HMRC issues tax avoidance warning. Complex offshore tax avoidance scheme revealed

A complex tax avoidance scheme which moves income offshore has been exposed by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) today (29 February 2024), with anyone who has joined the arrangement warned to get out of it as quickly as they can.

The scheme, linked to businessman Darren Patrick-Green, involves contractors joining Singapore registered Procorre LLP to avoid paying income tax and National Insurance.

These workers and their Personal Service Companies (PSCs) enter into contracts to provide services to their clients as usual.

The PSCs invoice these clients and transfer the money received to Procorre LLP.

Procorre LLP then deducts a fee before returning the rest of the income to the individuals or their PSCs. This money comprises various forms of payments including bank transfers from multiple sources and pre-paid cards.

These payments should be subject to income tax and National Insurance Contributions and anyone involved in this scheme should contact HMRC as soon as possible and leave the arrangement.

Darren Patrick-Green (also known as Darren Green) is the Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) of Corre Holdings SA (CHSA), a Swiss-based firm which is the majority owner of Procorre LLP. CHSA is also suspected by HMRC of involvement in further arrangements, potentially including the acquisition of users’ PSCs.

Also named on GOV.UK today for being in control of Procorre LLP is Jason Bougourd and Alizeh Nanji.

Jonathan Smith, HMRC’s Director of Counter Avoidance, said: “Tax avoidance schemes are cynically marketed as clever ways to pay less tax. The truth is they rarely work in the way the promoters claim that they will work and it is the users who could end up with unexpected tax bills.

“We are urging anyone who thinks they have entered these schemes to contact us as soon as possible to get help.”

More detail about this scheme can be found on HMRC’s list of named tax avoidance schemes, promoters, enablers and suppliers on GOV.UK. Two other schemes were also named today. https://rb.gy/iixwei

A spokesperson for HMRC said: HMRC is urging taxpayers to be vigilant and to stay away from tax avoidance schemes. The Don’t Get Caught Out campaign reveals the consequences of using tax avoidance schemes which could be unexpected tax bills, interest and penalties."

If anyone has used a tax avoidance scheme promoted by any firm named by HMRC, the HMRC is asking them to please contact HMRC by emailing: CAGetHelpOutOfTaxAvoidance@hmrc.gov.uk as soon as they can.

Navigating the Challenges of Remote Work for Small Teams

Over recent years and for several reasons, the landscape of work has undergone a profound transformation, with remote work becoming increasingly prevalent. 

While this shift offers numerous benefits, such as flexibility and reduced commuting time, it also presents unique challenges, particularly for smaller teams. 

In this blog post, we'll explore some of the key hurdles small teams face when working remotely and provide practical strategies for overcoming them.

The Challenges

Communication Barriers

One of the most significant challenges of remote work for small teams is communication barriers. Without the ability to walk over to a colleague's desk or have impromptu discussions in the office kitchen, communication can become fragmented and less effective. Misunderstandings may arise more easily, leading to delays and inefficiencies in project execution.

Collaboration and Coordination

Effective collaboration and coordination can be difficult to achieve when team members are scattered across different locations. Small teams often rely on close collaboration to accomplish their goals, and the lack of face-to-face interaction can hinder this process. Without the ability to quickly brainstorm ideas or whiteboard solutions together, teams may struggle to maintain the same level of productivity and innovation.

Team Morale and Engagement

Remote work can also take a toll on team morale and engagement, particularly for small teams where every member's contributions are essential. The sense of camaraderie that develops in a physical workspace can be challenging to replicate virtually. Without regular social interactions and opportunities for team bonding, employees may feel isolated and disconnected from their colleagues, leading to decreased motivation and job satisfaction. My employer dealt with this issue by having virtual drawing competitions, online quizzes, competitions with cash prizes, etc.

Strategies for Success

Prioritise Clear and Transparent Communication

To overcome communication barriers, small teams must prioritise clear and transparent communication channels. Establishing regular check-ins, leveraging collaboration tools such as Slack or Microsoft Teams, and setting clear expectations for communication protocols can help ensure that everyone stays informed and aligned.

Invest in Collaboration Tools and Technology

Investing in the right collaboration tools and technology is essential for facilitating seamless collaboration and coordination among remote team members. Whether it's project management software, video conferencing platforms, or virtual whiteboarding tools, equipping your team with the necessary resources can empower them to work together effectively regardless of their physical location.

Foster a Culture of Trust and Accountability

Building a culture of trust and accountability is crucial for maintaining team morale and engagement in a remote work environment. Encourage open communication, set realistic goals, and provide regular feedback to keep team members motivated and engaged. Trusting your team to deliver results and holding each other accountable for their contributions can help foster a sense of ownership and commitment to shared goals.

Prioritise Work-Life Balance

Lastly, it's essential to prioritise work-life balance, especially in a remote work setting where the boundaries between work and personal life can become blurred. Encourage your team members to establish healthy routines, take regular breaks, and disconnect from work when needed. By promoting employee well-being, you can help prevent burnout and ensure that your team remains productive and motivated in the long run.

Conclusion

While remote work presents unique challenges for small teams, it also offers opportunities for increased flexibility, autonomy, and efficiency. By addressing communication barriers, fostering collaboration and coordination, prioritising team morale and engagement, and promoting work-life balance, small teams can navigate the challenges of remote work successfully. By embracing these strategies and adapting to the changing landscape of work, small teams can thrive in a remote work environment and achieve their goals with confidence.

Being mistreated by your boss can impact your life outside work, shows new research

Mean or abusive bosses can harm their employee's prosocial initiatives outside the workplace but this is not always the case, new research from Trinity Business School reveals.

Professors Wladislaw Rivkin, Nishat Babu, Kenneth De Roeck, and Sudeshna Bhattacharya delved into the complex dynamics of workplace environments, focusing on the weekly relationships between abusive supervision and employee socially responsible behaviors.

The study examined how bosses' mean or abusive behaviours impact on their employees, especially when it comes to doing good things for others outside of the workplace. The researchers wanted to see if this bad behaviour from bosses made employees less likely to be helpful or socially responsible outside of work.

They studied this over 12 weeks, asking employees about their experiences every week.

They found in those weeks when bosses were mean, employees felt more drained in terms of exerting self-control and engaged in less socially responsible behaviours outside of work such as donating money to charity or helping out in a local food bank.

However, there was a catch. For those employees who didn't perceive their supervisor to be in general particularly abusive and in those weeks when the employees did not face high levels of stress; the findings indicate there was no detrimental impact of abusive supervision on employees' socially responsible behaviors outside of the workplace.

According to Professor Wladislaw Rivkin: “While we cannot deny the harmful implications of abusive leadership within and outside of the workplace these leader behaviours may not be as harmful as we previously assumed. 

"Our study surprisingly shows as long as one’s boss is not viewed as engaging in generally consistent abusive behaviours and as long as weekly work demands are kept in check, leaders' abusive behaviours do not affect employees' engagement in socially responsible behaviors.

“Identifying under which circumstances abusive supervision is less harmful to employees has important practical implications. Any leader may accidentally engage in mean behaviors towards employees for example because the leader is drained or under pressure. 

"Our research shows that while such behavioral slip-ups are not ideal not all is lost for leaders if they do not consistently display such behaviors and as long as work demands are low. This highlights additional ways how organisations and employees can deal with abusive supervision.”

However, if you feel that you are being abused or bullied within your workplace this link may be of help to you: https://www.nationalbullyinghelpline.co.uk/employees.html

New Important Book Explores the Role of Ego in Leadership

Ego Flip, written by James Woodcock, a Partner at Korn Ferry, is an important publication as it explores the crucial role that ego plays within leaders, their performance and that of their company or organisation. 

