Accountancy & Finance

The Importance of Financial Management

Financial management is one of the most important aspects in business. In order to start up or even run a successful business, you will need excellent knowledge in financial management. So what exactly is this form of management and why is it important? Read on to find out more.

Education & Careers

How to Become a Management Consultant

Consultants are an integral part of the corporate world who bring business improvement, management modification, strategies related to information technology (IT) and long-term plans to the table. Consultancy is an umbrella term for a varied range of activities, of which management consultancy is a part. If you want to become a management consultant, this blog will help you understand what is in store for you.

Opinion & Features

The Golden Rules of Effective Management

Effective management does not only involve driving your employees to perform better, it also involves treating them with respect and ensuring they are happy. In reality, there is no such thing as the ‘right’ management style as it all depends on different people’s perspective. However, there are some golden rules that help improve managerial performance and efficiency. Read the following blog to get an understanding of how to deliver the most effective management.

Education & Careers

What is strategic brand management?

Strategic brand management is primarily utilised by companies to help their brands and products get global recognition. The term “strategic” signifies that the process deals with long-term plans and assets of a brand.

Education & Careers

When to Use Project Management

Project management can be one of the most difficult tasks to accomplish in a business. It consists of the process of creating, implementing and supervising a project, which means that project managers must adapt to the requirements of different projects and implement different approaches for each one.

Opinion & Features

How to get into Financial Risk Management

Financial management is an integral component of all businesses, irrespective of their size, and it contributes significantly to the decision-making process of an organisation. Since financial management is critical to the functioning of a business, it comes with an array of risks. Here’s where financial risk management (FRM) comes into play.

Accountancy & Finance

Management accounting skills in demand in Grimsby

Grimsby has become an ideal location for those looking for a career in management accountancy. Members of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) in the Yorkshire and Humber area earned almost double the UK national average salary in 2015.

Education & Careers

How to design a management development programme

The systematic process of training by which individuals gain managerial skills is referred to as management development.

Education & Careers

How to Get into Luxury Brand Management

An integral part of the fashion industry, luxury brand management caters to the promotional needs of high-end brands, and career options in this area continue to grow in popularity. So what kind of jobs are available in luxury brand management and how can you get into it? Read on to find out.

Online Learning

The Benefits Of Studying A Short Course In Management

Opting for a business management course online can help establish yourself as a successful business professional in a saturated international business environment. If you are looking to improve your skills, then taking a closer look at the advantages related to studying short courses in management in London can help you understand the long-term benefits of enrolling on a flexible course like this.

Opinion & Features

Is a sales management course right for me?

People who join sales and progress within the field over time could find themselves eventually leading a group of sales representatives. In order to successfully run a team, you will most likely need to have a solid knowledge of sales management. Read the following blog to find out more about sales management and the skills required to succeed in this role.

Education & Careers

Five reasons to study project management

Are you looking for a new career or just starting out and haven’t decided which direction to take? If you consider yourself to be an organised person, enjoy working with other people and regularly enter a state of tranquility when you tick tasks off a to-do list, you may have a future in project management.

Opinion & Features

Why should you choose a career in HR Management?

Running a successful business requires efficient management of resources hence why human resource management (HR management) plays a crucial role in every organisation. HR jobs have been on the rise as industries are increasingly beginning to see the importance of HR management in recent years.

Education & Careers

What should you know about Marketing Management?

If you are creative and have a knack for business, you should think about taking up a career in marketing management. It is an exciting and dynamic career option that has recently been gaining prominence. Read on to better understand what marketing management is all about.

Opinion & Features

Major principles of brand management for a successful business

Read this article to find out about the wide range of services that are offered by brand management to promote customer loyalty and build brand awareness.

Opinion & Features

Do you have what it takes to be a management consultant?

Management consulting is one of those professions everybody’s heard of, but few seem to really understand. Do you have what it takes? What’s the job? You’ll hear lots of jargon and buzzwords around management consulting, but in its purest form it’s a fairly simple role to understand. It involves conducting thorough analysis and assessing the processes and procedures in an organisation, before providing objective advice on everything from IT systems and supply chain management to human resources and marketing techniques. …

Online Learning

The influence of promotions management in transforming the face of international marketing

When creating a worldwide marketing plan, it is important for every business to overcome the many challenges posed at a global level. Companies benefit from having the flexibility to adapt to changing local market trends, tastes, and needs. This is where promotions management comes in handy. As a unique branch of management, international businesses typically use a blend of promotional tools to create, maintain, and increase demand for goods and services worldwide.

