Category Archives: News

News

Arrow partners with POPX to automate operations and integrate acquisitions

Arrow Business Communications, one of the UK’s leading independent providers of collaboration, connectivity, cyber security and cloud and infrastructure managed services, has partnered with POPX to implement their fully managed MSP Platform to transform operations, service and business management functions.

For Arrow to continue its growth trajectory and focus on customer experience, a strategic decision was made to invest in the latest service management technology aimed at enhancing both employee and customer experiences. Following an intense period of growth through acquisition, the business imperative pivoted to ensure all operations in the acquired businesses consolidate into a single standard.

The initiative labelled “One Customer Experience. One Platform” will give Arrow the advantageous capability to quickly integrate acquired businesses onto a future-proofed service management solution. After narrowing down the technology choice to ServiceNow, Arrow selected POPX as the ideal option to de-risk their investment with a fully managed service, run by skilled ServiceNow specialists with experience in the managed services sector.

Jason Briscoe, Chief Operating Officer at Arrow said: “Too much work in our industry is delivered by committed people using manual, isolated processes, and aged tooling. All this leads to frustration, ineffective delivery, inflated overheads, greater risk, and an inability to manage cost and quality, all at the expense of customer satisfaction. As we acquire new businesses, and to help realise the maximum value from those investments, we will integrate them onto the very best service management platform available. In this way, we aim to turn the operations of every part of our growing business into scalable value-creation machines.”

The POPX MSP Platform is designed to accelerate and de-risk digital transformation for Smart MSPs by enabling them to onboard ServiceNow faster, with greater transparency on cost, timescales and added value. The MSP Platform allows tech service providers to consolidate applications, integrate internal and supplier systems, and deliver service automation for key processes. The fully managed service from POPX includes all integrations, development and enhancements, upgrades and maintenance, as well as training and the day-to-day support of running a complex technology.

Richard Burke, CEO at Arrow commented: “Service value and customer experience runs through our DNA and that’s why we wanted to enhance our service proposition to truly deliver on our promises today but ensure we have a platform that scales for tomorrow. With POPX, we can integrate previous and future acquisitions onto one system, resulting in efficient operations that deliver an outstanding customer experience.”

Martin Ford, CEO at POPX said: “Arrow has successfully grown at speed over recent years and as a result, they have been on an extensive digital transformation journey. We’re delighted to be part of that team, operating as a long-term partner that will guide and support them through this next phase of growth and beyond.”

News

Berlin startup ecolytiq expands into North America with Vancity and Visa

The climate tech startup ecolytiq announces its North American market entry by securing product launch with Canadian credit union Vancity

 

The Berlin-based climate fintech ecolytiq makes the jump across the Atlantic as it launches the “Carbon Counter” banking web application with the Vancouver-based co-op credit union Vancity. This will be the first product of its kind in Canada.

 

Alongside the product launch, ecolytiq will be opening an office in Toronto to better scale climate action through financial institutions. This marks a major milestone for the Visa Fintech Partner Connect Programme member, who played an integral role in the launch of Visa’s Eco Benefits Bundle last year.

 

Starting in the new year, every Vancity Visa credit cardholder will be able to track the estimated carbon emissions of their credit card purchases. Members will be able to see how their monthly tally compares to the national average, or which credit card purchases have the highest environmental cost. The Carbon Counter will help Vancity cardholders understand the carbon footprint of their purchases as well as provide advice on what they can do to reduce their emissions footprint.

 

“We are breaking new ground here,” said Ulrich Pietsch, ecolytiq Co-Founder and Managing Director. “We developed a White Label solution to offer financial institutions all over the world an agile and effective way to provide their customers with tools to forge a better tomorrow. With the launch of Carbon Counter, Vancity is solidifying its role as a leading sustainability innovator both in Canada and in the global banking world.”

 

Vancity is partnering with Visa and ecolytiq, one of Europe’s leading climate engagement technology companies, to provide the first Visa Carbon Counter in Canada. By blending climate awareness, education, and behavioral nudging, the ecolytiq Sustainability-as-a-Service® solution combines the most effective areas of climate action to ensure that financial institutions have the digital tools to combat the climate crisis.

 

“Innovative technology companies are essential to helping the world reach net-zero targets and reduce climate impacts,” said Darryl Gant, Vice President of IT Solutions at Vancity. “We have joined forces with ecolytiq to bring the first Carbon Counter to Canada because they share our values on climate and our drive to be a financial force for change.”