It examines the assumptions that have shaped the conventional view of leadership and offers a radical new paradigm and way to lead.

Knowing who you are is the most important question of leadership. Woodcock argues that leaders will never understand the world and their role within it until they understand where they are looking from. 

Such a leader will inevitably not lead but be led. In Ego Flip, the author presents his seven questions of leadership to help leaders better understand themselves and their egoic states. The book then explores seven ‘elucidations of leadership’ or tools to help the reader transform their life as a leader.

James Woodcock says: “From our organisations to our ecosystems, we are entering a new and profound era of change. The technologies we have asserted through our belief in progress, are ironically and inevitably accelerating us towards a future that is both unknowable and unsustainable. 

"None of this is the story we thought we were writing. And yet, as authors of our world, every choice we make is an invitation to lead. I wanted to write a book for leaders everywhere, to uncover what leadership really is. One that offers a radical new understanding, that addresses the perennial question of leadership, of the world within our world: the question of who you are.”

Through a new leadership manifesto (a set of eight conscious imperatives that offer a new vision for transcending the ego), the author provides a new pathway for leaders to reimagine what great leadership really means, to lead beyond the ego.

L. David Marquet, author of Turn the Ship Around and Leadership is Language, says: “Ego Flip earns my highest praise. It got me thinking. In this cerebral work Woodcock cracks a door open where we can begin to understand how our own sense of ’us’ may not be what we think it is.”

James Woodcock is a Partner in Korn Ferry’s Leadership and Professional Development Practice. Prior to that, he was a Managing Consultant at PA Consulting and a Senior Manager at Deloitte. For the past 20 years, James has worked across the globe helping leaders fulfil their potential.

Ego Flip is published on 14 March 2024 by LID Publishing, available as a paperback and e-book.

For more information about LID Publishing, please visit www.lidpublishing.com

Utilities adopt new initiatives to minimise outages in the face of extreme weather events – Wi-SUN Alliance research

Advanced weather prediction tools, renewable energy integration, and grid modernisation are some of the key initiatives that are currently being undertaken by utilities to ensure network resilience in the face of power outages caused by extreme weather events and climate-related disasters. 

This is according to new research published by Wi-SUN Alliance, a global association of leading companies that specifies open standards-based, interoperable technology solutions for smart utilities, smart cities and other IoT and IIoT wireless communication applications.

The research among senior professionals in the utilities and power sectors highlights the role of new tools and technologies to help improve resilience and outage recovery times as weather events and environmental disasters become commonplace. 

According to the US Department of Energy, extreme weather conditions, from heatwaves to arctic vortexes, have doubled power outages in the US over the past 20 years. From California to New Jersey, states are experiencing significant weather-related utility disruption, making it more of a challenge to meet the needs of customers in traditional ways.

Key survey findings:

• Advanced weather prediction (41%) tops the list of initiatives that will ensure better network resilience for utilities, followed by renewable energy integration (41%), grid modernisation and microgrids (39%), and disaster response and recovery plans (34%).

• Respondents are adopting new approaches to improve outage recovery times through advanced networking, including predictive maintenance analytics (40%), smart grid technologies (39%), and enhanced communications (34%), as well as use of drones and robotic devices to inspect assets (31%).

• Utilities recognise opportunities to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) technologies as part their network infrastructure, with energy consumption forecasting (37%), automated fault detection (33%), and grid optimisation (31%) as viable use cases.

“Extreme weather events are fast evolving from a rare occurrence to something that should be built into the risk profile of any utility company,” comments Phil Beecher, President and CEO of Wi-SUN Alliance.

“The emergence of smart grids, microgrids and other technologies, like predictive maintenance and fault finding, offers a way of controlling costs while increasing resilience and stability to help mitigate the impact of outages. 

"But technologies like this are only as good as the underlying communications network to provide reliable and secure delivery of the data needed to deliver a true smart grid. Built on open industry standards, Wi-SUN FAN wireless mesh networking offers utilities and power companies more choice in what they do – both today and in the future.”

The research also shows cybersecurity investment is a priority for utilities looking to enhance interoperability and connectivity for large-scale IoT applications in smart utility and smart city projects. 

Asked to list their top strategic initiatives for the next five years, 41% of respondents cited security enhancement as their number one choice, reflecting concerns highlighted in Wi-SUN’s global Journey to IoT Maturity report published in 2022, where security and data privacy were critical considerations for utilities and organisations adopting IoT solutions.

Customer-centric services (40%), renewable energy integration (37%), building infrastructure resilience (32%), and IoT integration and data analytics (23%) are also as integral to respondents’ five-year plans.

Jeff Scheb, Director of Solutions and Systems Architecture at Landis+Gyr, a Wi-SUN Promoter member, says: “Enhancing cybersecurity across utility networks continues to be a key priority for future investment. 

"That security focus extends from the customer grid-edge to the Field Area Network, to the substation, and ultimately to the data centre. An authentic layered approach to security is a must. While Wi-SUN FAN is often thought about in terms of interoperability, it also has robust security mechanisms built in, based on widely adopted industry standards. Adoption of Wi-SUN should be seen as one layer in the overall security posture of a wide-scale IoT network.”

The research is being announced at DistribuTECH 2024, the leading transmission and distribution event for the utility and power sectors, where Wi-SUN Alliance is exhibiting on booth #1957.

http://www.wi-sun.org.

Business rates bills: do you know what’s on yours?

Businesses in the UK will soon be receive their Business Rates bills and surprise, surprise, there’s another increase. 

However, it's absolutely vital that you understand how your bill works. As many know by now, in last year’s autumn statement the government chose to increase business rates by 6.7% from the 1st of April 2024. This is in line with the September 2023 inflation rate. However, only commercial properties whose rateable value (RV) is over £51,000 will see this reflected in their bills.

As this year’s rates bills come in, many will be receiving this news for the first time. Whilst this increase shouldn’t break businesses, it may well become yet another financial burden. Especially, as these are the properties with the biggest liabilities. Quite simply, it could prove to be the last straw for many.

So much for government tax breaks!

Every local authority presents the information business rates payers need, but they all do it differently. Whether it is the calculations; format; or the information itself. Leaving many to decipher just what it is that's in their bill.

So, what is it that you should be looking for in your rates bill?

Ensure all details are correct (address, name, property etc.)

Check the schedule of payments due

The amount paid

The continuation of any reliefs

If there are any credits or debts on the account you were previously unaware of

All too often, small changes to rates bills can have lasting, negative impacts. So it;'s vital you understand your bill or are able to seek professional help in doing so.

While local authorities are responsible for distributing and collecting business rates, it is the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) who calculates and attributes them. 

Unlike smaller businesses, who will once again benefit from the freeze on the small business multiplier and the Retail Hospitality and Leisure (RHL) relief, medium and larger business will face their second increase in just twelve months. An increase that RVA Surveyors has said will cost business rates payers an additional £1.5 billion.

According to the government, in the first six months of the 2023 rating list alone, almost 40% of the submitted checks (the first stage of the government’s appeal process) were still outstanding by November. In this same timeframe, only 7% were resolved.

“Cases can be thrown out on the smallest technicality.” Anthony Hughes, managing director of RVA Surveyors, said. “How are people supposed to find the time to learn and navigate the complicated process set by the government to reduce business rates, while also running a business?”

“Physical, on-site inspections are the only way to ensure a property’s business rates are accurate.” Hughes added. “Given the size [of the VOA], it's not a stretch that they are able to inspect every commercial property within a rating list period.”

To learn more visit https://www.rvasurveyors.com.

(Image courtesy of Gerd Altmann from Pixabay)

The Key to Sustainable Growth: The Importance of Customer Retention

In the bustling landscape of business, especially SMEs, where the quest for growth often takes centre-stage , it's easy to get caught up in the pursuit of acquiring new customers. 