Online Learning

What Makes Cyber Security The Responsibility Of Top Management?

With the introduction of cyber security courses for managers in UK universities, a greater level of performance reporting and transparency has been integrated within cyber security management across the globe. So, why should you opt for a cyber security course for leaders and how can it help you understand the art of balancing operational benefit with security?

Online Learning

How is strategic technology management revolutionising the global business environment?

For business owners and managers, investing in the right technologies is crucial to ensure the efficiency of their in-house business activities. Sourcing technologies and assessing their value allows you to focus on issues pertaining to understanding technology trends and breakthroughs. Read on for more insights into technology management strategies and their role in the global business environment.

Online Learning

6 Essential Project Management Skills For Achieving Professional Success

Being a successful project manager requires more than just earning relevant qualifications and undergoing real-time training. Read on to find out the different roles that you are expected to play as a project management professional and the vital skills of a project manager that you need to master to become a future leader!

Business & Economy

How can efficient project management enhance your leadership skills?

How can efficient project management enhance your leadership skills? A project manager oversees the various tasks involved in a project or programme to ensure a smooth process from start to finish. Creating a conductive environment and motivating team in the right direction is an essential part of the job.

Education & Careers

Data skills considered more important than management experience, report finds

UK business leaders consider data and analytics skills to be more important than management experience, according to The Business Grammar Report by Alteryx. The report found that 26 per cent of business leaders in the UK believe that data and analytics are the most important skills for potential employees, 60 per cent consider them to be one of the top two skills, and 69 per cent believe that industry experience is the most important.

Entrepreneurs & Startups

Cash flow management essential for start-ups says ICAEW

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) says that start-ups should be more frugal and avoid "burning through resources too quickly" by using more careful cash flow management. The professional body has pointed out that many entrepreneurs who are starting a new business find the reality very different to what they had in mind.

Opinion & Features

Why should you study leadership and management?

Read this blog if you want to know the difference between being a leader and being a manager.

Accountancy & Finance

What are Risk Management Techniques in Project Financing?

Large-scale infrastructure projects running across the world play a major role for the development of global economy.

Business & Economy

Crowdsourced Management Book of the Year launched in UK

Award-winning book New Economy Business will be launched in the UK today after an innovative approach to its production. The author Marga Hoek, who is CEO and founder of the Sustainable Business Association, used Creative Commons rather than traditional copyright licensing. She also used crowdsourcing to acquire information from over 325 CEOs, scientists, professionals, students and consumers.

Online Learning

7 Ground-Breaking Wealth Management Trends To Watch Out For!

Opinion & Features

How to be a successful retail manager

Retail management is an ideal career choice for students who are interested in taking on significant work responsibilities at an early stage in their career.

Opinion & Features

Understanding Requirements and Question Context

Many years ago, I set an ACCA Management Accounting exam. One sitting, I decided to test inventory control, First in, First Out (FiFO) and Last in, First Out (LiFO) etc. and how management accounting should reflect how inventory is stored and used by a company.

Entrepreneurs & Startups

ACCA publishes financial guide for entrepreneurs

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has published a financial guide for entrepreneurs. The report, entitled Financial management and business success – a guide for entrepreneurs, has been launched to help entrepreneurs understand how financial management can help their business and offers advice on how to successfully grow a business.

Online Learning

How to Become a Financial Manager

Discover the lucrative world of financial management. Learn about the role, salary, demand, and how to become a financial manager in our comprehensive guide

Business & Economy

Small business growth restricted by lack of leadership, says FSB report

The potential growth of small businesses is being hampered by a lack of leadership and management skills, according to a report from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). The report, “Leading the way: boosting leadership and management in small firms”, found that whilst over 55 per cent of small business owners update their business knowledge and skills every year, there is still a lack of management training.

Accountancy & Finance

ACCA and CIPM of Nigeria sign a collaborative agreement

According to a recent article by The Guardian earlier this month, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) of Nigeria entered into an agreement to help improve the skillsets of the individuals it serves.

