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Top 4 business trends in the fashion sector to look out for  

Sam Allcock
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Top 4 business trends in the fashion sector to look out for  

According to Statista, the UK fashion industry is expected to reach £60.1 billion by the end of the year. However, 2022 hasn’t been easy for the sector. The rising pressure of inflation, supply chain issues, and sustainability commitments continue to pose unique challenges for fashion brands around the world. Here are the top four business trends to look out for in the fashion sector in the coming months.

Invest in customer-based market research technology

Conducting market research is a critical part of any business, but it can be easy to fall into the trap of using outdated techniques and end up capturing inutile, and ultimately useless, data. On the other hand, investing in state of art research techniques might come with a high up-front cost, but they are often well worth the investment. For example, MatchesFashion founder Tom Chapman invested heavily in customer research techniques in the early days of the luxury brand, and eventually achieved one of the highest retention rates in fashion retail.  

The fashion industry is highly sensational, the factors affecting customers’ purchase decision goes a lot beyond just textile, style, and price. As the cost of living continues to increase, customer retention is more important than ever. Investing in the best technology to monitor customer buying habits and consumer behaviour is one of the best ways to future-proof your business.

Look into experiential marketing

There may be over 85% of shoppers considering shopping online, but only around 20% of all retail in the UK was done online in June 2022, meaning it is still worth it to seek potential improvement in the stores.    

Experiential marketing improves the in-store customer experience by allowing brands to engage with consumers directly through participatory experiences. Whether it is a fun pop-up store or heart-warming in-store customer service, experiential marketing makes customers feel more deeply connected to the brands and businesses on a personal level. What differentiates in-store shopping from online shopping is the whole shopping experience – not just the product being purchased.  

There have been many discussions around how traditional business marketing and advertising models are failing to stimulate consumption and attract new customers, why not try experiential marketing?

Jump on the clothing rental train

Meeting Sustainable Development Goals is at the top of the agenda across all sectors, and the fashion industry has been busy seeking alternative ways to reduce its carbon emissions. Rental fashion is one of the major sustainability-focused fashion industry trends in recent years. Even back when global lockdowns were in full swing, fashion rental platforms saw a dramatic increase in the number of people renting clothes and accessories. The founder of the rental platform By Rotation’s, Eshita Kabra-Davies, said that the number of the platform’s users had doubled since the lockdown in the UK, with the most popular brands for rental including The Vampire’s Wife, Jacquemus, and Rixo. This trend is only going to grow as life continues to get back to normal and dress-up opportunities arise again.  We can already see the boom of the rental platforms on the market with some high-profile companies such as MyWardrobeHQ making headlines thanks to celebrities renting their personal garments on their platforms. It is not too late to jump on the clothing rental business train, and it is still very much a ‘blue ocean’ area in the fashion sector.

Push for supply chain reform

The current supply chain model of the fashion industry is flawed. From the sourcing of raw materials all the way to delivery to consumers, there are issues that need to be addressed to achieve a more sustainable, safer, and less resource-intensive industry. Excessive water usage, oil extraction, problematic labour practices, and the exhaustion of crops are often used to get garments to the shelf. We only need to look as far as tragedies like the Bangladesh Rana Plaza factory collapse to remind people of the importance of a transparent and ethical supply chain over cheap consumer goods. The current supply chain is also lacking in resilience, with issues such as geopolitical tensions and increasing costs affecting the fashion sector negatively even before the Covid-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.  

As the current supply chain model crumbling down, how to build transparency, resilience, and value in fashion’s supply chain becomes effectively the question of the year for the whole of the fashion industry. And many predict that the next big change in the sector might just be a complete revolution in the fashion supply chain. 

GMA Pros Review- A Broker Beyond Borders

Sam Allcock
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GMA Pros Review- A Broker Beyond Borders

Traders are always on the lookout for brokers that can give them premium services that satisfy their needs. With GMA Pros they are assured of a broker that puts them first and provides them with the necessary tools to succeed in the markets. They are also exposed to multiple trading assets and can check the value of their portfolio through advanced tracking options available. GMA Pros makes it easy for traders to operate without any boundaries and in multiple markets.

In this GMA Pros review, we will examine the factors that make GMA Pros a top choice among brokers. Want to know why users can’t stop talking about GMA Pros then keep reading. Here is our comprehensive GMA Pros review with everything you need to know about the platform’s benefits.

