Featuring: SME News - Q1 2025
Editors Letter Phone: 0203 970 0018 Website: smenews.digital Sofi Parry Senior Editor No information contained on or in this website constitutes investment advice or an offer to invest or to provide management services and is subject to correction, completion and amendment without notice. Neither AI nor any of its associated entities are authorised to give financial advice of any nature nor are they regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Prior to making any investment, AI recommends that any prospective investor should consult with its own investment, accounting, legal and tax advisers to evaluate independently the risks, consequences and suitability of that investment. AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility. Welcome to the Q1 2025 edition of SME News magazine, where we provide you with all the latest news, announcements, and features about some of the best up-and-coming enterprises around the United Kingdom. The SME landscape is still changing as we move through the first quarter of the new year, influenced by the state of the economy, changing customer behaviour, and developing technology. For SMEs who accept the integration of cutting-edge technology and welcome change with resilience and adaptation, 2024 is expected to be a year of tremendous promise. In order to improve their operational efficiency and obtain a competitive edge in such a rapidly evolving industry, SMEs are expected to step up their digital transformation efforts this year utilizing cloud-based technology and artificial intelligence. We hope you find each of these stories to be insightful and inspiring, and that you have a wonderful few months ahead. In the meantime, I look forward to welcoming you back again soon for our Q2 issue.
Contents 5. finmid expands to 20 countries, empowering platforms to drive SME financing in Europe 6. UPmedicine TI Ltd: Recognized Leader in Translational Medicine R&D – UK 8. de Novo Solutions: Most Innovative Digital Transformation Experts 2024 10. Bobble Digital: Award-Winning Digital Marketing Agency in Leeds 12. Myrtle Healthcare Ltd: Most Compassionate Home Care Service 2024 – South London 14. Aspinell: Best New-Build Construction & Development Company 2024 15. FBP Academy: Transformative Training Academy Empowering Finance Professionals Globally 16. Lawsons: Frontrunning Family-Run Business Setting New Standards in Client Service 17. Hell Hound Security Services: Most Trusted Family-Run Security Business - Northern Ireland & SME News Client Service Excellence Award 18. Tecnis Academy: Leaving No Child Behind 19. F.I.R.E. Consultancy Limited: Fire Investigations & Risk Management Company of the Year 2024 20. Spectrum Autism Services: Breaking Down the Barriers to Accessing Autism Assessments 21. Pirta Ltd: Combating the Climate with Cutting-Edge Cooling Capabilities 22. Think Strategic UK Ltd: Strategy Consulting Director of the Year (London): Naim Rahman 23. Bossie’s Biltong Ltd: Celebrate Culture, Quality, and Commitment with Bossie’s Biltong 24. Down Hall, Hotel, Spa & Estate: Best Country House Hotel – England 25. Fine Finishes Eco Coatings Ltd: Eco-Friendly Building & Plastering Company of the Year 2024 & SME News Excellence Award for Coatings & Finishes 2024 26. Jenesys AI: Real-Time AI Bookkeeping with Unrivalled Accuracy 27. The Engineering Quest: One Company’s Quest to Innovate within Industries 28. Fundamental Movement Academy: Inclusive Enrichment for All Ages Company 29. Limberger Associates Ltd: Trusted Project Management that Delivers Lasting Impact 30. Agxio: Best Applied AI Life Sciences Technology Company 2024 31. SHOJIN MANIA: Connecting Cultures through Brilliant Branding 32. Innovative Partners: Funding Innovation, Supporting Growth
SME News Q1 2025 / News iwoca SME Insights: Cutting Taxes Is Key to UK Business Growth More than a third (38%) of finance brokers say lower taxes are needed in order to boost SME growth this year in the UK, according to iwoca’s latest SME Expert Index. The latest research report from European Fintech firm iwoca has noted that this is actually double the next choice of “reforming business rates (19%).” With almost three-quarters (70%) or the majority of finance brokers saying conditions for SMEs have “worsened since the Labour Government took office, there continues to be anxiety felt amongst small business owners.” Increased business running costs for SMEs now reportedly remain “the biggest concern for more than half of finance brokers (53%), up 11-points on the previous quarter.” Concerns over inflation remain high — with a significant “two-thirds (67%) of finance brokers believing inflation will be above the Bank of England’s 2% target by the end of the year, with 32% predicting it will top 2.6%.” However, despite continued concerns about barriers to sustainable business growth, economic optimism still appeared to have “bounced back in the last quarter of 2024, with almost half of SME finance brokers (46%) reporting feeling optimistic about SMEs’ future in 2025, compared to 36% in the previous quarter.” Following a sharp decline after the Budget, this seems to signal “a glimmer of hope for the year ahead, as pessimism has gone down.” However, worries still persist about a potential recession, as “more than half (51%) are concerned about the possibility – a slight increase on last quarter.” Colin Goldstein, Chief Commercial Officer, UK at iwoca, has commented: “SMEs are facing rising costs and tougher borrowing conditions, yet they remain vital to the UK economy. With high street banks pulling back, businesses are turning to alternative lenders like iwoca to access the funding they need. We’re making it faster and easier for SMEs to secure finance— helping them navigate uncertainty and drive growth in 2025.”