Business & Economy

PwC acquires cyber identity consultancy Praxism

PwC has acquired Praxism, the specialist identity and access management consultancy based in Edinburgh. The move is the latest in the Big Four firm's extensions of its own cybersecurity practice and a further recognition of the importance of the issue to the financial sector.

Accountancy & Finance

Why study managerial finance?

All major business decisions largely depend on the right management of finances. This is why finance is a crucial function across all organisations, irrespective of industry. Due to its predominant significance, the demand for finance professionals with a management background is on the rise. More students are opting for managerial finance courses to tap into the potential that finance has globally. This article is focused on helping you understand why studying managerial finance is a good idea and whether it is the right option for you. Let’s get to the basics first!

Business & Economy

Trust in UK banks reaches highest level since 2012

A new study from management consulting firm Accenture has shown that trust in UK banks has reached its highest level since 2012. The company’s UK Financial Services Customer survey 2018 surveyed more than 4,500 people in the UK who use banking, wealth management and insurance services and found that consumer trust in banks has increased over the past couple of years, rising by 11%.

Education & Careers

London banks on a hiring spree, says finance recruiter

Banks are no longer worried about Britain leaving the EU, according to London-based finance headhunting firm Robert Walters. The recruiter stated that the banks are on a hiring spree across the UK, and this has prompted the company’s net fees to increase by 27 per cent in the first three months of 2017. CEO, Robert Walters, stated that banks are positive about the UK now and are showing signs of commitment. They are looking for staff in specialised fields, such as investment management, cyber security, compliance and change management. There appears to be a great demand for specialists in these fields.

Education & Careers

Lloyds first FTSE 100 company to set diversity target

Lloyds Bank has recently become the first FTSE 100 company to announce a diversity target to boost the number of staff from BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) backgrounds in senior management. The bank will be increasing BAME employees in senior management roles from 5.6 per cent to 8 per cent as part of its 2018 Helping Britain Prosper Plan which is set to be published next week.

Innovation & Technology

Finance professionals understand importance of cybersecurity, says report

Accountants and other finance professionals are becoming more aware of the risks of cybercrime, according to a study by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). The study, titled Cybersecurity – Fighting Crime’s Enfant Terrible, stated that cybercrime is becoming too dangerous for accountants to ignore. However, it found that the majority of accountants and finance professionals clearly understand the importance of the issue, with over 80% saying that their management are concerned about cybercrime.

Online Learning

5 Unique CRM trends to watch in 2020

As retaining clients becomes increasingly challenging, Customer Relationship Management helps businesses understand the needs of different client groups. And while CRM is already revolutionising the way businesses function, here are some of the top emerging trends in 2020 that will alter the way they operate even further.

Opinion & Features

LSBF Alumni Interview: Raunaq Zaidi

Raunaq Zaidi, an Indian student who graduated in 2011 with an MBA (UoW) in Marketing Management, came to London because of its cultural diversity. Studying in the uniquely multi-cultural environment of LSBF has fully prepared him for his job at the State Bank of India in London.

Opinion & Features

Video: LSBF Trading & Financial Market Analysis Week in London

Last month, classrooms at LSBF’s London City Campus were converted into a trading floor as students in the GGSB MSc in Finance programme took part in the Trading & Financial Market Analysis week 2014, a practical experience in trading and risk management.

Opinion & Features

Why choose an MBA after an engineering degree?

An MBA has become the prized higher education goal for those looking to accelerate their careers and develop the management skills needed to lead their industries. The versatility of a Master of Business Administration means that graduates from all disciplines - science, humanities, technology, and engineering - can supplement their bachelor’s studies to take their careers to the next level.

Opinion & Features

What are financial modelling techniques?

Financial modelling is instrumental in generating cost-effective business ideas and risk management. That’s why it is widely used by companies for budgeting strategy, raising capital and making acquisitions. This blog post brings you a detailed insight into various financial modelling techniques and how they enable efficient financial decision-making within a firm.

Opinion & Features

ACCA Student Interview with Sherryann Bourne

Sherryann Bourne is our top performer in the Caribbean in the Advanced Performance Management paper (ACCA) and has also been recognised as the number 23 worldwide. Sherryann spoke to LSBF about her huge achievement and her experiences of studying with us.

