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    Angela Rayner accuses Reform of ‘politics of hatred’ as she insists Labour can win bitter Holyrood by-election

    Angela Rayner accuses Reform of ‘politics of hatred’ as she insists Labour can win bitter Holyrood by-election

    SNP complain about Reform’s ‘race-baiting’ advert on Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar

    SNP complain about Reform’s ‘race-baiting’ advert on Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar

    Two Israeli embassy staff shot dead in Washington DC, sparking massive anti-terror response

    Two Israeli embassy staff shot dead in Washington DC, sparking massive anti-terror response

    Reform chief rules out IndyRef and claims party will be second biggest in Scotland

    Reform chief rules out IndyRef and claims party will be second biggest in Scotland

    Scotland being held back by chronic shortage of housing with calls for 25,000 new builds a year

    Scotland being held back by chronic shortage of housing with calls for 25,000 new builds a year

    Keeping Royal Family in Scotland ‘can no longer be justified’, claims Patrick Harvie

    Keeping Royal Family in Scotland ‘can no longer be justified’, claims Patrick Harvie

    Reform UK defeat Labour in crunch by-election by six votes after recount

    Reform UK defeat Labour in crunch by-election by six votes after recount

    Labour Government accused of ‘closing down’ Aberdeen over oil and gas jobs and ‘betrayal’ on GB Energy

    Labour Government accused of ‘closing down’ Aberdeen over oil and gas jobs and ‘betrayal’ on GB Energy

    Donald Trump dream of bringing Open Championship back to Turnberry is about more than golf

    Donald Trump dream of bringing Open Championship back to Turnberry is about more than golf

    Nigel Farage says Reform would prefer SNP to win next Holyrood election instead of Labour

    Nigel Farage says Reform would prefer SNP to win next Holyrood election instead of Labour

    SNP and Labour race for Hamilton ‘too close to call’ as parties set for crunch by-election

    SNP and Labour race for Hamilton ‘too close to call’ as parties set for crunch by-election

    Rapist Isla Bryson ‘is a woman’ says Green by-election candidate in Clydebank

    Rapist Isla Bryson ‘is a woman’ says Green by-election candidate in Clydebank

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      Salesforce boss Marc Benioff joins Weev.

      What is a virtual office and why you need one in Central London – Your Company Formations Ltd

      What is a virtual office and why you need one in Central London – Your Company Formations Ltd

      Inflation rises again to new 40-year high

      Inflation rises again to new 40-year high

      Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

      Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

      Hiring activity in Scotland slows amid steep decline in staff availability

      Hiring activity in Scotland slows amid steep decline in staff availability

      Scottish retail footfall growth ‘worst in UK compared to pre-pandemic’

      Scottish retail footfall growth ‘worst in UK compared to pre-pandemic’

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      Rangers placed on Vaclav Cerny red alert over Wolfsburg ‘fire sale’ as Cyriel Dessers makes transfer stance clear

      Rangers placed on Vaclav Cerny red alert over Wolfsburg ‘fire sale’ as Cyriel Dessers makes transfer stance clear

      Mathias Kvistgaarden waves Brondby farewell but Celtic hit with transfer blow as boss throws spanner in works

      Mathias Kvistgaarden waves Brondby farewell but Celtic hit with transfer blow as boss throws spanner in works

      World A-listers go nuts for Ange as Roy Keane drops the mic, McCoist breaks down barriers and Salah keeps receipts

      World A-listers go nuts for Ange as Roy Keane drops the mic, McCoist breaks down barriers and Salah keeps receipts

      How a ferry and a forklift helped Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers reach the top as SFWA Manager of the Year relives his journey

      How a ferry and a forklift helped Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers reach the top as SFWA Manager of the Year relives his journey

      How Celtic fans can still land Aberdeen Scottish Cup Final tickets as second chance emerges

      How Celtic fans can still land Aberdeen Scottish Cup Final tickets as second chance emerges

      Ante Palaversa tells Aberdeen pals how they can turn Rangers atmosphere early as Jimmy Thelin message revealed

      Ante Palaversa tells Aberdeen pals how they can turn Rangers atmosphere early as Jimmy Thelin message revealed

