On 23 March, the government stepped up measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus, including the temporary closure of all business premises deemed non-essential. Essential retailers, such as pharmacies, DIY shops and supermarkets, and those trading online have been transforming their business practices to protect staff and customers. This includes implementing social distancing measures inside […]
As the covid-19 pandemic sweeps the globe, companies are decidedly more pessimistic about the global economy than their own prospects, according to a new study released by the Economist Intelligence Unit today. The Global Business Barometer, supported by SAS, is based on a survey of over 2,700 executives worldwide and provides a compelling snapshot of […]
The use of cloud-based services has been gaining traction amongst a wide range of industries and businesses. According to Gartner, over the last couple of years, cloud companies have noted more than 17% growth. Additionally, as of 2019, 94% of enterprises are already using cloud services and this number is still expected to grow. As […]
Independent Growth Finance (IGF), a leading independent commercial finance provider, has appointed Paul Whitaker as chief risk and operating officer. Paul joins IGF after two and a half years at Barclays bank, where he held the position of head of business transformation and delivery. With the COVID-19 crisis presenting a significant challenge for many UK […]
The British Business Bank has announced that it has approved four new lenders for accreditation under the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), which provides financial support to smaller businesses (SMEs) across the UK that are losing revenue and seeing their cashflow disrupted, as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak. The new CBILS lenders are […]
Capital on Tap has revealed the world’s most sustainable corporations and startups, analysing where they are based and the industries they are in to determine who is leading the way in the rise of sustainable businesses. The small business credit provider analysed the world’s 100 most sustainable corporations to reveal which countries and industries are […]
A key priority for SMMT, our members and the industry as a whole has been ensuring the promised provision of liquidity from the government to businesses materialises promptly. That funding is starting to flow, with important government-backed schemes opening this week helping to support industry and automotive businesses nationwide. The Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan […]
Today’s Office of National Statistics (ONS) retail sales estimates for March have confirmed dire forecasts for the future of the High Street. The UK home delivery specialist ParcelHero predicted on 4 March, three weeks before the lockdown, that the coronavirus outbreak would result in online sales snatching a record amount of the overall retail market. […]
Food and drink businesses defied an overall drop in UK exports during the first quarter of 2020 as supply chain disruption and international efforts to combat coronavirus hit overseas sales of goods and services, according to the Lloyds Bank International Trade Index. The Index, compiled in partnership with IHS Markit saw UK manufacturing exports fall […]
Tregenna Castle Resort, in St Ives Cornwall has secured a £1m loan from Lloyds Bank to help secure the business’ future after the hotel, self-catering, leisure and events venue was forced to shut amid the COVID-19 lockdown. The coastal resort secured the finance in preparation for a significant drop in revenue, with quarantine restrictions falling […]
