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    Senior member of Anas Sarwar’s shadow cabinet ‘opposed’ to Labour welfare cuts bill

    Senior member of Anas Sarwar’s shadow cabinet ‘opposed’ to Labour welfare cuts bill

    How the Scottish MPs voted in the assisted dying debate

    How the Scottish MPs voted in the assisted dying debate

    Former Labour MP calls for party to ditch ‘rigged’ voting system

    Former Labour MP calls for party to ditch ‘rigged’ voting system

    Labour’s £14bn ‘fixation’ with new nuclear power ‘won’t cut bills or help climate’

    Labour’s £14bn ‘fixation’ with new nuclear power ‘won’t cut bills or help climate’

    SNP rebels plot to oust John Swinney as party leader after Hamilton by-election loss

    SNP rebels plot to oust John Swinney as party leader after Hamilton by-election loss

    Anas Sarwar should not expect to oust John Swinney yet, says polling guru

    Anas Sarwar should not expect to oust John Swinney yet, says polling guru

    Keir Starmer says he will not support a second independence referendum as Prime Minister

    Keir Starmer says he will not support a second independence referendum as Prime Minister

    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

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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’

    • Sports
      Ange Postecoglou to LAFC has direct Celtic link as MLS heavy hitters plot ambitious manager move

      Ange Postecoglou to LAFC has direct Celtic link as MLS heavy hitters plot ambitious manager move

      The Rangers transfers Russell Martin needs revealed as AEK set Dessers deadline and Shankland a no-brainer

      The Rangers transfers Russell Martin needs revealed as AEK set Dessers deadline and Shankland a no-brainer

      Celtic on brink of four new signings as Benjamin Nygren lands staggering transfer claim and Balikwisha stays cool

      Celtic on brink of four new signings as Benjamin Nygren lands staggering transfer claim and Balikwisha stays cool

      I see cracks in Celtic with transfer fears over four starters so maybe this Rangers claim is a myth – Hugh Keevins

      I see cracks in Celtic with transfer fears over four starters so maybe this Rangers claim is a myth – Hugh Keevins

      Punters dramatically lose faith in Rory McIlroy in wake of his astonishingly honest US Open confession

      Punters dramatically lose faith in Rory McIlroy in wake of his astonishingly honest US Open confession

      ‘I still always visit Sir Alex Ferguson’s house – even though he branded me a Big Time Charlie’

      ‘I still always visit Sir Alex Ferguson’s house – even though he branded me a Big Time Charlie’

      The £17m reason Celtic won’t sit still this transfer window as Brendan Rodgers learns painful lesson

      The £17m reason Celtic won’t sit still this transfer window as Brendan Rodgers learns painful lesson

      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

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        Everyone to get mobile phone alert as sirens sound for 10 seconds

        Everyone to get mobile phone alert as sirens sound for 10 seconds

        Lenovo IdeaPad laptop praised for everyday use and affordable price

        Lenovo IdeaPad laptop praised for everyday use and affordable price

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        EE unveils huge new discount on JBL Flip 7 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker but you must act quick

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        Elon Musk to halt SpaceX’s NASA astronaut missions after Trump’s contract threat

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        IMGP4O: Pioneering Sustainable and Innovative AI Ecosystems for the Future

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        Brain dead pregnant woman’s family issue update after baby cut from her body

        Brain dead pregnant woman’s family issue update after baby cut from her body

        French chef shares ‘simplest ever’ one pot cake recipe ready in under an hour

        French chef shares ‘simplest ever’ one pot cake recipe ready in under an hour

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        TikTok skin care routines ‘harmful’ and ‘problematic’ scientists discover in new study

        10 early signs of Parkinson’s as Ah-ha star Morten Harket announces diagnosis

        10 early signs of Parkinson’s as Ah-ha star Morten Harket announces diagnosis

        ‘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’

      • Entertainment
        Former DWP employee warns of two-tier State Pension payments for older people

        Former DWP employee warns of two-tier State Pension payments for older people

        Dozens of UK holidaymakers fall ill after five-star ‘holiday from hell’

        Dozens of UK holidaymakers fall ill after five-star ‘holiday from hell’

        Full list of people on PIP most at risk of payment cut under new DWP welfare reforms

        Full list of people on PIP most at risk of payment cut under new DWP welfare reforms

        New DWP fraud and error report finds people on PIP may be due more money

        New DWP fraud and error report finds people on PIP may be due more money

        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

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        Pupil referral unit that takes children kicked out of school gets flawless Estyn report

        Pupil referral unit that takes children kicked out of school gets flawless Estyn report

        Exam bosses accused of ‘patronising’ Wales and students in Welsh GCSE paper

        Exam bosses accused of ‘patronising’ Wales and students in Welsh GCSE paper

        Cardiff University ‘has no God given right to exist’ bosses say

        Cardiff University ‘has no God given right to exist’ bosses say

        Cardiff University cracks down on students protesting on its campus

        Cardiff University cracks down on students protesting on its campus

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

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

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        Senior member of Anas Sarwar’s shadow cabinet ‘opposed’ to Labour welfare cuts bill

        Senior member of Anas Sarwar’s shadow cabinet ‘opposed’ to Labour welfare cuts bill

