Author: Sam Allcock

New research has identified the best counties in the UK to start a business, with the West Midlands emerging as the top region for entrepreneurs. The analysis, carried out by ultrafast broadband provider Trooli, ranked counties based on a range of factors critical to business success. These include business growth rates, broadband speeds, and proximity to London. According to the findings, the West Midlands topped the list, thanks to its thriving business environment and strong infrastructure. In the past year, the West Midlands saw the creation of 13,785 new businesses, more than any other region in the UK. This was…

Elon Musk took the stage at the World Governments Summit in Dubai on February 13, 2025, in a virtual discussion with H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama, the UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications. Wearing a “Tech Support” T-shirt, Musk shared his vision for enhancing government efficiency through technological innovation and reducing bureaucratic overhead. Musk, known for his ventures in electric cars, space travel, and technology, emphasised the need to streamline government operations by downsizing institutions and promoting accountability. He argued that reducing regulations and government spending could spur economic growth, aiming for a…

360 Growth Partners, a Newcastle-based business growth consultancy, has announced the appointment of Justine Joisce as an Associate to its expanding team of specialists. With more than three decades of experience in business development and marketing, Justine brings a wealth of expertise to the company, which is known for helping businesses achieve sustainable growth. Justine joins 360 Growth Partners following a distinguished career in senior roles at leading national and regional consultancy and professional services firms, including Addleshaw Goddard, Ward Hadaway, and global life-science agency, Ramarketing. Her appointment marks a significant strengthening of 360 Growth Partners’ team, as Justine is…

If you’ve ever dreamed of driving a high-end vehicle without the hefty price tag, you’re in luck. A car rental expert has revealed insider tips on how to secure a luxury upgrade at a fraction of the cost, making premium car rentals more accessible than ever. According to National Daily Press, savvy travellers can take advantage of strategic booking methods, loyalty programmes, and smart negotiation tactics to land an upgraded vehicle without breaking the bank. Whether it’s a sleek sports car or a high-end SUV, there are ways to maximise value when renting a luxury car. How to Score a…

Spendesk, a leading spend management and procurement platform for mid-market companies, has appointed Alfonso Marone as Executive Chairman of its Board. This strategic move is expected to drive innovation and foster profitable growth for Spendesk in 2025. Marone brings nearly three decades of experience in global strategic leadership, business innovation, and corporate development. A former KPMG UK Equity Partner, he is also the founder of Point79, a London-based advisory firm. A graduate of INSEAD with an MBA and Corporate Governance qualifications, Marone has worked with top-tier companies such as Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC (now Delinian), NBCUniversal, and O2, along with…

Basware, the global leader in invoice automation, has marked its 40th anniversary, celebrating a significant milestone in its journey by processing more than 2 billion invoices globally. The company, which has handled over $10.1 trillion in business spend — surpassing the combined economic output of the UK, Japan, and Australia — continues to push forward with its vision of transforming the invoice lifecycle for businesses worldwide. Founded in Finland, Basware started with a straightforward goal: to help businesses gain control over their invoicing processes. Today, the company’s platform stands at the forefront of Invoice Lifecycle Management, offering high-performance solutions that…

A job application letter, also known as a cover letter, is an important document that accompanies your CV when applying for jobs. It provides additional information about your skills and experience, and explains why you are a good fit for the role. Writing a compelling application letter can help you stand out from other candidates. Follow these tips to craft an effective job application letter that makes a great first impression. Craft an Attention-Grabbing Opening Use a formal letter template to start off on the right foot. The opening paragraph needs to capture the employer’s attention. Mention the job title…

In recent years, bingo has seen a shift from bustling halls filled with eager players and the murmur of anticipation to the digital realm, where the same excitement finds expression through screens and apps. While the game remains fundamentally unchanged, the experience of online bingo has introduced several differences that distinguish it from traditional bingo, appealing to a new generation of players and providing fresh enjoyment for seasoned enthusiasts. Below, we explore the various aspects that make online bingo unique compared to its conventional counterpart. Accessibility and Convenience One of the most striking differences between online and traditional bingo is accessibility.…

Traditional methods of managing employee expenses often require individuals to pay out of pocket for business purchases. Employees then submit receipts and forms to the finance department, waiting for reimbursements that may take days or weeks. This process can be inconvenient and time-consuming for employees and finance teams, leading to inefficiencies in expense tracking and reimbursement workflows. Modern technology offers a more streamlined solution: employee expense cards for business. Platforms like Wallester Business provide these cards to revolutionize corporate finance by simplifying expense management and offering employees direct access to company funds within predefined limits. Expense cards can be either…

As UK small businesses continue to navigate the digital landscape, keeping up with the latest web hosting trends is essential for staying competitive. With the rapid evolution of technology, new hosting innovations are emerging that promise to streamline business processes, enhance website performance, and deliver a better overall user experience. Martin Cole, CEO of sustainable hosting provider ProStack, has outlined the top five web hosting trends that small businesses should be aware of in 2025 to remain at the forefront of the digital world. 1. The Rise of Cloud Hosting While cloud hosting is not a new concept, its adoption…