While expanding your customer base is undoubtedly essential, one aspect that is often overlooked but equally crucial is customer retention. In fact, fostering strong relationships with existing customers can be the cornerstone of sustainable growth for any business.

Customer retention refers to the ability of a company to keep its existing customers over a specified period. It involves building loyalty, trust, and satisfaction among your clientele to encourage repeat business. While acquiring new customers can be costly and time-consuming, retaining existing ones can yield numerous benefits that contribute to long-term success.

Stability in Revenue Streams: Retained customers provide a stable foundation for revenue. They are more likely to make repeat purchases, leading to predictable income streams. In contrast, constantly chasing new customers to replace lost ones can result in erratic revenue patterns, making it difficult to plan and invest in the future.

Cost-Effectiveness: Acquiring new customers typically requires substantial marketing and sales expenditures. On the other hand, retaining customers is often more cost-effective. Happy customers are likely to spread positive word-of-mouth referrals, reducing the need for extensive marketing efforts. Additionally, serving existing customers tends to be less resource-intensive as you already have a relationship established.

Increased Customer Lifetime Value (CLV): Customer retention directly impacts the lifetime value of each customer. Loyal customers tend to spend more over time as their trust in your brand grows. By consistently delivering value and exceptional experiences, you can maximize the CLV, thereby boosting overall profitability.

Brand Advocacy and Reputation: Satisfied customers are not just repeat buyers; they can become your most vocal advocates. They are more inclined to leave positive reviews, refer friends and family, and engage with your brand on social media. These actions not only attract new customers but also enhance your brand's reputation and credibility in the marketplace.

Insight for Improvement: Retaining customers provides invaluable feedback for improving products, services, and overall customer experience. Through regular interaction and feedback mechanisms, you can gain insights into customer preferences, pain points, and areas for enhancement. This feedback loop enables you to continuously refine your offerings to better meet customer needs, fostering long-term loyalty.

Competitive Advantage: In today's competitive landscape, where customers have numerous options at their fingertips, superior customer service and retention strategies can set you apart from competitors. Businesses that prioritise customer retention create a barrier to entry for competitors, as loyal customers are less likely to switch brands even in the face of enticing offers.

Resilience in Turbulent Times: During economic downturns or market fluctuations, businesses with a strong base of loyal customers are better equipped to weather the storm. While new customer acquisition may slow during challenging times, existing customers often remain loyal, providing a buffer against revenue decline.

In conclusion, while attracting new customers is undeniably important for growth, the true key to sustainable success lies in fostering lasting relationships with existing customers. By prioritizing customer retention, businesses can enjoy stable revenue streams, lower acquisition costs, increased profitability, and a stronger competitive edge. Investing in strategies to delight and retain customers is not just a prudent business decision; it's a pathway to long-term prosperity and growth.

Unlocking Success: A Comprehensive Guide to Optimising Your Website for Local SEO

In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for any business looking to thrive. 

And when it comes to attracting local customers, there's no better tool in your arsenal than local search engine optimisation (SEO). 

Optimising your website for local search not only improves your visibility to nearby potential customers but also enhances your chances of converting online searches into offline sales. So, if you're ready to harness the power of local SEO, here's a comprehensive guide to help you get started.

Understanding Local SEO

Local SEO is the process of optimising your website to rank better for local searches. When users search for businesses or services near them, search engines like Google strive to deliver the most relevant results based on the searcher's location. Therefore, by optimising your website for local SEO, you increase your chances of appearing in these local search results, driving more foot traffic and leads to your business.

Key Strategies for Local SEO Optimisation

1. Claim and Optimise Your Google My Business Listing

Your Google My Business (GMB) listing is a critical component of local SEO. Claiming your listing and ensuring all information is accurate and up-to-date can significantly improve your visibility in local searches. Be sure to include your business name, address, phone number (NAP), website URL, business hours, and relevant categories. Additionally, encourage customers to leave reviews, as positive reviews can boost your credibility and rankings.

2. Optimise Your Website for Local Keywords

Research and incorporate local keywords into your website's content, meta tags, headings, and URLs. Focus on keywords that include your location and relevant terms related to your business or industry. For example, if you're a bakery in Birmingham, target keywords like "best bakery in Birmingham" or "Birmingham pastry shop."

3. Create Local Content

Developing locally-focused content not only showcases your expertise but also helps attract local audiences. Consider creating blog posts, articles, or landing pages that discuss topics relevant to your community or address local concerns. This can help establish your authority in the local market and improve your website's relevance for local searches. (But obviously keep well clear of any politics)

4. Ensure Consistent NAP Information

Consistency is key when it comes to your business's name, address, and phone number (NAP) information across the web. Ensure that your NAP information is consistent across your website, GMB listing, social media profiles, and local directories. Inconsistent NAP information can confuse search engines and negatively impact your local SEO efforts.

5. Optimise for Mobile

With the increasing use of mobile devices, optimising your website for mobile is essential for local SEO success. Ensure your website is mobile-responsive, loads quickly, and provides a seamless user experience on all devices. Mobile-friendly websites are more likely to rank higher in local search results and provide a better experience for mobile users.

6. Build Local Citations

Local citations are mentions of your business's NAP information on other websites, such as directories, review sites, and local business listings. Building consistent and accurate citations across reputable sites can help improve your local search visibility and establish trust with search engines. Be sure to claim your listings on popular platforms like Yelp, Yellow Pages, and Bing Places.

7. Encourage Customer Reviews

Positive reviews not only influence potential customers but also play a significant role in local SEO rankings. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on your GMB listing and other relevant review sites. Responding to reviews, both positive and negative, shows that you value customer feedback and can help improve your reputation online.

Measure and Analyse Your Results

Finally, regularly monitor and analyze your local SEO efforts to identify what's working and what needs improvement. Use tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to track your website traffic, rankings, and engagement metrics. Adjust your strategies based on performance data to continually optimise your website for local search success.

Optimising your website for local SEO is a powerful way to attract nearby customers and grow your business. By claiming your Google My Business listing, optimizing your website for local keywords, creating locally-focused content, and implementing other key strategies, you can improve your visibility in local search results and drive more traffic to your business. 

Remember to stay consistent, monitor your progress, and adapt your strategies to stay ahead in the competitive world of local SEO. With dedication and strategic implementation, your business can unlock its full potential and thrive in the local market.

(Image courtesy of Kevin King (Chandana Perera) from Pixabay)

Employees need new skills to make the energy transition a reality, say experts

Our working life is changing at a faster pace than ever before, and so too are the competencies employees need to develop, says Tom Lindholm, Managing Director of Aalto University Executive Education and Professional Development (Aalto EE).

This was a central focus of Aalto EE’s event “Making Energy Transition a Reality – Closing the Competence gap,” which Lindholm opened in December 2023.

Drawing on insights from the World Economic Forum and a report by the Technology Industries of Finland, Lindholm says workforces must gain broader competencies and learn new skills instead of simply updating existing ones.

Throughout the event, many speakers highlighted the importance of long-term and systemic thinking, the ability to see the big picture and build collaborations to solve complex problems.

Guest speaker Tuukka Hartikka, Head of BU (Hydrogen and Power to X) from Helen Ltd spoke about the energy transition from an energy company’s point of view.

He said the rapid development of AI and technologies are major factors driving the need to re- and upskill employees, in addition to the climate crisis.

During the panel discussion, Ulla Heinonen – Director, Green Growth at the Confederation of Finnish Industries EK – emphasised the importance of taking care of young people’s skills in basic education and having all children and adolescents on board.

Ismo Laukkanen, Head of Learning and Development at ABB, advocated thinking about what support and funding can be provided for re- and upskilling nationally.