Accountancy & Finance

Fund sector in Guernsey registers strong Q3 growth

The Guernsey Financial Services Commission has reported an increase in the net asset value of funds managed or administered by closed and open-ended funds in Q3. The former saw an increase of 2.1% and the latter 0.8%, which means all funds under management and administration in Guernsey grew in net asset value during this period.

Accountancy & Finance

London-based fintech company to launch new global currency

A London-based financial technology company is to launch a new global currency in the fourth quarter of 2017. Glint, a start-up company that is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, has raised £3.1 million in funding from high-profile investors in the financial services and asset management sectors.

Accountancy & Finance

Retailers eyeing potential benefits of Open Banking, research shows

Research from management consultant company Accenture has shown that retailers are eyeing the potential benefits of Open Banking. The study surveyed nearly 80 payments executives from large retail companies to find out how they are planning to respond to the Revised Payments Services Directive, which is set to be introduced in January 2018.

Business & Economy

Accenture recruits 1,700 people in the UK

Global management consulting and professional services company Accenture has recruited 1,700 people, with the company offering opportunities from executives to apprentices and graduates. Accenture is filling over 500 job roles in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Cyber Defence, and Data Science for its recruitment drive, particularly focusing on London and Newcastle.

Education & Careers

Employees’ financial well-being overlooked, according to CBAM

Employers in the UK are overlooking the financial well-being of their staff, according to the Close Brothers Asset Management Business Barometer. The research, which surveyed nearly 900 employers across the UK, found that nearly half of employers have no financial well-being strategy in place.

Education & Careers

London banks are hiring more staff for specialised finance roles

Investment banks in London are hiring more staff for specialised finance job roles, indicating that they are no longer concerned over Brexit, according to employment agency Robert Walters. The agency revealed that banks in the city are looking for staff to fill permanent roles in areas such as finance control, risk and compliance and change management.

Education & Careers

Survey reveals expectations of UK professionals working remotely

Research from global workspace provider Regus has revealed the expectations of professionals in the UK who are working remotely. The survey explored the attitudes of over 1,500 professionals on flexible working and management, and found the majority of respondents believe remote workers should have regular contact with managers.

Education & Careers

Financial services bosses voted best in UK

A report from employee incentives company, One4all Rewards, has revealed the industries with the best bosses to work for in the UK, with financial services bosses taking the top spot. The One4all Rewards Review of UK Management whitepaper, surveyed 1,024 UK employees and found bosses in the banking and insurance sectors are the best to work for.

Education & Careers

EY announces career development and performance programme

Professional services and Big Four firm EY has announced a series of global talent programmes to help employees prepare for work. The company will be running the programmes through management model LEAD and will be introducing a new programme called EY Badges. This will help people develop digital skills for the future.

Entrepreneurs & Startups

Typical millennial wants to set up their own business

Research from investment management company Legg Mason has found that nearly half of millennials in the UK want to set up their own business. The company’s fifth annual Global Investment Survey explored the views of 15,300 people and found that more millennials in the UK are setting the goal of starting up their own company.

Innovation & Technology

Companies should rethink how they use digital learning, says CMI

Companies need to rethink how they go about helping managers and leaders develop professional skills, according to a survey from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). The CMI’s report, “Learning to lead: the digital potential”, looked at how digital learning is used in companies and what methods of learning managers prefer.

Innovation & Technology

More UK consumers are using financial apps, study shows

A study from money management app Yolt has shown that more consumers in the UK are using financial apps to help them keep control of their finances. The research showed that 70% of UK consumers are now using financial apps, up from nearly 40% in 2016.

Women in Business

New research finds British female bosses work two hours unpaid daily

The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) has published research that reveals that female bosses in the UK work for almost two hours a day unpaid. The findings come to light when salaries are compared to their male counterparts and adds up to 57 days every year.

Business & Economy

London named best city in the world for work

A study from management consultant firm the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) has named London as the best city in the world to work in. The research was the largest-ever study of workforce migration trends, with 366,000 workers from nearly 200 countries being surveyed.

Online Learning

5 good reasons to study a Global MBA

In today’s fast-paced world, it is essential for business professionals to keep abreast with the corporate, financial, and political developments taking place at every moment. In studying a Global MBA you’ll develop the ability to spot emerging risks and opportunities, and conduct independent global reporting, expert commentary and analysis. If you are looking to accentuate your business management capabilities, take a look at some of the advantages of studying a Global MBA degree.

