Physical? Hybrid? Virtual? Companies re-imagine AGMs for 2021 and beyond July 20, 2020 Could the annual general meetings (AGMs) of 2021 and beyond look and feel very different? As companies start to consider the future format of corporate set-piece events, so the possibility arises these often sparsely attended gatherings could begin to evolve into significantly more enlightening and engaging occasions. This year’s AGM season largely coincided with lockdown, [...]
Financial services sector banks on a digital future July 9, 2020 “We know you enjoy a little trip into town, but you can do your banking online these days…”: a typical multi-generational conversation as a growing number of people turn to online tools to help with their finances. Inevitably it’s not been a smooth journey. Many find comfort in the familiarity of a bricks-and-mortar bank branch [...]
Hospitality venues raise the bar as pubs’ re-opening app-roaches July 1, 2020 ‘Two pints of lager and a packet of crisps’: no longer (for the time being, at least) a request delivered while waiting at the bar. Instead, a request delivered electronically by smartphone app from a safe, social distance. Technology’s reach knows no bounds as Britain’s public houses – stereotypically bastions of resistance to digital accoutrements [...]
‘Subscription box economy’ helps to fuel parcel delivery surge June 24, 2020 “Just a second, I need to get to the front door – a delivery’s just arrived”: it’s become as familiar a scenario during a Zoom call as someone forgetting that they’re on mute. The sound of doorbells ringing as packages are deposited on doorsteps, with delivery drivers dutifully stepping two metres back, has become a [...]
Out of crisis comes opportunity… for fraudsters June 18, 2020 ‘Out of crisis comes opportunity’ is usually said with positivity in mind. In the current context, for example, entrepreneurs discovering ways to successfully diversify their business. What is less frequently spoken of, though, is how bad practice and criminality can emerge, grow or even thrive during a crisis. Criminals see opportunities in crises, too. So, [...]
APIs: the invisible wiring pivotal to digital transformation June 10, 2020 Unless you work in a technology-focused business, or are particularly technology-minded, it’s unlikely that you will have heard of ‘Application Programming Interfaces’ – or APIs. But as companies, and daily life, become increasingly technology-based – a trend accelerated by coronavirus – and APIs themselves evolve, they are becoming more important to business success. For an [...]
FTSE 100 quarterly review highlights the economy’s winners and losers June 4, 2020 Home-repairs company Homeserve, cybersecurity firm Avast, DIY group Kingfisher and gambling giant GVC were the four companies announced yesterday as being promoted to the FTSE 100 – the index of the 100 biggest UK companies.Cruise giant Carnival, airline easyJet, aerospace components firm Meggitt and British Gas-owner Centrica are all making way. The FTSE reshuffles its [...]
Live events sector awaits re-start as uncertainty prevails May 29, 2020 ‘Sorry, this event has been postponed – we will let you know when we have a new date confirmed’: business event calendars have been decimated by blanket cancellations and re-arrangements over the past 10 weeks. Uncertainty continues to haunt the events market, particularly for larger gatherings, despite the gradual easing of coronavirus lockdown measures.The UK’s [...]
Facebook shops for customers as e-commerce explodes May 22, 2020 Do you remember when you needed a new item of clothing and headed to the high-street to browse the shops? Perhaps a few try-ons in different places before making your selection? Coronavirus means that’s obviously not possible at the moment, meaning a choice of either waiting until lockdown passes or going online. More and more [...]
Why staying close to your accountant matters more now May 13, 2020 Accountants exist to ensure the accuracy of financial statements and advise how to save money or boost revenue. The coronavirus pandemic, then, with its profound and deepening impact on the economy has jolted the profession like all others. Depending on their role, accountants have been battling to keep on top of the unprecedented flurry of [...]
