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8 Feb 2024

New research reveals that Apple Pay and contactless payments have overtaken cash payments by a landslide as our favourite ways to pay in-store.

5 Feb 2024

The Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed) has expressed alarm at new figures that show shoplifting at its highest level in 20 years.

5 Feb 2024

A brand-new festival is being launched next month is “all about community and breathing life into the High Street”, according to Mark Kacary, managing director of The Norfolk Deli in...

5 Feb 2024

The retail sector has been responding to government plans to ban disposable vapes as part of plans to tackle the rise in youth vaping.

23 Jan 2024

Bakers, butchers, cheesemongers, delicatessens, fishmongers, greengrocers, village stores and small farm shops from around the UK have been shortlisted in the Farm Shop and Deli Retailer Awards...

23 Jan 2024

An interesting article has appeared in Forbes reflecting many of the issues that Indie Retail & ActSmart members will be experiencing – the challenges and...

22 Jan 2024

Eight in ten small business owners (81%) are planning to develop their companies in 2024, according to new research from Novuna Business Finance. The research shows that over a third (33%) are...

22 Jan 2024

The Times has named 12 of the UK’s best independent bookshops — as chosen by its readers. Readers highlighted places that combined books with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere....

22 Jan 2024

The British Independent Retailers Association is championing the high street again this Valentine's Day for the second consecutive year with its #LoveYourHighStreet campaign.

10 Jan 2024

Nads Store, a family-run shop in Law, Lanarkshire, has been named Community Retailer of the Year at the Scottish Asian and Business Awards ceremony for the second year running.

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Skills shortage is biggest challenge for SMEs

Posted on in Business News , Cycles News

According to a global study, SMEs across the world are suffering from a lack of skilled labour.

The Global Business Monitor report from Bibby Financial Services (BFS) surveyed SME owners and decision makers across Asia, Europe and North America to reveal the biggest issues facing businesses in 2017.

 

"Almost half (49%) of all respondents say that a skills shortage is the greatest challenge they face."

 

In an attempt to plug the gap, many SME owners are investing in staff training and development. Findings reveal that existing staff training is the primary area of investment with more than half of SMEs investing in this in 2017, followed by digital technology and employee recruitment.

BFS CEO for Europe and Asia, Richard Carter says "Many business owners are addressing the issue by upskilling existing staff. While it is fantastic to see businesses investing in skills development, this isn't a silver bullet. It can often take a months or even years to train staff for highly skilled activity."

Other key issues facing businesses in 2017 include rising costs (48%) and government regulation (44%). Almost a third say cashflow is their greatest concern in 2017.

challenges infographic

Upskill your staff

If you're looking to upskill your staff look no further than Cytech technical training. Cytech delivers training and promotion of technical skills to the cycle trade and enthusiasts worldwide.

Click here to find out more about all the training and qualifications available.

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