Opinion & Features

Video: Great Minds series - LSBF interviews Michael Gray, General Manager of the Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill

Michael Gray, General Manager of the Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill, and Area Vice President for the UK and Ireland for Hyatt International, has spoken out about the hospitality industry and the great career paths it has to offer. Speaking to London School of Business and Finance (LSBF) as part of the Great Minds video series in the luxurious surroundings of The Churchill (the company’s London branch under his management), Mr Gray described hospitality sector careers as ‘wonderful’.

Opinion & Features

In Pictures: Trading and Market Analysis Week 2014 at LSBF

For five days, a classroom at LSBF’s London City Campus has been converted into a fully-fledged trading floor as students in the GGSB MSc in Finance programme took part in the Trading & Financial Market Analysis week 2014, a practical experience in trading and risk management. The programme was delivered in partnership with Amplify Trading Ltd, a City of London trading firm that specialises in market analysis, global trading, professional training and trader development. …

Opinion & Features

Why leadership development is important

Leaders are essential for all lines of business in an organisation, especially since leadership and management go hand in hand. When employees in a firm aim to assume leadership roles, they might not be sure about the appropriate course of action. This is where leadership development programmes become important. In this blog, we will shed light on the purpose and importance of leadership development programmes.

Opinion & Features

The partnership of accountants and data scientists make for a successful formula

The accountancy sector is changing as a result of the introduction of automation and the expansion of data analytics. Not only have these two factors led to an increased amount of data for accountants to use, but they have also meant that risk management and decision-making can be performed with a significant amount of insight. Therefore, many accountants have begun to team up with data scientists to make sense of the vast amounts of data available to them.

Accountancy & Finance

London hedge funds focusing on US rather than Europe

More and more London-based hedge funds groups are looking across the Atlantic for investment opportunities. Winton Capital, Odey Asset Management and Cheyne Capital are just a few of the big names refocusing their attention on the US market because the potential there is markedly more pronounced than in Europe. The Financial Times reported that this strategic change comes on the back of investors in North America “significantly” boosting their allocations to hedge funds, especially in pension schemes.

Accountancy & Finance

Bonuses outstripping salaries in accountancy roles

Growth in bonuses is outstripping the average increase in salary in accountancy roles as employers make retaining top talent a priority, according to data from the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and finance recruitment agency Global Accounting Network. The data showed that average salaries increased by 1.9 per cent, up from £62,791 in 2015 to £63,991 this year, whilst average bonuses saw a much bigger increase, up from 8 per cent of annual salary to 12 per cent over the same period.

Accountancy & Finance

Accountants want flexibility when considering a new job, survey shows

Research from the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and Global Accounting Network has found that over half of qualified accountants are motivated by flexibility when taking a new job role into consideration.   The CIMA 2016 salary insights report surveyed over 3,400 of CIMA’s student accountant members and over 4,400 qualified accountant members and found that 55 per cent of qualified accountants would like a new job that offers flexibility and a better work-life balance, up from 37 per cent in 2015.

Accountancy & Finance

Research reveals financial planning trends of millennials

Research from global asset management firm Legg Mason has revealed the financial planning trends of UK millennials, with smartphones being found to be the most popular way of engaging with financial services. The Global Investment Survey found that over 90 per cent of millennials aged between 18 and 35 use a smartphone to access the internet, compared to 52 per cent of those aged between 53 and 71. However, just 16 per cent of respondents were found to be in favour of technology-led financial planning.

Accountancy & Finance

UK consumers trust banks over third-party providers, research finds

Research from management consultant company Accenture has found UK consumers are reluctant to share personal data with third-party providers, creating a major opportunity for banks when it comes to building trust. The research surveyed over 2,000 consumers and found 69 per cent would not share their banking data with third-party providers such as social media companies, tech businesses or online retailers.

Accountancy & Finance

Being Global - Future-proof your career in accountancy

There are many routes into accountancy, are you confused whether to go into audit, statutory reporting or management accounting amongst others? Which one is the right one for you? LSBF ‘Being Global - Future-proof your career in accountancy’ conference on 11th June has been designed to give clarity and advice on which is the right career path for you.

