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SquarePlan Launches to Help Would-Be Entrepreneurs Turn January Motivation Into Business Momentum

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SquarePlan has launched in the UK with a clear goal: to support aspiring entrepreneurs who have long considered starting a business but feel unsure about how to take the first practical steps.

As the post-holiday slowdown takes hold and growing numbers of UK workers rethink their careers, a new business planning platform has entered the market to help turn ambition into action. SquarePlan is aimed at people who have a business idea in mind but lack the structure and confidence to move forward.

Developed as the UK’s first business planning software designed specifically for British entrepreneurs, SquarePlan tackles a common challenge. Many prospective founders have strong ideas and motivation but struggle to create credible financial plans, which are often essential for securing funding or simply understanding whether an idea is viable.

January remains a key period for reflection and career reassessment, with research suggesting that one in three UK workers intend to change jobs by 2026. For many, the desire goes beyond finding a new role, reflecting a wish to build something of their own while feeling stuck at the starting line.

“After years of working with UK startups as a Chartered Accountant, I kept seeing the same pattern,” said Clive Unitt FCA, founder of SquarePlan. “People have brilliant business ideas but don’t have large budgets for bespoke business plans and really struggle to know where to begin. They don’t realise that a business plan isn’t just their idea written down – its backbone is solid financial data that inspires confidence, both in yourself and in lenders or investors.”

SquarePlan has been built to guide users who feel overwhelmed by the planning process. Instead of static templates, the platform uses a structured, question-led approach that leads users from early concepts through to detailed financial projections.

Created specifically for the UK market, the software includes built-in calculations for VAT, Corporation Tax and National Insurance. This removes the need for British users to adapt overseas tools that often rely on unfamiliar tax systems and terminology.

“We built this for the person who’s been saying ‘one day I’ll start that business’ for years,” added Clive Unitt. “The January blues are the perfect time to stop dreaming and start planning. Our software guides you through the process step by step, ensuring you don’t miss the critical financial elements that give your idea a real foundation.”

Available for £39.99 per month with no long-term commitment, SquarePlan can be accessed directly through its website. The pricing removes the traditional barrier of high professional planning fees, which often exceed £1,000, making structured business planning more accessible.

With nearly one in ten UK employees considering handing in their notice this January and more than a quarter planning to start a business in 2026, SquarePlan positions the January blues not as a setback, but as a turning point for future founders.

Steppr Introduces VouchReach to Help UK Retailers Unlock Value from Existing Customers

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UK-based digital voucher platform Steppr has launched VouchReach, a new service aimed at helping small and independent businesses increase checkout conversions by offering targeted vouchers to customers they already have. Available to UK retailers from January 2026, the service requires only an initial setup, with no ongoing technical integration.

VouchReach has been developed as a voucher-led re-engagement solution that allows businesses to reconnect with past customers through time-sensitive incentives. Retailers can send outbound voucher emails without relying on agencies, expensive advertising campaigns or complex website integrations. The service combines three elements that businesses often manage and pay for separately: 

  • Checkout integration within the voucher flow
  • Email and subscriber platform
  • Promotion and offer management

Instead of requiring retailers to connect multiple platforms, VouchReach offers a single, streamlined process. Businesses can create an offer, distribute it via email and issue vouchers only when recipients actively choose to claim them. This approach is designed to make voucher campaigns more practical and accessible for smaller retailers looking to generate sales from existing audiences.

Once set up, retailers define the campaign parameters while Steppr manages the full delivery process. This includes email creation and sending, claim pages, automated expiry rules, voucher generation upon claim and detailed redemption reporting, removing much of the operational burden from the business.

Vouchers are generated only after a customer claims an offer, meaning businesses avoid the risk of upfront liability from issuing unused vouchers. Claimed vouchers are applied automatically at checkout, functioning in a similar way to a retailer gift card.

All VouchReach campaigns are time-limited, with expiry handling managed automatically by Steppr. This structure supports short promotional periods, encourages quicker redemption and reduces the need for manual follow-up or administration by retailers.