Why GMA Pros

Advanced Trading Tools

GMA Pros provides advanced trading tools that its users can utilize for advanced trading techniques and strategies. Traders who wish to engage in more than buying and holding strategies would largely benefit from using this platform. Some tools available include shorting, stop losses, and derivative trading. These tools help traders make more advanced trades that can help them to hedge their portfolio and capitalize on the opportunities presented by the market. GMA Pros is committed to providing its traders with the tools they need to make better decisions.

Zero Fees and Low Commissions

There are no trading fees on GMA Pros as the platform is a zero fee broker. There are also no hidden fees or costs associated with using the platform so traders can enjoy using GMA Pros to make all their trades. Trading fees are a big problem for retail traders as it eats into their profits but GMA Pros solves this problem by eliminating fees altogether. On the other hand, GMA Pros charges low commissions which are visible to traders. They can check the cost of these commissions at any time and there are no hidden commissions charged.

Track Your Portfolio

On the GMA Pros platform, you can track your portfolio and check the value of your assets in real time. With GMA Pros the entire value of your portfolio can be tracked individually or as a group. Portfolio tracking allows you to view the health of your portfolio and the strength of your trading strategy. You can also use this information to decide what new assets to add to your portfolio and what assets to take out. In addition, it makes it easier for you to adjust your trading strategy to meet your expected returns.

Mobile Trading App

GMA Pros has a mobile app which makes its platform easier to use on the go. It is great for traders who want to make trades while they are engaged in other activities. It also lets them take advantage of split moments when new information can turn the tide of the market. The mobile app is seamless, easy to use and it is available for download on the app store of your device. GMA Pros has created a trading experience for fast paced traders that want more flexibility on their trading options.

Access to Multiple Assets (Forex, Cryptocurrency, CFDs)

GMA Pros gives its users access to multiple assets including cryptocurrency, forex, and CFDs. These assets are available to trade at any time and offer users a diverse set of options when they want to trade. It also allows them to build a more robust portfolio which will be well hedged against poor asset performance is one of the asset classes returns below expected returns. GMA Pros uses its basket of assets to give its traders access to more sophisticated markets and gives them more options and a virtually unlimited combination of assets they can add to their portfolio.

Final Word

This GMA Pros review has discussed the reasons why GMA Pros is a top choice for traders. Additionally, we hope that this information is enough for you to make a decision and sign up. Want more information? Visit the GMA Pros website for clarification.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored marketing content.

What are the Differences Between Headaches and a Migraine?

Claire James
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What are the Differences Between Headaches and a Migraine?

To the untrained eye, a headache and a migraine can feel the exact same and can seem like the same thing. Pain and aches in your head that don’t go away as quickly as you would like, and the pain can even stop you from doing work and having a good day. However, a headache and a migraine are also different, and it is time to get everything straight before you get another one.

What is a Headache?

A headache causes pain in the head, face, and/or upper neck. However, this can vary in frequency and intensity. You could simply have a more minor headache that is a dull thudding ache, or a sharp pain that is like a knife stabbing into your skull over and over and over again.

There are two different types of classifications for headaches. A primary headache is independent, and it causes pain in the head, face, or the neck. Tension headaches are a type of primary headache and can feel like a band of pressure is squeezing your head, as are persistent headaches that can affect the same side of the head every single day.

Secondary headaches are caused by another medical condition, such as headaches that are caused by stress or as a reaction to an infection or medication overuse. If you get a headache as a symptom because you are sick, that will be a secondary headache.

What is a Migraine?

A migraine is a primary headache that can cause a lot of pain, and it can be isolated, or you can experience migraine attacks that are recurring. They can range in severity, but they are also very throbbing and can last a very long time.

Migraines can come in four phases, though not every single phase is experienced. The first phase is the premonitory phase where mood changes, neck stiffness, and sensitivity to light or sound can happen. The second phase is the aura phase, which can include slurred speech, brain fog, and difficulty speaking and writing.

The headache phase is actually the headache, and then the postdrome phase where you might feel exhausted and generally unwell. Again, you might experience all four phases whenever it comes to getting migraines, but you will get the headache!

How are Headaches and Migraines Treated?

Thankfully, despite headaches and migraines being different, they are treated in the exact same way. You can use over the counter pain medication such as aspirin and ibuprofen, or medications that can stop nausea, such as sumatriptan because you can buy sumatriptan online!

