MintStars: ‘Ethical’ OnlyFans rival more than doubles in value March 25, 2025 MintStars, a start-up launched as an ‘ethical alternative’ to OnlyFans, more than doubled in value during its latest financial year, it has been revealed. The challenger was established by Jessica Van Meir and Daniel Sargent, who serves as its chief executive, in 2022. In an interview with City AM last year, Van Meir said the [...]
Are you an SME looking to export? Here’s what you need to know March 14, 2025 As Paul Lindley is appointed advisor to the newly announced Board of Trade, he explains why there’s never been a better tome for SMEs to start exporting The UK’s trading landscape has been transformed in recent years, with Brexit reshaping relationships with the EU, new trade agreements emerging and a notable rise in global economic [...]
What can small businesses expect from Reeves this spring? March 12, 2025 Small businesses (SMEs) are preparing for slumped growth ahead of this year’s Spring Statement, with increasing concerns over upcoming National Insurance (NI) hikes and business rate relief cuts due to come in in April. Business leaders remain wary of tax increases and spending cuts that could further squeeze SME margins, despite a lower interest rate [...]
This is how UK small businesses are managing despite rising costs March 12, 2025 According to the latest Sage small business tracker, rising operational costs, mounting financial pressures, and pivoting business strategies are creating a challenging economic landscape for SMEs. But despite growing headwinds and challenges, such as higher costs and economic uncertainty, small businesses across the UK are adapting to the changing environment. Profit slows as costs rise [...]
Workers’ rights: A third of small firms plan to cut jobs February 20, 2025 A third of small businesses expect to cut jobs in the near future due to fears that the government’s upcoming workers’ rights package will leave them facing painful tribunals and a higher sick pay bill. A fresh survey from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) shows that in the fourth quarter of last year, 33 [...]
If we want growth, we should listen to the small businesses that create it February 12, 2025 Small business owners are creative and impactful entrepreneurs, adept problem-solvers with a natural optimism. If we want answers on driving growth, it’s worth asking: what would they do? Says Charlotte Keenan It’s no secret what this government is focused on: achieving growth. It’s a mission that is essential but challenging to put into practice, and [...]
SMEs’ rising use of credit cards spells trouble for the UK economy January 17, 2025 More and more small businesses are becoming reliant on credit cards, and it's the whole economy that will suffer, writes Rob Burlison.
Small businesses gear up for growth despite Budget pressures December 29, 2024 Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are gearing up for expansion in 2025 despite fears about the state of the economy. In a survey of over 2,000 SMEs conducted directly after Labour’s Autumn Budget, 81 per cent said they were confident their business would grow next year, with confidence among those employing more than 50 [...]
Shoppers urged to support small businesses as confidence wobbles December 7, 2024 The public is being urged to show support for small businesses as part of an annual event on Saturday, following signs that tax hikes have dented confidence across the sector. Organisers say Small Business Saturday could provide a “lifeline” for smaller companies in the important run-up to Christmas The campaign group said the public is [...]
Apron: London fintech taps Checkout founder and Apple iPhone co-creator for $30m funding September 25, 2024 London fintech Apron has raised $30m in Series B funding to boost hiring and launch a slew of new accounting and payment tools for small businesses.