Steppr also provides clear redemption reporting, allowing businesses to see how vouchers are used at checkout. Tracking is handled through Steppr’s own claiming pages and voucher flow, removing the need for additional analytics tools.

Stephen Jeffrey, Co-Founder of Steppr, said:
“We built VouchReach for independent businesses so they can market like bigger retailers, and just as easily. It’s an effective, low-cost way to re-engage customers and drive revenue.”

VouchReach complements Steppr’s wider voucher platform, which offers 0% commission on standard sales, immediate payouts, smart gifting and loyalty tools, responsive human support and free exposure through Steppr’s marketing engine. The new service expands these features by adding structured email-based customer re-engagement.

Media contact: [email protected]
Customer website: www.steppr.com
Business website: app.steppr.com

Adepteq Launches Free SharePoint Crash Course to Redefine Digital Workplace Success

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Adepteq has announced the launch of a complimentary SharePoint Crash Course designed for IT managers, business leaders and professionals seeking practical guidance on modern digital workplaces.

The course has been developed to address persistent misconceptions and help organisations realise the full value of Microsoft SharePoint within today’s fast-changing digital environment.

Although SharePoint has been a core Microsoft platform for years, it is still widely misunderstood. Assumptions such as “SharePoint is clunky and outdated,” “It’s just a document repository,” or “No one actually likes using SharePoint,” continue to limit how effectively organisations use the platform.

Adepteq has already begun challenging these views through its SharePoint Myth Busting sessions, led by Technical Director Phil Cave. These sessions have encouraged open discussion and prompted many organisations to reconsider how SharePoint can support their operations.

The newly launched Free 2-Hour SharePoint Crash Course builds on that momentum. It offers a focused and practical introduction to how SharePoint supports collaboration, communication and productivity in 2025 and beyond.

Unlike conventional training sessions, the crash course avoids theory-heavy content. Instead, it compresses real-world learning into a short, intensive format designed to deliver immediate value.

Why SharePoint Remains Central to the Digital Workplace

With hybrid working now firmly established and Microsoft 365 adoption continuing to grow, SharePoint remains the foundation of many workplace tools. From supporting Microsoft Teams and Viva Connections to acting as a secure intranet and document platform, its role is critical. The course addresses common barriers such as poor governance and fragmented structures that prevent organisations from achieving consistent adoption.

Key Areas Covered in the Crash Course

  • How SharePoint Functions Day to Day: A practical breakdown of its core components and how they integrate with Microsoft 365.
  • Designing for Adoption: Guidance on navigation, structure and best practices that encourage user engagement.
  • Effective Document Control: Using permissions, metadata, versioning and collaboration features correctly.
  • Governance That Supports Growth: How to introduce controls without creating unnecessary complexity.
  • Applied Learning: Real-world examples demonstrating how SharePoint supports resilient, future-ready organisations.

The course is aimed at IT and digital workplace leaders, HR and communications teams, SharePoint administrators and professionals responsible for intranets, collaboration or document governance.

Expert Insight from a SharePoint Specialist

Phil Cave brings years of practical experience delivering SharePoint solutions that align technology with business outcomes. This crash course draws directly on that experience, offering participants a clear and actionable framework.

Attendance is limited, and early registration is encouraged.

Further details and registration are available at: https://www.adepteq.com/sharepoint-crash-course/

Digital Aesthetics shortlisted at Aesthetics Awards 2026 for service excellence and strategic impact

Digital Aesthetics, a specialist digital marketing agency based in London and focused solely on medical aesthetics and private healthcare, has been confirmed as a finalist for Best Service & Solution Provider at the Aesthetics Awards 2026.

The nomination reflects the agency’s sustained delivery of growth-driven strategies, measurable results and in-depth understanding of the UK aesthetics market.

The Best Service & Solution Provider category recognises organisations that go beyond surface-level marketing to improve clinic performance, while maintaining strong service standards, accountability and sector insight.

