• BristolPress | Story Of The Day
Saturday, August 9, 2025
  • Login
Bristol Press
  • Home
  • World
  • News
  • Politics
    Scots selling counterfeit goods less likely to face prosecution as conviction rate plummets

    Scots selling counterfeit goods less likely to face prosecution as conviction rate plummets

    Librarian cuts at Glasgow schools will ‘rob kids of opportunities’ as SNP Government urged to intervene

    Librarian cuts at Glasgow schools will ‘rob kids of opportunities’ as SNP Government urged to intervene

    Nicola Sturgeon agrees to TV special as ex-SNP leader to be grilled on ‘striking revelations’ in new book

    Nicola Sturgeon agrees to TV special as ex-SNP leader to be grilled on ‘striking revelations’ in new book

    Donald Trump diary reveals exact time he will arrive in Scotland

    Donald Trump diary reveals exact time he will arrive in Scotland

    Scots ‘forced to wait years’ for hernia operations as NHS struggles to meet demand

    Scots ‘forced to wait years’ for hernia operations as NHS struggles to meet demand

    System must work to protect public as report finds chances missed with Southport killer

    System must work to protect public as report finds chances missed with Southport killer

    NHS in Scotland ‘stuck in analogue age’ as health boards shell out millions on pagers

    NHS in Scotland ‘stuck in analogue age’ as health boards shell out millions on pagers

    Scottish Labour MP to vote against welfare reforms despite Keir Starmer climbdown

    Scottish Labour MP to vote against welfare reforms despite Keir Starmer climbdown

    Buy British buses to save 400 Scottish jobs at Alexander Dennis, says MP

    Buy British buses to save 400 Scottish jobs at Alexander Dennis, says MP

    Scots fear crime is rising in their local area as SNP Government accused of ‘hollowing out’ police

    Scots fear crime is rising in their local area as SNP Government accused of ‘hollowing out’ police

    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

    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
      Lyall Cameron slammed for ‘disrespect’ as Rangers new boy comes under fire for Dundee ‘jibes’

      Lyall Cameron slammed for ‘disrespect’ as Rangers new boy comes under fire for Dundee ‘jibes’

      Celtic risk blowing £1.6m transfer windfall as defensive duo head out on loan – Parkhead news bulletin

      Celtic risk blowing £1.6m transfer windfall as defensive duo head out on loan – Parkhead news bulletin

      Prince William’s firm five-word statement to Chloe Kelly about Euros goal uncovered by lip reader

      Prince William’s firm five-word statement to Chloe Kelly about Euros goal uncovered by lip reader

      Kieran Tierney genius exposes ‘sloppy’ Ajax as Celtic earn rival acclaim despite Como Cup hammering

      Kieran Tierney genius exposes ‘sloppy’ Ajax as Celtic earn rival acclaim despite Como Cup hammering

      Andrej Bacanin makes Celtic transfer intentions clear amid Rangers claim as direct link with Lennon Miller emerges

      Andrej Bacanin makes Celtic transfer intentions clear amid Rangers claim as direct link with Lennon Miller emerges

      Rangers strongest XI for Panathinaikos as Thelo Aasgaard injury blow opens door for Euro history-maker

      Rangers strongest XI for Panathinaikos as Thelo Aasgaard injury blow opens door for Euro history-maker

      Celtic could ‘renew interest’ in Evan Ferguson as transfer hijack follows Yamada hint and Ambrosino U turn

      Celtic could ‘renew interest’ in Evan Ferguson as transfer hijack follows Yamada hint and Ambrosino U turn

      Exact cost of Rangers injury crisis revealed as payments to crocked stars double that of Celtic

      Exact cost of Rangers injury crisis revealed as payments to crocked stars double that of Celtic

      Conor Coady in Diogo Jota tribute as old Wolves pal celebrates an ‘incredible person’

      Conor Coady in Diogo Jota tribute as old Wolves pal celebrates an ‘incredible person’

      Brendan Rodgers described me as huge Celtic coup after 24 clubs wanted me – now I have retired aged just 28