 

Vancity is a values-driven member-owned cooperative where many of the members choose to bank because of the credit union’s record and ongoing work on the environment. Consumer research* by Visa indicates 70

 

* Research was conducted by Visa Inc. among 501 Canadians aged 18 and older, between August and September 2021.

 

per cent of Canadian consumers say sustainability is very important to them, and, importantly, more than half want to better understand their carbon footprint. The Vancity Carbon Counter will allow them to do that.

 

“We are proud to support the launch of Vancity’s CO2 calculator, a first on a Visa card in Canada. This is a great example of how we can empower consumers to understand their environmental impact and honour Visa’s commitment to a sustainable future,” said Stacey Madge, Country Manager & President, Visa Canada.

 

Vancity wants to not only help its members understand the impact of their spending on the environment, but also provide insights into lower emission options. In addition to providing a snapshot of your “count,” the Carbon Counter provides insights on how to reduce your carbon “spending” and tips for more sustainable choices.

 

 

News

Unity apprentices on road to success after Kickstart to careers

Leeds-based housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise have recruited two apprentices after successful placements through the Kickstart scheme.

Samit Miah and Ben Coultas will also complete Level 3 Business Administration NVQs whilst developing their workplace skills as full-time Unity employees.

Both impressed during six-month Kickstart stints with Unity, Samit in the Finance Department and Ben with the Regeneration Team.

Funded by the Department for Work and Pensions, Kickstart was open to individuals aged 16-24 who were claiming Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment.

Samit and Ben were selected following a rigorous selection process concluding with a panel interview.

They were appraised throughout their period on the scheme including regular meetings with line managers from Unity’s Employment Services Team, to review progress and identify training needs.

Samit said: “My first impressions of the apprenticeship were of familiarity, working in the same department with the same colleagues, but with a twist of greater maturity having transitioned from a part-time role to a full-time position with substantial responsibility.

“The support I have received includes training and development for my new tasks and responsibilities, as well as support for my studies in the form of flexibility from both the educational institute and Unity on personal and role-related duties.

“Since starting the apprenticeship, I feel more involved within the association as I work much closer with existing colleagues. This has taken me across the final steps towards getting accustomed to the real working lifestyle I will need later in my career.”

Ben said: “I was welcomed by all the Unity staff from the very first moment, with everyone being friendly and willing to try to get to know me.

“I received help and support with training courses such as communication skills and Excel, alongside learning about the processes and different situations the Development Team come across and must find solutions for.

“The Kickstart opportunity helped build my confidence back after the pandemic and gave me the chance to get back into work where I feel happy. Working for an organisation that wants to make a difference to people’s lives and improving opportunities for the local communities also gives me a purpose.”

Wayne Noteman, Unity Regeneration Director, said: “Samit and Ben have done excellent work since joining Unity and it is tremendous to offer them apprenticeships with us.

“The blend of workplace experience, bespoke training and the opportunity to gain Level 3 Business Administration NVQs offers a clear route map to career progression.

“Samit and Ben come from local communities where Unity operates on a daily basis, and both can act as pioneers for other young people who wish to follow a similar path to full-time employment.

“Through Kelly and Lorraine in our Employment Services team, we are proud to be playing a lead role in identifying individuals with the talent, willingness to learn and determination to succeed in the world of work.”

Cedric Boston, Unity Chief Executive, said: “It has been inspiring to follow the progress Samit and Ben have made.

“Unity’s activities are rooted in local communities and our social purpose is focused on helping individuals and families improve their lives by creating opportunities they might not otherwise access.

“Samit and Ben have shone brightly since coming to us via the Kickstart scheme and continue to do so as apprentices.

“I look forward to seeing them develop further in the months ahead.”

News

SOTI Calling on IT Leaders to Change Attitudes and Tackle Unnecessary E-waste

SOTI is calling on global IT leaders and manufacturers to re-evaluate their device management practices to prevent devices from being discarded unnecessarily and contributing to the millions of tonnes of annual global e-waste.

SOTI has revealed nearly 95% (95% globally) of UK IT leaders within international corporations believe a change in device management would reduce the number of devices their organisations discard and replace every year.

According to SOTI’s inaugural sustainability report, Reduce, Reuse, Rethink: From Discard Mentality to Tech Sustainability, 38% (35% globally) of IT leaders replace devices regardless of whether they still work or not, 43% (43% globally) replace devices when a newer or more advanced model becomes available, 36% (40% globally) replace devices when warranties run out and 41% (43% globally) upgrade electronics at the users’ request.