Additionally, if you know that your headaches and migraines are caused by things like a poor diet or stress, then you can clean up your diet or learn stress management techniques to deal with the headache. If you can diagnose the trigger for your headaches and migraines, then you can better prevent them from happening.

Should I See A Doctor For My Headaches or Migraines?

While headaches and migraines are annoying whenever they come out and start to mess with you, they can be a massive problem. However, they often aren’t something to call a doctor about, are they? Well, if you find that your headaches are causing other problems such as blurred vision, nausea, and vomiting, then you will need to reach out to a doctor.

Additionally, if you find that you are also dealing with frequent and recurring headaches that are stopping you from living a very full and normal life, then that is another reason for you to see a doctor to figure out how to stop these attacks.

How to Recover From a Headache and Migraine

Finally, once you have dealt with the symptoms of a headache or migraine, then you need to see how to handle the after effects of the headache or migraine. For example, you might need to sit in a cold and dark room for a bit, lay down for a while, get a good meal in you, or figure out a way to reduce your stress.

It can be extremely hard to focus on work or any other task that you need to do if you are struggling with a headache, so don’t be afraid to take a quick break and allow yourself the opportunity to recover.

Headaches and Migraines might not seem so different and certainly won’t feel very different whenever you are suffering from one, but they are different and it can be interesting to look at how headaches are classified. Thankfully, they can at least be treated in the same way!

Three Ways you can Give Back by Online Shopping

Claire James
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Three Ways you can Give Back by Online Shopping

We all want to do our little bit to help a charity that’s closest to our hearts. However, sometimes we are all a little short on time to volunteer at the local charity shop, or participate in a beach clean-up.

If you’re ever online shopping, there are some ways that you can help with local community charities, large wildlife conservations and even national-known children charities. You just need to shop in the right places and know what sorts of things to look out for.

So, here are three ways that you can use your online shopping to give back a little bit.

Online Stores with Partnerships

There are so many online stores that give back to their chosen charities. As such, they’re not too hard to find. Some stores let you round-up at the end of the check-out stage, some websites plant trees with every purchase, and some will even donate a cuddly toy to a charity for every item bought.

A great example of an online store that is keen to give back is Get Laid Beds, who sell wooden beds using the finest materials. A sustainable bed retailer, they plant a tree each time one of their beds are sold to help battle deforestation.

This is a great example of a site that gives back with each purchase!

Look for Stores That Talk About Charity

Many stores partner with charities, or simply set up their own project to help raise money for a variety of reasons.

For example, Selfridges has set-up Project Earth, meaning they’re helping to raise money for their chosen charity each month through a range of different activities, including beach cleans, mental health awareness training and helping those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Brands and websites are very likely to talk about their work with the community or with charities, so if you’re struggling to find out what one of your favourite stores are doing to help the community, they’re likely not doing very much. Always head to their partnerships page, or their blog section, to take a look at the sort of stuff they get up to!

Charitable Cashback Sites

Similar to Top Cashback and Quidco, where you earn a percentage of cashback from online shopping that goes straight into your bank account, there are also cashback sites where the profit you make goes straight into your chosen charities account.

Easy Fundraising is a good one; you can set-up your profile and start earning money for charity straight from your first shop at one of their partnered websites.

Mortgage Affordability Rules Scrapped as Interest Rates Climb

Sam Allcock
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Mortgage Affordability Rules Scrapped as Interest Rates Climb

We are all living in rapidly changing times for our finances and mortgage affordability is one area that has recently come under the microscope. Interest rates have been rising and this has caused concern among those borrowing money to buy a home. However, the Bank of England have announced they are removing the mortgage affordability rule. That means lenders will not have to check to see if mortgage applicants can afford to pay a mortgage at higher interest rates. What does that mean in terms of applying for and getting mortgage?

Is it Easier to Get a Mortgage?

With the mortgage affordability rules scrapped, does that make it easier to get a mortgage? The affordability test was introduced by the Bank of England in 2014 to ensure lenders did not take on loans they could not afford to pay back. The fact the Bank of England have increased interest rates for the fifth time recently means the removal of the affordability test has caused some confusion. It is worth noting there are other measures still in place when taking out a mortgage, including the size of a mortgage based on the income of borrowers and FCA affordability standards.