Other panellists were Annareetta Lumme-Timonen, Investment Director at Solidium, and Johanna Fräki, Head of Open Innovation and Innovation Marketing at Neste. The panel was moderated by Ulla-Maija Uusitalo, Sales and Account Director at Aalto EE.

Leaders who vanish during a crisis leave stress and burnout in their wake

The Invisible Manager

Leaders who aren't present during a time of organisational crisis increase workers’ stress levels and the likelihood of them burning out, according to new research from several UK business schools, including Durham University Business School.

The researchers show when leaders are absent it creates a more toxic workplace, turning workers against management, as well as increasing workers’ stress, levels of absence and even turnover.

These are the findings of research by Peter Hamilton, Professor in HR Management at Durham University Business School, alongside Professor Robert McMurray and Dr Martyn Griffin from the University of Sheffield, Nicki Credland, Reader in Nursing at the University of Hull, and Dr Oonagh Harness, Lecturer at Northumbria University.

The researchers sought to examine the importance of senior-leader presence and absence on the “frontline” in times of crisis, focusing on ICU nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic as a case study.

The researchers conducted interviews with over 50 nurses from 38 different healthcare units in the UK and Ireland to better understand the workers’ experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, the support they received from managers and their emotions through this period.

The findings show many frontline nurses noted feeling deserted by senior leaders during the crisis. This, participants said, led to a lessened feeling of collective suffering, with leaders alienating themselves from the real challenges faced by workers. This increased the feeling of stress, burnout and even absenteeism for staff.

For frontline workers whose senior leaders were present and supportive during the crisis, the research reported a much more positive take on their ability to work through and cope with crisis. Senior leaders who showed willingness to work on the same tasks as workers also helped provide a greater sense of togetherness during the crises, which impacted positively on team and personal morale.

“The pandemic heightened workplace intensity for nurses, with major changes in both nurses’ workload and the risks they faced.” says Peter Hamilton. “During a crisis, team morale and maximum output are crucial so team togetherness is essential. Leaders who don’t get stuck in potentially create a workers vs management environment – leading to toxicity, increased stress for workers and likely a diminished workforce”.

The researchers acknowledge there can be good reasons as to why leaders aren't as freely available to deal with a crisis as other workers, such as poor resourcing, time pressures or role conflicts. However, the researchers suggest it's vital that when there is a crisis, leaders do the utmost they can to be seen and be present in the thick of the situation, so they don't look as though they are abandoning workers.

For senior leaders, the researchers say their presence is less about reducing the workload, but more a symbolic gesture to boost team morale. During a crisis, leaders should be seen getting their hands dirty, to reduce any sense of discriminatory hierarchy and the toxic implications of a them-and-us culture.

On a personal note when I was working in the laboratory of a major grey cast iron foundry the iron that the cupola furnace was producing was ridiculously out of specification, being closer in composition to steel rather than cast iron. The molten metal was sparking in an alarming way never seen before and the castings (brake disks and clutch housings for the motor industry were so hard that they were impossible to machine.

When I reported the issue to the Chief Metallurgist he suddenly jumped to his feet shouted: "My goodness! Is that the time? I'm late for my lunch!" And he literally, not figuratively, ran from the laboratory at high speed. Even though it was actually well before his lunchtime. 

When I told the foreman in charge of the furnaces he swore and said: "if he's not interested there's nothing we can do. I don't know what's wrong and I needed his expert advice."

The result of his vanishing during that particular crisis resulted in the entire day's production run being scrapped. A 100% scrap rate when the normal scrap rate was 5% or less.

The Pitfalls of Relying Solely on services like Grammarly for Your Business Writing

Is this how you see grammar checking apps?

In the fast-paced world of digital communication, businesses are constantly striving to produce content that is not only engaging but also error-free. 

In this pursuit, many turn to automated tools like Grammarly, which promise to catch grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes with lightning speed. 

While these tools undoubtedly have their merits, relying solely on them for your business writing can sometimes lead to unintended consequences. Let’s delve into why using services like Grammarly isn't always a good idea.

Lack of Contextual Understanding:

Grammarly and similar tools operate based on predefined rules and algorithms. While they excel at identifying grammatical errors and offering suggestions for correction, they often lack the ability to understand the nuanced context of your writing. This can result in suggestions that are technically correct but may not align with the intended tone, style, or audience of your business content. As a result, blindly accepting all suggestions from Grammarly can sometimes lead to awkward or inappropriate phrasing that doesn't effectively convey your message.

Overemphasis on Formality:

Business writing comes in various forms, from formal reports to casual social media posts. While correctness is crucial, strict adherence to formal grammar rules may not always be desirable or appropriate, especially in informal or creative contexts. 

Grammarly tends to prioritise formal language conventions, potentially stifling creativity and authenticity in your business communication. In some cases, this can lead to sterile, robotic-sounding content that fails to resonate with your audience on a human level.

Limited Scope of Feedback:

Grammarly primarily focuses on surface-level errors such as spelling, punctuation, and grammar. While these aspects are undoubtedly important, effective business writing encompasses much more than just technical correctness. 

It involves crafting compelling narratives, structuring information logically, and engaging readers emotionally. Grammarly's feedback is often confined to correcting surface-level issues, overlooking higher-order concerns such as clarity, coherence, and persuasiveness. Relying solely on Grammarly may result in overlooking critical aspects of your business writing that require human judgment and expertise.

Potential Privacy Concerns:

Entrusting sensitive business documents and communication to third-party software raises legitimate privacy concerns. While Grammarly assures users of its commitment to data security, the nature of its service necessitates accessing and analysing your text data. Depending solely on Grammarly for all your business writing needs means exposing proprietary information and potentially compromising confidentiality. Businesses must weigh the convenience of automated proofreading against the potential risks associated with sharing sensitive data with external parties.

Dependency and Skill Erosion:

Constant reliance on Grammarly may inadvertently lead to dependency and erosion of essential writing skills among employees. When individuals become accustomed to relying solely on automated tools for proofreading, they may become complacent in their own writing practices. 

Over time, this can hinder their ability to independently identify and rectify errors, weakening overall writing proficiency within the organisation. Building a culture of self-reliance and continuous improvement in writing skills is essential for long-term success in business communication.

In conclusion, while tools like Grammarly can be valuable aids in polishing your business writing, they should be used judiciously and complemented with human judgment and expertise. Blindly relying on automated proofreading services can lead to unintended consequences such as tone-deaf communication, privacy risks, and skill erosion. Businesses must strike a balance between leveraging technology for efficiency and preserving the artistry and effectiveness of human-driven communication in their quest for excellence.

North West charity holds its first fundraising ball and is calling on businesses for support

Koala North West, a specialist charity that offers emotional support to families is appealing for businesses and people to support their first ever fundraising ball on 4 May 2024.

The North West-based charity is calling for people across Liverpool, Merseyside, the Wirral and Cheshire to come together and book tickets or tables for this exciting event which will be held at Thornton Hall Hotel and Spa.

The glamorous black tie ball promises to be a night to remember, with a sparkling drinks reception, three course dinner, live entertainment, dancing until late, plus an auction offering exclusive life experience prizes.

Koala North West, now its 23rd year of operating, is operated by a team of dedicated volunteers who offer a range of practical and emotional support to families who find themselves to be struggling with parenting issues.

The charity nurtures positive wellbeing and aims to ensure no parent, caregiver or child feels isolated and encourages them to thrive by offering them opportunities that help them realise their individual potential.

Tickets for the Spring Ball are £100 per person or £1000 for a table of 10, with all the proceeds going to Koala North West. They have set a target of £30,000 to raise on the night.