These behaviors are leading to devices becoming unnecessarily obsolete, but better software and hardware management from IT leaders and manufacturers can increase device lifespan. As the global chip shortage continues, better device management is needed more than ever to preserve devices and mitigate a diminished supply of electronics.

E-waste is a major contributing factor to global waste. A BBC study estimated the world’s mountain of discarded electronics, in 2021 alone, weighed 57 million tonnes – more than the Great Wall of China. The study also predicted the global share of e-waste that is documented, collected and recycled is just 20%. Unfortunately, many organisations are ignoring the scale of their contributions to global e-waste because of the growing pressure to continuously innovate using new technology.

A battle of mentalities

Although 55% (60% globally) of IT leaders agree device management is an important environmental issue for their organisation, they are under immense pressure to come out on top in terms of digital transformation. Consequently, innovation is outweighing the desire to ensure devices are not discarded prematurely. Additionally, 59% (62% globally) of IT decision-makers believe having the latest hardware makes their company a more attractive place to work.

Currently, 42% (44% globally) of devices contain replaceable batteries, yet only 29% (33% globally) of annual budgets are spent replacing them. When a battery dies in a car, the battery is replaced, not the car. The same mindset must be applied to corporate devices by strengthening budgets to replace batteries, allowing for complete electronic lifecycles. This helps businesses fulfil sustainability agendas and increase digital proficiency over the long term.

 Elongating lifespan

Behaviours such as throwing away devices prematurely and failing to provide software support throughout a device’s life, need to change if companies want hardware to survive longer.

Indeed, 51% (69% globally) of IT Leaders agree regular software updates are extremely important in supporting and expanding device lifespan.

“The decision-makers in charge of devices and the digital solutions being deployed are the biggest offenders of replacing devices that do not need to be replaced. IT leaders must work with manufacturers to implement software updates that fix bugs and security vulnerabilities, provide new features to improve performance and usability, and reduce excessive, unnecessary e-waste. These attitudes and behaviours are leading to the unnecessary disposal of too many devices,” said Stefan Spendrup, Vice President of Sales, Northern and Western Europe at SOTI.

“Introducing new and shiny technology is not maintainable and is not the only way to stay on track with digital transformation. As technology advances at an extortionate rate, so do the practices of preserving it

SOTI’s inaugural sustainability report, Reduce, Reuse, Rethink: From Discard Mentality to Tech Sustainability, can be downloaded here.

 

Report Methodology

SOTI’s research was conducted online between February 17 and March 2, 2022, via interviews with 2,500 IT decision-makers (at specialist/professional levels and above) who work for companies comprising 50 or more employees. All respondents were aged 18 and over, and the research was spread across eight countries. These included Canada (250), the U.S. (500), Mexico (250), the UK (500), Germany (250), France (250), Sweden (250) and Australia (250). In addition to presenting global, overarching trends, the research was also broken down into demographics according to country, company size, decision-making authority, job role and vertical/sector.

About SOTI

SOTI is the world’s most trusted provider of mobile and IoT device management solutions, with more than 17,000 enterprise customers and millions of devices managed worldwide. SOTI’s innovative portfolio of solutions and services provides the tools organizations need to truly mobilize their operations and optimize their mobility investments. SOTI extends secure mobility management to provide an integrated solution to manage and secure all mobile devices and connected peripherals in an organization. For more information, visit: soti.net.

News

HURST staff reach new heights to raise thousands for hospice

Intrepid staff at accounting and business advisory firm HURST have reached new heights to raise thousands of pounds for a Greater Manchester hospice.

HURST partner and director of practice development Simon Brownbill and Rebecca Leech, an associate in HURST’s business services team, led the way with sponsored tandem skydives from 15,000ft.

Meanwhile a team of 25 HURST colleagues completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge – scaling Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough in 12 hours.

Seven others undertook a cycle ride along the Tissington Trail in the Peak District, covering a total of 26 miles there and back, while a group of six took part in an open swim at Sale Water Park in Greater Manchester, clocking up 7km in total, followed by a 10km walk.

The endeavours mean HURST has now raised more than £13,000 for Willow Wood Hospice, which is based in Ashton-under-Lyne and provides care and support throughout Tameside and Glossop.

Willow Wood is HURST’s charity of the year for the second year in a row, as Covid impacted the firm’s fundraising ambitions in 2021.