However, what the removal of the mortgage affordability rule does mean is that some borrowers will be able to obtain a mortgage for money than they otherwise would have before the rule was removed. Nonetheless, anyone who has been struggling to afford a mortgage is not instantly going to see a change in heart from lenders. On the other hand, it could help people who have been paying rent well over the amount of mortgage payments but have failed affordability tests. So, in some respects, removing the mortgage affordability rule could make it easier to get a mortgage but individual circumstances continue to play a significant role in decision making. There are several red flags that could hinder your chances of getting a mortgage and we will look at some of the more common issues. owverr

Pay Day Loans

In a survey conducted by Boon Brokers, which included over 2800 people, the number one factor that would give lenders concerns is pay day loans. Lenders will always check bank accounts and it is impossible to hide financial information when applying for a mortgage. A pay day loan is a loan taken out at a high interest rate that is paid back on the next pay day of the borrower. Having a pay day loan on your financial history does not automatically eliminate you from getting a mortgage. The lender will consider the number of pay day loans, recent frequency of pay day loans, and any other past credit issues.

Gambling

The second most common response in the study when asked which factor lenders would see as a red flag for a mortgage was gambling. Unfortunately, many gamblers are unaware how betting could have a negative impact when applying for a mortgage. In fact, 58% of people in the survey were unaware gambling could stop them from being accepted for a mortgage. Things that could affect your affordability, such as gambling transactions and pay day loans will appear on bank statements that must be shown to lenders. Even if you can hide the name of the betting company so it is not clear where the money went, this is a red flag and lenders will question where the money has been going. The sums of money involved, the regularity, and affordability of gambling will all be considered by a lender, so having a gambling record on your bank statement will not automatically rule out getting a mortgage.

Overdraft

Using the overdraft facility of a bank account come the end of every month could influence the decision of a lender. The bank wants to know it will receive monthly mortgage payments on time and an account that is always in overdraft at the end of the month does not give a good impression. Recently taking out a new credit card can also have a detrimental effect on a mortgage application.

It is worth remembering lenders usually ask for three months of bank statements when considering a mortgage. That gives you enough time to make any changes to your financial activity before you submit the application form. Changing bad spending habits, avoiding gambling, not using the overdraft, not taking out pay day loans and not getting a new credit card will all help when applying for a mortgage.

So, just because the mortgage affordability rule has been scrapped, lenders will not be handing out mortgages freely, without other considerations. Yes, the removal of the mortgage affordability rule means you could lend more money to buy a home and those paying high rents might benefit. However, it does not mean it has become easier to get a mortgage because other criteria, as highlighted above, remains in place.

5 Reasons To Invest In Gold

Sam Allcock
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5 Reasons To Invest In Gold

Any investor would naturally wonder whether a specific asset would be a good investment or not. This is especially true for gold, given that it is an inert metal that doesn’t earn interest. It has several advantages as an investment because it is proven to safeguard your capital over the long term. Due to this, gold’s price tends to increase anytime, even when the world equity market is volatile. The fact that the prices are consistent worldwide and are essentially the same everywhere is another benefit of choosing it.

If you have a significant investment in gold, you should keep an eye on gold price tracking to keep up with the always-shifting prices. Here are five reasons to look forward to it.

  1. It Protects Against Inflation Risks

The consistently excessively high gold rate in inflation helps to combat inflation over the long term. Therefore, it provides a safety net when the market price of other stocks is unstable. If you havekept an eye on the market, you know that it has doubled over the last five years, demonstrating that its inflation rate is consistently high. In addition, it is one of the few tangible assets which gives investors a sense of security. Additionally, buying gold is more straightforward than buying other tangible assets like real estate.

  1. It Is A Good Long Term Investment

You must save money for the future when you receive a regular paycheck. But let’s say you decided on real estate as a future investment, but you won’t be able to put tiny sums of money into it. However, purchasing gold is the best alternative. Additionally, you will receive an authenticity certificate, guaranteeing you the best price should you ever decide to sell it. This will protect your funds for the future, and you’ll be able to earn significant returns over time.

  1. Easy To Buy And Sell

It is simple to purchase, and it is simple to sell. However, you can track the prices from trustworthy sites to check the current price before selling it. Remember that there is always a need for gold; therefore, you don’t need to worry about selling your possessions, and they will be exchanged for cash immediately. So, it is the best course of action if you have an urgent need.