finmid expands to 20 countries, empowering platforms to drive SME financing in Europe With unmatched geographical reach, finmid enables platforms to close financing gaps for SMEs across underserved European markets. • finmid enables B2B platforms to offer financing solutions to small and mediumsized businesses. Its modular financing infrastructure is fully adaptable to platforms, allowing them to build any financing product for any business customer. • B2B platforms partnering with finmid report improved performance, including an increase in Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) of up to 39%, and a 70% reduction in merchant churn. finmid, the financial infrastructure innovator enabling B2B platforms to quickly provide fast, personalised financing to small and mediumsized businesses (SMEs), today announced its expansion into eight new European markets. This step marks an important milestone in the company’s mission to offer comprehensive, compliant, and efficient financing solutions that scale across borders. Rolling out in Austria, Cyprus, Czechia, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, and Slovenia, finmid’s presence extends to 20 European countries — granting B2B platforms such as Wolt and Glovo the most extensive geographical coverage for merchant financing in the region. Prior to its latest expansion, finmid's offering has been available in Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, UK. Overcoming a €400bn Funding Gap: Empowering Platforms to Deliver Tailored Financing for SMEs SMEs across Europe face a €400bn funding gap. Despite being vital to the continent's success - generating almost 60% of total gross value added and employing more than 90 million people - smaller businesses continue to be underserved by banks and other providers. Founded in 2021 by Max Schertel and Alexander Talkanitsa, finmid challenges the one-size-fits-all approach of banks and offers a modular, fully customizable financing infrastructure solution to help B2B platforms address a critical need: providing SMEs with fast and flexible access to capital. finmid’s strategic expansion will particularly serve SMEs in Central, Southern, and Eastern Europe, where financing options have traditionally been limited or fragmented. "Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) drive the global economy, yet accessing capital remains slow and outdated. SMEs have increasingly shifted to running their business on digital software platforms—from e-commerce to marketplaces and POS systems. At finmid, we empower these platforms to transform SME finance by embedding fast, personalized, and convenient financing directly into their platform. By connecting platforms, SMEs, and capital providers, we are creating the first platform-powered financing network designed for small businesses,” says Max Schertel, CoFounder of finmid. Driving new revenue streams for B2B Platforms and SME Satisfaction finmid equips B2B platforms to offer seamless, branded financing options to their business customers, allowing qualified SMEs to receive funding of up to 3 million EUR. The offering provides SMEs with pre-approved, revenuebased credit lines calculated from their sales history, with flexible repayments linked to daily sales. This liquidity solution fosters platform loyalty, boosts customer retention, and opens a new revenue stream for B2B providers, all without operational risks. As of today, finmid has extended capital to tens of thousands of merchants through pre-approved funding based on their sales. As a result, today’s leading platforms have experienced a 39% increase in GMV, 70% reduction in churn, while maintaining a Net Promoter Score of over 80. Navigating Complex Regulatory Landscapes Expanding merchant financing into diverse European markets requires navigating complex regulatory landscapes for B2B platforms. finmid's deep expertise in regional compliance allows platforms to focus on their core business while relying on finmid for seamless financing solutions for their SME customers across multiple territories. “Global reach is a key aspect for today’s leading platforms aiming to stay competitive. While many financing providers focus on Western Europe, coverage in the rest of Europe has remained fragmented, making platforms lose out on opportunities or scramble with multiple providers. We quickly identified this gap and set out to bridge it with the ambition of becoming the go-to merchant finance partner for all European financing needs,” says Alexander Talkanitsa, Co-Founder of finmid. “We have already established ourselves as the market leader in the Nordic region, and this expansion further strengthens our position in the Southern, Central and Eastern European markets,” Alexander Talkanitsa continues. Anniina Heinonen, Managing Director, Payments at Wolt, highlights the impact of finmid's expansion: “finmid has enabled us to connect better with thousands of merchants across Europe. The team demonstrated a keen understanding of our requirements, expanding into the regions where we identified the greatest demand. Their expansion into additional markets will further enhance our relationships with merchants there and elevate our performance.” Szymon Zeslawski, Senior Director, Fintech at Glovo underscores the value of finmid's partnership in advancing Glovo’s mission: “Giving our vendors easier access to capital has been at the heart of the Glovo Fintech mission, complementing a growing suite of cash flow products Glovo offers. The partnership with finmid allows us to extend the reach of our capital offering, and we’ve been happy with the flexibility and user-centricity of the finmid team. We’re looking forward to the continued international expansion of capital to best serve the financial needs in our markets.” About finmid finmid is creating the first platform-powered financing network. We are transforming small business lending by empowering software platforms to become personalised and convenient points of finance for SMEs. In this new model, platforms—not banks—are at the centre of lending, seamlessly connecting capital providers with small businesses through their trusted tools. Founded in 2021, finmid is the emerging leader in European financial services infrastructure, backed by leading tech investors: Until today, the company has raised 35 million EUR in funding from Blossom Capital, Earlybird VC, and N26-founder Max Tayenthal. finmid is headquartered in Berlin, Germany. To learn more about finmid, visit finmid.com.
