Author: Sam Allcock

With Cybersecurity Awareness Month underway, a recent survey has highlighted the alarming state of cybersecurity in the UK. The 2024 Government Cybersecurity Breaches Survey revealed that 50% of businesses experienced a cyber-attack or security breach within the past year. In light of these statistics, cyber protection experts from Hypernode, a leading e-commerce hosting provider, have shared crucial practices to help UK businesses bolster their online security. Understanding Cyber Hygiene Cyber hygiene refers to a set of practices designed to maintain the health and security of systems related to a business’s online activities. Much like physical hygiene, maintaining good cyber hygiene…

A recent survey by challenger consultancy Elixirr has revealed that 22% of business leaders in the UK have pivoted their strategies over the past year to seize new revenue opportunities. This shift comes in the wake of significant political and economic instability, including fluctuating inflation rates and rising corporation tax, experienced over the last four years. The research, which included responses from over 500 enterprise leaders across sectors such as IT, retail, construction, and finance, highlights that 86% of these leaders believe taking calculated risks is essential to outperform competitors and become better leaders. More than half of the respondents…

NuORDER by Lightspeed, a leading B2B commerce platform, has appointed Chris Akrimi as its new Head of Revenue for Lightspeed B2B/NuORDER. The appointment signals the company’s ambition to strengthen its presence in the global wholesale sector and enhance its offering to key industries, including luxury retail and global brands. Akrimi joins Lightspeed with an extensive background in commerce and technology, having worked with some of the world’s most prominent companies. Michael Ganci, Senior Vice President of B2B Go-to-Market at NuORDER by Lightspeed, hailed Akrimi’s appointment as a strategic move to align the company’s goals with market demands. “Chris has a…

LG Energy Solution has unveiled a new corporate vision titled “Empower Every Possibility,” with the goal of expanding beyond its core battery manufacturing business and establishing itself at the forefront of the global energy ecosystem. This marks the first time the South Korean firm has outlined its corporate vision since its formation in late 2020. The vision reflects a broader ambition for LG Energy Solution to play a central role in the circular energy economy, which spans energy storage, movement, and consumption. Rather than simply producing batteries, the company aims to position itself as a comprehensive energy solution provider. It…

The Wakefield Annual Charity Christmas Lunch (WACCL) has announced a significant partnership with Prosper, an independent grant-making organisation, to enhance its fundraising efforts for children’s charities and not-for-profits across the district. This new collaboration aims to redirect more funds to support children from Wakefield’s towns and villages, providing vital services and interventions where they are most needed. The strategic partnership will see Prosper contribute £30,000 in match-funding to WACCL’s efforts. For every penny raised through the WACCL initiative, Prosper will match the amount, effectively doubling the total donations. This will enable more beneficiaries to access essential funding, allowing them to…

West Yorkshire-based compliance specialist, Inspectas, has made six significant appointments, ranging from trainee to board level, as part of its ongoing expansion. The company, which specialises in property safety and compliance, has bolstered its team with new hires in fire safety, asbestos management, laboratory operations, and business development. The new additions bring an impressive 80 years of combined experience to the growing firm. Among the new appointments is Andy Walker, who joins as Management Board Director. Walker is expected to play a crucial role in guiding the company’s strategic growth as it continues to secure new contracts across sectors such…

On Friday 27 September, the Winter Gardens in Blackpool played host to the 2024 Enterprise Vision Awards (EVAs), a prestigious event celebrating the remarkable achievements of women in business. Recognised as the UK’s largest awards dedicated to female entrepreneurs, the ceremony attracted attendees from across the nation and garnered a global audience, with viewers tuning in from countries like India, the USA, and New Zealand. The atmosphere at the Winter Gardens was charged with energy as small businesses, social enterprises, and international brands converged to connect, collaborate, and honour the spirit of female entrepreneurship. The evening provided an invaluable platform…

A wave of innovative business support initiatives is significantly enhancing trade and economic growth in West Wales, particularly in Cardigan. Thanks to guidance and funding from Antur Cymru Enterprise, local start-ups and entrepreneurs are finding the resources they need to flourish. The South Ceredigion Local Business Support project, delivered by Ceredigion County Council through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, has proven instrumental in helping businesses refine their strategies and products. This initiative has offered not only expert advice but also provided small enterprises with a space at the recently revitalised Guildhall market, which reopened this summer after a £3…

Leaders from Rubicon Bridge, a regulatory tech disruptor based in Yorkshire, have met with key industry contacts at Amazon’s premier partner event, aiming to assist US companies in entering international markets. Managing Director Kathryn Brown, Chief Revenue Officer Alan Worthing, and Regulatory Transformation Director Daniel Hibbitt attended the Amazon Accelerate conference in Seattle, where they held discussions to promote Rubicon Bridge’s innovative technology. The company is seeking to collaborate with several prominent US food and supplements brands to trial its cutting-edge solutions, which simplify the regulatory processes that often hinder market entry. Rubicon Bridge operates from the C4DI (Centre for…

A new digital loyalty app, Llama Points, has been launched in the UK, with Leeds selected as the first city to unveil the innovative platform. Designed to help independent retail, leisure, and hospitality businesses attract more customers, Llama Points offers a flexible and convenient alternative to traditional paper-based loyalty schemes. Having first launched in Switzerland in 2023, Llama Points is now rolling out across the UK, with several businesses in Leeds already on board. The app allows small business owners to set up promotions in as little as 10 minutes, providing them with a simple yet effective way to encourage…