  1. It Provides Decent Returns

The downside risks, caused mainly by price declines in stocks and bond yields, can be reduced if you have a proper asset allocation by holding gold. Because debts and equity have a fragile negative association with growth, they cannot coexist. Consequently, they aid in reducing the risks associated with other investments. Gold is one of the finest investments because it offers good risk-adjusted returns and helps you manage your risks even when your equity or debt instruments don’t deliver the expected profits.

  1. It Does Not Require Much Maintenance

The best thing about investing in gold is that you don’t have to worry about maintaining it and may store it safely for centuries. It differs from purchasing real estate because you don’t need to retain it. It doesn’t require care, and you can keep it for many years.

Conclusion

Gold is a fantastic asset because it is very stable, and it has shown itself to be a wise investment at each stage. In conclusion, gold assets can be redeemed considerably more quickly in times of need than other tangible investments. However, you must remember to always purchase from authentic sources.

Secured vs Unsecured Loans

Sam Allcock
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Secured vs Unsecured Loans

Starting and growing a business requires capital which some people don’t always have at hand. Whether the capital is used to hire new employees, open new commercial offices or even buy equipment. Either way, if used wisely, the benefits can be endless.

The most common types of loans for businesses are secured or unsecured. Both options can help companies cash flow, but which business finance option is best for you?

What is a Secured Loan?

Secured business loans are a ‘credit agreement’ where lenders provide businesses with a certain amount of money, and in return, you give them security over a residential property (when a business’s property or an owner’s residential property is used as collateral).

Basically, the amount of money businesses can get from secured loans will depend on the available equity in their property/properties. Put simply, the more equity you have in your chosen assets, the more money you will be able to get.

Because of the collateral, there is less risk for lenders which essentially makes it easier to get approved. This also means businesses can borrow funds for longer periods, up to 30 years, which also benefits them as their monthly repayments won’t be as substantial.

When applying for secured loans, businesses must have the following details ready:

  • Business details: full business name and details of guarantors
  • Permission to perform personal searches
  • Amount required, the length of borrowing and the reason funds are required
  • Details of the security property (including full address, approximate value, and details of any existing charges)

What is an Unsecured Business Loan?

Unsecured business loans are typically used for pretty much any business purpose, from purchasing stock, covering bills or refinancing existing debt. Unlike secured loans, secured business loans do not require any collateral. The lender sends you cash and you promise to pay them back in the future, with interest.

Unsecured business loans are a great way to pay off things and bring capital to your business without providing security in the form of a property, which is one of the biggest risks with secured loans.

An advantage of unsecured loans is that the interest rates are also getting cheaper – starting from 3.9%, which is actually less than some mortgage interest deals available in the market.

Applicants will need the following when applying for an unsecured loan:

  • Last 6 months’ bank statements
  • Company accounts
  • Personal details of the business director

Which is best for your business?

Secured and unsecured loans can both provide businesses with significant growth opportunities, but it’s important to keep the following in mind when making the decision for both, for example, are you willing to offer UK property as security, and how quick do you require the funds?

Flexibility vs cost

Although secured business loans are cheaper and more common than unsecured loans, they come with a lot less flexibility. For example, secured loans usually come with locked periods and early settlement fees, so there may be some challenges if you decide you want to repay your loan early.

Whereas unsecured business loans allow you to settle early without paying a penalty, as well as making overpayments towards your loan to reduce monthly commitments.

In summary, it comes down to whether you are willing to use UK property as security, as without this a Secured Business Loan is not possible to access. Interest rates are becoming more competitive in the Unsecured space, so flexibility also becomes a key factor when considering what option works best for your business.

To conclude, both secured and unsecured business loans have their benefits. To help you make your decision, speak to industry experts to understand what option works best for your business.

Sourced Capital sees record demand for property investment in the first half of 2022

ABC Staff
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Sourced Capital sees record demand for property investment in the first half of 2022

●      Sourced Capital received FCA authorisation and acquired Peer Funding Limited earlier in the year

●      Company provided over £10 million of loans to property developers while maintaining 100 per cent record on repayment to investors

Warrington, 25 July 2022: Sourced Capital, a leading UK property investment platform and wholly owned subsidy of the Sourced Group, today announced performance figures for the first half of 2022. The results include just five months’ trading since Sourced Capital received FCA direct authorisation and acquired Peer Funding Limited in February and demonstrate strong demand from investors and borrowers alike.