      Kieran Tierney hit by brutal takedown as Arsenal star ‘finds his level’ at Celtic

      Kieran Tierney hit by brutal takedown as Arsenal star ‘finds his level’ at Celtic

      Scott McTominay picks out incredible favourite Napoli nickname as swooning team-mate stunned by the golden guy

      Scott McTominay picks out incredible favourite Napoli nickname as swooning team-mate stunned by the golden guy

      Alan Brazil risks wrath of Celtic fans as he fears Tottenham or Leeds United await Brendan Rodgers

      Alan Brazil risks wrath of Celtic fans as he fears Tottenham or Leeds United await Brendan Rodgers

      Daizen Maeda and a forgotten transfer as Celtic top boy sold to best teams on planet like a superstar signing

      Daizen Maeda and a forgotten transfer as Celtic top boy sold to best teams on planet like a superstar signing

      Neil Critchley admits new Hearts signing is injured as he reveals plan to get him up and running for Tynecastle arrival

      Neil Critchley admits new Hearts signing is injured as he reveals plan to get him up and running for Tynecastle arrival

      Celtic squad revealed as Brendan Rodgers looks for edge factor sorely missing to force Rangers’ hand

      Celtic squad revealed as Brendan Rodgers looks for edge factor sorely missing to force Rangers’ hand

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        IMGP4O: Pioneering Sustainable and Innovative AI Ecosystems for the Future

        Apple AirPods Pro 2 hit lowest price since Black Friday at five different retailers

        Apple AirPods Pro 2 hit lowest price since Black Friday at five different retailers

        Experts issue warning to households that have certain type of toaster

        Experts issue warning to households that have certain type of toaster

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        Amazon slashes 52% off ‘brilliant’ Samsung Tablet now only £80 in limited time deal

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        Amazon Tech Week Sale sees £100 off Apple Watch, LG Smart TV down 45% and more

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        ‘I lost 6stone with weight loss jabs but there’s one side-effect no one tells you about’

        One surprising food ‘you should eat 3 times a week’ to lower heart disease risk

        One surprising food ‘you should eat 3 times a week’ to lower heart disease risk

        Women thought she had a sore neck – then was diagnosed with cancer

        Women thought she had a sore neck – then was diagnosed with cancer

        ‘I lost 3stone and 5 dress sizes with weight loss jabs but there’s a big drawback’

        ‘I lost 3stone and 5 dress sizes with weight loss jabs but there’s a big drawback’

        Test your brain health with 30-point cognitive exercise taken by Donald Trump

        Test your brain health with 30-point cognitive exercise taken by Donald Trump

      • Entertainment
        Film fans have just days to watch ‘most perfect film ever made’ before it’s axed from BBC

        Film fans have just days to watch ‘most perfect film ever made’ before it’s axed from BBC

        ‘Time saving’ robot vacuum drops below £100

        ‘Time saving’ robot vacuum drops below £100

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        Shoppers ‘blown away’ by ‘excellent’ mist fan perfect for heatwave

        Pensioners claiming new health benefit could get payment decision in one week

        Pensioners claiming new health benefit could get payment decision in one week

        Scots react to American called Scotland and whether name is ‘cool or just dumb’

        Scots react to American called Scotland and whether name is ‘cool or just dumb’

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        People urged to apply for £200 grant with deadline in days

        People urged to apply for £200 grant with deadline in days

        School leaders want to see more fines for parents to tackle major problem

        School leaders want to see more fines for parents to tackle major problem

        Children were violently attacked in a school and college – this is the response

        Children were violently attacked in a school and college – this is the response

        Second private school in Wales faces closure as pupil numbers fall

        Second private school in Wales faces closure as pupil numbers fall

        Strike action at Cardiff University called off

        Strike action at Cardiff University called off

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        Angela Rayner accuses Reform of ‘politics of hatred’ as she insists Labour can win bitter Holyrood by-election

        Angela Rayner accuses Reform of ‘politics of hatred’ as she insists Labour can win bitter Holyrood by-election

        SNP complain about Reform’s ‘race-baiting’ advert on Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar

        SNP complain about Reform’s ‘race-baiting’ advert on Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar

