Claims by the Government that UK banks are failing to lend has challenged by the head of RBS today as he detailed their efforts to get cash to small businesses as he announced the banks first profit in three years.
Category: News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
How does your personal brand impact upon your business?
We all know the importance of having a strong brand in business, but, in this age of social media, where we expect personal interaction rather than corporate spiel, and especially for start-ups and SMEs, where there may only be a small number of people involved, the idea of a personal brand is becoming more and more important.
UK moves towards part-time work culture in wake of recession
New report by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development claims UK economy has lost nearly 1m full-time jobs since the start of the recession
Your Problem With Cold Calling Isn’t Cold Calling – Part 2
Let me explain why cold calling is such a big issue for many…..and why vital first stages should be completed before a cold call is made….
Do you really need to patent your business idea or concept?
In the Den, and broadcast last week, The Dragons were asked to invest in a product called Shopbox, which is a secure, temperature-controlled container for groceries that are ordered online, which then became the subject of a heated discussion on the subject of patents – and a very important lesson for anybody with an invention.
Headhunters believe women should forsake career break to reach the top
A new report out today claims that more than half of headhunters believe that women will have to forsake a career break in order to reach the top senior executive positions.
Luke Johnson: TV’s Dragons’ Den is exploitative & missed opportunity
The head of Risk Capital Partners, and former chair of Channel 4, Luke Johnson has today launched a scathing attack on the BBC for what he calls grotesque programmes like Dragons’ Den & The Apprentice which fit their in-house prejudices perfectly making business out to be ‘ruthless, domineering and egotistical.’
Leadership in Britain is redefined by the economic climate
Sound financial decision making and emotional intelligence are the two most defining qualities of successful leadership, according to a recent study, with bosses looking to King & Osborne as role models.
Personalisation – Join the cult of ‘customer lovers’
The customer is king so engage them with an experience fit for royalty. Gone are the days of admiration for shop windows and acceptance of repetitive brochure sites. Today’s consumer prizes customer service and their own time above all else when shopping online but most brands are not delivering on these demands.
Maintaining great customer relations requires something of a ‘cult’ instinct. Disregarded by many, but cultivated by true believers, an unadulterated commitment to customer service sets brands apart from competitors.
Why now is the best time to become known as the greatest thought leader in your field!
With the news of the government’s plans to cut jobs in the public sector, together with the statistics that showed an ease in employment during June, the current jobs market certainly looks bleak. But one thought leadership strategist maintains that establishing yourself as a REAL thought leader is the only way to keep your job safe!
The Dragons’ Den effect wearing off on potential entrepreneurs
There has been a dramatic fall in the number of entrepreneurs and people looking to start their own business throwing into doubt the strong belief that the UK business sector has the capacity to lead the recovery in the economy.
Number of business failures drops, but not to 2008 figures
The leading business information provider, Equifax, has released its Business Failures Report for the second quarter of this year today. The reports shows a welcome slowing down in the pace of businesses going under compared to earlier in the year and all of 2009, however, the actual number of failures is not quite back to the pre-recession levels of early 2008.
Search begins for ‘ecopreneurs’ with big ideas for cutting carbon
Small businesses with big ideas for tackling climate change are being invited to compete for awards of £40,000 each, as the Shell Springboard programme opens for its sixth year.
Presentations – Prepare or Panic?
“I never prepare for presentations, I just wing it.”
I often hear this said about presentations and I’m not entirely sure I believe this statement. At least, not about successful presentations. This article discusses the need for great preparation for memorable presentations.
Lending by Government’s loan guarantee scheme falls 23pc
Business lending under the Government’s Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme fell by 23pc in the six months leading up to the general election, despite ministers’ claims that it would support viable companies.