Koala is also looking for people to sign up to donate as  little as £5 per month for one year to help them with the vital work they do in the community. Details can be found on the website www.koalanw.co.uk

Call 0151 608 8288 for more information or email amandamoss@koalanw.co.uk.

Got tech you need to dispose of? @socialboxbiz can help

Embracing the power of technology for good is a wonderful enterprise which you and your business can get involved with. 

Because tech innovator @socialboxbiz has issued a calls to UK businesses to re-use their old but useful laptops to help people experiencing homelessness or who are refugees. 

A spokesman said: "These past ten years have been a whirlwind of success with the launch and expansion of the Laptops for Homeless moving into permanent accommodation, older people living in isolation and refugees integrating into British society programmes, but we still have so much work to do. 

"Each new partner is another advancement for us and for the underprivileged people we serve. Over the years, we’ve found that particular segments of the population are more at risk for not having access to a laptop. These findings reflect the research and data presented by many other organisations."

If you have old but working laptops that you need to dispose of but want to do it in a way that protects the environment and also has a good, positive impact on society, @socialboxbiz will be able to help you.

To learn more about how this can happen please visit them at https://www.socialbox.biz/socialbox-biz-celebrates-ten-years-of-making-an-impact. 

(Image courtesy of @socialboxbiz)

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Navigating Sexism in the Workplace: Strategies for Empowerment and Change

Sexism remains a persistent issue in workplaces worldwide, despite significant progress in gender equality over the years. 

From subtle biases to outright discrimination, women continue to face various forms of sexism that hinder their professional growth and well-being. 

However, it's essential to recognise that addressing sexism requires a collective effort and a multifaceted approach. Here we'll explore effective strategies for dealing with sexism in the workplace and fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect.

Recognise and Name the Behaviour:

The first step in combating sexism is to recognise and name it. Often, sexist behaviours may be subtle or disguised as harmless jokes or comments. By acknowledging these behaviours for what they are, individuals can begin to challenge them effectively. Encourage open dialogue about sexism in the workplace, creating a safe space for employees to share their experiences and concerns.

Educate and Raise Awareness:

Education is key to combating sexism. Many people may not fully understand the impact of their words or actions on others. Offer training sessions or workshops on topics such as gender stereotypes, and respectful communication. Use real-life examples and case studies to illustrate the effects of sexism and empower employees to become allies in promoting equality.

Establish Clear Policies and Procedures:

Workplace policies should explicitly address sexism and provide guidelines for reporting and addressing incidents. Ensure that these policies are readily accessible to all employees and regularly reviewed and updated as needed. Establish a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and harassment, with clear consequences for offenders.

Foster Inclusive Leadership:

Leaders play a crucial role in shaping workplace culture and setting the tone for acceptable behavior. Encourage leaders to lead by example, demonstrating respect for all employees regardless of gender. Promote diversity in leadership positions and empower women to take on leadership roles within the organisation. Provide mentorship and support programmes to help women advance their careers and overcome barriers.

Support Networks and Resources:

Creating support networks for women can provide a valuable source of encouragement and empowerment. Establish affinity groups or employee resource groups focused on gender equality and provide opportunities for networking, mentorship, and professional development. Additionally, offer resources such as counselling services or employee assistance programmes to support individuals who have experienced sexism or harassment.

Advocate for Change:

Individuals can advocate for change both within their organization and in the broader community. Participate in diversity and inclusion initiatives, join advocacy groups, and support policies and legislation that promote gender equality. Use your voice to speak out against sexism and challenge systemic barriers to women's advancement in the workplace.

Dealing with sexism in the workplace requires a proactive and concerted effort from everyone involved. By recognising and addressing sexist behavior, educating and raising awareness, establishing clear policies, fostering inclusive leadership, providing support networks, and advocating for change, organizations can create a more equitable and respectful work environment for all employees. 

Together, we can work towards a future where sexism is no longer tolerated, and all individuals are valued and empowered to thrive in their careers.

Menopause in the workplace

Menopause symptoms can have a significant impact on all aspects of your life, including at work. Not everyone going through the menopause will want to discuss their symptoms with managers or colleagues. 

But if you do, it’s important you should feel supported, understood and heard.

In the Winter 2023-24 issue of The Menopause Exchange newsletter, Norma Goldman, founder and director of The Menopause Exchange, writes about the impact of the menopause on work, and how workplace stress can make your symptoms worse. 

She also discusses how you can help yourself, and how your workplace should proactively be able to help you.

“The impact of the menopause at work shouldn’t be underestimated,” says Norma Goldman. “Physical and emotional symptoms can have a huge impact, not only affecting women who are going through the menopause, but also their colleagues. 

"Many women don’t seek the help they need, instead suffering in silence, but they shouldn’t be embarrassed to bring up the topic of the menopause. It’s important to make sure that their colleagues understand what they are going through, and that their workplace provides practical help and support.”

Other articles in the Winter 2023-24 issue of The Menopause Exchange quarterly newsletter include Progestogens in HRT, Osteoporosis after the menopause, and Digestive problems at the menopause, as well as news, Ask the Experts Q&As and information about Norma Goldman’s webinars, talks and workshops.

The Menopause Exchange, which was established in 1999, is unbiased and independent and isn’t sponsored by any companies or organisations. Our free quarterly newsletter contains articles written by top UK medical experts, including menopause consultants, GPs, specialist menopause nurses, pharmacists, dietitians and complementary practitioners. We also include news, book reviews and our ‘Ask the experts’ page. Each issue of The Menopause Exchange’s free quarterly newsletter is emailed to over 13,000 people, including women, men, healthcare professionals, complementary therapists, workplace managers and journalists.

Menopause webinars: Your readers may be interested in organising a webinar for their family and friends or workplace. For over 24 years, Norma Goldman has been presenting menopause talks and workshops. Her in-depth knowledge has helped thousands of women enjoy a more comfortable menopause. 

She’s now hosting her own regular webinars via Zoom. Norma’s ‘Understanding the menopause’ webinar is suitable for women at or approaching the menopause, women who have had a premature menopause (before age 40) or a hysterectomy, or anyone with an interest in women’s midlife health. Post-menopausal women can attend presentations too. 

If women join the webinar, they’ll be able to ask questions, receive a factsheet and hear about other women’s experiences. To attend a webinar, arrange one for a group of friends or to find out more information, women should e-mail norma@menopause-exchange.co.uk or call 020 8420 7245.

To join The Menopause Exchange, anyone can sign up for free on our website, http://www.menopause-exchange.co.uk. You can also find them  on Facebook and X/Twitter (@MenopauseExch).

The Trinity MBA surges 21 places in the Financial Times’ 2024 Global MBA Ranking

Trinity Business School’s Full-Time MBA Programme has risen an impressive 21 places in this year’s Global MBA Ranking, published today by the Financial Times, placing 66th globally.

In 2023, Trinity’s FT MBA ranked 87th in the world.

Alongside, a strong performance on a global level, the Full-Time MBA at Trinity also ranked 21st in Europe and 1st in Ireland.

In achieving such an impressive overall result, the business school performed strongly across several areas:

Trinity’s continued commitment to responsible business and social value saw the school’s FT MBA rank well for carbon footprint (18th worldwide), as well as ESG and net zero teaching (28th worldwide).

The Trinity MBA also ranked well for diversity, securing 30th place for international mobility.

A standout achievement, the business school’s MBA ranked among the top 10 programmes globally for value for money.

Trinity’s FT MBA success comes as the business school continues on a sharp upward trajectory. In recent years, Trinity has dramatically increased in size, expanded its educational offering, notably to include a Flexible Executive MBA; and most recently to offer a MSc Responsible Business & Sustainability – and has doubled down on its commitment to a better, healthier and more sustainable future by championing their strategy of “Transforming Business for Good”.