SME News Q1 2025 / 6 The gap between new science and new medicine is vast. Each year, 3 million biomedical studies are published, yet only 46 new drugs approved - often close cousins of existing ones. So do we need more science, for more medicine or a better way to transform what we have into improved clinical outcomes? UPmedicine TI If we step back and examine the immense redundancy in science, it’s clear we need science to be ‘more productive.’ But what would that actually require? • A radical rethink of the very essence and principles of medicine. • The power to transform fragmented discoveries into cohesive new knowledge, re-envisioning the status quo to breach new frontiers. • Intricate, encyclopaedic mapping of the ‘blueprint’ constitution and composition of the human being. As complex interconnected and dynamic systems. • A revolution in how we understand disease, health, and individual variation. • And crucially, a new ‘intelligence’ – capable of translating radical new vision, thought, knowledge, understanding, insights, maps, and science, into impactful treatments and meaningful clinical breakthroughs. Which, in outcome, chunks up to a fundamental New Medicine generated to unlock the full potential of all scientific discovery. That’s a lot! So let’s unpack this… When Medicine Doesn’t Have All the Answers Medicine has advanced so much that we often expect doctors to fix what ails us. But sometimes, we hit a roadblock. There’s little or nothing that can be done. It’s easy to think science hasn’t found a solution for our condition, but is that really the case? Rethinking How We Overcome Medical Hurdles If the vast reservoir of scientific knowledge doesn’t fall short, then perhaps the problem lies in how we approach it. What’s needed isn’t more research but a rethinking of how we transform existing science into actionable solutions. It’s not a lack of answers – it’s a failure to unlock them. Beyond Simplistic Models in Medicine Treatment ceilings may not be inevitable; they often result from trying to solve complex health problems with narrow outdated assumptions. Imagine focusing solely on the ball while ignoring the team that co-ordinates to direct it. Medicine thrives on understanding and working with the full picture. The challenge is how to approach this. Embracing Dynamic Systems for Health Solutions Rather than clinging to the false notion of a single cause for a condition and a linear solution to fix it, we need a new intelligence capable of grappling with complex problems involving ever-shifting, inter-connected bio-systems. Given we categorically now know countless factors are involved in every disease. Personalized Targets for Individual Needs What if this intelligence could identify which factors – from thousands, millions – are the most significant targets for each affected person, considering the uniquenesses of their makeup and biography? Since everyone has their own mix of relevant variables, different from someone else with the same condition. Meet Revolutionary Innovators: UPmedicine TI Founded by Dr. Alex Concorde, a multi-awardwinning inovator in medicine and science, and Oonah Buist, a strategic progression conceptualizer, UPmedicine TI is revolutionizing the landscape of clinical research. At its core lies Translational Intelligence® (TI) – a framework of solution-driven ‘brainpower’ designed to propel medical science into outputs for clinical gains. A New Approach for Achieving the Unexpected UPmedicine TI is redefining how therapeutic advancements are pursued, challenging conventional dogma in areas where progress has stalled despite an overwhelming body of science. It offers a radically different approach. Initially designed to tackle conditions that elude conventional medicine – such as rare diseases, refractory cases, and extraordinary presentations – UPmedicine TI’s engine is demonstrably relevant to virtually any health issue, looking for ‘unexpected gains’ from the variables of each individual. As Dr. Alex Concorde notes, “The gains we aim to achieve are ‘unexpected’ because they fall outside the normal modus of ‘conceptualization’. We venture beyond the edges of conventional thought patterns. If we stayed within them, there would be no gains. If you keep doing what’s always been done, you’ll only get what you’ve always got.” Maximizing the Use of Existing Science Through New Knowledge "We wondered whether, for any desired outcome, we could create a clinical edge by fundamentally rethinking the problem’s composition through all available science. For that you must ‘rise above’ it - it’s not enough to throw every piece of science at the issue. Recognized Leader in Translational Medicine R&D – UK Dec23345
Without seeing the full landscape and all potential targets, nothing can stick," explains Dr. Concorde. UPmedicine TI is groundbreaking in its approach to deploying science within complex, real-world contexts. "The highest-level difference lies in how we envisage a disease – or an individual's presentation of it – and how much science we can thereby apply." "Crucially, UPmedicine TI has developed the art of generating new knowledge – knowledge not yet known – which emanates from all science. This provides greater 'sight,' and means our translations incorporate more science," says Dr. Alex. Oonah Buist adds, "Like a highly-skilled pilot in clear weather with superior visual aids, making drops of medical supplies direct to hospitals, not through dense fog and without GPS, hoping none of them land on a beach party." The Foundation: XLII® – Three Decades in the Making The overarching platform – a ‘meta’ innovation - is a pivotal strategic progression called 'XLII®'. It provides the know-how for leveraging science in a ‘gainful’ way, and the ‘intuitive intelligence’ for generating new knowledge. The means for creating meaningful gains from complexity is crucial to working entire resources of empirical science. Health and Disease as Dynamic, Complex Systems Dr. Concorde explains, “Science has reached a pinnacle, revealing an undeniable truth: human health is shaped by a complex, multidimensional, intricate interplay of factors. Deviations from optimal health, when examined intuitively, empirically, and through the lens of meaningful individual utility, expose underlying patterns. Disease emerges from webs of determinants, defying traditional oversimplifications. Crucially, the essence of disease lies in the interconnections and interactions among factors, driving outcomes in seemingly unpredictable ways.” Finding the Order in Chaos and Complexity UPmedicine TI’s groundbreaking capabilities align with modern perspectives on chaos theory. Oonah Buist says, “Finding order in chaos once seemed like an oxymoron. Chaos theory was thought to deal with