        How the Scottish MPs voted in the assisted dying debate

        How the Scottish MPs voted in the assisted dying debate

        Former Labour MP calls for party to ditch ‘rigged’ voting system

        Former Labour MP calls for party to ditch ‘rigged’ voting system

        Labour’s £14bn ‘fixation’ with new nuclear power ‘won’t cut bills or help climate’

        Labour’s £14bn ‘fixation’ with new nuclear power ‘won’t cut bills or help climate’

        SNP rebels plot to oust John Swinney as party leader after Hamilton by-election loss

        SNP rebels plot to oust John Swinney as party leader after Hamilton by-election loss

        Anas Sarwar should not expect to oust John Swinney yet, says polling guru

        Anas Sarwar should not expect to oust John Swinney yet, says polling guru

        Keir Starmer says he will not support a second independence referendum as Prime Minister

        Keir Starmer says he will not support a second independence referendum as Prime Minister

        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

        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
          Ange Postecoglou to LAFC has direct Celtic link as MLS heavy hitters plot ambitious manager move

          Ange Postecoglou to LAFC has direct Celtic link as MLS heavy hitters plot ambitious manager move

          The Rangers transfers Russell Martin needs revealed as AEK set Dessers deadline and Shankland a no-brainer

          The Rangers transfers Russell Martin needs revealed as AEK set Dessers deadline and Shankland a no-brainer

          Celtic on brink of four new signings as Benjamin Nygren lands staggering transfer claim and Balikwisha stays cool

          Celtic on brink of four new signings as Benjamin Nygren lands staggering transfer claim and Balikwisha stays cool

          I see cracks in Celtic with transfer fears over four starters so maybe this Rangers claim is a myth – Hugh Keevins

          I see cracks in Celtic with transfer fears over four starters so maybe this Rangers claim is a myth – Hugh Keevins

          Punters dramatically lose faith in Rory McIlroy in wake of his astonishingly honest US Open confession

          Punters dramatically lose faith in Rory McIlroy in wake of his astonishingly honest US Open confession

          ‘I still always visit Sir Alex Ferguson’s house – even though he branded me a Big Time Charlie’

          ‘I still always visit Sir Alex Ferguson’s house – even though he branded me a Big Time Charlie’

          The £17m reason Celtic won’t sit still this transfer window as Brendan Rodgers learns painful lesson

          The £17m reason Celtic won’t sit still this transfer window as Brendan Rodgers learns painful lesson

          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

          Trending Tags

          • Technology
            Everyone to get mobile phone alert as sirens sound for 10 seconds

            Everyone to get mobile phone alert as sirens sound for 10 seconds

            Lenovo IdeaPad laptop praised for everyday use and affordable price

            Lenovo IdeaPad laptop praised for everyday use and affordable price

            EE unveils huge new discount on JBL Flip 7 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker but you must act quick

            EE unveils huge new discount on JBL Flip 7 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker but you must act quick

            Elon Musk to halt SpaceX’s NASA astronaut missions after Trump’s contract threat

            Elon Musk to halt SpaceX’s NASA astronaut missions after Trump’s contract threat

            IMGP4O: Pioneering Sustainable and Innovative AI Ecosystems for the Future

            IMGP4O: Pioneering Sustainable and Innovative AI Ecosystems for the Future

          • Health
            Brain dead pregnant woman’s family issue update after baby cut from her body

            Brain dead pregnant woman’s family issue update after baby cut from her body

            French chef shares ‘simplest ever’ one pot cake recipe ready in under an hour

            French chef shares ‘simplest ever’ one pot cake recipe ready in under an hour

            TikTok skin care routines ‘harmful’ and ‘problematic’ scientists discover in new study

            TikTok skin care routines ‘harmful’ and ‘problematic’ scientists discover in new study

            10 early signs of Parkinson’s as Ah-ha star Morten Harket announces diagnosis

            10 early signs of Parkinson’s as Ah-ha star Morten Harket announces diagnosis

            ‘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’

          • Entertainment
            Former DWP employee warns of two-tier State Pension payments for older people

            Former DWP employee warns of two-tier State Pension payments for older people

            Dozens of UK holidaymakers fall ill after five-star ‘holiday from hell’

            Dozens of UK holidaymakers fall ill after five-star ‘holiday from hell’

            Full list of people on PIP most at risk of payment cut under new DWP welfare reforms

            Full list of people on PIP most at risk of payment cut under new DWP welfare reforms

            New DWP fraud and error report finds people on PIP may be due more money

            New DWP fraud and error report finds people on PIP may be due more money

            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

          • Life Style
          • Travel
          • Education
            Pupil referral unit that takes children kicked out of school gets flawless Estyn report

            Pupil referral unit that takes children kicked out of school gets flawless Estyn report

            Exam bosses accused of ‘patronising’ Wales and students in Welsh GCSE paper

            Exam bosses accused of ‘patronising’ Wales and students in Welsh GCSE paper

            Cardiff University ‘has no God given right to exist’ bosses say

            Cardiff University ‘has no God given right to exist’ bosses say

            Cardiff University cracks down on students protesting on its campus

            Cardiff University cracks down on students protesting on its campus

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

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

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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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