Since its founding in 2007, Digital Aesthetics has combined data-led marketing execution with hands-on operational knowledge of clinic environments. The agency provides end-to-end services including SEO, paid advertising, web design, social media strategy, CRM integration, email marketing and online reputation management, all supported by consultancy tailored to regulated healthcare businesses.

Digital Aesthetics positions itself not as a supplier, but as an embedded partner. Its work frequently extends into areas such as patient journey mapping, conversion optimisation, pricing strategy and internal lead-handling systems, ensuring that increased digital visibility translates into booked appointments and long-term growth.

The shortlisted submission featured a recent case study demonstrating how an integrated strategy across search, paid media, website experience and social platforms delivered significant improvements in engagement, reach and conversion efficiency for a UK aesthetics clinic. Although the provider was not named publicly, the case study illustrated the agency’s ability to align marketing outcomes with real-world clinical performance.

Innovation remains a core pillar of the business. Digital Aesthetics has developed proprietary CRM and analytics platforms, introduced UX-led website structures for aesthetic clinics and supported a shift towards clearer, more accessible language across the sector. Client relationships spanning more than a decade highlight a consistent focus on outcomes rather than short-term gains.

Reflecting on the shortlist, Kostas Alekoglu, Founder and CEO of Digital Aesthetics, said:
“This shortlist reflects the seriousness with which we approach our work and the partnerships we build with clinics. It is recognition not only of marketing execution, but of a philosophy centred on accountability, performance and long-term growth. We see this as a shared achievement with the clinics who trust us to support their businesses.”

Voting for the Aesthetics Awards 2026 is now open, with winners to be revealed at a live London ceremony later this year. The recognition positions Digital Aesthetics among a small group of agencies influencing best practice within the UK medical aesthetics industry.

Vote here: https://aestheticsawards.com/live/en/page/finalists-2026

About Digital Aesthetics

Digital Aesthetics is a specialist digital marketing and growth consultancy serving the UK medical aesthetics, cosmetic, and private healthcare sectors. Founded in 2007, the agency delivers integrated marketing strategies supported by deep sector knowledge, advanced analytics, and operational consultancy. Its mission is to turn digital activity into measurable clinical growth, helping clinics build trusted, sustainable brands in an increasingly competitive market.

Historic “Brain Waves” Expedition Sets Sights on First Mixed-Crew Indian Ocean Crossing

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A team of four elite UK adventurers is preparing to undertake a world-first expedition across the Indian Ocean in June 2026. Known as the Brain Waves Expedition, the challenge will involve a 5,500-mile unsupported row from Australia to Kenya, making it the first time a mixed crew has attempted a continent-to-continent crossing of the ocean.

Over the course of approximately 100 days at sea, the crew will row in continuous two-hour shifts, day and night. They will face severe conditions including 40-foot waves, intense sleep deprivation, and the psychological demands of complete isolation. With no accompanying support vessel, the team must rely entirely on their own resources, with emergency assistance potentially several days away.

The expedition brings together four of the UK’s most resilient adventurers:

  • Glyn Roberts: An Ex-RAF officer and firefighter who brings elite tactical discipline and a lifetime of service to the vessel.
  • Billy Taylor (Skipper): A veteran of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, Billy has dedicated his career to raising awareness for mental health and neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Lara Vafiadis: A seasoned solo rower and the 23rd woman in history to row an ocean alone, having spent 98 days at sea during her 2023 Atlantic crossing.
  • Susannah Cass: A world-record-holding adventure scientist who previously skippered the first crew to row from Portugal to Brazil.

The journey will also mark a historic milestone for women in endurance sport, with Lara Vafiadis and Susannah Cass set to become the first women to complete a continent-to-continent crossing of the Indian Ocean.