Simon said: “Willow Wood does amazing work and our team was keen to help them out with some creative fundraising efforts.

“We’ve had groups of people doing some amazing things for the charity. I’d always wanted to try a skydive, and having the opportunity to do one for such a great cause was awesome.

“As well as raising money, we have supported Willow Wood directly, with a number of staff volunteering in its shop, distribution centre and at the hospice itself, and by the firm donating a number of computer monitors.”

Rebecca said: “I was inspired to do the skydive for Willow Wood as it was something I’d always wanted to do and I couldn’t think of a better reason to do it than to raise money for this lovely charity.

“I have a family friend whose mother was looked after at the hospice, and they have spoken so highly of the care that she received. It’s a very worthy cause to jump out of a plane for!”

The hospice provides care for people who have been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness. It has an 11-bed unit for palliative and end-of-life care. All of the rooms have en-suite facilities, a garden view and a private patio.

Willow Wood also provides holistic therapies, a dementia café, home support and bereavement support. It costs around £3m a year to run the hospice.

Mark Llewellin, vice-chair of Willow Wood’s board of trustees and its acting head of income generation, said: “Our sincere and grateful thanks go to the HURST team, who have pulled out all the stops to support Willow Wood this year.

“After voting for us as their charity of the year, they have not only volunteered in our shops, distribution centre and at the hospice itself, but have also raised thousands of pounds with their many and varied challenges.

“Their commitment has been fantastic and we are very proud to be associated with them. We wouldn’t be able to care for patients and their loved ones without supporters such as the team at HURST.”

News

Make your cyber habits stick for better online security

It can take as little as 18 days to form a habit, and 66 days for this new behaviour to become automotive. Once you do learn a habit, however, it becomes second nature.  

Why does this matter for online security? Well, forming a more robust security culture around yourself takes commitment, but once you get it and stick to it – it’s not going anywhere. You can then rest easy knowing your data and credentials are being kept safe from cyberattacks.  

The UK is dealing with a rising national security threat from online scammers with nearly two-fifths of businesses experiencing a cyber-attack in the past 12 months. The market is clearly in a weak spot, and the cost-of-living crisis may be adding fuel to the fire. Businesses are now cutting back on expenses to manage the rising costs, but this will be detrimental to online security. Simple changes that could prevent cyber-attacks, like not repeating the same passwords, are not being implemented as 64% of breached passwords were used across multiple accounts. It is important to develop habits that ensure cyber health, whether it’s for personal or professional use.  

  

Start a routine for good cyber habits 

We often assume that data breaches won’t happen to us. We read the news about somebody’s accounts getting hacked, or a business having a breach, and we never imagine that we could be on the receiving end. However, this is exactly how cyber-attacks happen and targets are often unsuspecting, unaware users. 

There are many steps you can take and tools you can easily implement to ensure your data is kept safe online. If it seems like a hefty task at first, start small, and build it up over time. Forming a habit is all about routine, and once you’re in the swing of things it will become second nature. Kick off your cyber secure future by following these tips: 

Trust your gut, don’t click on suspicious, untrusted links – Phishing links, credential harvesting sites, and other forms of social engineering can come through a suspicious text, an odd message through your social media account, or a weird phone call. Stay one step ahead by using the same caution and skepticism regardless of where the message comes from.    

Update Software and Backup Devices – Keeping software updated and backing up data is important in case your computer breaks down, but it’s also a smart idea to do this in case you fall victim to a cyberattack. No one wants to have their data held hostage or, worse, permanently deleted.  

Use strong passwords and multifactor authentication (MFA) – A strong password is the first and most essential line of defence against a cyberattack. While a password is the most common form of authentication, it’s worth noting there are others. Each time you add another form of authentication to your tool belt, you improve your cyber security.   

Take advantage of wider tools, such as a password manager – A password manager organises all of your passwords in one place. It provides security to protect those passwords and makes it a lot easier for you to have a strong, unique password for everything.  

 

Password managers for safety 

When creating strong passwords, utilising a password manager is a major benefit. It is a software application that is designed to store and manage online credentials, ensuring your private details are secured.  