        Two Israeli embassy staff shot dead in Washington DC, sparking massive anti-terror response

        Two Israeli embassy staff shot dead in Washington DC, sparking massive anti-terror response

        Reform chief rules out IndyRef and claims party will be second biggest in Scotland

        Reform chief rules out IndyRef and claims party will be second biggest in Scotland

        Scotland being held back by chronic shortage of housing with calls for 25,000 new builds a year

        Scotland being held back by chronic shortage of housing with calls for 25,000 new builds a year

        Keeping Royal Family in Scotland ‘can no longer be justified’, claims Patrick Harvie

        Keeping Royal Family in Scotland ‘can no longer be justified’, claims Patrick Harvie

        Reform UK defeat Labour in crunch by-election by six votes after recount

        Reform UK defeat Labour in crunch by-election by six votes after recount

        Labour Government accused of ‘closing down’ Aberdeen over oil and gas jobs and ‘betrayal’ on GB Energy

        Labour Government accused of ‘closing down’ Aberdeen over oil and gas jobs and ‘betrayal’ on GB Energy

        Donald Trump dream of bringing Open Championship back to Turnberry is about more than golf

        Donald Trump dream of bringing Open Championship back to Turnberry is about more than golf

        Nigel Farage says Reform would prefer SNP to win next Holyrood election instead of Labour

        Nigel Farage says Reform would prefer SNP to win next Holyrood election instead of Labour

        SNP and Labour race for Hamilton ‘too close to call’ as parties set for crunch by-election

        SNP and Labour race for Hamilton ‘too close to call’ as parties set for crunch by-election

        Rapist Isla Bryson ‘is a woman’ says Green by-election candidate in Clydebank

        Rapist Isla Bryson ‘is a woman’ says Green by-election candidate in Clydebank

        Trending Tags

        • Business

          Salesforce boss Marc Benioff joins Weev.

          What is a virtual office and why you need one in Central London – Your Company Formations Ltd

          What is a virtual office and why you need one in Central London – Your Company Formations Ltd

          Inflation rises again to new 40-year high

          Inflation rises again to new 40-year high

          Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

          Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

          Hiring activity in Scotland slows amid steep decline in staff availability

          Hiring activity in Scotland slows amid steep decline in staff availability

          Scottish retail footfall growth ‘worst in UK compared to pre-pandemic’

          Scottish retail footfall growth ‘worst in UK compared to pre-pandemic’

        • Sports
          Rangers placed on Vaclav Cerny red alert over Wolfsburg ‘fire sale’ as Cyriel Dessers makes transfer stance clear

          Rangers placed on Vaclav Cerny red alert over Wolfsburg ‘fire sale’ as Cyriel Dessers makes transfer stance clear

          Mathias Kvistgaarden waves Brondby farewell but Celtic hit with transfer blow as boss throws spanner in works

          Mathias Kvistgaarden waves Brondby farewell but Celtic hit with transfer blow as boss throws spanner in works

          World A-listers go nuts for Ange as Roy Keane drops the mic, McCoist breaks down barriers and Salah keeps receipts

          World A-listers go nuts for Ange as Roy Keane drops the mic, McCoist breaks down barriers and Salah keeps receipts

          How a ferry and a forklift helped Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers reach the top as SFWA Manager of the Year relives his journey

          How a ferry and a forklift helped Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers reach the top as SFWA Manager of the Year relives his journey

          How Celtic fans can still land Aberdeen Scottish Cup Final tickets as second chance emerges

          How Celtic fans can still land Aberdeen Scottish Cup Final tickets as second chance emerges

          Ante Palaversa tells Aberdeen pals how they can turn Rangers atmosphere early as Jimmy Thelin message revealed

          Ante Palaversa tells Aberdeen pals how they can turn Rangers atmosphere early as Jimmy Thelin message revealed

          Kieran Tierney hit by brutal takedown as Arsenal star ‘finds his level’ at Celtic

          Kieran Tierney hit by brutal takedown as Arsenal star ‘finds his level’ at Celtic

          Scott McTominay picks out incredible favourite Napoli nickname as swooning team-mate stunned by the golden guy

          Scott McTominay picks out incredible favourite Napoli nickname as swooning team-mate stunned by the golden guy

