City A.M. Unregulated podcast: Small tweaks, big gains – How Nudge theory is changing the world September 14, 2016 Nudge theory, or the theory of marginal gains, is cited as a game-changer by everyone from FTSE 100 chief executives to gold medal-wining Olympians. This week the team is joined by Kate Glazebrook, from the Behavioural Insights Team (the company formerly known as the government's "Nudge Unit"), and Keith Hatter from K2, who explain how incremental tweaks to [...]
In pictures: Check out James Dyson’s new £250m answer to the Googleplex September 14, 2016 Google may have its Googleplex and Apple may shortly have its Doughnut – but now one of the UK's most innovative companies has launched its new, £250m version. And it's very shiny. Dyson's £250m, 56 acre technology campus in Malmesbury was officially completed today, the company said. Designed by James Dyson (latterly of the Leave campaign) and Chris Wilkinson over the [...]
Start using technology and don’t be afraid to scrap traditional engagement surveys September 14, 2016 Employee engagement is a popular topic for businesses today because of the links between it and better performance. But recent research shows that, while 90 per cent of global organisations go to the trouble of carrying out employee engagement surveys, only 7 per cent rate themselves as excellent at measuring and improving engagement and retention. [...]
Daring to be different: How Decoded kept focus while pivoting its model September 13, 2016 Decoded is in the business of technology education. It has built a strong brand by offering classes like Data in a Day, while growing at a steady clip. But its founders want more. At a recent Leap 100 Breakfast we heard from co-founder Richard Peters, as he discussed their plans on pivoting the firm. “When [...]
What do fast-growth firms think about pivoting? September 13, 2016 Most of the Leap 100 have faced personal and professional challenges in getting to where they are today, with over half changing their business model in some way since starting up. “A clear business plan is useful, but often re-written down the line. Clear and well thought-through operating frameworks and processes are often key to [...]
Firms should have the courage to pivot when they’re winning September 13, 2016 As politicians enjoy saying, “the time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining”. This is also true of businesses. Pivoting a firm in a crisis might be necessary, but doing so when things are going well can often be more conducive to long-term success. One of the clear traits of most successful [...]
Employers should advertise job vacancies on these days September 13, 2016 When it comes to employers posting job vacancies, it looks like the early bird catches the worm. The latest edition of employment data firm DHI's hiring indictor shows job adverts posted earlier in the month, and ideally on a Monday or Tuesday, are more likely to attract a higher volume of applications. "The average daily [...]
These are the skills most likely to help you climb the corporate ladder September 13, 2016 Scaling the corporate ladder requires a lot of hard work, but developing certain skills can make your ascent that little bit easier. According to a study released today by training company Huthwaite International and market researcher YouGov, leadership (63 per cent) and people management skills (61 per cent) will propel employees to the top. Read more: Do you work [...]
Paws for thought: Should you be allowed pets in your office? September 13, 2016 How would you feel about a colleague bringing their pet to your workplace? Maybe you’re having a ruff time, feline a bit down, and a furry friend would brighten up your day. Perhaps a yapping mutt would be a cat-astrophic distraction, leaving you fur-ious by the end of the day. Following Brexit, last week our politicians [...]
A toast to Edinburgh’s ‘Flat White Economy’ as tech firms are lured north September 13, 2016 | City Talk The burgeoning ‘Flat White Economy’ is likely to play a vital role in the future of the post-Brexit UK economy. Now the second largest business sector in the UK, it accounts for 8.7 per cent of GDP. The term, originally penned to capture the explosion of digital businesses in London’s EC1V postal district, is spreading [...]