      Brendan Rodgers described me as huge Celtic coup after 24 clubs wanted me – now I have retired aged just 28

      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

      Trending Tags

      • Technology
        Tech fans rush to buy £30 Acer Chromebook tablet that is ‘perfect for work and play’

        Tech fans rush to buy £30 Acer Chromebook tablet that is ‘perfect for work and play’

        Apple fans rush to buy MacBook for only £99 after 54% price slash

        Apple fans rush to buy MacBook for only £99 after 54% price slash

        Lego Game Boy unveiled with pre-orders now live – but some point out ‘disappointing’ flaw

        Lego Game Boy unveiled with pre-orders now live – but some point out ‘disappointing’ flaw

        Panasonic dishes out £100 takeaway vouchers and 15% off ‘first class’ OLED TVs

        Panasonic dishes out £100 takeaway vouchers and 15% off ‘first class’ OLED TVs

        ‘Classy’ smartwatch that ‘performs as well as expensive brands’ now £50 in Amazon Prime deal

        ‘Classy’ smartwatch that ‘performs as well as expensive brands’ now £50 in Amazon Prime deal

      • Health
        Nicotine pouches packaged like kid’s sweets sold in Glasgow shop

        Nicotine pouches packaged like kid’s sweets sold in Glasgow shop

        Tesco recalls popular beauty and skincare product over nasty infection risk

        Tesco recalls popular beauty and skincare product over nasty infection risk

        ‘I used old-fashioned method to lose 4stone after microwave incident’

        ‘I used old-fashioned method to lose 4stone after microwave incident’

        Donald Trump medical condition diagnosed as US President suffers swollen legs

        Donald Trump medical condition diagnosed as US President suffers swollen legs

        Clinical microbiologist issues warning over hidden ‘droppings’ in bed sheets

        Clinical microbiologist issues warning over hidden ‘droppings’ in bed sheets

      • Entertainment
        Sainsbury’s ‘gorgeous’ £25 jacket shoppers say is ‘good for all weather’

        Sainsbury’s ‘gorgeous’ £25 jacket shoppers say is ‘good for all weather’

        Tesco shoppers ‘run’ to stores for ‘gorgeous’ £29.50 cardigan

        Tesco shoppers ‘run’ to stores for ‘gorgeous’ £29.50 cardigan

        Former DWP employee urges all parents to claim Child Benefit to boost State Pension payments

        Former DWP employee urges all parents to claim Child Benefit to boost State Pension payments

        DWP boss defends welfare reform changes after PIP plans put on hold

        DWP boss defends welfare reform changes after PIP plans put on hold

        People on highest PIP could see payments rise to nearly £800 each month from next April

        People on highest PIP could see payments rise to nearly £800 each month from next April

      • Life Style
      • Travel
      • Education
        Of the 67 paramedics trained in Wales this year, only 20 have been given jobs

        Of the 67 paramedics trained in Wales this year, only 20 have been given jobs

        Schoolgirl achieved something incredible and made everyone proud

        Schoolgirl achieved something incredible and made everyone proud

        Fury as Welsh Government rejects recommended 4.8% pay rise for teachers

        Fury as Welsh Government rejects recommended 4.8% pay rise for teachers

        Vocational skills to be offered at new secondary school in Swansea

        Vocational skills to be offered at new secondary school in Swansea

        Lecturer struck off after falling asleep, playing on his phone and describing students as ‘d*** heads’

        Lecturer struck off after falling asleep, playing on his phone and describing students as ‘d*** heads’

      • Real Estate
      No Result
      View All Result
      • Home
      • World
      • News
      • Politics
        Scots selling counterfeit goods less likely to face prosecution as conviction rate plummets

        Scots selling counterfeit goods less likely to face prosecution as conviction rate plummets

        Librarian cuts at Glasgow schools will ‘rob kids of opportunities’ as SNP Government urged to intervene

        Librarian cuts at Glasgow schools will ‘rob kids of opportunities’ as SNP Government urged to intervene

        Nicola Sturgeon agrees to TV special as ex-SNP leader to be grilled on ‘striking revelations’ in new book

