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 [...]
As the monetary policies of the US, the UK and the Eurozone diverge, what should investors make of this fork in the road? September 13, 2016 Since the end of last week, speculation has been mounting that the US Federal Reserve will raise interest rates again this year. The probability of a September rate raise looks slimmer after the Fed’s most dovish official, Lael Brainard, struck a cautionary tone in a speech yesterday. But there is a strong chance that the next [...]
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 [...]
Buyers beware: Is the central bank credibility crunch point approaching? September 12, 2016 Market contrarians continue to close out their short positions on stocks, bonds and risk currencies as buying supports market levels, record low bond yields and emerging market assets. But can central banks continue to win the confidence game and herd investors into riskier trades, or will the credibility of Draghi, Kuroda, Carney and Yellen ultimately be [...]
Football film starring Martine McCutcheon and Alan Davies crowdfunds to find back of the net September 12, 2016 The maker of an independent British film starring Alan Davies and Martine McCutcheon has turned to the crowd as it seeks funding for the production. ItchyFishFilm is aiming to raise £640,000 to support production of the film and has already secured £305,000 from a lead investor group fronted by Bolton Wanderers Football Club chairman Ken Anderson. Read [...]
HgCapital investment trust’s share price soars on rising revenue and earnings September 12, 2016 HgCapital Trust’s share price jumped five per cent today after reporting revenue and earnings growth. The figures The company, which gives investors exposure to private equity firm HgCapital's portfolio, reported revenue growth of 12 per cent in the first six months of the year. Earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda), meanwhile, were up 22 [...]