random disorder, grounded in the notion of indecipherable states. However, it is now known that chaos is multi-determinate. The challenge lies in identifying the determinants at play. Chaos represents complexity that extends beyond what most can perceive. Yet is far from truly chaotic - there are underlying patterns, even in constantly-shifting states. It’s not that cause and effect don’t exist; rather, there are so many interconnected ‘causes’ and so many nuanced effects that they can overwhelm the capacity to grasp them. We need ‘special’ intelligence to do so.” The ARC Thesis®: A Transformative New Paradigm for Cancer One key re-conceptualization is cancer. Cancer, long perceived as a slayable "foreign enemy", is now understood to be a dynamic entity, hardwired within us, deeply integrated into normal body systems. It’s not discrete, nor discontinuous, and actually: you. UPmedicine TI’s ARC Thesis® (Activated Regression of Cancer) advances insights that cancer can regress from ‘undeniably cancer’ towards, or even to, ‘normal’, until its final, irreversible stages – a seismic shift for the entire landscape. Firstly, if cancer remains tethered to normalcy, and regression progressed, there is gain in the individual’s net health, plus net cost to the cancer. Secondly, the less a cancer deviates from normal, the more tolerable precision oncological treatments can be, at less toxic doses - so more anti-cancer gains at lower cost to health. On both accounts: exponential gains and lower risks to life. This radically reimagines the future and flips the current paradigm on its head. Harnessing Science to Target Cancer in an Entirely Individual Way Using the XLII® framework, established and emerging science, UPmedicine TI has elucidated precise avenues for steering cancer toward normalcy while restoring hijacked individual systems. Coincidentally, we can now map an individual’s cancer with unprecedented exactitude – tracing its genomic, proteomic, and metabolic profiles alongside other tumour and personal data. Most of this data remains therapeutically untapped outside of possibilities within the ARC Paradigm® and could never be utilised ‘en masse’ (i.e., with target multiplicity) by any other system of our time. Bold Innovation for a New Era of Medicine This illustrates how UPmedicine TI’s capabilities provide a new paradigm for transforming unharnessed science into translational and clinical gains. Innovations are ‘totality of science’ led – with UPmedicine TI working beyond outdated models and frameworks, using science to reveal a disease’s composition and M.O., and generating ultra-personalized, precision propositions with unmatched data specificity. As Oonah Buist says, "For small steps, colour nicely within the given lines, but radical innovation demands intelligent disruption of the expected. It requires us to question the lines themselves and the very essence of colour and art. " XLII® thinking redefines how we understand diseases and can transform known data into new knowledge. In personalized medicine, Translational Intelligence® unlocks potential for immediate, actionable gains, targeting the precise factors relevant to an individual’s condition. UPmedicine TI is a strategic innovator, recognised for its leadership in Translational Medicine. Company: UPmedicine TI Ltd Name: Dr Alex Concorde & Oonah Buist Email: [email protected] Web Address: UPMedicineTI.com
SME News Q1 2025 / 8 Headquartered in Langstone, Newport, de Novo Solutions has rapidly expanded beyond its Welsh roots. With a second office in Guildford, Surrey, and a recent expansion into India, the company’s growth trajectory speaks volumes about its success. In just three years, de Novo has gone global with offices across three countries, demonstrating its ability to redefine operational excellence in an increasingly digital world. The driving force behind de Novo’s growth is the two-decade partnership that exists between Founder and Chief Executive Mark Sweeny and Chairman Tim Warner, a period which has seen them make significant advancements in the Cloud and pioneer a new era of digital transformation across Wales and beyond. Along with a dedicated team of innovators and trendsetters, these two straight-talking disruptors have spent the past three-and-a-half years turning this business into a beacon of innovation and value generation for clients. At the heart of their success with de Novo are its strategic partnerships with Oracle Corporation and ServiceNow. Mark and Tim’s journey in the cloud tech world began in 2011 when they co-founded Certus Solutions, the UK’s first dedicated Oracle Cloud applications implementation partner. de Novo is the natural evolution of their expertise, continuing to break boundaries and lead the way in digital transformation now in the era of the experience economy and the hybrid Cloud, something Mark saw coming as early as 2019. A standout example of de Novo’s innovation is Odyssea™, a groundbreaking cloud-based solution tailored with industry specific functionality. Built on the powerful Oracle Cloud platform and leveraging AI, Odyssea™ is designed to streamline back-office operations in finance, procurement, HR, and payroll. By maximising economies of scale, reducing costs, and boosting productivity, Odyssea™ empowers organisations to digitally transform while addressing their unique sector-specific demands. Its unique implementation model addresses 80% of a client’s requirements through a templated blueprint, leaving the remaining 20% to be customised, ensuring faster deployment and quicker ROI. de Novo has industry cloud solutions for Central Government, Local Government and what it sees as its biggest growth area – Secondary Education and Multi-Academy Trusts. In the realm of managed services, de Novo’s Value as a Service™ (VaaS™) redefines traditional cloud management. This next-gen proactive service delivers tailored, measurable outcomes, simplifying the complexities of Cloud operations with continuous support, seamless updates, and proactive management. VaaS™ helps clients stay on track with their digital transformation journeys, enabling them to leverage cutting-edge technologies like GenAI, all while focusing on core business goals. By rigorously tracking value and assessing performance, VaaS™ ensures clients can confidently demonstrate ROI and make datadriven decisions. To further accelerate cloud adoption, de Novo offers Testing as a Service™ (TaaS™)—an AI-powered solution for Oracle Cloud applications. TaaS™ provides scalable, flexible testing services that minimise risk, enhance quality, and speed up release cycles. With an integrated five-step management framework and automated testing, TaaS™ enables organisations to innovate confidently, knowing their software will