In the first half of the year, Sourced Capital has drawn seven new deals, providing £10.408 million of funding to support SME property developers and help deliver their projects located throughout mainland UK.

Sourced Capital has also continued to demonstrate its strong credit management track record by maintaining 100 per cent repayment of all capital and interest to investors on non-active loans. Equally important when reviewing performance, moving into the second half of the year, none of the current loan book is in default or distress.

The company has seen the number of registered, qualifying investors surge threefold, with the increasing funding capabilities exemplified by Sourced Capital providing its largest loan to date – a £5 million loan for a landmark development project in Taunton. Strong appetite from investors to invest in property loans across the UK has led to some of the property loans funding in minutes.

The second half of 2022

Sourced Capital is set to surpass its projections for 2022 with a strong pipeline of new deals already in place. The company is continuing to grow the size of their team to accommodate the ongoing controlled and consolidated growth.

As the fintech funding arm of Sourced Group, Sourced Capital provides asset-backed property development investment opportunities to sophisticated, high net worth (HNW), corporate and institutional investors. It will continue to increase the levels of funding for viable residential property developments in the UK, and with a  focus on more sustainable housing.

Sourced Capital uniquely only funds property development projects from Sourced Franchise, its exclusive network of property developers, meaning all borrowers are directly connected to the Sourced Group.

Commenting Derek Pratt, Commercial Director at Sourced Capital, said: “After a strong start to the year, we are excited to be witnessing ongoing growth and we are very well positioned for the remainder of 2022 and beyond.

“We are seeing increasing investor and borrower demand, notwithstanding the economic uncertainties impacting the country. Sourced Capital benefits from a senior team with significant experience across the directly relevant sectors of property, finance and technology. This proven knowledge, when combined with rigorous due diligence and credit management processes, has enabled such a robust performance.”

The property investment company is seeing strong demand from property developers in the regions for opportunities to carry out refurbishment, mixed-use, and new build property schemes.

Sophisticated, HNW and institutional investors are constantly looking for opportunities to diversify their investment portfolios, and this type of property investing is proving popular due to the returns that can be achieved.

This type of investment is not appropriate for everyone but considering the combined benefits of first-charge property security, the capability to use ISA allowances or pension funds for tax-free interest returns, and robust ongoing credit management, it is understandable why Sourced Capital is seeing increasing numbers of investors approaching them to establish a trading relationship.

Technology businesses have a duty to help employees as well as themselves in energy crisis, says STX Next

ABC Staff
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Technology businesses have a duty to help employees as well as themselves in energy crisis, says STX Next

Just as companies should support employee wellbeing in the workplace, now is the ideal time to extend this support further

After the seismic shock of the pandemic, families and individuals across Europe and beyond are grappling with a once-in-a-generation energy crisis. While businesses in the technology industry are rightfully taking steps to help safeguard their organisation’s future, there is also more they can do to help their employees cope during this time of financial hardship. This is according to STX Next.

In the short term, tech companies are putting a range of policies in place to reduce their energy expenditure. These include installing modern lighting solutions such as motion sensors and timers in offices, and expanding workplace practices such as green coding. However, Maciej Dziergwa, CEO of STX Next, believes that efforts should be made to help employees on a personal level, particularly those still frequently working from home.

Dziergwa said: “Some organisations have offered pay rises or one-off bonuses to employees to help them cope with higher bills and the impact of rampant inflation. These serve a short-term purpose, but helping employees to develop more permanent energy-saving habits will ensure they come out of this crisis in the best possible shape.

“In the immediate term, this means providing comprehensive guidance to workers on how they can minimise their energy usage at home without significantly impacting their wellbeing. After all, the rise of remote and hybrid working has given businesses more flexibility around energy costs than they had before the pandemic, so leaders should be figuring out how they can pass this flexibility to their employees too.

“Think of the methods you employ in the office to keep energy expenditure down, and spend some time figuring out how the same principles can be adapted for the home. Initiatives such as cycle-to-work schemes or simply the provision of bicycle parking at the office will also ensure employees spend less on fuel when not working from home.

“In the longer term, it’s crucial to lead by example and commit fully to sustainability and decarbonisation projects, all of which rely in some way on efficient use of energy to be successful. Sustainable companies can inspire their employees to make more conscious energy decisions at home, which will bring major benefits during this energy crisis and any others down the line.”