Business & Economy

New measures tackle late payments to small businesses

New measures are being introduced to tackle late payments that affect small businesses. The measures were supported in a letter from Minister for Small Business Margot James to PPC signatories. The letter, which has been backed by Chartered Institute of Credit Management Executive Philip King, stated that paying invoices within 30 days should become “the norm.”

Business & Economy

UK named one of the most attractive places for work

The UK has been named one of the most attractive places for work in a new study from human resources management software company ADP. The Workforce View in Europe 2017 report surveyed over 9,900 employees from the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, France, Spain, Poland and Switzerland, exploring their attitudes on the future of work and offering insights into issues such as skills, career development, international talent, wellbeing, workplace technology and employee engagement.

Business & Economy

UK SMEs feeling positive about post-Brexit future, survey shows

Research from OCO Global found that SMEs are feeling optimistic about their future, with more than 30% believing that the UK’s exit from the EU will have a positive impact on their business. The business management consultant’s SME Brexit Survey showed that businesses in London are feeling the most optimistic, with 50% believing that Brexit will have a positive impact, a higher percentage than in many other regions in the UK.

Education & Careers

Young people aspire to lead a business, according to report

Young people aspire to become the boss of a company but lack confidence in their job prospects, according to a recent report by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and EY Foundation. The report found that 33 per cent of people from lower socio-economic groups are more likely to have lower confidence when it comes to finding a local job, compared to 25 per cent of their peers.

Education & Careers

Older generation seeking university education, research shows

Research from Management Today and Vauxhall Motors has found over 35 per cent of 40-somethings in the UK are seeking university education or looking to obtain a qualification in the next two years. The Changing Lanes report revealed career aspirations and workplace trends of Generation X. 40-somethings were found to be as ambitious as millennials when it comes to changing careers, launching a business or studying.

Education & Careers

Millennials want quick career progression, research shows

Research from management consulting company ManpowerGroup, has revealed what millennials look for in a career, with variety and quick progression being among their expectations. The report surveyed 19,000 millennials to see how their work expectations differ from the rest of the workforce, what motivates them when it comes to career opportunities, and why they choose to remain with the same employers.

Education & Careers

Brexit-related roles among most popular London jobs, figures show

Figures from eFinancialCareers have identified the most desirable banking jobs in London, with Brexit-related roles being among the most popular. The financial services careers website looked at application figures from over the past three months and found that four out of ten applications were for roles related to Brexit preparations, while the majority of the remaining six applications were for project management jobs that were likely to focus on Brexit.

Education & Careers

Why choose a career in sales?

Sales has become an increasingly popular career path  in the last five years. As per statistics released by statista.com, the number of sales and marketing related professionals in the UK has gone up from 852,000 in 2011 to 934,000 in 2017. Since sales as a career is picking pace, more and more students are opting to pursue sales management professionally. If you are interested in taking up sales as a career, here’s an insightful blog to help you decide.

Entrepreneurs & Startups

UK rated one of world’s most SME-friendly countries

New research from ACCA has found that the UK government is among the most positive towards SMEs in the world. The UK has received plenty of praise recently for the welcome it extends to small and medium-sized enterprises (SME). So it’s perhaps no surprise that it’s been voted one of the most business-friendly environments in the world, according to a new report from the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

Entrepreneurs & Startups

Relationships between businesses key to success, says report

Businesses need to form relationships effectively if they are to succeed, according to a new report. Strong links between organisations have often been seen as an important element of successful partnerships. But according to a new report, effective relationships between individuals within companies are a vital element of success in modern business. The Tomorrow’s Relationships report has been compiled by business thinktank Tomorrow’s Company in partnership with KPMG, Linklaters, the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and Chartered Institute of Professional Development (CIPD).

Entrepreneurs & Startups

Business owners urged to understand importance of leadership

Business owners have been urged to understand the importance of leadership after a recent survey showed that over 40% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) do not offer their staff management training. The Close Brothers Business Barometer surveyed UK SME owners and senior managers from a variety of sectors, and found that this statistic is despite a majority of businesses believing that strong leadership skills contribute to success.

