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    Labour MP blasts ‘coked-up yobbery’ of far right protestors as she hits out at ‘disaster’ of asylum hotels

    Labour MP blasts ‘coked-up yobbery’ of far right protestors as she hits out at ‘disaster’ of asylum hotels

    Blow for Scottish Conservatives as MSP quits party in protest at ‘reactionary politics’

    Blow for Scottish Conservatives as MSP quits party in protest at ‘reactionary politics’

    SNP Government ‘failing stroke patients’ as average treatment waiting time over two hours

    SNP Government ‘failing stroke patients’ as average treatment waiting time over two hours

    MSP demands Donald Trump pay up to cover costs of policing for Scottish visit

    MSP demands Donald Trump pay up to cover costs of policing for Scottish visit

    Glasgow domestic waste sent to Spain as part of SNP council recycling drive

    Glasgow domestic waste sent to Spain as part of SNP council recycling drive

    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

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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
      Raging Fabrizio Romano fires back at fan for branding him a ‘fraud’

      Raging Fabrizio Romano fires back at fan for branding him a ‘fraud’

      Scotland’s plunging coefficient faces threat from Sweden as Champions League abyss awaits

      Scotland’s plunging coefficient faces threat from Sweden as Champions League abyss awaits

      Rangers brutally mocked by Belgian big mouth as rebuilding Brugge told UCL rivals aren’t ‘serious’

      Rangers brutally mocked by Belgian big mouth as rebuilding Brugge told UCL rivals aren’t ‘serious’

      Jamie Vardy handed Celtic transfer pitch as two deals reach endgame

      Jamie Vardy handed Celtic transfer pitch as two deals reach endgame

      Etienne Youte breaks cover as Celtic issued Jakob Breum red flag before key transfer deadline

      Etienne Youte breaks cover as Celtic issued Jakob Breum red flag before key transfer deadline

      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

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        Shoppers leave Sky for ‘easy to use’ TV recorder that lets you watch telly for free

        Shoppers leave Sky for ‘easy to use’ TV recorder that lets you watch telly for free

        Google Pixel 10 pre-orders go live with up to £700 off from Sky, O2, Amazon and EE

        Google Pixel 10 pre-orders go live with up to £700 off from Sky, O2, Amazon and EE

        Tech fans say ‘brilliant fit’ £18 noise cancelling earbuds work ‘as well as Apple Airpods’

        Tech fans say ‘brilliant fit’ £18 noise cancelling earbuds work ‘as well as Apple Airpods’

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        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

      • Health
        Jessie J postpones UK tour and cancels US gigs amid ongoing cancer battle

        Jessie J postpones UK tour and cancels US gigs amid ongoing cancer battle

        Boots protein powder shoppers say ‘takes away cravings and cuts bloating’

        Boots protein powder shoppers say ‘takes away cravings and cuts bloating’

        Changing the way you walk could help knee arthritis and delay surgery

        Changing the way you walk could help knee arthritis and delay surgery

        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

      • Entertainment
        DWP warning to people on State Pension, PIP or other benefits using a mobile phone

        DWP warning to people on State Pension, PIP or other benefits using a mobile phone

        DWP urges people in their 60s to check State Pension age before changes start next year

        DWP urges people in their 60s to check State Pension age before changes start next year

        ‘Attractive’ £100 fire pit that’s ideal for long summer nights drops to £44

        ‘Attractive’ £100 fire pit that’s ideal for long summer nights drops to £44

        Triple drawer air fryer that ‘cooks to perfection’ gets £40 price slash in limited time sale

        Triple drawer air fryer that ‘cooks to perfection’ gets £40 price slash in limited time sale

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

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

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        The top state schools in Wales for GCSE results

        The top state schools in Wales for GCSE results

        Cardiff releases GCSE grades as city schools beat Wales-wide results

        Cardiff releases GCSE grades as city schools beat Wales-wide results

        Swansea schools beat Wales average for A-level results

        Swansea schools beat Wales average for A-level results

        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

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      • Politics
        Labour MP blasts ‘coked-up yobbery’ of far right protestors as she hits out at ‘disaster’ of asylum hotels