To really make strides in energy efficiency, Dziergwa believes that technology companies should consider the potential of AI and machine learning in this area.

He concluded: “Leveraging data, AI and machine learning capabilities can be instrumental in identifying areas where energy is being wasted and work out how to address issues. As discussed above, anything you do learn during this process can then be adapted into advice for remote workers to apply while at home. In a situation such as this, every little helps, so being prepared to think outside the box to help your employees will pay dividends.”

After Elon Musk pulled back on $44bn deal to buy Twitter – what does it mean for M&As in 2022?

ABC Staff
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After Elon Musk pulled back on $44bn deal to buy Twitter – what does it mean for M&As in 2022?

The world’s richest person and Chief Executive Officer of Tesla – Elon Musk – stated on Friday 22nd of July that he was terminating his $44 billion deal to buy Twitter because the social media platform had failed to provide accurate user information regarding bot and fake accounts. Global M&A deal value reached the highest level on record in 2021, however, economic uncertainty, low valuations caused by high inflation and a rising cost of capital saw successful M&A deals drop 10% in Q1 of 2022 from the previous quarter. Although various surveys indicate optimism remains bullish towards the next 12 months, the number of mega deals (valued greater than $1 billion) has dipped by over a third. Trachet – business advisory and startup accelerator – highlights the fact that between 70-90% of deals fall through and that startups must be prepared and have enlisted the help of expert advisors to help get an M&A over the line.
 
As UK startups at many stages are experiencing an absence of funding, navigating a successful M&A has become their only alternative, particularly for those with a high cash burn. For those looking to navigate an exit, it is critical to consider the various factors that can cause a deal to fail. Aside from various regulatory challenges and cultural implications which hamper deals, in many occasions the factors that ensure a successful M&A are preparation and time. It usually takes at least 3-6 months to execute an M&A, from devising a step-by-step plan, identifying the right companies, and closing the deal. When there’s a forecasted cash flow issue this is the window for startups to develop the best possible terms for an exit strategy. If the business does not have a CFO but is predicting a negative cash flow cycle with the possibility that investors may pull their funding, hiring a CFO is crucial for conducting an M&A.

According to data from Deloitte, nearly two-thirds (63%) of businesses report that the success of their M&A was moderately or highly dependent on a successful transformation – often led by a senior level and external advisor. In order for startups to take advantage of the exit opportunities, Claire Trachet outlines the importance of bringing an experienced CFO or COO to implement transformational changes to working capital, reorganization, increasing cost reduction, and legal entity restructuring to secure the best deal possible.
 
Business advisor, Claire Trachet, CEO & Founder of Trachet comments on the VC pullback of 2022:
 
“As global funding continues to recede, it is the late-stage startups with a negative cash flow that have raised money at high prices, that are going to be the most compromised – the well of easy money has dried up.
 
“My best piece of advice in these challenging times is to assess end goals – perhaps in light of what’s happening, a better course of action may be to consider an exit, or conversely there may be another company worth acquiring to fortify and expand existing operations. The point is to keep moving forward, that means being diligent with the business’s working capital by optimising cash flow, reviewing the contracts you have with your clients and minimising accounts recievables. Applying this mentality to the whole of the organisation is going to be key in the next year, whether you’re entering a fundraising round or considering an exit – ideally startups should be doing both.”
 

Claire Trachet is also available to discuss the following points pertaining to the steps start up founders can take to navigate through their first recession:
 
•              The challenges that founders will face in trying to scale up over the next 18 months
•              The evolving nature of the start-up arena for the UK
•              Her experience in providing proper structure to scale-ups looking to secure finance or exit
About Trachet:

The Trachet advisory team has been helping founders accelerate growth since 2016, utilising decades of cross-industry experience as one of the only female-led teams in the sector. Trachet also firmly believes in the importance of sourcing and matching the right buyers for their clients. Their people-first approach ensures that the businesses and founders they work with are able to secure finance or complete deals in a way that allows the company to achieve their commercial growth goals while fulfilling their mission.

Trachet has significant experience of working across sub-sectors in Tech, such as CleanTech, DeepTech (AI, NLP, University spin-outs), TravelTech, FinTech, SaaS, marketplaces. Beyond Tech, they have provided their advisory services across a number of sectors including Chemicals, Infrastructure, Healthcare and Natural Resources.

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