Reflecting Trinity’s success in the FT’s 2024 Global MBA Ranking, as well as the school’s broader direction, Professor Laurent Muzellec, Dean of Trinity Business School, said: “We're really are immensely proud of Trinity Business School's leap in the FT MBA rankings, a testament to our 'Transforming Business for Good' strategy. 

"This recognition reflects our commitment to diversity, with a mix of student backgrounds, gender balance, and high international mobility. Our leadership in Climate Action, especially our 18th global rank in Carbon Footprint management and 28th in ESG and net zero teaching, highlights our dedication to sustainability. It's also encouraging to see the FT acknowledging our MBA's position in the value for money category, highlighting that we deliver advanced knowledge at a competitive price. This achievement celebrates our journey towards empowering leaders to make a positive global impact.”

Steven Kilroy, Director of the Full-Time MBA Programme at Trinity, added: “Advancing 21 places to 66th in the Financial Times MBA ranking is a testament to our relentless pursuit of excellence, innovation in our curriculum, and the unwavering dedication of our faculty, students, and alumni. We are extremely proud of this achievement and grateful for all the effort invested from everyone involved.”

Trinity Business School was founded in 1925, almost 100 years ago and is part of Trinity College, Dublin.

https://www.tcd.ie/business.

Swanky and fusefabric join forces to create Shopify’s largest European enterprise-focused, full service agency partner

Swanky and fusefabric have announced a strategic alliance to provide end-to-end Shopify expertise to enterprise retailers. The partnership brings together two of Europe's highest-profile Shopify service partners.

Founded in 2010, Swanky has a long standing reputation as an original Shopify Plus partner, having successfully completed over 100 Shopify Plus replatforming projects. 

It's also known for its market-leading managed services offering, including digital experience intelligence and conversion rate optimisation. Swanky has worked with top retailers such as Huel, HelloFresh and Razor Group, and has teams in the UK, Australia and France.

Founded in 2020, fusefabric was started by Simon Hamblin and PJ Jassal, career CTOs with significant experience leading large digital commerce teams, including at ASOS and Emirates. 

fusefabric’s unique business transformation capabilities allowing it to advise on high-profile replatforming projects from both a technical and strategic/advisory perspective. 

It's already delivered some of the largest and most high-profile projects on the Shopify platform, including for Boden, Flying Tiger Copenhagen and Missoma.

Together, the partnership will enable both parties to offer an unrivalled breadth and depth of services to large retailers who want to build with, and then scale on, Shopify’s enterprise solutions.

SaID Dan Partridge, CEO of Swanky: “We’re obviously delighted to be joining forces with fusefabric. Simon and PJ have quickly built an exceptional team, and are trusted advisors to some of the most influential CTOs in retail today. Their leadership, integrity and capability resonate deeply with what we are building at Swanky.

“The enterprise commerce landscape is changing extremely quickly. Retailers know this, and recognise that they need expert support to manage change. Shopify is doing everything right, building a market-leading product and entering into strategic partnerships with the likes of EY, Accenture and Deloitte Digital, but there remains a significant gap in the market for enterprise-focused independent consultancies. By combining our strengths, Swanky and fusefabric address that need”.

Simon Hamblin, Co-Founder of fusefabric said: “We are thrilled to collaborate with Swanky and leverage our complementary strengths in this strategic alliance. Dan and his team at Swanky are renowned for their expertise in Shopify and their impressive track record in the industry. Our shared vision is to revolutionise enterprise commerce with Shopify at the core.

“Our extensive CTO experience and proven success in addressing complex, multi-faceted business challenges align perfectly with Swanky's design excellence and deep understanding of Shopify. Already working with Shopify's largest enterprise client in Europe, we see this partnership as a formidable combination of talents. Together, we are committed to setting new benchmarks in the Shopify ecosystem and delivering unparalleled value to our enterprise clients.”

Added Deann Evans, Managing Director EMEA of Shopify: "We’ve spent the last two decades building the best commerce platform for businesses of all sizes. Now, we’re giving the largest retailers in the world access to the best enterprise commerce offering so they can build with the highest velocity.

“The alliance between fusefabric and Swanky perfectly aligns with Shopify's vision for enterprise commerce, representing a significant strategic leap towards empowering large-scale businesses with cutting-edge, customised solutions."

To learn more about Swanky, please visit: www.swankyagency.com

To learn more about fusefabric, please visit: www.fusefabric.com

Fascinating Map Reveals The Most Popular Dream Jobs Across The World In 2024

Pilot, Flight Attendant & Model: Career experts uncover the world’s top dream jobs including each country’s ideal role.

Global career and resume experts Jobseeker used current search engine data to show the most popular dream jobs around the world. 

From aspiring writers, influencers and YouTubers to teachers, lawyers and pilots, the whole world has an idea about their dream job.

A pilot is the most popular dream job overall, with “how to become a pilot” searched 50,000 times as of January 2024, this high-flying career is #1 in 55 countries.

However, bucking the trend, modelling is the top dream job across Europe, it tops the list in 25 European countries including France, Italy, Sweden and Germany.

Other popular dream jobs around the world include influencer, teacher, lawyer, doctor, YouTuber, photographer and writer. It appears aspirations vary greatly between traditional careers and modern roles evolving from the internet.

You can see the full dream jobs campaign, including regional maps and continent-wide breakdowns, on the Jobseeker website, here: https://www.jobseeker.com/en

A Jobseeker spokesperson commenting on dream jobs and what they mean, said: “Our dream jobs campaign has been really incredibly exciting to develop, revealing key patterns and differences between what we view as a dream job. 

"While the prospect of becoming a pilot is a strong theme across the study, the sheer variety of career paths on show indicates there really is no one-size-fits-all approach to career satisfaction and fulfilment. 

"However, we’re uplifted to see more modern pathways like influencers and YouTubers make the list.

 Who knows what people’s dream jobs will be as professions evolve in the next 10, 20 and 50 years? Each country around the world has a unique viewpoint on what a dream career means. Jobseekers consider a myriad of factors, contemplating their passions, interests, values and motivations alongside their skillsets and personalities to find a path that’s right for them. 

"To secure their dream job, job seekers should learn everything they can about the role, understand the pathway to get there and start building a professional network. It’s important job seekers refine their skill set for their chosen career path, showcasing this in their CVs and applications to get a foot in the right door.”

Many job seekers have sky-high ambitions. The most searched-for dream job around the globe is a pilot, topping the list in 55 countries including the United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan and Australia. 

Meanwhile, flight attendant comes third, ranking top in 23 countries with the United States, Canada and Mexico among them. The popularity trend for roles like pilot and flight attendant proves an ambition to travel sits at the heart of many people’s dream careers.

Meanwhile, 45 countries indicated becoming a model as their dream job, making it the runner-up in this study. Europe was a key driver for this trend, with the continent’s notoriety as a fashion powerhouse likely influencing local people. The likes of Italy, France and Denmark chose modelling as their dream profession. Perhaps this isn’t too surprising with Paris, Milan and Copenhagen Fashion Weeks being among the most notable fashion events in the world!

A broad spectrum of possibilities is reflected across the globe, showcasing a variety of different aspirations as the likes of teachers, lawyers, doctors, and even detectives appear in the study. Modern professions such as YouTubers and influencers also proved popular, suggesting new online pathways are widening career prospects and speaking to a new generation of career hunters.

Top 10 dream jobs by global search volume

1. Pilot - 50,000

2. Flight attendant - 29,000

3. Model - 25,000

4. Psychologist - 17,000

5. Influencer - 17,000

6. Doctor - 15,000

7. Teacher - 14,000

8. Lawyer - 14,000

9. Firefighter - 14,000

10. Entrepreneur - 13,000

The top 10 dream jobs are reflective of the global search volume for the term “how to become X” revealing the most popular dream jobs across the world. Traditional careers like pilot, doctor and teacher are prominent in the data but sit alongside modern jobs such as an influencer. How will this table look as dream jobs continue to evolve in the future?

