How SMEs can drive growth through new technologies May 14, 2014 Failing to adapt to the changing technological landscape will see you get left behind TECHNOLOGICAL shifts are the norm in business – no sooner had the early car manufacturers begun to turn a profit than they saw their market share collapse in the face of Henry Ford’s assembly line methods. But the pace of change [...]
Wearables in the workplace May 14, 2014 A recent study, led by Chris Brauer of Goldsmiths University, found that wearable technology could boost employee productivity by as much as 8.5 per cent, and job satisfaction by 3.5 per cent. “Wearable technology is arguably the biggest trend since tablet computing, so it’s natural that employees and businesses will look to use these devices [...]
Flexible working to the extreme: Dispersed office May 14, 2014 James Knight, founder of Keystone Law, talks to Liam Ward-Proud about gaining acceptance for a new business model, and how dispersed working can cut overhead costs and realise efficiency gains FOUNDED in 2002 by lawyer James Knight, Keystone Law brought an entrepreneurial streak to a centuries-old profession. Using advances in communication technology, including a remotely [...]
In the driver’s seat: Why today’s IT departments are moving from back office to front-line services May 14, 2014 IT’S HARDLY surprising that today’s IT departments are feeling the strain. Technology has become more than just a back office tool – it is a disruptive force, offering those businesses with the ability and vision to effectively harness it huge competitive advantage. In just one example, a 2013 report by the RSA and sponsored by [...]
Unified comms can boost SME growth May 14, 2014 MANAGING multiple communications and IT systems is a challenge for many SMEs. For expansive organisations like Key Facilities Management (the operations company has locations spanning the Middle East, North Africa and eastern Europe), the complexity can have a serious impact on the bottom line. “Three or four years ago, there was a danger of us [...]
Enterprise nation’s Emma Jones runs through the support available to SMEs May 14, 2014 SMALL businesses have competitive advantage in developing new products and embracing technology at speed. A number of support programmes – delivered by government and large corporates – offer space, connections, funds and advice on how to integrate technologies into the business, or to get your own innovations to market. Growth Vouchers – access up to [...]
Why British shoppers still seem to buy British when it comes to food May 14, 2014 There are many products that claim to be the best thing since sliced bread. But none of them have outdone it yet, according to new research. Bread maker Warbutons is apparently the UK’s most popular food brand, picked an average of 25 times a year by 86 per cent of UK households. According [...]
Here’s why privacy centered Darkcoin is surging May 14, 2014 Privacy focused cryptocurrency Darkcoin has seen its price surge by 19 per cent in the last 24 hours. One Darkcoin is now worth $3 and the digital currency has reached a market capitalisation of $12.8m. The rise comes fresh after the launch of an updated version of its payment system Darksend. Named release candidate two [...]
What you need to know before the US open May 14, 2014 US stocks futures have inched lower today, as investors search for reasons to push shares over and above where they’ve been for the last couple of days. There have been some positive numbers in this afternoon. US producer prices have risen more than forecast, up 0.6 per cent to an annual rate of 2.1 per [...]
Macy’s ups share buyback programme despite poor sales May 14, 2014 Macy’s, the enduringly popular US fashion store, has reported a 1.7 per cent drop in sales in the first quarter, from a year earlier – from $6.38bn (£3.8bn) to $6.27bn (£3.7bn). Analysts had been expecting a fall of 1.3 per cent. It’s still upping its share buyback programme, though – by $1.5bn. It also increased [...]