          Alan Brazil risks wrath of Celtic fans as he fears Tottenham or Leeds United await Brendan Rodgers

          Alan Brazil risks wrath of Celtic fans as he fears Tottenham or Leeds United await Brendan Rodgers

          Daizen Maeda and a forgotten transfer as Celtic top boy sold to best teams on planet like a superstar signing

          Daizen Maeda and a forgotten transfer as Celtic top boy sold to best teams on planet like a superstar signing

          Neil Critchley admits new Hearts signing is injured as he reveals plan to get him up and running for Tynecastle arrival

          Neil Critchley admits new Hearts signing is injured as he reveals plan to get him up and running for Tynecastle arrival

          Celtic squad revealed as Brendan Rodgers looks for edge factor sorely missing to force Rangers’ hand

          Celtic squad revealed as Brendan Rodgers looks for edge factor sorely missing to force Rangers’ hand

          Trending Tags

          • Technology
            IMGP4O: Pioneering Sustainable and Innovative AI Ecosystems for the Future

            IMGP4O: Pioneering Sustainable and Innovative AI Ecosystems for the Future

            Apple AirPods Pro 2 hit lowest price since Black Friday at five different retailers

            Apple AirPods Pro 2 hit lowest price since Black Friday at five different retailers

            Experts issue warning to households that have certain type of toaster

            Experts issue warning to households that have certain type of toaster

            Amazon slashes 52% off ‘brilliant’ Samsung Tablet now only £80 in limited time deal

            Amazon slashes 52% off ‘brilliant’ Samsung Tablet now only £80 in limited time deal

            Amazon Tech Week Sale sees £100 off Apple Watch, LG Smart TV down 45% and more

            Amazon Tech Week Sale sees £100 off Apple Watch, LG Smart TV down 45% and more

          • Health
            ‘I lost 6stone with weight loss jabs but there’s one side-effect no one tells you about’

            ‘I lost 6stone with weight loss jabs but there’s one side-effect no one tells you about’

            One surprising food ‘you should eat 3 times a week’ to lower heart disease risk

            One surprising food ‘you should eat 3 times a week’ to lower heart disease risk

            Women thought she had a sore neck – then was diagnosed with cancer

            Women thought she had a sore neck – then was diagnosed with cancer

            ‘I lost 3stone and 5 dress sizes with weight loss jabs but there’s a big drawback’

            ‘I lost 3stone and 5 dress sizes with weight loss jabs but there’s a big drawback’

            Test your brain health with 30-point cognitive exercise taken by Donald Trump

            Test your brain health with 30-point cognitive exercise taken by Donald Trump

          • Entertainment
            Film fans have just days to watch ‘most perfect film ever made’ before it’s axed from BBC

            Film fans have just days to watch ‘most perfect film ever made’ before it’s axed from BBC

            ‘Time saving’ robot vacuum drops below £100

            ‘Time saving’ robot vacuum drops below £100

            Shoppers ‘blown away’ by ‘excellent’ mist fan perfect for heatwave

            Shoppers ‘blown away’ by ‘excellent’ mist fan perfect for heatwave

            Pensioners claiming new health benefit could get payment decision in one week

            Pensioners claiming new health benefit could get payment decision in one week

            Scots react to American called Scotland and whether name is ‘cool or just dumb’

            Scots react to American called Scotland and whether name is ‘cool or just dumb’

          • Life Style
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          • Education
            People urged to apply for £200 grant with deadline in days

            People urged to apply for £200 grant with deadline in days

            School leaders want to see more fines for parents to tackle major problem

            School leaders want to see more fines for parents to tackle major problem

            Children were violently attacked in a school and college – this is the response

            Children were violently attacked in a school and college – this is the response

            Second private school in Wales faces closure as pupil numbers fall

            Second private school in Wales faces closure as pupil numbers fall

            Strike action at Cardiff University called off

            Strike action at Cardiff University called off

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          Small firms have embraced digital innovation through the pandemic but more is needed

          by Albert K. Martin
          February 11, 2022
          in Opinion
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          One of the most important economic reports that is published annually is also one that is often overlooked by many politicians and policymakers despite its findings being relevant to the vast majority of businesses in the UK.