Beyond the physical record, the team aims to raise £500,000 for two life-changing charities:

  • Rock 2 Recovery: Providing vital coaching and mental health support for veterans, 999 first responders, and their families.
  • Race Against Dementia: Founded by Sir Jackie Stewart, OBE, to accelerate the global search for a cure.

“Brain Waves’ row across the Indian Ocean demonstrates the spirit of courage and endurance needed to overcome great odds,” says Sir Jackie Stewart, OBE. “I am honoured to support such an inspiring endeavour as we accelerate the search for a cure in our Race Against Dementia.”

The crew will serve as “adventure scientists,” partnering with major institutions to conduct groundbreaking research:

  • Plastic Pollution: Collecting water samples for the University of Michigan to help develop satellite technology that can monitor microplastic concentrations from space.
  • Mental Health: In collaboration with Oxford Brookes University, the team will study how extreme physical exercise impacts symptoms of anxiety and depression.

As preparations continue, the Brain Waves Expedition is inviting commercial partners to support the mission. With previous campaigns reaching audiences of more than 27 million through major broadcasters and international media, sponsors will gain exposure alongside a project that combines exploration, science, and social impact.

Maher Ali Rusho to represent Bangladesh at Nobel Prize Teacher Summit 2026

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Bangladeshi scientist and education policy advocate Maher Ali Rusho has been selected as an International Delegate for the Nobel Prize Teacher Summit 2026, a high-profile international gathering that unites outstanding educators, researchers, and decision-makers shaping the future of education and innovation.

The selection recognises Mr Rusho’s sustained impact in science and education at a global level. Ranked 73rd worldwide among FDM–AM Scientists according to Elsevier Scopus citation metrics, he is widely known for his interdisciplinary research combining artificial intelligence and computational materials science. His work addresses AI-driven materials discovery, hydrogen energy systems, additive manufacturing optimisation, and multiphysics simulation, fields central to sustainable development and advanced manufacturing.

Mr Rusho’s academic and professional collaborations span North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. He works closely with institutions in the United States, China, Saudi Arabia, and Canada, reflecting his role as a globally engaged researcher. He is a member of several leading international organisations, including Sigma Xi, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the Association for Computing Machinery.

Alongside his scientific contributions, Mr Rusho has emerged as a thought leader in education reform. His 2025 book, The Age of Merit, presents a policy-focused argument for merit-based education systems that align learning outcomes with future labour market and technological demands. His ideas have resonated with educators and policymakers seeking more accountable and innovation-driven education frameworks.

The Nobel Prize Teacher Summit recognises individuals whose work strengthens the connection between education, research excellence, and societal responsibility. Mr Rusho’s appointment as an International Delegate reflects his belief in education as a foundation for national progress and international cooperation.

His professional journey began in Bangladesh, where he contributed to the technology and research ecosystem through organisations such as Brain Station 23 and Intelligent Machines. During this period, he worked on applied technology projects and supported the development of research capacity within the country.

Mr Rusho later expanded his career internationally, holding professional and academic roles across Spain, India, China, Canada, Europe, and the United States. He is currently a co-founder of UntieAI in Canada, leading research initiatives in advanced artificial intelligence. His leadership has earned international recognition, including inclusion in Forbes India’s Trendsetters & Trailblazers 2024.

He also serves the global scientific community through editorial and peer-review roles with major publishers such as Nature, Elsevier, and MDPI, contributing to research quality and integrity.

His participation in the Nobel Prize Teacher Summit 2026 highlights the increasing global visibility of Bangladeshi scientists and their role in shaping education, innovation, and research worldwide.

Leap Forward Careers debuts to help UK jobseekers navigate an increasingly competitive market

A newly launched careers support service is aiming to assist graduates and professionals affected by redundancy as they attempt to re-enter or progress within the UK job market. Leap Forward Careers provides practical support including CV reviews, interview coaching, and LinkedIn profile guidance for candidates finding it difficult to secure interviews amid intense competition for each vacancy.