perform reliably and integrate seamlessly. In addition to these core offerings, de Novo provides a comprehensive suite of services to ensure seamless cloud adoption and operational success. These include Cloud Readiness Assessments to prepare organisations for a smooth transition, Healthchecks to optimise system performance, and Cloud Recovery Services to ensure rapid recovery when necessary. The company also offers extensive training services to ensure teams are equipped to maximise the potential of their cloud investments. Collectively, these services solidify de Novo’s leadership in the digital transformation space, helping clients achieve sustained success. With these best-in-class solutions to boot, de Novo has a carved out a well-deserved reputation for itself as a company with a significant competitive edge when it comes to improving operational efficiency and fostering ongoing innovation for those that choose to partner with it. It is on the back of this that de Novo has secured such high-profile clients as HM Treasury, the Ministry of Justice, the Office for National Statistics, Kent County Council, Swansea City Council, Scottish Legal Aid Board, Historic Environment Scotland and many more. These cutting-edge cloud technology solutions have proven themselves to be incredibly effective across local and central government sectors, but the uses do not end there. For example, Mark is particularly As the foremost digital transformation experts in Wales, the team at Newport’s de Novo Solutions have been successfully realising the vision of Founder and Chief Executive Mark Sweeny since operations commenced in 2021. Just over three years in, the company has already made huge leaps when it comes to the optimisation of critical back-office functions of finance, procurement, HR, and payroll for its clients – and it is immensely proud to today be the UK’s only small-to-medium enterprise to have leveraged the industry-leading capabilities of both Oracle Cloud and ServiceNow technologies. Most Innovative Digital Transformation Experts 2024 Oct24113
passionate about getting involved in the education sector, especially with multi-academy trusts. This was seen recently in the case of the Harris Federation and Outwood Grange Academies Trust (OGAT), which the company hopes will be the first of many clients in this area to benefit from its remarkable suite of digital development solutions. Alongside these solutions, clients of de Novo are also drawn to the company as a result of its core values, which are both the cornerstones of this operation and the foundation its successes are built atop of. These values span pioneering technological innovation, delivery excellence, community engagement, and responsible growth. Striking the balance between remaining client-centred and considering outside elements, this quartet sees de Novo set the standard and provide excellent outcomes, all whilst supporting Wales’ local technology scene and wider communities through sustainable and ethical practices. In essence, it is this combination of terrific values and state-of-the-art technology that truly sets de Novo apart and allows the business to remain front and centre when it comes to digital transformation on an international scale, something that starts from its home base in Wales. Of course, it helps that Wales has positioned itself as a frontrunner in the global technology sphere, aided by its dynamic working environment, skilled workforce, and the supportive ecosystem that its valued technology companies are afforded. Having recently opened the forementioned development centre in Chennai, India, the next 12-18 months for the firm will see it focus on its global growth strategy, something that will enable it to better serve its growing international client base and improve the delivery of its overall service. Across both this site in India and its UK offices, the company is also focusing on talent development, doubling down on both the apprenticeships discussed earlier and graduate hires to close the digital skills gap plaguing industry today. Moreover, at the other end of the spectrum, de Novo is excited to announce that it will soon be welcoming a new chief financial officer/board member, with this individual expected to start in December this year. This person will push the board of directors back up to double figures, fortifying both its strength and effectiveness in the process and ushering in a great start to the new year for Mark, Tim, and the rest of the team here. The future is thus incredibly bright for de Novo, which is currently on track to hit its financial goals concerning turnover of £10 million on a healthy EBITDA of £2m being predicted for the 2024-2025 year – as well as expansion with its team soon set to comprise 90 employees in the UK and 20 in India. These figures serve as the backdrop for the company’s inspiration to further enhance its services and streamline its innovative solutions, so that it may continue to meet the changing needs of an increasingly diverse client base for years to come. On the back of this unwavering commitment and consistent excellence, we have recognised the team at de Novo as the Most Innovative Digital Transformation Experts 2024 in the Welsh Enterprise Awards. This is far from the only recognition that this standout company has received over the past 12 months, as it has also been named as Elite Business’s Exceptional Business Performance of the Year Awards and recognition as a Top 10 SME Business in the UK (2024), the UK StartUp Awards for Digital StartUp of the Year (Wales) (2024), and the Business Consultancy Awards for Industry Leader in UK Business Consultancy – Mark Sweeny (2024). Additionally, Mark was named Technology Entrepreneur of the Year (Wales) at the Great British Entrepreneur of the Year Awards in 2023. These awards underscore de Novo's continuous innovation, exceptional growth, and leadership in driving digital transformation across industries. The undisputed focal point of this annual awards programme, de Novo Solutions is a multi-award-winning company with an exceptional culture, a remarkable team, and truly unrivalled knowledge in the fields of digital transformation and the cloud. Its Oracle Cloud capabilities, including the flagship Odyssea™, VaaS™ and TaaS™ offerings, are examples of how this business’ mastery manifests itself in a number of industry-leading solutions that have left a huge mark on this sphere. The most exciting part? All of this as Mark says is just the beginning. More information about the general company and its services can be found using the website link listed below, or those interested in following this business as it continues to grow and evolve can do so here on LinkedIn. For any specific queries or requests, our readers are invited to fill out this form or contact de Novo Solutions directly on 01633 492042. Company: de Novo Solutions Web Address: https://www.de-novo-solutions.com/