Jobseeker analysed the average salary for the top 10 dream job positions using the United Kingdom and the United States as samples. Average salaries were pulled to see whether the values, skillset, opportunities and experience a dream job provides outpaces a requirement for financial gain. The most well-paid dream jobs in the top 10 are doctor, lawyer, pilot in the US and doctor, lawyer, and entrepreneur in the UK – perhaps salary does play a key role in what we consider to be a dream job, but it’s not a complete match.

To support people looking to find their dream job, Jobseeker’s experts have created a guide to the top 10 most-searched-for dream jobs complete with job descriptions, expected salary and career path advice. See here for all additional campaign information: https://www.jobseeker.com/en/resume/articles/dream-jobs-around-the-world

UK unprepared for job spike as latest Labour Market data is released

Responding to the latest Labour Market data from the Office for National Statistics, Janine Chidlow, Managing Director at WilsonHCG, a leading global talent solutions provider, has issued a warning to employers against complacency in their talent attraction and retention strategies. 

According to Janine, with the US labour market seeing a positive uptick in recruitment, the UK will soon follow suit, if it hasn’t already: “While the latest data does show yet another fall in vacancies, we do have to consider that the timeframe covers the quieter December period as well. 

"With the validity of the data also still questionable given the limited response numbers – with the ONS itself warning that these figures should be utilised alongside other surveys, it’s really important to take a more considered approach to the information.

“As the US labour market often acts as a bellwether for things to come in the UK, the recent surge in jobs suggests the UK could begin to see an uptick in activity imminently. It’s crucial that firms bear this in mind when planning workforce resources for the coming months. 

"We are likely to see demand for talent pick up once again, and as we all know, skills shortages remain an issue, with the CIPD reporting yesterday that one in five HR professionals expect problems filling jobs in the next six months.

“A strong and sustainable workforce is required in the UK. In order to deliver this, businesses need to be looking at their entire skills taxonomy and identifying where they are losing out to the competition, which demographics can benefit from reskilling and how skills requirements are shifting.”

Frankfurt School appoints Christian Landau as Vice President Degree Programmes

Landau has gained deep insights into developments in the business school landscape and university management.

Frankfurt School of Finance & Management is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Christian Landau as the new Vice President Degree Programmes and Professor of Strategy and Innovation. 

Christian Landau joins Frankfurt School on First April 2024 and, as a member of the Executive Board, he will be responsible for the management and further development of the Bachelor, Master, MBA and PhD programmes.

Over the course of his long career, Christian Landau has gained deep insights into developments in the business school landscape and university management. He was Vice Dean Education before becoming Dean of EBS Business School in Oestrich-Winkel in 2019. 

Christian Landau also holds a professorship for Strategic Management and is co-founder and director of the European Strategy Institute (ESI). He is an expert in strategy and innovation and his research is regularly published in leading academic journals.

“Due to his experience as Dean, Christian Landau understands both the academic and business aspects of business schools”, explains Professor Nils Stieglitz, President and CEO of Frankfurt School. “His focus on innovation and strategy complements the ambitions we have for Frankfurt School, and we look forward to welcoming him to our team.”

Professor Christian Landau adds, “Frankfurt School is one of the leading academic business institutions for excellent research, education, training and science transfer in Germany and one of the fastest growing business schools in Europe. It is ideally positioned to shape the transformation of business education in Germany and Europe as an innovation leader. I look forward to working with my colleagues to further develop Frankfurt School's academic programmes and provide our students with innovative learning experiences.”

Professor Christian Landau is an expert in strategy and innovation and has over 15 years of experience in research, teaching and executive education. He has been Dean of EBS Business School since 2019, where he has held a professorship for Strategic Management since 2015. As Dean, he was responsible for the management and strategic development of the EBS Business School.

He was Vice Dean Education since 2017 and Assistant Professor of Competitive Strategy from 2010 to 2015. Prior to that, Christian Landau had been a Research and Teaching Associate at the Technical University of Berlin since 2005. He has also held visiting research and teaching positions at the University of California, Berkeley, Tongji University, School of Economics and Management, in Shanghai and the SP Jain Institute of Management in Mumbai.

His research focuses on strategic management, innovation, technology and entrepreneurship. He has published numerous articles in renowned peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Product Innovation Management, the Journal of Business Research, the European Management Review and the American Journal of Management. 

Christian Landau studied Industrial Engineering and Management at the Technical University of Berlin, holds an MBA degree from Salisbury University in the USA and a doctorate from the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg.

SURVEY: 1 In 3 Worried About Keeping Up With Mortgage Payments In 2024

Recent findings from The Clifton Private Finance Mortgage Pulse Report 2024 shed light on the UK population's perceived ability to keep up with their mortgage repayments in 2024, as many come off low fixed rates onto new, significantly higher rate deals.

The data, collected from more than 350 form submissions on the Clifton Private Finance website between November and January, reveals some important findings that reflect the broader UK economy and public sentiment towards interest rates, inflation and the current cost of living.

Key highlights from the report indicate that 1 in 3 are worried about keeping up with their mortgage payments in 2024.

It underscores the significance of the multiple consecutive interest rate hikes by the Bank of England over the last few years, and how it affects everyday homeowners.

Clifton Private Finance’s mortgage brokerage experts have also offered their perspectives on the survey results, reflecting on the current trends and expectations within the mortgage and property sector.

"Mortgage repayments are going to pretty much go up for everybody. This year, lots of people came off 2-year fixes and saw an extreme spike in their repayments. But over the next 2-3 years I think the spikes will be lower because the rates will settle a little bit - I think we’ve seen the peak." Carly Cheeseman  Head of International CeMAP CeRER.

"People are definitely worried – we see a clear concern about repayments among our clients every day.

As brokers, we look at every possible avenue to alleviate these struggles, whether it’s increasing the mortgage term, switching some or all of your mortgage to interest only, exploring offset mortgage options, and of course comparing lenders to get the most competitive deal." George Abouzolof Senior Finance Broker CeMAP

The full report is accessible at www.cliftonpf.co.uk

How to scale from a small startup to 200m downloads: Readdle says how

Igor Zhadanov, Co-founder and CEO of Ukrainian-founded tech company Readdle, which creates award-winning productivity apps, reflects on building a business in a new CBS leadership series.

February 24th, 2024, signifies a sombre milestone for many in Europe, the second anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine.

But this hasn’t stopped Ukrainian-founded software company Readdle, along with other leading tech brands in the region, from continuing to scale globally.

The privately-funded company delivers productivity apps which regularly top the App Store, including Spark Mail, PDF Expert, Documents, Scanner Pro, Calendars and Fluix – a B2B workflow system for businesses.

Recently, Readdle - which began as a four-person startup in Odessa in 2007- celebrated over 200m downloads of its products worldwide.

This is an achievement CEO Igor Zhadanov and his 300+ employees - working from hubs in Odesa, Kyiv, Lisbon, London and Berlin - don’t take for granted.

“What is important is that over 200 million times, someone has evaluated one of our products and made a decision to install and use it. It means a lot to us,” says Igor, who maintains operations in Odesa and Kyiv via Starlink satellite coverage and electricity generators.

Readdle's remarkable story of growth and resilience is featured in Acumen Media’s 'A Moment With' series, now available on CBS News. The episode includes:-

- The formation of Readdle (2007) - which began with four graduates and an idea to build a document reader for the then-new iPhone

- How Igor’s parents saved up several years of wages to buy him and his brother their first-ever computer during their teens

- A belief that AI will revolutionise the future of work in a practical and positive way

- The importance of authentic customer service

- The best advice for anyone starting a new company

As the new programme illustrates, Readdle’s evolution is one of independent innovation and pushing ahead despite considerable setbacks.

