Are you ready to catapult your small business into the future? Embracing AI technology can be the game-changer you need. Here are eleven indispensable AI tools that can enhance customer experience, streamline your operations and drive growth. 1. Chatbots for Customer Service AI-powered chatbots like Zendesk and LivePerson handle customer queries 24/7, ensuring immediate responses and freeing up your team for more complex tasks. Key Benefits: Instant Response: Customers receive immediate assistance, reducing wait times and improving satisfaction. Cost-Effective: Automating customer service i ..read more

HMRC have announced that a new digital tool, the VAT Registration Estimator, has been developed in order to help small business owners determine what registering for VAT could mean for their business. After consultation with small businesses in the UK, HMRC began the development of a new digital tool to help business owners determine what registering for VAT could do for their business. HMRC found that business owners were unclear about VAT registration, and struggled to understand whether a) it was something they needed to do, or b) something that was beneficial to their business. It’s import ..read more

Shawbrook is a specialist lender armed with diverse industry experts and a high-service, client-focused approach to lending needs for larger SMEs and mid-market firms. Banks have faced their share of challenges; from the mid-2000s credit crunch to the recent Covid-19 pandemic. While global events will continue to impact financial markets in various ways, the durability of banks is vital to the success of businesses, particularly those seeking lending facilities. Here, Shawbrook, a bank which services SMEs including firms in the mid-market space, has the tools to help today’s scaling companies ..read more

An Employment Law Bill was confirmed on Wednesday 17th July in the UK following its inclusion in the King’s Speech during the State Opening of Parliament. The bill, which is expected to be voted on in the House of Commons within the next year, aims to stop ‘exploitative’ working practices. Whenever there is a state opening of parliament, it’s the head of state’s job to read out a statement which is prepared for them by the governing party at the time. That means the speech given by King Charles III on 17th July 2024 was written by the Labour Party following Keir Starmer’s appointment as the UK ..read more

By Rafael Gallardo, CPO, Weecover In today’s fast-paced world, the way we purchase goods and services has evolved dramatically. Gone are the days of standalone insurance products that require cumbersome paperwork and lengthy processes. Instead, a new trend is revolutionising the insurance industry: embedded insurance. This innovative approach seamlessly integrates insurance products into the purchase journey of financial and non-financial goods and services. But how exactly does embedded insurance empower end customers and businesses? Let’s dive in and find out! A Win for Customers: Convenienc ..read more

The construction industry, alongside a surprising performance from the retail sector, has led to growth in the UK economy in May 2024, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).  UK businesses can breathe something of a sigh of relief following the Office for National Statistics’ (ONS) announcement in July. Financial experts and economic forecasters hadn’t predicted any growth for the economy in May 2024, expecting zero growth following the statistics released for April 2024, which saw a stagnant economic performance. The growth is small, at only 0.4%, but is an encouraging si ..read more

The UK tax year runs from the 6th of April of one year to the 5th of the following – and for business owners, or anyone else who manages their taxes via self-assessment tax returns, it’s important to plan and ensure you have fulfilled your obligations ahead of time. This is prudent and can limit stress, maximise tax efficiency and avoid the dreaded late penalties. But how does someone prepare for the end of the tax year? In this article, we will go over what records to gather, the allowances and reliefs, and how best to approach your self-assessment tax return. The Key Dates Of The Tax Year W ..read more

Business has many terms that are thrown around interchangeably, and turnover and revenue are two of them. They both relate to the money your company makes, but the crucial difference lies in how the money is divided. Understanding the difference is important in planning throughout the financial period, including taxes and business health. This guide will go over the fundamentals of turnover vs revenue, the finer details, and the practical effects it has on your business. The Fundamentals Of Turnover/Revenue The following is a quick breakdown of these two terms. Turnover Turnover represents th ..read more

Brick-and-mortar businesses are facing challenges in 2024. As we set foot into a new era of competitive high-street commerce, brick-and-mortar brands must put in twice the effort just to remain in the game. Commerce marketing is on the road to a digitally enhanced future. As businesses pour focus into online strategies, it’s no wonder that high street footfall is dropping. However, the instruction of big data to the commerce scene could tell a different story. As we embrace innovation, brick-and-mortar strategies are beginning to evolve to keep up with clever interactive online campaigns and o ..read more

In a saturated market, recruiters must stand out. Bowdon Associates does thanks to its flexible, personalised approach. Recruitment is a mainstay industry; it has been around for a long time, with its origins in the ancient labouring economy, and today it adds billions to UK GDP. However, an established market is bound to suffer from saturation, so firms must stand out through their service. Manchester-based Bowdon Associates is doing this via a passionately personal approach. After fifteen years spent working at major recruitment firms, Jonathan Edwards sought to start a company that was “per ..read more