SME News Q1 2025 / 10 Award-Winning Digital Marketing Agency in Leeds Based in Leeds, Bobble Digital provides clients across numerous sectors with detailed digital marketing strategies and support, helping them to achieve growth and results. For its outstanding work, the company has recently been named Best Digital Marketing Agency, in the UK, in the Business Elite Awards 2025. Here, we explore the story of Bobble Digital’s Founder and CEO Manpreet Singh in the wake of its success in this prestigious awards programme. Having graduated from Leeds Beckett University in 2011 with a master’s degree in marketing, Manpreet Singh went on to pursue a career as a digital media specialist, working across sectors like retail, sports, property, finance, tourism, and more. Eventually, he was inspired by his strengths in marketing strategy and communications to branch out on his own and establish a digital marketing agency. However, Manpreet’s plans were at risk of being disrupted when he suffered from kidney failure in January 2017. Against all odds, he successfully started Bobble Digital in May of the same year, building and running the company whilst on dialysis for the next three years. In March 2020, he was lucky enough to receive a kidney transplant, giving him the opportunity to fully recover. Once he was back to his full strength, Bobble Digital would go on to see significant growth in the coming months and years. Today, Bobble Digital is an agile digital marketing agency that specialises in digital media, offering a range of services to include digital marketing strategy, PPC, SEO, paid social, video and display advertising, and analytics. The agency serves both B2B and B2C clients across a range of industries and sectors, taking a strategic approach to helping them attract new customers and increase business. It also has a number of e-commerce clients, who it helps to achieve more online sales and acquire additional customers. Bobble Digital offers clients a free digital marketing consultation, as part of which it works to uncover what they aim to achieve through digital marketing. Then, the agency takes a data-focused approach to creating the client’s bespoke digital marketing strategy, utilising analytics to see how they rank online against their competitors. It also leverages the power of its partners’ data platforms to gain an understanding of their core customer audience behaviours, including what they do online, what channels they use, and what content they consume. With this information, Bobble Digital will develop a strategy using a unique methodology called PIER (Plan, Implement, Evaluate, and Repeat), which enables it to remain agile and flexible as an agency. After creating an extensive plan, it implements channel recommendations, evaluates its results, then utilises the findings to repeat the process whilst taking forward what has been learnt. Overall, it aims to help clients to achieve better results online. Operating in a competitive environment, Bobble Digital sets itself apart through its values, which are strategic digital growth, data-driven thinking, and long-lasting client relationships. These have not changed since its establishment, remaining at the heart of everything the agency does. By working to uphold these values and its unique process, Bobble Digital has consistently won clients over the years, running international and national campaigns across its service offerings. Bobble Digital is thrilled to have opened a new office in Dubai and is currently focused on establishing a client base in the UAE region. Moving forwards, it plans to expand into other continents to establish itself as an international agency, helping clients across the world with its services. This year Manpreet Singh took the brand one step further with offices in UAE servicing the Hospitality, F&B and Automotive industries while also launching his personal brand Mr Bobble, adapted from the Digital Marketing podcast “Bobble Pod” which provides listeners with insights into Digital Marketing, Advertising and Business topics. Having Lauch Mr Bobble Manpreet Singh aims to create a platform to educate and inspire the next generation of Digital Marketeers. Contact: Manpreet Singh Company: Bobble Digital LTD Web Address: www.bobbledigital.com Nov24284
SME News Q1 2025 / 12 Based in London, Myrtle Healthcare is a trusted provider of high quality, holistic health and social care services that focus on delivering personalised and compassionate care. Offering a multitude of services, including domiciliary care, supported living, live-in care, elderly care, learning disability support, and specialised services for individuals with complex medical needs. Committed to empowering its clients to lead independent and fulfilling lives, Myrtle Healthcare has been recently recognised in the Greater London Enterprise Awards. We find out more from Tonte Abban, Director of Myrtle Healthcare, below. Since its establishment in 2020, Myrtle Healthcare has been focused on building strong relationships with its clientele and their families, prioritising dignity, respect, and professionalism in every aspect of its care. The business has evolved significantly over the years, initially providing basic homecare services but expanding over time to offer a comprehensive range of healthcare services. This sustained growth, driven by a team comprising highly trained healthcare professionals, reflects Myrtle Healthcare’s unwavering commitment to addressing the diverse needs of its community and adapting to the dynamic health and social care landscape. Key milestones of this exceptional development include the introduction of advanced training programmes for employees, the advancement of technology to streamline communication and coordination, and the expansion of its services to support mental health and palliative care. Myrtle Healthcare’s operations have been built upon a foundation of strong core values: compassion, integrity, excellence, and collaboration. The care provider’s adaptability and focus on quality have been critical components of its mission to meet the evolving needs of its clientele and sustain rapid growth within a competitive industry. By staying true to these principles, the care provider has built a reputation for reliability and excellence across the region, becoming a trusted name in the London area. The health and social care industry is saturated with care providers, but Myrtle Healthcare stands out for its personalised and holistic approach to care, underpinned by a commitment to building genuine relationships