Author: Scott Dylan

Bob Sutor, former lead of IBM’s quantum computing programme, joins Nu Quantum as it plans US expansion.Having spent almost four decades at IBM, Sutor brings invaluable experience to the Cambridge-based startup.Nu Quantum has appointed Sutor to its board as it aims to establish a presence in Los Angeles.The company recently raised £7 million and continues to focus on developing scalable quantum networks.Sutor highlights the necessity of quantum networking for achieving Practical Quantum Advantage.Bob Sutor, renowned for his leadership in IBM’s quantum computing programme, has embarked on a new journey with Cambridge startup Nu Quantum. After nearly four decades at IBM,…

In the fast-paced world of digital marketing, evaluating the effectiveness of campaigns can be daunting. Businesses often experience anxiety, or FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), in their quest to achieve the best Return on Marketing Investment (ROMI).Striking the right balance between staying ahead in digital marketing and not overwhelming customers is crucial. We explore various strategies to determine if your marketing efforts are indeed paying off.Understanding PPC CampaignsPay-per-click (PPC) campaigns should not be treated like a lottery, relying on mere luck. Instead, these campaigns must be strategically aligned with consumer buying behaviour specific to the industry. For niche products, Google…

The Cornish Lithium mine at Trelavour has been granted special status, marking a significant milestone for the UK’s electric vehicle industry.This decision is set to accelerate the planning approval process, highlighting the mine’s crucial role in meeting the UK’s growing demand for lithium. Special Status Granted to Cornish Lithium MineThe Cornish Lithium mine at Trelavour has received a significant boost after being granted special status by the UK government. This move is expected to expedite the planning approval process, with oversight shifting from local authorities to ministers.Angela Rayner’s decision to upgrade the project to a “project of national significance” underscores…

ASOS has taken significant steps to reduce its debt, announcing a major refinancing of £500 million. This move addresses investor concerns amid challenging post-pandemic shopping conditions.The London Stock Exchange-listed company has also sold Topshop in a bid to further stabilise its financial standing, showcasing its commitment to overcoming recent market difficulties.Refinancing EffortsASOS has successfully refinanced the bulk of its £500 million debt, a matter that had been a substantial concern for its investors. The initial debt comprised convertible bonds due to mature in 2026.The retailer has now converted £253 million of this debt into bonds due in 2028, thereby extending…

Solasta Bio, a Glasgow-based agritech startup, has successfully secured £10.7m in funding.Established in 2021, the company is innovating with peptide-based insecticides.The technology aims to efficiently target pests while protecting beneficial insects, such as bees.The recent funding round was led by the Dutch venture capital firm Forbion, alongside notable investors.Since its inception, Solasta Bio has amassed a total of $19m in investment.Solasta Bio, headquartered in Glasgow, has made significant strides in the agritech industry by raising £10.7m in its latest funding round. Founded in 2021, this startup is pioneering the development of a peptide-based insecticide that avoids the use of a…

Winkworth, a leading estate agency, has reported robust performance in London’s housing market as conditions begin to normalise. In the six months to June 30, the company experienced revenue growth that significantly outperformed the national average, bolstered by London’s resurging popularity as a living destination. Revenue Growth Surpasses National AverageEstate agency Winkworth has experienced a notable reversal towards more normalised market conditions, reflected in their impressive revenue growth in London. In the first half of the year, the firm’s revenue surged by 20 per cent, reaching £5.1m from the previous year’s £4.3m. This performance outshone the national average, suggesting a…

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) worldwide have demonstrated remarkable resilience amid challenging market conditions. This spirit of endurance is evident in the significant rise in orders noted by global trading platforms.According to a recent study, nearly 70% of SMEs reported increased orders during a notable sales event in September. This remarkable growth reflects the optimism and innovative drive among SME leaders.Rising Optimism Among SMEsA study involving SME decision-makers in France, Germany, the UK, and the US reveals a strong sense of resilience. SME leaders are navigating a challenging business landscape with 69% reporting an optimistic outlook compared to six months…

Zara’s parent company, Inditex, has achieved a notable 10% increase in first-half profits, demonstrating resilience despite challenging summer conditions.Inditex’s sales surged by 7.2%, defying industry-wide setbacks caused by adverse weather that impacted European fashion retailers.The robust performance of Inditex’s spring/summer collections was complemented by a promising start to their autumn/winter line-up with an 11% sales rise since August.Inditex attributes its success to ongoing technology advancements in stores and a commitment to customer experience improvement.The company envisions future growth through enhanced fashion propositions and an unwavering focus on sustainability and operational efficiency.Zara’s parent company, Inditex, has reported a 10% rise in…

Trustpilot reports significant profits for the first half of 2024, exceeding expectations.The company achieved a £7.3 million profit, a significant increase from last year’s £117,000.Adrian Blair attributes success to the integration of AI features within Trustpilot.A new AI feature offers users insights into customer behaviour and market dynamics.Trustpilot announces a £20 million share buyback programme, marking its second for the year.Trustpilot, the London-listed online review platform, has revealed a notable profit of £7.3 million in the initial six months of 2024. This marks a considerable improvement from the £117,000 profit recorded during the same period in the previous year. The…

A recent report highlights the financial challenges faced by female entrepreneurs in the UK, affecting their business growth.Nearly two-fifths of female business owners attribute stunted growth to limited access to funding.A substantial 60% of female entrepreneurs operate without any external financial support, relying on personal savings.The issue is more pronounced among ethnic minority women, exacerbating financial barriers and limiting opportunities.Initiatives are suggested to develop financial literacy and support for female-led ventures, highlighting a need for systemic change.A comprehensive report reveals that almost 39% of female entrepreneurs identify the lack of external funding as a significant barrier to scaling their businesses.…