Intelligent SME.tech Issue 55 | Page 10

// LATEST UPDATES //
TikTok launches its first ever SME Council to amplify small business voices
TikTok has introduced its first ever SME Council for TikTok-focused small businesses, which aims to amplify SME voices to policymakers and help them shape policies that boost growth.
User-generated content and LIVE Shopping are changing how people shop, and these SMEs are at the forefront of this retail revolution.
Made up of 20 businesses, SME Council members use the platform to engage with customers in new and authentic ways. Beyond straightforward transactions, they connect with people through LIVE Shopping on TikTok Shop, selling via shoppable ads, and telling their brand’ s story through organic content.
Members represent diverse communities across the UK and cover a range of industries, including an affordable wig brand located in the heart of Birmingham(@ hairanatomyuk), a Manchester-based sleep company(@ levitex) that offers practical tips on sleep posture and an artisan candle and wax melt seller(@ bearburners), founded in Sunderland.
Mastercard research highlights urgent need for SMEs to stay ahead of evolving cyberthreats
Vodafone Oman opens first-ever business hub to power the next phase of business growth
Readiness to tackle cyberthreats has never been more critical to building a secure and resilient digital future for small businesses, according to Mastercard’ s latest research on cybersecurity risks facing SMEs. The study was conducted across five countries worldwide
among more than 5,000 small and medium business owners, including over 1,000 in the UAE.
Globally, the research has found that 46 % of the SMEs surveyed have witnessed at least one cyberattack since their inception. Hacking and malware rank jointly as the most common forms of attack suffered by small businesses at 32 % each, with phishing a close second at 31 %.
Eighty percent of SMEs that have experienced an attack have had to spend time rebuilding trust with clients and partners after the event, and nearly one in five have had to file for bankruptcy( 18 %) or close their business( 17 %).
Marking a new chapter in its journey to reshape business connectivity, Vodafone Oman opened its first-ever Business Hub in the Sultanate at Active Oman. Building on the momentum of its successful entry into the enterprise segment in 2024, the purposedesigned hub offers SMEs and corporates access to tailored telecom solutions and valueadded services.
The new space represents a physical extension of Vodafone
Oman’ s connected techtelco ecosystem, created to simplify how businesses interact with their telecom partner. From onboarding and consultations to services and support, the hub brings together digital convenience and in-person expertise.
Eng. Mohammed Al Alawi, Head of Enterprise at Vodafone Oman, said:“ As Oman’ s business landscape evolves, so do the expectations of its enterprises. Today’ s companies, especially SMEs, are looking for more than just connectivity; they want simplicity, speed and partners who understand their needs. The Business Hub is one way in which we are ensuring that we continue to be part of our customers’ growth every step of the way.” �
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Intelligent SME. tech