The service is designed to support two core audiences: recent graduates attempting to secure their first professional role in a highly congested entry-level market, and experienced employees facing redundancy or career transition who may not have applied for roles in many years. Both groups often encounter lengthy job searches and repeated rejection in the current labour market, where applicant numbers significantly outweigh available positions.

Leap Forward Careers was founded by Brian Berry, a careers specialist with experience across recruitment, team leadership, and application screening. Berry holds an LLB (Hons) and an LLM in Compliance and Regulation, offering insight into how employers assess candidates and make hiring decisions. Services include CV review and drafting, competency-based interview coaching tailored to UK recruitment practices, and LinkedIn profile optimisation to ensure consistency across professional platforms. A combined support package is available from £299.

“People often think they need to change everything about their career when, in reality, they first need clear, honest support on how to show their value to employers,” says Brian Berry, Founder of Leap Forward Careers. “Graduates and those going through redundancy tell me the same thing: they feel as if they are failing, when actually they have never been shown how the recruitment process really works from the inside.”

The service focuses on breaking down the recruitment process and replacing generic advice with practical, realistic guidance. Initial feedback from the Leap Forward Careers 4 AM Careers Clinic livestreams suggests that structured support can help candidates move from feeling stalled to securing interviews, often by reframing existing skills and experience rather than pursuing an entirely new career path.

Although Leap Forward Careers delivers its services online to clients across the UK, the launch is particularly relevant to competitive regional job markets such as Manchester, Lancashire, Leeds, and the wider North of England, where graduates and mid-career professionals face strong competition alongside ongoing cost-of-living pressures.

Graduates and professionals affected by redundancy who are struggling to secure interviews or job offers can find further details on services, pricing, and bookings at https://leapstartcareers.com/. Media enquiries should be directed to [email protected].

Oakheart Property’s Christmas campaign supports families with 1.5 tonnes of food donations

Oakheart Property has confirmed that its annual Christmas Foodbank initiative delivered more than 1.5 tonnes of food and essential items to families across Essex and Suffolk between November and Christmas. The campaign supported over 100 households, providing around five days of essential supplies per family, with donations received from clients, staff, and local partners.

Support was directed to a number of local foodbanks, including Chelmsford Foodbank and Colchester Foodbank, both members of the Trussell Trust, helping families manage rising pressures during the festive period.

“Thank you to Oakheart for their incredibly generous donation of over 120kg. This support is a huge help and will enable us to feed families well into the New Year.” Said Joanne, Volunteer at Chelmsford Foodbank

The initiative encouraged local residents to contribute by dropping off essential goods at Oakheart branches, offering practical support to those facing increased need during the winter months.

Donations were gathered and distributed ahead of Christmas, with strong engagement from communities surrounding Oakheart’s offices. As a result, food and household essentials reached families across the region at a time when foodbank demand continues to remain high.

Support was provided to the following organisations:

  • Find Ipswich (Ipswich)
  • Chelmsford Foodbank (Chelmsford, part of the Trussell Trust)
  • Colchester Foodbank (Colchester, part of the Trussell Trust)
  • The Porch Pantry (Mersea)
  • Storehouse Foodbank (Sudbury)
  • Gatehouse Foodbank (Bury St Edmunds)

Dan Mitchell, co-founder of Oakheart, said: “This initiative was about responding to a real need within the communities we work in every day. The level of support from our clients, colleagues and local partners was excellent, and it made a genuine difference to families across the region.”

The Christmas Foodbank campaign forms part of Oakheart’s ongoing community engagement, with further charitable partnerships planned through the Oakheart Foundation as the company continues its social value initiatives across Essex and Suffolk.

John Lamb Hill Oldridge confirms senior leadership change as Paula Steele steps into consultancy role

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John Lamb Hill Oldridge (JLHO), the UK’s leading specialist protection adviser, is entering a new phase of its development following the celebration of its 65th anniversary last year.

As part of this progression, the firm has announced that Paula Steele, one of its owners, will move from her position as Director into a consultancy role with effect from 1 January 2026. The change allows the business to continue drawing on her depth of expertise while aligning with an evolving professional focus.