        Nicola Sturgeon agrees to TV special as ex-SNP leader to be grilled on ‘striking revelations’ in new book

        Donald Trump diary reveals exact time he will arrive in Scotland

        Donald Trump diary reveals exact time he will arrive in Scotland

        Scots ‘forced to wait years’ for hernia operations as NHS struggles to meet demand

        Scots ‘forced to wait years’ for hernia operations as NHS struggles to meet demand

        System must work to protect public as report finds chances missed with Southport killer

        System must work to protect public as report finds chances missed with Southport killer

        NHS in Scotland ‘stuck in analogue age’ as health boards shell out millions on pagers

        NHS in Scotland ‘stuck in analogue age’ as health boards shell out millions on pagers

        Scottish Labour MP to vote against welfare reforms despite Keir Starmer climbdown

        Scottish Labour MP to vote against welfare reforms despite Keir Starmer climbdown

        Buy British buses to save 400 Scottish jobs at Alexander Dennis, says MP

        Buy British buses to save 400 Scottish jobs at Alexander Dennis, says MP

        Scots fear crime is rising in their local area as SNP Government accused of ‘hollowing out’ police

        Scots fear crime is rising in their local area as SNP Government accused of ‘hollowing out’ police

        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

        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
          Lyall Cameron slammed for ‘disrespect’ as Rangers new boy comes under fire for Dundee ‘jibes’

          Lyall Cameron slammed for ‘disrespect’ as Rangers new boy comes under fire for Dundee ‘jibes’

          Celtic risk blowing £1.6m transfer windfall as defensive duo head out on loan – Parkhead news bulletin

          Celtic risk blowing £1.6m transfer windfall as defensive duo head out on loan – Parkhead news bulletin

          Prince William’s firm five-word statement to Chloe Kelly about Euros goal uncovered by lip reader

          Prince William’s firm five-word statement to Chloe Kelly about Euros goal uncovered by lip reader

          Kieran Tierney genius exposes ‘sloppy’ Ajax as Celtic earn rival acclaim despite Como Cup hammering

          Kieran Tierney genius exposes ‘sloppy’ Ajax as Celtic earn rival acclaim despite Como Cup hammering

          Andrej Bacanin makes Celtic transfer intentions clear amid Rangers claim as direct link with Lennon Miller emerges

          Andrej Bacanin makes Celtic transfer intentions clear amid Rangers claim as direct link with Lennon Miller emerges

          Rangers strongest XI for Panathinaikos as Thelo Aasgaard injury blow opens door for Euro history-maker

          Rangers strongest XI for Panathinaikos as Thelo Aasgaard injury blow opens door for Euro history-maker

          Celtic could ‘renew interest’ in Evan Ferguson as transfer hijack follows Yamada hint and Ambrosino U turn

          Celtic could ‘renew interest’ in Evan Ferguson as transfer hijack follows Yamada hint and Ambrosino U turn

          Exact cost of Rangers injury crisis revealed as payments to crocked stars double that of Celtic

          Exact cost of Rangers injury crisis revealed as payments to crocked stars double that of Celtic

          Conor Coady in Diogo Jota tribute as old Wolves pal celebrates an ‘incredible person’

          Conor Coady in Diogo Jota tribute as old Wolves pal celebrates an ‘incredible person’

          Brendan Rodgers described me as huge Celtic coup after 24 clubs wanted me – now I have retired aged just 28

          Brendan Rodgers described me as huge Celtic coup after 24 clubs wanted me – now I have retired aged just 28

          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

          Trending Tags

          • Technology
            Tech fans rush to buy £30 Acer Chromebook tablet that is ‘perfect for work and play’

            Tech fans rush to buy £30 Acer Chromebook tablet that is ‘perfect for work and play’

            Apple fans rush to buy MacBook for only £99 after 54% price slash

            Apple fans rush to buy MacBook for only £99 after 54% price slash

            Lego Game Boy unveiled with pre-orders now live – but some point out ‘disappointing’ flaw

            Lego Game Boy unveiled with pre-orders now live – but some point out ‘disappointing’ flaw

