Monthly Archives: August 2021

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UK must improve export support scheme for SMEs

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By Anna Jordan on Small Business – Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is calling on the government to make vital improvements to the UK’s export support scheme.

It comes amid the recent closure of the government’s Tradeshow Access Programme (TAP) which the FSB argues was not “as good, or as good value, as it could have been”. The scheme provided £500-£2,500 towards direct exhibiting costs, conference fees or creating promotional materials.  

>See also: 5 things to remember when exporting for the first time

Now the FSB says there is an opportunity to seize a better export support scheme. The body has set out a five-point plan to help achieve this, particularly for regions and businesses where support is most likely to help them become first-time exporters or move into new markets.

Help trade show access across the UK, particularly in areas like the north east and north west of England and the west midlands – these areas have the largest proportion of small firms considering exporting for the first time compared to those who already do.Expand support to costs such as conference entrance feesIncrease proportion of costs covered by grants to ensure best value for

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How can leaders get the best out of their team when the pressure is on?

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By Clive Woodward on Small Business – Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs

It’s safe to assume anyone in a management or leadership position has felt the extra pressure over the last 18 months. In a constantly changing and uncertain environment, tasks such as motivating teams, running training sessions or just keeping a clear overview of projects came with their own set of unique challenges. What’s more, working remotely means it’s even harder to ensure team members, and leaders themselves, are working collaboratively and performing to the best of their ability, especially when the pressure is on.

Boris Johnson’s latest announcement means that employees are now able to return to offices across the country, yet three quarters (73 per cent) of Brits are set to continue working from home. It’s more important than ever before for leaders to be prepared to handle pressure, as well as have the ability to coach their team to perform in challenging circumstances too. 

At a recent event hosted by the Executive Development Network (EDN), Sir Clive Woodward, England’s Rugby World Cup winning Head Coach, and Team GB Director of Sport for London 2012 provided his own unique perspective on vital strategies for leading and

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