          The State of Small Business Britain report, from the Enterprise Research Centre (ERC), reviews a range of research and analysis to present an annual review of the trends affecting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK.

          For 2021, it is not surprising that the report has focused on the challenges that many small firms have faced in coping with Covid-19, but it also examines the opportunities to strengthen the sector as we finally emerge from the pandemic, especially in terms of what is termed the ‘Triple Transition’ – namely business digitalisation, adoption of net zero practices and the upgrading in productivity.

          What does the report tell us?

          Not surprisingly, one of the major findings is that SMEs have been in financial difficulties during 2021 with an increase in those reporting that they have no cash reserves, especially among microbusinesses employing less than 10 people (and which account for 95% of all firms), although over half reported that they were highly confident of surviving, which was an increase on 2020 and may reflect the reopening of the economy.

          One of the positives from the pandemic is the acceleration towards digital adoption within businesses as a result of an increase in home and hybrid working due to restrictions imposed on employers.

          Unfortunately, some studies have shown that firms in the UK have been slower than those in other countries in adopting digital technologies.

          In terms of the UK Government achieving its aim of net zero by 2050 by decarbonising all sectors of the economy, most small firms are still at an early stage in supporting this objective although the good news is that research shows that they have taken at least one simple action (such as installing smart meters) to reduce emissions.

          More needs to be done in this area over the next few years and whilst the personal motivations of entrepreneurs are important in achieving this, studies show that market and regulatory changes will be the key drivers, including customer demand for low carbon products and services.

          One of the ongoing findings of research from the ERC, especially that in studies of high-growth firms, is that management and leadership skills will continue to be important to improving the UK’s productivity position.

          Yet there has also been a realisation during the pandemic that all employees have faced considerable mental health and wellbeing challenges due to the nature of lockdown.

          And whilst there is evidence of a link between productivity and workplace mental health, employers do need to do more in adopting positive wellbeing practices to maximise the potential of their employees.

          Another key factor in boosting productivity is innovation and whilst UK businesses have traditionally under-invested in R&D and innovation, the Covid-19 pandemic has, paradoxically, forced businesses to become more innovative to deal with some of the challenges they faced, especially in adopting digital technologies, changing management practices and introducing new products and services.

          Therefore, it would seem that whilst the pandemic has impacted businesses severely especially in terms of their financial performance, the one silver lining from the last two years is the way that many have embraced change at the most difficult of economic times.

          As well as an in-depth early morning newsletter, we will be sending out regular breaking news email alerts. To sign up to this service CLICK HERE

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          And, follow us on LinkedIn to catch the latest stories and to network with the Welsh business community.

          However, the ERC review does demonstrate where the focus now needs to be over the next few years in supporting economic growth as the threat of Covid-19 recedes.

          Here in Wales, and with the absence of any coherent economic strategy for the future, a focus on the so-called Triple Transition of digitalisation, net zero and productivity upgrading could well be the way in which the Welsh economy can recover quickly.

          In terms of digital innovation, there needs to be a more comprehensive approach to ensuring businesses maximise the opportunities available to them, especially as increased digital adoption can also improve both the net zero and productivity transition.

          Similarly, government support towards net zero transition needs to be more comprehensive and if the Welsh Government is serious about this agenda, then it must embrace the business community as a partner in achieving this, something it has singularly failed to do during the Covid pandemic.

          Finally, and most importantly, improvements in productivity must be at the heart of any serious attempt to improve economic performance although there seems to be little direct focus on this at the Welsh Government level or, more crucially, within the city and growth deals that are driving the regional response to the pandemic.

          Whilst it is always easy to spend money on the same sectors such as fintech, cyber, creative or medtech that every region in the UK is targeting, it is also easy to forget that improving productivity and innovation across all sectors can have a massive impact, especially if the actual interventions then reflect what really makes a difference to productivity, such as the improvement of management skills.

          As optimism begins to flow back into the economy, we mustn’t forget that many businesses will be facing the hangover of the pandemic for a considerable period of time.

          However, the ERC report does highlight where a difference can be made in supporting them to make the changes that will not only improve their performance, but that of the economy as a whole.

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