            Panasonic dishes out £100 takeaway vouchers and 15% off ‘first class’ OLED TVs

            Panasonic dishes out £100 takeaway vouchers and 15% off ‘first class’ OLED TVs

            ‘Classy’ smartwatch that ‘performs as well as expensive brands’ now £50 in Amazon Prime deal

            ‘Classy’ smartwatch that ‘performs as well as expensive brands’ now £50 in Amazon Prime deal

          • Health
            Nicotine pouches packaged like kid’s sweets sold in Glasgow shop

            Nicotine pouches packaged like kid’s sweets sold in Glasgow shop

            Tesco recalls popular beauty and skincare product over nasty infection risk

            Tesco recalls popular beauty and skincare product over nasty infection risk

            ‘I used old-fashioned method to lose 4stone after microwave incident’

            ‘I used old-fashioned method to lose 4stone after microwave incident’

            Donald Trump medical condition diagnosed as US President suffers swollen legs

            Donald Trump medical condition diagnosed as US President suffers swollen legs

            Clinical microbiologist issues warning over hidden ‘droppings’ in bed sheets

            Clinical microbiologist issues warning over hidden ‘droppings’ in bed sheets

          • Entertainment
            Sainsbury’s ‘gorgeous’ £25 jacket shoppers say is ‘good for all weather’

            Sainsbury’s ‘gorgeous’ £25 jacket shoppers say is ‘good for all weather’

            Tesco shoppers ‘run’ to stores for ‘gorgeous’ £29.50 cardigan

            Tesco shoppers ‘run’ to stores for ‘gorgeous’ £29.50 cardigan

            Former DWP employee urges all parents to claim Child Benefit to boost State Pension payments

            Former DWP employee urges all parents to claim Child Benefit to boost State Pension payments

            DWP boss defends welfare reform changes after PIP plans put on hold

            DWP boss defends welfare reform changes after PIP plans put on hold

            People on highest PIP could see payments rise to nearly £800 each month from next April

            People on highest PIP could see payments rise to nearly £800 each month from next April

          • Life Style
          • Travel
          • Education
            Of the 67 paramedics trained in Wales this year, only 20 have been given jobs

            Of the 67 paramedics trained in Wales this year, only 20 have been given jobs

            Schoolgirl achieved something incredible and made everyone proud

            Schoolgirl achieved something incredible and made everyone proud

            Fury as Welsh Government rejects recommended 4.8% pay rise for teachers

            Fury as Welsh Government rejects recommended 4.8% pay rise for teachers

            Vocational skills to be offered at new secondary school in Swansea

            Vocational skills to be offered at new secondary school in Swansea

            Lecturer struck off after falling asleep, playing on his phone and describing students as ‘d*** heads’

            Lecturer struck off after falling asleep, playing on his phone and describing students as ‘d*** heads’

          • Real Estate
          No Result
          View All Result
          Bristol Press
          No Result
          View All Result

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

          by Albert K. Martin
          February 11, 2022
          in Opinion
          0
          0
          SHARES
          8
          VIEWS
          Share on FacebookShare on Twitter



          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

          LinkedIn

          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.

          Read More
          Related Articles
          Read More
          Related Articles



          Source link

          Previous Post

          Wales needs to be smarter to gain benefits from levelling-up strategy of the UK Government

          Next Post

          Tyneside tech firm Succorfish sails into Norwegian waters with tracking device deal

          Next Post
          Tyneside tech firm Succorfish sails into Norwegian waters with tracking device deal

          Tyneside tech firm Succorfish sails into Norwegian waters with tracking device deal

          • BristolPress | Story Of The Day
          • Privacy Policy
          • Publishing Request
          • Contact

          Copyrights © 2024 BristoPress.co.uk | One of the authentic and fast UK News source.

          Welcome Back!

          Login to your account below

          Forgotten Password?

          Retrieve your password

          Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

          Log In
          No Result
          View All Result
          • BristolPress | Story Of The Day
          • Contact
          • Privacy Policy

          Copyrights © 2024 BristoPress.co.uk | One of the authentic and fast UK News source.