“In total, we’ve launched 40 products over 16 years, and right now we’re left with five,” says Igor, “So you can say our success rate is slightly above 10 percent!

“If there is a mistake or issue or gap in the software market, we’ve probably done it. And that’s OK as long as you learn.

“For example, with Spark [email client], we tackled a very complex problem of how to improve email across a range of professional use cases. We had to build a lot of internal prototypes - sometimes rebuilding it from scratch - to get it to a place where we were really willing to ship it to customers.”

Readdle’s history is interwoven with that of Apple. It began in 2007, when Steve Jobs presented the first iPhone to the world in San Francisco.

Igor, a keen reader, loved this sleek new device but saw an opportunity to add more to it - a product that would enable people to read books and documents on their phones.

He and three graduate friends started coding relentlessly and their new Readdle product soon caught the attention of developers at Apple.

Their final submission ‘ReaddleDocs’ was launched on the first-ever App Store in 2008. Today, they continue to develop products which would ignite productivity for millions.

Delivering chart-topping consumer products on Apple, Microsoft and Google platforms, the company has grown from a small but ambitious startup to a global company reaching over 200 million downloads worldwide, and employing 300+ talented Readdlers across 30 countries. www.readdle.com.

Navigating the Challenges of Remote Work for Small Teams

In recent years, remote work has become increasingly prevalent, transforming the way businesses operate and how teams collaborate. 

This shift has been accelerated even more by global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting many small teams to adapt to remote work environments. 

While remote work offers numerous benefits such as flexibility and accessibility, it also presents unique challenges, especially for smaller teams. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the key challenges faced by small teams in remote work settings and offer strategies to navigate them effectively.

1. Communication and Collaboration

Effective communication lies at the heart of successful remote work. Small teams often rely heavily on seamless communication to coordinate tasks and projects. However, in remote settings, the lack of face-to-face interaction can lead to misunderstandings and delays. To overcome this challenge:

Utilize a combination of communication tools such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Zoom to facilitate real-time communication.

Establish clear communication protocols and expectations, including response times and preferred channels for different types of communication.

Schedule regular check-ins and team meetings to foster collaboration and alignment.

2. Maintaining Team Morale and Engagement

Remote work can sometimes feel isolating, particularly for small teams where camaraderie plays a significant role. Keeping team morale high and ensuring everyone feels engaged can be challenging when team members are physically dispersed. Here's how you can address this:

Foster a sense of belonging through virtual team-building activities, such as virtual coffee breaks, online games, quizzes or themed video calls.

Encourage open communication and create opportunities for casual interactions to mimic the water cooler chats that happen in a traditional office setting.

Recognise and celebrate achievements and milestones, whether it's through virtual shout-outs or small tokens of appreciation sent digitally.

3. Managing Work-Life Balance

One of the advantages of remote work is the flexibility it offers, but it can also blur the boundaries between work and personal life, leading to burnout. This is especially pertinent for small teams where individuals may feel pressure to always be available. To promote a healthy work-life balance:

Set clear expectations around working hours and encourage team members to disconnect after work.

Encourage breaks throughout the day and discourage overworking by emphasizing the importance of downtime for productivity and well-being.

Lead by example by respecting boundaries and encouraging employees to prioritize self-care.

4. Addressing Technology Challenges

Reliable technology is essential for remote teams to stay connected and productive. However, technical issues can disrupt workflow and hinder collaboration, particularly for small teams with limited IT resources. To mitigate technology challenges:

Provide training and support to ensure team members are proficient with the tools and platforms they use.

Invest in robust IT infrastructure and consider outsourcing IT support if resources permit.

Have backup plans in place for common technical issues, such as alternative communication channels or contingency arrangements for accessing critical systems.

5. Cultivating Trust and Accountability

In a remote work environment, trust becomes paramount as managers can't physically oversee their team members' work. Building trust and accountability among team members can be more challenging when interactions are primarily virtual. To foster trust and accountability:

Focus on outcomes rather than micromanaging processes, empowering team members to take ownership of their work.

Establish clear goals and objectives, and regularly track progress to ensure everyone is aligned.

Encourage transparency and open communication, where team members feel comfortable sharing challenges and seeking help when needed.

In conclusion, while remote work offers many advantages for small teams, it also comes with its fair share of challenges. By prioritising effective communication, maintaining team morale, promoting work-life balance, addressing technology issues, and cultivating trust and accountability, small teams can navigate the complexities of remote work successfully. With the right strategies and support in place, remote work can not only be manageable but also a catalyst for innovation and growth.

(Image courtesy of gomiche from Pixabay)

Thriving on a Shoestring: Digital Marketing Strategies for Small Budgets

In the vast landscape of digital marketing, the misconception persists that only those with deep pockets can truly succeed. 

However, the reality is that with creativity, strategic thinking, and the right tools, even businesses with modest budgets can make a substantial impact in the digital sphere. 

In this blog post, we'll explore practical and effective digital marketing strategies tailored specifically for small budgets.

Content Marketing:

Content remains king in the digital realm, and it can be a potent weapon for small businesses aiming to make a big impact. Creating high-quality, relevant content that resonates with your target audience is key. Whether it's blog posts, videos, infographics, or podcasts, focus on providing value and solving your audience's problems. Additionally, leverage user-generated content and encourage your customers to share their experiences with your products or services.

Social Media Marketing:

Social media platforms offer unparalleled opportunities for small businesses to connect with their audience on a personal level. With a thoughtful strategy, you can effectively build brand awareness, engage your audience, and drive traffic to your website without breaking the bank. Focus on the platforms where your target audience is most active, and tailor your content to suit each platform's unique characteristics. Experiment with organic posts, engage with your followers, and consider allocating a small budget for targeted advertising campaigns to amplify your reach.

Email Marketing:

Despite the rise of various digital marketing channels, email remains a highly effective tool for small businesses to nurture leads and drive conversions. Build an email list of interested prospects and customers, and regularly send them valuable content, promotions, and updates. Personalize your emails whenever possible, segment your audience based on their preferences and behaviors, and continually optimize your campaigns for better results. With affordable email marketing platforms readily available, you can achieve significant ROI with a minimal investment.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO):

In a competitive online landscape, ensuring that your website ranks well in search engine results pages (SERPs) is crucial for attracting organic traffic. While SEO is a long-term strategy that requires consistent effort, there are plenty of low-cost tactics that small businesses can implement to improve their visibility. Optimize your website's on-page elements, such as titles, meta descriptions, and headings, for relevant keywords. Create high-quality, shareable content that earns backlinks from reputable websites. Additionally, claim and optimize your business listings on Google My Business and other online directories to enhance your local SEO efforts.

Influencer Partnerships:

Partnering with influencers in your niche can be a cost-effective way to reach a broader audience and build credibility for your brand. Look for micro-influencers who have smaller but highly engaged followings that align with your target market. Instead of monetary compensation, offer them free products, exclusive discounts, or other incentives in exchange for promoting your brand to their audience. By leveraging the trust and authority that influencers have already established with their followers, you can quickly expand your reach and generate buzz around your products or services.

While it's true that large marketing budgets can provide certain advantages, small businesses shouldn't feel discouraged. By focusing on creativity, authenticity, and strategic execution, they can leverage digital marketing to compete effectively in today's competitive landscape. By implementing the aforementioned strategies and continually refining their approach based on data and feedback, small businesses can achieve meaningful results and grow their online presence without breaking the bank. With the right mindset and resources, success in digital marketing is within reach for businesses of all sizes.