        Labour MP blasts ‘coked-up yobbery’ of far right protestors as she hits out at ‘disaster’ of asylum hotels

        Blow for Scottish Conservatives as MSP quits party in protest at ‘reactionary politics’

        Blow for Scottish Conservatives as MSP quits party in protest at ‘reactionary politics’

        SNP Government ‘failing stroke patients’ as average treatment waiting time over two hours

        SNP Government ‘failing stroke patients’ as average treatment waiting time over two hours

        MSP demands Donald Trump pay up to cover costs of policing for Scottish visit

        MSP demands Donald Trump pay up to cover costs of policing for Scottish visit

        Glasgow domestic waste sent to Spain as part of SNP council recycling drive

        Glasgow domestic waste sent to Spain as part of SNP council recycling drive

        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

        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
          Raging Fabrizio Romano fires back at fan for branding him a ‘fraud’

          Raging Fabrizio Romano fires back at fan for branding him a ‘fraud’

          Scotland’s plunging coefficient faces threat from Sweden as Champions League abyss awaits

          Scotland’s plunging coefficient faces threat from Sweden as Champions League abyss awaits

          Rangers brutally mocked by Belgian big mouth as rebuilding Brugge told UCL rivals aren’t ‘serious’

          Rangers brutally mocked by Belgian big mouth as rebuilding Brugge told UCL rivals aren’t ‘serious’

          Jamie Vardy handed Celtic transfer pitch as two deals reach endgame

          Jamie Vardy handed Celtic transfer pitch as two deals reach endgame

          Etienne Youte breaks cover as Celtic issued Jakob Breum red flag before key transfer deadline

          Etienne Youte breaks cover as Celtic issued Jakob Breum red flag before key transfer deadline

          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

          Trending Tags

          • Technology
            Shoppers leave Sky for ‘easy to use’ TV recorder that lets you watch telly for free

            Shoppers leave Sky for ‘easy to use’ TV recorder that lets you watch telly for free

            Google Pixel 10 pre-orders go live with up to £700 off from Sky, O2, Amazon and EE

            Google Pixel 10 pre-orders go live with up to £700 off from Sky, O2, Amazon and EE

            Tech fans say ‘brilliant fit’ £18 noise cancelling earbuds work ‘as well as Apple Airpods’

            Tech fans say ‘brilliant fit’ £18 noise cancelling earbuds work ‘as well as Apple Airpods’

            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

          • Health
            Jessie J postpones UK tour and cancels US gigs amid ongoing cancer battle

            Jessie J postpones UK tour and cancels US gigs amid ongoing cancer battle

            Boots protein powder shoppers say ‘takes away cravings and cuts bloating’

            Boots protein powder shoppers say ‘takes away cravings and cuts bloating’

            Changing the way you walk could help knee arthritis and delay surgery

            Changing the way you walk could help knee arthritis and delay surgery

            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

          • Entertainment
            DWP warning to people on State Pension, PIP or other benefits using a mobile phone

            DWP warning to people on State Pension, PIP or other benefits using a mobile phone

            DWP urges people in their 60s to check State Pension age before changes start next year

            DWP urges people in their 60s to check State Pension age before changes start next year

            ‘Attractive’ £100 fire pit that’s ideal for long summer nights drops to £44

            ‘Attractive’ £100 fire pit that’s ideal for long summer nights drops to £44

            Triple drawer air fryer that ‘cooks to perfection’ gets £40 price slash in limited time sale

            Triple drawer air fryer that ‘cooks to perfection’ gets £40 price slash in limited time sale

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

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

          • Life Style
          • Travel
          • Education
            The top state schools in Wales for GCSE results

            The top state schools in Wales for GCSE results

            Cardiff releases GCSE grades as city schools beat Wales-wide results

            Cardiff releases GCSE grades as city schools beat Wales-wide results

            Swansea schools beat Wales average for A-level results

            Swansea schools beat Wales average for A-level results

            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

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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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