Entrepreneurs & Startups

Bristol named as the top city for start-ups

Bristol is the top city for entrepreneurs to start a business, according to research from University College London’s School of Management. The study looked at areas such as availability, cost of office space and broadband speeds to find out which cities are ideal for entrepreneurs. Bristol was voted the top spot for entrepreneurs, scoring high for its fast broadband speeds, which were found to be above the UK average of 26Mbps.

Entrepreneurs & Startups

Startups for GCHQ's cyber security accelerator revealed

New research from ACCA has found that the UK government is among the most positive towards SMEs in the world. The UK has received plenty of praise recently for the welcome it extends to small and medium-sized enterprises (SME). So it’s perhaps no surprise that it’s been voted one of the most business-friendly environments in the world, according to a new report from the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

Innovation & Technology

Companies should turn to cloud services for protection, says Gartner

The growing prevalence of cyber security threats has been highlighted at Gartner’s Identity and Access Management (IAM) summit 2015. At the London-based event the research group outlined how it believes in the likelihood that companies will end up having to utilise cloud-based security services in order to focus on bigger issues. As we’ve noted before, cyber security is one of the biggest challenges facing the modern business. There are existing schemes ensuring that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are better prepared for digital threats.

Innovation & Technology

New cloud app launched for UK SMEs

Software company SAP has launched a new front-office solution to enable small UK businesses in the digital economy to run customer interactions more easily. SAP Anywhere will provide businesses with a wide range of digital tools for customer engagement, e-commerce, marketing, inventory management and business analytics. Businesses will be able to have access to the tools on computers and mobile devices.

Innovation & Technology

Survey reveals what skills are needed to enhance AI

Research from talent acquisition and management solutions company Alexander Mann Solutions, has revealed skills that HR professionals believe businesses should be developing in order to enhance the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace. The study surveyed more than 2,000 senior HR professionals and found just 23 per cent of respondents believe businesses are preparing professionals for the rise of AI.

Innovation & Technology

Digital-only banks leading the way, research shows

Research commissioned by data management vendor Relay 42 has shown that digital-only banks are becoming increasingly popular with Brits, with 27 per cent having already moved to a mobile-only bank and 26 per cent considering doing so. The study surveyed over 2,000 Brits and identified the main reasons for respondents choosing to switch to digital-only banks, with more than half citing a better online experience and functionality.

Innovation & Technology

Report calls for financial firms to prioritise operational resilience

A report from banking and financial services sector trade association UK Finance and management consultancy Parker Fitzgerald has highlighted the importance of financial services firms making operational resilience a priority as they adopt new technologies. According to the study, the speed at which technology is advancing is creating new non-financial risks in the financial services sector and so businesses need to address these risks in order to protect themselves from new threats.

Sustainable Business

Oil and gas skills shortage means employees can earn £1500 per day

Management consultancy Von Essen has identified a top class of oil and gas contractors earning as much as £1,500 per day. Oil and gas is a sector suffering from serious skills shortages. Although that causes problems for businesses, it’s also good news for skilled professionals who can command higher pay to fill that void. According to consultancy firm Von Essen, some contractors have exploited this opportunity so successfully that they can now earn as much as £1,500 for a day’s work.

Women in Business

Gender pay gap should go says leading UK investment figure

By pointing out that there are twice as many CEOs and chairmen of FTSE 100 companies called 'John' than the total number of women holding such positions, a leading UK investment expert has highlighted how far gender equality has to go in the UK. As CEO of Newton Investment Management, chair of the Investment Association and founder of the 30% Club, Helena Morrissey is perfectly placed to comment on the place of women in the UK economy.

Women in Business

Report shows gender diversity improvement in financial services

A report from management consulting firm McKinsey & Co has shown gender diversity in businesses in the financial services sector has improved. The report, entitled Delivering through Diversity, surveyed 1,007 businesses across 12 countries globally to show how gender diversity has improved and how inclusion can help boost business performance.

Women in Business

The #WonderWomen Series: Celebrating the changing face of leadership in business

Every year on 8th March, the world celebrates International Women’s Day in recognition of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. This year, London School of Business and Finance (LSBF) Executive Education, GISMA Business School, and Toronto School of Management (TSoM) have launched a joint initiative. These schools will explore the changing face of business by interviewing female CEOs, leaders, and entrepreneurs to discover how they got to where they are and their ambitions for the future of gender equality.

