Intelligent SME.tech Issue 51 | Page 10

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Leading research institution announces young British entrepreneurs driving UK economy
Global research group , The Hurun Research Institute , released the prestigious Hurun UK Under35s 2024 , recognising outstanding young entrepreneurs in the UK who are creating thousands of jobs and driving economic growth .
The 62 entries have together set up businesses with a combined value of more than £ 3.6 billion and between them created almost 2,500 jobs . The average value of the companies created is £ 69 million .
This year ’ s UK list features high profile entrepreneurs including Ella Mills , who began her Deliciously Ella food brand by selling snacks she devised to restore her own health after falling seriously ill in her early 20s .
Danish-born Victor Riparbelli and Steffen Tjerrild set up Synthesia , a Generative AI platform famous for creating a video of David Beckham delivering an anti-malaria message in nine different languages . Synthesia was valued at more than US $ 1 billion by a fundraising last year .
To see the list , go to www . hurun . co . uk / ukunder35s-2024
Sage reveals the powerhouses driving Britain ’ s economic growth
A partnership to transform the employee pay experience
Sage , a leader in accounting , financial , HR and payroll tech for small- and mid-sized businesses ( SMBs ), has launched its third annual survey – Small Business , Big Opportunity , which reveals a bullish outlook among UK business leaders .
Amid rising costs , economic uncertainty and escalating tax demands , UK SMBs have shown extraordinary adaptability . Since 2022 , confidence amongst business owners has continued to build , with 83 % optimistic about achieving business success in 2024 . Nearly half ( 45 %) reported revenue growth over the past year , while only 26 % experienced a decline .
CloudPay , a global leader in payroll solutions , announced a new partnership with Banco Santander , one of Spain ’ s largest banks , redefining the employee pay experience through ondemand pay . By leveraging CloudPay NOW , CloudPay ’ s digital Pay On-Demand solution , employees of Banco Santander ’ s SMEs and companies can now access their earned wages
anytime , anywhere , providing a crucial boost to financial flexibility and wellness .
By partnering with Banco Santander , CloudPay has helped open the doors of Pay On-Demand to businesses of all sizes across Spain . Santander ’ s SME customers can now offer a service typically accessible only to larger enterprises .
A significant factor fuelling SMB confidence is their embrace of digital technologies as key growth drivers . Among those already using AI , 78 % reported its importance to daily operations , while threequarters plan to invest further in AI within the next year . UK SMBs are also more likely than their European peers to view adopting digital tools as a key contributor to their confidence .
This initiative addresses a globally growing need for financial wellness solutions by providing employees with real-time access to their earned wages , empowering employees with the financial flexibility that contributes to greater engagement and productivity . �
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