Paula has been instrumental in shaping the firm’s culture, values, and long-standing client-first approach. Her career in financial services spans more than 40 years, beginning in 1984 with a management buyout of a company previously owned by John Lamb, from which the firm takes its name. During her tenure, she has guided the business through multiple strategic phases, including wealth management, protection brokerage, tax planning, and general insurance.

John Lamb Hill Oldridge has confirmed that the transition will have no effect on client relationships, operational continuity, or strategic priorities. The firm remains firmly committed to providing specialist, independent advice to high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families.

Commenting on the transition, Ken Maxwell, Director at John Lamb Hill Oldridge, said:
“Paula has made an invaluable contribution to John Lamb Hill Oldridge over many years. We are delighted that she will continue to work with us as a consultant, supporting the team and the business as we move forward with confidence. The firm’s 65th anniversary last year was a significant milestone, and we continue to build on that legacy with the same commitment to excellence and client service.”

Paula Steele added:
“John Lamb Hill Oldridge has been a hugely important part of my professional journey. Over the past four decades, I have had the privilege of leading the business through many different stages—from wealth management to protection brokerage. I am proud of what we have built together and look forward to continuing to support the team in this new capacity.”

The move represents a further step in John Lamb Hill Oldridge’s long-term evolution, underlining the firm’s focus on continuity, resilience, and a clearly defined vision for the years ahead.

Trident Creative Leaders Introduce Grit & Pearl, a New Independent Global Agency

Grit & Pearl has launched as a new global creative agency founded by Trident’s Creative Leadership team. The agency combines the speed and adaptability of a startup with deep-rooted global creative expertise built through decades of award-winning work.

As an independent operation, Grit & Pearl is structured to work seamlessly with both emerging businesses and some of the world’s most influential brands. The agency is led by Rob Roach, whose background includes senior creative leadership roles at The Kraft Heinz Company and LPK, bringing a blend of corporate insight and creative ambition to the venture.

“Brand Managers need creative partners who push beyond the expected without completely losing sight of what the brand stands for. They need a team brave enough to go far but seasoned enough to lead the way.”

The agency’s client portfolio includes major global players such as SC Johnson, Procter & Gamble, and Unilever, alongside iconic consumer brands including Dove Men+Care, Grant’s, Popsicle, Glade, and Gain.

According to Rob, the launch of Grit & Pearl builds upon the foundation established at Trident, while creating space for a new approach better suited to today’s creative and commercial environment.

Grit & Pearl’s Creative Leadership team has been building and shaping the world’s most iconic brands for their entire careers. The creative leadership team is comprised of: 

  • Chantelle Gatton, a consumer-packaged goods expert with experience building wellness and personal care brands, will oversee creative pursuits as Creative Director of the Americas.
  • El Matanguihan, an industry influencer with successful tenures at Nice and Marks, will lead creative efforts as Creative Director of APAC.
  • Antony Smith, an Equator alum with a passion for visual storytelling, will guide the European creative team as Creative Director, Europe.

With offices located across Europe, Asia, and North America, Grit & Pearl partners with both multinational corporations and regional startups. While the agency’s goal remains the delivery of impactful creative, its structure allows it to operate without the inefficiencies often associated with large global networks.

The agency’s model focuses on streamlining support functions through technology, allowing creative talent to remain the primary investment.

“Many global agencies are mired in layers of unnecessary and costly support. We utilise technology in spaces where excessive administrative support is necessary so that our greatest investment matches that of our clients, the creative. Technology absolutely plays a role in creative development today; however, that visceral and passionate response to the expression of a brand. That takes soul. And this team has it in spades.”

Grit & Pearl delivers strategic brand and design solutions, supported by a state-of-the-art prototyping and sampling facility. The agency provides both digital and physical creative services, enabling brands to move from idea to market-ready execution within a single creative ecosystem.