How digital marketing has evolved into a major business weapon

In today’s fast-paced and competitive landscape, it’s important for SMEs to have a strong online presence; one that also positions them towards the top of the page in search engine results. Creating reams and reams of content isn’t the answer anymore, neither is it just relying on Google Ad campaigns, or content optimised for keywords. […]

How your brand identity directly impacts sales, growth and results

Most businesses, no matter their size or sector, face the challenges of standing out from competition and adapting to changing consumer preferences, but many aren’t aware of how central their brand identity is to achieving these goals. Having watched brands evolve and change for over 15 years, I have seen first-hand just how much brand […]

Ten ways to create a positive onboarding experience

Have a pre-boarding strategy Don’t wait for day one to embed new hires into the company culture. 51% will continue looking for roles even after accepting the job! With a one to three-month gap before starting – this time can be used for pre-boarding activities to maintain interest in the job and boost employee engagement. […]

Optimism prevails: How SMEs are preparing for growth in 2024

As we enter a new financial year SMEs are readying themselves for a period of growth as the economy continues to recover from injuries inflicted by the pandemic. As revealed by the latest Vistage Confidence Index report, business leaders remain buoyant about the future and are expecting continued improvement in economic conditions in the next […]

How SMEs can benefit from the right office design

For as long as they’ve existed, offices have been culture carriers. That means your office sets the tone of your business; it’s where people get the essence of what you’re about, what matters to you, and how you treat your people. Today, the office is also a demonstration of how much attention your business pays […]

How SMEs can deal with debt

With average levels of bad debt rising at small firms, it is vital that business owners take steps to help minimise the risk of late payments and recover money more quickly should they need to do so. Some simple measures can make a significant difference: Be prompt It may sound obvious, but SMEs need to ensure […]

Ten key steps to setting up your own business

Identify your market and niche Start with what you know and where you can leverage your skills, experience, or network. Conduct market research to understand your target audience, their needs, and how you can meet them differently or better than existing offerings. Develop a business plan A solid business plan outlines your business idea, market, […]

The best ways to diversify your identity as an entrepreneur

In the ever-evolving landscape of entrepreneurship, embracing diversity is not just a buzzword – it’s non-negotiable. As entrepreneurs, we have the opportunity not only to diversify our business portfolios but also to embrace and celebrate the richness of our own identities. By doing so, we can unlock new sources of creativity, resilience, and growth. Here […]

Open Finance: A new frontier for SMEs

For SMEs, staying ahead in financial services technology has become a critical challenge, especially as the landscape shifts towards Open Banking and Open Finance. This evolution signals a new data-sharing and collaboration period across banks, financial services and third-party entities, fundamentally altering digital transformation strategies. For SMEs, this change emphasises the importance of considering outcomes […]

Why a diverse workforce makes good business sense

How important is company culture? Why? A strong, inclusive, and diverse company culture is at the core of any successful business. When a company is built on the foundation of diversity, inclusivity, trust, and the desire to give back, external challenges are much diminished. A truly diverse company culture enables businesses to attract and retain […]