathy, a platform helping families navigate the journey they face after losing a loved one, has announced the launch of its application on iOS and Android for users across the United States. Empathy’s technology-enabled platform is designed to guide families experiencing loss with purpose and compassion. Empathy is backed by $13m in a seed round co-led by General Catalyst and Aleph.

The world is not going digital anymore, it is already there. Many industries have now embraced technology in almost all their operations, and the Financial industry is no different. Bitcoin, Robinhood, Monzo, Fintech are just examples of how technology has enhanced services in the Financial industry.

There is no denying the far-reaching impacts of COVID-19 on the UK economy. The pandemic has tested the resolve of even the most robust firms, causing enormous upheaval and unpredictable market conditions. As such, many UK businesses were forced to rely on Government support schemes to stay afloat.

Creative workspace and accelerator, Huckletree has announced it’s hosting Earthrise Summit, a virtual festival to unite sustainability leaders, founders, politicians, change makers and innovators from all corners of the world, to inspire people to take action.

Technology today plays a major part in our daily routines, as well as our working lives. It has had a huge impact on the workplace and will only continue to do so at an incredible rate, due to the technological advancements of our time. What’s more, the events of the last 12 months have massively reshaped work culture across the globe. In particular, the need for technologies that can be used to virtually replicate an office environment, will continue to grow in importance as we move into 2021.