Opinion

Opinion 4 min read

Are SMEs growing despite Brexit” Or are they struggling because of it?

Whilst some studies have said that British SMEs are in the throes of growth despite Brexit uncertainties, others say more and more businesses are reporting complications because of it. Who is right" Moreover, are these conflicting studies and opinions a larger metaphor for our confused outlook on the economic effects of Brexit itself

Opinion 4 min read

Great mumpreneurs and the qualities they share

To celebrate Mother's Day 2019, Real Business looks at mums in business around the world and some of the qualities that unite them.

Opinion 5 min read

An open letter to those who think remote working doesn’t work

Earlier this month, BNY Mellon attempted to ban all its UK employees from remote working, only to make a swift U-turn two days later following a backlash from employees and equality campaigners. While the banking giant ?takes a few months to reconsider its approach?, Nigel Davies, founder of digital workplace Claromentis, pens an open letter.

Opinion 4 min read

What my eight-year legal battle says about the gig-economy and workers’ rights in the UK

After nearly a decade fighting an intense legal battle with a former employee, last week an employment tribunal in Croydon came down in favour of my company concluding that he was not entitled to an eye-watering ?74,000 worth of holiday pay. I detail the story, including the impact it had on my family values driven business. This true tale, rife with liberty taking, shows how the rights of SMEs themselves must be defended as much as those of the employees who work for them.

Opinion 4 min read

Ethical Capitalism: Why money is not the root of all evil

Capitalism, it's got a bit of a bad reputation these days. However, it's something that's survived throughout history and will continue to do so, and that isn't a bad thing. Why" Because it's being refashioned by impactful and purpose-driven businesses for the better.

Opinion 4 min read

Why everyday should be International Women’s Day: Taking the discussion to C-suite level

International Women's Day may have been and gone. But questions around how to achieve workplace equality shouldn't only be discussed once a year. Although progress has been made, and laws about to be passed to solidify flexible working rights for employees with young children, within my male-dominated industry, the pay gap between the genders remains vast. As a female MD, it's up to me, and those like me to take the gender discussion up to C-Suite and other senior levels.

Opinion 4 min read

Business owners must wise up to the new digital fraud threat

As fraudsters try to perpetuate crimes from the comfort of their bedroom, SMEs must ensure they don't leave the digital front door open for criminals to charge their way through.

Opinion 4 min read

Securing public contracts: Are SMEs finally getting a look in?

The ability to bid for and secure public contracts has, for a long time, been in the hands of larger companies. A new government initiative hopes to give SMEs more of a chance, but will it do enough to change the unequal bidding landscape for good

Opinion 6 min read

“The City Grump Rides Out”: A clever compilation of our resident columnist’s best works

The City Grump, (ex-financier turned civil activist Stephen Hazell-Smith), is our most opinionated columnist at Real Business. The release of his new book, "The City Grump Rides out", gives us a collation of his best articles comparing the worlds of UK business and politics, and as if it couldn't get better, it's illustrated by legendary cartoonist Gerald Scarfe.