with clients and their families. Recognising that every individual has unique needs, preferences, and goals, the company provides individualised support through tailored care plans carefully crafted in collaboration with clients, families, and healthcare professionals to ensure a truly personalised experience. From there, Myrtle Healthcare ensures continuity of care by assigning carers to work with specific clients on a full-time basis. Consistent carers are able to learn and understand their unique needs and develop their processes over time spent with the client, fostering trust and a rapport that leads to better outcomes and enhanced emotional wellbeing. Each member of the team additionally undergoes rigorous and ongoing training to ensure that they are equipped with the latest skills and knowledge, including specialised areas such as complex care, mental health, and palliative care. Not only that, but the company also invests significantly into advancing technologies to ensue that its practices remain ahead of the curve. Myrtle Healthcare leverages innovative tools to improve service delivery, from digital care management systems to real-time communication tools. These investments enhance efficiency and ensures that family members remain informed and reassured about the care their loved ones are receiving. “In an industry where impersonal, one-size-fits-all solutions are common, Myrtle Healthcare stands out by genuinely putting people first,” Tonte tells us. “Our ability to combine compassionate care with professionalism, adaptability, and innovation makes us a trusted partner for clients and their families. This balance between human connection and operational excellence is what truly differentiates us from others in the health and social care sector.” In order to continually deliver such stellar services, Myrtle Healthcare has built its internal culture around compassion, collaboration, and continuous improvement. The company believes that a motivated and supported team is the cornerstone of delivering exceptional care and so emphasises inclusivity, mutual respect, and professional growth to create an environment in which each member of the team feels valued and empowered within their roles. Myrtle Healthcare understands that each member of its team acts as an ambassador of its brand, and so provides all new employees with thorough onboarding, which includes technical skills training, soft skills development, and familiarisation with the company’s values Most Compassionate Home Care Service 2024 – South London Dec24134
and standards. From there, they are assigned an experienced mentor to ensure that they gain the appropriate hands-on knowledge and confidence to perform to the very best of their abilities. Following the onboarding, all existing members of the team are offered continuous professional development opportunities, including certifications in specialised areas of care such as dementia, learning disabilities, palliative care, and mental health support. Regular team meetings and one-on-one sessions are held to keep everyone aligned with Myrtle Healthcare’s mission and goals. By providing continual training opportunities from the very offset, Myrtle Healthcare has effectively built a robust workforce possessing the very best abilities throughout the region. The team has successfully driven Myrtle Healthcare through every challenge it has encountered along the way, embracing these obstacles as opportunities for growth and innovation, enabling Myrtle Healthcare to emerge from adversity stronger, more adaptable, and better equipped to serve its community. This has positioned Myrtle Healthcare as a frontrunning healthcare provider, leading the industry with innovation and purpose. The health and social care industry is undergoing significant changes that have been influenced by societal, technological, and policy shifts. Being located in London enables Myrtle Healthcare to remain abreast of emerging trends and developments, which are particularly dynamic due to the city’s population, high demand for services, and progressive healthcare policies. London has a multicultural population that requires culturally sensitive care, meaning that providers must tailor their services to accommodate various languages, cultural practices, and dietary requirements. With this in mind, the city also attracts a diverse talent pool of skilled professionals from around the world, providing local companies access to a well-trained, culturally diverse workforce. This in turn enables providers to deliver more inclusive care, delivered by qualified providers who understand and respect the variety of cultures they encounter. London presents unique challenges and opportunities for the health and social care industry, serving as a global hub for diversity and innovation that enables Myrtle healthcare to thrive. Possessing a passion for people, Myrtle Healthcare is steadfast in its mission of promoting diversity and inclusion throughout the health and social care industry. “Operating in the vibrant and multicultural community of London, we are proud to provide culturally sensitive care,” says Tonte. “Our team is trained to respect and celebrate the diverse backgrounds, languages, and traditions of our clients, ensuring that they feel at home and understood.” Myrtle Healthcare actively engages with its local community, fostering partnerships and staying attuned to the challenges and opportunities presented within the London area, better enabling the company to deliver culturally sensitive and locally relevant care. Throughout its years of operation, the company has successfully established itself as a key member of its community, building trust and goodwill locally through the provision of top-tier services, community engagement initiatives, and unfaltering compassion for all, regardless of age, ability, race, or religion. Building upon such significant success in recent years, Myrtle Healthcare plans to continue growing, innovating, and expanding its impact throughout 2025 and beyond. Tonte tells us that the company has developed a number of expert strategies, both mid and long-term, that will focus on providing exceptional care whilst evolving to meet the dynamic needs of its community and the broader healthcare landscape. Myrtle Healthcare’s mid-term goals for 20252027 focus on geographical expansion by establishing new branches in surrounding London boroughs and exploring partnerships with regional NHS bodies. The company also aims to enhance its specialised care programmes by introducing centres of excellence for dementia care, palliative care, and rehabilitation, as well as expanding its live-in care services. Additionally, the company will be committed to digital transformation through