Intelligent SME.tech Issue 48 | Page 6

// LATEST UPDATES //
Valloop partners with GFT to build platform that helps accelerate and scale employee ownership
As of June last year , there were 1,418 employeeowned businesses within the UK , a 37 % increase from the previous year – a clear sign that this transition is a growing trend in the UK .
Valloop , a Manchester-based company that supports SMEs in becoming employee-owned , has partnered with GFT to design , build and support a digital platform that uses modern technologies , such as AI , to automate and accelerate the processes to inclusive ownership for businesses .
The Valloop Exchange is a single marketplace for businesses going through the transition , providing an easy-to-use model for employees and business owners to access tools and information about the process .
The employee-ownership model has proven to be a huge success in the UK by empowering employees to have more control of the company they work for .
Carlton Hopper , UK Managing Director , GFT , said : “ As the adoption of employee-owned businesses continues to gather momentum , the Valloop Exchange will be transformational for the market .”
GoCardless works with FSB to help its members tackle late payments
Shopstar opens online doors for small businesses with launch in the UK
GoCardless , a bank payment company , has agreed a new partnership with the Federation of Small Businesses ( FSB ) to offer its members practical tips and advice to help address late payments .
As headline sponsor of the FSB GoCardless Late Payments Hub , GoCardless will provide
information and guidance to help FSB members take control over when and how they get paid . FSB members will also benefit from cost savings and support when signing up to GoCardless , subject to eligibility criteria .
FSB campaigns for measures to curb poor payment practices by large companies to small businesses . Research released last year by FSB revealed that over half of the 5.5 million small businesses operating in the UK suffered from late payments in 2022 , with a quarter reporting an increase in late payments . The study showed 37 % of small businesses took on credit to manage their cash flow .
Shopstar , a leading e-commerce platform for online shop creation , has officially launched in the United Kingdom . With over a decade of experience empowering creative entrepreneurs in South Africa , Shopstar brings its expertise to the UK market , targeting small and microbusinesses seeking an accessible and supportive e-commerce solution .
Unlike many competitors that cater to larger enterprises , Shopstar specialises in serving small ventures with limited budgets , resources and technical know-how . The platform offers personalised support and steers clear of AI and bots .
“ Our mission is to make e-commerce accessible to everyone , especially those who are new to the digital
marketplace ,” said Chris Edington , CEO of Shopstar . “ We understand the challenges faced by small business owners , which is why Shopstar offers not just a platform , but a partner in building successful online businesses .
“ Shopstar walks the journey with its customers . Especially those who don ’ t have huge budgets to pay developers and fees .”
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Intelligent SME . tech