mall and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the West Midlands have already secured £2.5m in investment through a regional programme designed to boost growth. Organisers now aim to help businesses access an additional £24m as the region’s largest funding summit takes place in Birmingham on 20 November. The West Midlands Business Funding Summit will bring together financial institutions, investors, and advisers at STEAMhouse, a centre for business and innovation, to demystify funding and help businesses capitalise on growth opportunities. Tackling the Challenges of SME Finance The summit is hosted by Oxford Innovation Advice, which runs the Business Growth West Midlands Investment…
Author: Danielle Trigg
Entrepreneurs and small businesses in Tregaron, west Wales, are celebrating a surge in activity and collaboration as they transform the local economy with support from targeted initiatives. Backed by Ceredigion’s Local Business Support and Smart Busnes projects, delivered via the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, the efforts aim to provide guidance and funding to help small enterprises thrive. The bustling market town has become a hub of innovation, with traders accessing expert advice, interactive training, and financial assistance to grow their ventures. Businesses such as Halen a Pupur café, Y Talbot Inn, Gwen’s Cake Shop, and Welsh Homestead Smokery have…
Bristol-based strategic communications agency AMBITIOUS has unveiled The Thoughtful Leadership Podcast, a new series aimed at addressing the complexities of modern leadership. The podcast seeks to inspire leaders from all sectors by exploring the evolving role of leadership in tackling challenges such as balancing profit with purpose, fostering inclusivity, and addressing societal issues. Introducing Thoughtful Leadership The podcast centres on the concept of Thoughtful Leadership—a leadership style grounded in intentionality, empathy, and ethical decision-making. By prioritising reflection and collaboration, this approach emphasises the impact of leadership choices on employees, organisations, and broader society. Deputy Managing Director of AMBITIOUS, Laura Lear,…
The Get A-Head Charitable Trust, a Midlands-founded charity supporting people across the UK with head and neck cancer, has appointed businessman Robert Spittle as its newest trustee. Spittle, managing director of Guest Motor Group, brings a wealth of professional expertise and a personal connection to the charity as it marks its 30th anniversary. A Personal and Professional Commitment Spittle’s relationship with the trust spans decades. His stepmother, Val Spittle, served as the charity’s first administrator, and the organisation provided vital support to his family when his father was diagnosed with cancer in 2005. For the past 20 years, Spittle has…
Recent figures from the Netherlands Statistical Office (CBS) reveal that the Netherlands attracted 21,500 highly skilled migrants (HSM) in 2023, reaffirming its position as a leading destination for international talent. This influx underscores the country’s reliance on global expertise to address skill shortages and boost workforce diversity. The Dutch government actively recruits skilled professionals through its Highly Skilled Migrant program, which continues to draw talent from countries such as India, South Africa, and China. However, tightened regulations have presented new challenges for employers and applicants alike. According to the Dutch Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment, HSM admissions decreased by…
Four tech scale-up companies have been announced as winners of the prestigious Unicorn Kingdom Pathfinder Awards (UKPA), the UK government’s largest global competition for emerging technology businesses. The awards, hosted by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), celebrate innovation in sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), cyber security, connected and automated mobility, and digital trade solutions. The winners, revealed during a ceremony at LinkedIn’s headquarters in London, include: These businesses will receive a bespoke growth programme, offering support from industry experts, DBT specialists, and access to the Global Entrepreneur Programme to expand their UK operations. The winners will also…
A Romanian entrepreneur who overcame significant personal and professional challenges has launched a new social media agency in London. Claudiu Stoica, who built a successful construction business in the United States before relocating to the UK, has founded Strategy Campaign Brigade to help small businesses in the construction industry thrive. Stoica’s journey is one of perseverance and determination. Born in a small Romanian town, he moved to the United States in 2003 with limited English skills and minimal experience, hoping to create a better life. Initially working multiple jobs, he eventually established his own construction business in a highly competitive…
Swiss fintech Klarpay AG has announced its rebranding to Bivial AG, marking a significant evolution in its identity as it broadens its range of financial services. Known for its modern Swiss accounts and expertise in global corporate payments, the company’s rebranding aims to reflect its vision of providing comprehensive financial solutions while highlighting a more personal connection to its founders. The transition to Bivial AG will take place over the coming weeks. The new name, chosen to symbolise the importance of two-way transaction flows in payments and business, incorporates the initials of the company’s founders. Klarpay, a well-recognised name in…
‘Creative Crochet By Shani’ by multi business owner Shani Moore, a vibrant new crochet store and workshop hub, has officially launched in Swindon, bringing with it a unique blend of creativity and community. Since opening its doors in June 2024, the business has quickly become a haven for craft enthusiasts and those seeking a therapeutic escape from life’s pressures. With a passion for crochet and a mission to support mental well-being, Shani has created a space where people of all skill levels can learn, connect, and find solace in the calming rhythm of the craft. The response from the local…
Swiss-based fintech Klarpay AG has announced plans to rebrand as Bivial AG in the coming weeks, marking a new chapter for the company as it aims to expand its services and reinforce its position as a comprehensive financial solutions provider. The name change reflects the firm’s updated vision and values, along with a personal nod to its founders’ initials. Klarpay AG, known for its corporate-focused cross-border payment services, has grown its reputation by facilitating efficient and secure financial transactions for businesses globally. With the rebranding to Bivial AG, the company is signalling its intention to broaden its range of financial…