investments in telehealth and wearable technologies, and by using data analytics to personalise care plans and better predict client needs. As for long-term goals for beyond 2027, Myrtle Healthcare plans to become a recognised voice in the health and social care industry through research, advocacy, and participation in national policy development. The company aims to champion innovation in care delivery, collaborating with tech innovators and leveraging emerging technologies to enhance client independence and revolutionise how care is being delivered. Finally, Myrtle Healthcare will be exploring opportunities to extend its expertise on an international scale and building partnerships with global organisations to influence positive change in worldwide healthcare practices. “The future of Myrtle Healthcare is guided by our unwavering commitment to compassion, innovation, and excellence,” Tonte concludes. “Ultimately, Myrtle Healthcare is more than just a care provider; we are a trusted partner, an advocate for better living, and a pioneer for future-focused care solutions. We look forward to continuing this journey with the support of our community, clients, and a dedicated team. The road ahead is filled with potential, and we are excited to continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.” Contact: Tonte Abban Company: Myrtle Healthcare Ltd Web Address: www.myrtlehealthcare.co.uk
SME News Q1 2025 / 14 Best New-Build Construction & Development Company 2024 Aspinell is an award-winning construction and development company that specialises in establishing new build housing in London, Surrey, Essex, Canary Wharf, Tunbridge, and Kent. A privately-owned, in-house construction business, Aspinell opts to undertake the entire life cycle underneath one capable roof. As the company receives its title in the Greater London Enterprise Awards 2024, we talk to James Askew, Managing Director, for more information. Located in Canary Wharf, Aspinell is a luxury development and construction company on a mission to positively impact both the property market value and its surrounding communities. Since its inception, Aspinell has successfully navigated an uncertain market, facing increases in material price, the cost of living crisis and rising interest rates, and the persistent negative noise permeating the future of the housing market. Now Aspinell has invested in carefully selected housing projects either under construction or with imminent starts. With a diverse mix that adds agility and safety to Aspinell’s exit strategies, these varying projects are situated in robust areas with strong fundamentals, top-tier schooling, and forecasted high capital growth, making them highly advantageous investments that cater to both the downsizer market and to families looking for homes in secure communities. Staying true to its core values of passion, honesty, relationships, and results, Aspinell works tirelessly to provide its clients with a high quality construction solution perfectly tailored to their unique styles and needs. Each project is designed with the living experience as Aspinell’s core focus, capturing the latest in design trends and home technology whilst blending local heritage and individual preferences. Aspinell pays close attention to the smallest details in each project, such as unique architecturally designed buildings. James adds, “All our interiors are professionally deisgned with interior designers, premium kitchens from Italy and amazing details in every as aspect of the building.” Above all else, Aspinell strives to provide its customers with the best, and acts as a constant partner throughout the journey to ensure that clients are making the right choices and experiencing the best customer service, from the initial purchase through to the aftercare stage. Another way in which Aspinell stands out from its competitors is through its unique and expansive portfolio. Aspinell acquires both consented and non-consented schemes, which allows the company flexibility when enhancing these projects to add value through careful planning and innovative design. “Our in-house construction team delivers costeffectively, and our quality is controlled in-house,” James tells us. “We have total control of the full development cycle, and the product speaks for itself.” As Managing Director, James Askew has certainly steered Aspinall to excellence, leveraging valuable industry experience nurtured from a young age. James shares, “I was fortunate enough to work for my father’s company in FitzRoy London, which supplies the super prime and super prime residential markets, both BTR and private sale with kitchens and interior’s packages at the highest level, and Italian brand Molteni and Dada, which is located in key locations in London and a few doors adjacent to Harrods is there flag ship store. We delivered to logistically challenging projects fort tier 1 Constractos Mace, Herron, McAlpine’s to name a few.” Over the years, Aspinell has been dedicated to delivering high quality, leading construction and development solutions. The company has completed countless successful projects geared towards driving the value of the property market and benefitting its local communities. Aspinell’s prowess in property development is evidenced in the numerous testimonials provided by clients of the company, in awe of its professionalism, efficiency, and construction capabilities. “It is rare to deal with developers who deliver a product of the highest standard, and where the work ethic is clearly matched only by performance and integrity,” writes a spokesperson for Handf Finance Limited. “It is nothing less than refreshing and satisfying to deal with absolute professionals combined with a realistic commercial awareness.” “From the initial consultation to the final walkthrough, Aspinell’s professionalism and expertise were evident every step of the way,” says R., a past client. “The crew was punctual, respectful, and demonstrated exceptional craftmanship, paying attention to every detail to ensure the work met the highest standards. Overall, I highly recommend Aspinell for any construction needs. Their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction truly sets them apart.” Moving forward, James tells us that Aspinell plans to continue delivering top-tier solutions and driving the growth of the region’s housing market. “Our aim is to simply deliver housing stock that we would be proud to live in, it’s that simple,” he says. “We do not want to be a quantity house builder, but to be synonymous with the highest standards of new build housing stock in the Southeast.” Contact: James Askew Company: Aspinell Web Address: https://www.aspinell.com/ Oct24224
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