Accountancy & Finance

Accountancy firms providing most Brexit expertise

A study by Source Global Research, a research provider for the management consultancy industry, has found that accountancy firms are leading the way when it comes to Brexit expertise, with more than 80% of Brexit specialists in the UK’s consultancy industry working for an accountancy business. The report highlighted the need for more workers that specialise in Brexit matters to keep up with the expected volume of demand.

Opinion & Features

LSBF Alumni Interview: Rotimi Oke

As part of our ‘LSBF Alumni’ series, we spoke with LSBF graduate Rotimi Oke. After finishing his GGSB Masters in International Business (MIB) at LSBF in 2011, Rotimi used his business management and networking skills to become Managing Director of Iretidu Limited, a Nigerian investment holding company with operations across a wide range of sectors, covering from IT to Real Estate. While at LSBF, he made the most of the wide range of career support and maximised his time in a multicultural environment to make numerous contacts and pursue business ideas. Here’s an excerpt from our chat with Romiti..

Opinion & Features

LSBF Student Progression and Retention Rates Exceed Sector Average

As a centre of education excellence, LSBF strives to provide students with first-class experience and academic development.  Reflecting those efforts, the latest figures collated by the School’s exams and assessment office show that postgraduate and undergraduate students’ progression and retention rates at LSBF are higher than some of the national average public sector figures. According to the data, across all undergraduate programmes, LSBF maintained a progression rate of 82%, with some courses such as the Bachelors in Business Management achieving up to 93% of progression. At postgraduate level, Masters programmes offered at LSBF have achieved an average progression rate of 80%, with the MSc Finance achieving between 94% to 100% progression.

Accountancy & Finance

City growth boosts UK financial services trade surplus to £62bn

The City of London's growth has helped Britain's financial services trade surplus in 2014 to rise to £62 billion. London's financial district has been a key player in making the UK the world's biggest exporter of financial services. UK recorded a trade surplus in financial services of £62 billion in 2014, it's highest ever, according to TheCityUK. With other related professional services - such as accountancy, legal services and management consultancy - taken into account, the figure rose to £71 billion, helping to offset the increasing trade in goods deficit see in the UK economy.

Business & Economy

Wales is top spot for businesses in finance sector

Wales is the UK’s top spot for business growth in the finance sector, according to research from accountancy firm, Nixon Williams. The number of start-ups in the financial services sector increased by 11.2% in 2015, higher than in any other location in the UK. Research showed that the total number of financial services businesses, including services such as banking, fund management and insurance, rose from 2,400 to 2,695 between 2014 and 2015. Scotland came in second, with an increase of 10.9% since 2014, whilst London, north east England, Yorkshire and Humberside reached third place at 9.7%.

Education & Careers

Distance learning on the rise

Online MBA programs offer students the ability to study anywhere and at any time they choose, even while holding down a job, so long as they have access to the internet. According to the Graduate Management Admissions Council, flexibility, and having access to high-quality programs without the need for travel, are two of the biggest reasons why students are choosing to take an MBA program online rather than on a traditional campus. There are a wide array of MPA programs beginning to pop up online, and while most require at least some campus time for students, a growing number are delivering their courses completely online.

Emerging Markets

CIMA and ICAN to build Nigerian Accountants Research Centre

The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) has decided to enter into an agreement with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) in regards to the establishment of a new academic research centre for accountants that would be able to contribute to the various economies on the continent and deliver high-quality work. ICAN’s President Ismail Zakari stated on Monday at the Memorandum of Understanding signing in Abuja that the two bodies have already been in discussion regarding areas in which they can cooperate, including reciprocal collaboration that would allow members of CIMA to become members of ICAN and vice versa.

Entrepreneurs & Startups

How SMEs can better manage customer relationships

In an information age defined by an interconnected, always on the go mindset, it can be all too easy for small and medium enterprises (SME) not to keep on top of things and maintain a high level of transparency. The way small businesses operate has changed, and, with the advent of big data, it is becoming increasingly hard to manage the sheer volume of information that is automatically captured. To streamline operations and ensure that rapport with customers remain solid and mutually beneficial, it pays to invest in technology. The biggest game-changer over the last 20 or so years has been the evolution of customer relationship management (CRM) systems.