Password managers prevent cyber hackers and scammers by using strong encryption. These devices use industry-standard protection, making it virtually impossible for hackers to access your passwords. There are other benefits included in password managers besides just protecting your accounts with hard-to-decipher passwords, such as: 

  1. Simplifying online shopping – your password manager website will fill in all your payment and shipping details on the checkout page whilst online shopping, saving you time and effort. 
  1. Dark web monitoring – data breaches are becoming a regular occurrence with data being leaked online. This feature will alert you if any of your personal information is at risk and if your logins have appeared online. It will also advise you on the next steps to protect your account. 
  1. Storing information – you can store other critical pieces of information, documents and notes safely on your password manager. If you have important travel documents or itineraries or emergency contact information you want to keep safe, it is in one safe and secure vault. 

 

Honouring new habits 

It is imperative that we all start taking precautions to secure our online selves and prevent cyber hackers from gaining access before they have the chance. While never a one-stop shop, it’s never too late to start incorporating safe practices and tools. Think of it like going to the gym – you need to keep at it to see the benefits. After all, ensuring your safe online and passwords are secure should be something you don’t even need to think about. 

  

News

Pioneering People Plan workshop to transform local workforces

Business owners were able to create a transformational people plan for their workforce in the first ever business workshop of its kind in Northamptonshire.

 

The one-day People Plan seminar, delivered by HR Solutions, saw entrepreneurs explore the key employment areas affecting their business and then create an achievable, useful strategy to take away, in the new, pioneering project.

 

HR Solutions trainers Terry Hayward and Victoria Templeton – both qualified, chartered members of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development – worked with delegates to tackle critical questions such as:

 

Do you know what the biggest challenges and risks are facing your business?

Do you know how you can get your people to reach their full potential to maximise their contribution to the business?

Did you know that a strategic people plan can transform your organisation?

 

The delegates completed a workbook throughout the day, as well as participated in group discussions. Each person’s answers formed a tailored, strategically focussed, people plan specific to each business, which they were able to take away.

 

In his role as HR and Training Consultant at HR Solutions, Terry uses his extensive knowledge and 20 years’ experience to support his own dedicated client base, and to develop, implement and roll out a wide range of Management Development training.

 

Victoria has 25 years’ experience in Human Resource Management having worked in HR outsourcing, financial services and insurance, the travel industry and education. She is HR Knowledge Manager at HR Solutions and is responsible for HR content management.

 

Victoria said: “The People Plan workshop was a huge success, with delegates from large corporations and SMEs, with a mix of clients and prospects in attendance

 

“The event helps businesses to identify their key challenges and risks as well as provides practical guidance on how to create a strategically focussed people plan, which can be instrumental in your company’s success when done correctly.

 

“We want to help people to transform their organisation through maximising their people potential.”

 

The People Plan workshop is suitable for business leaders, those working in HR as well as those involved in strategy and project management.

 

For more information about upcoming HR Solutions seminars visit https://www.hrsolutions-uk.com/upcoming-seminars/

News

Accountancy firm helps local businesses thrive

An event held at the Marriott Hotel in Northampton has offered support to local firms to help them weather the current economic storm and come out of it in a stronger financial position.

 

The Quarterly Planning Day event, run by Northamptonshire finance experts N-Accounting, was part of a series of workshops created to equip business owners with the information needed to grow a profitable business and provide a 13-week action plan to achieve goals.

 

The day covered how to build customer avatars, success stories from quarter three (Q3) and a reflection on areas a business should focus on in order to grow and scale, as well as objectives and actions needed for the next quarter.

 

It also included interactive sessions from recruitment expert Eileen Pacey, who took to the floor to talk about how successful businesses are currently growing their teams and attracting the best candidates, as well as serial entrepreneur Dipesh Patel, who guided guests through the various businesses he has run and how he found the winning formula.

 

One of the delegates, Robin Kirkley, of Vizeo Digital Media, said: “It was a productive and enjoyable day. I worked through all aspects of my business that I needed to work on. The handout materials were excellent and the team were helpful and friendly. A very generous and insightful experience.”

 

Another, Julia Prince from Paws For a Cause, said: “The Quarterly Planning Day was such a fun and useful day. I learnt so much and got to network with likeminded people.”

 

N-Accounting managing director Nishi Patel added: “Our Quarterly Planning Days are a great opportunity to bring a team together and get focussed on your goals.

 

“Business leaders must take chances to work on their business rather than it in and we provide that opportunity with guided support, allowing entrepreneurs to network with likeminded people, prioritise development needs and form achievable goals.”

 

The next Quarterly Planning Day takes place on Wednesday, December 7 at the same venue and will see management consultant Mhairi Richardson facilitate a session on how to create a management team, so you can focus on business development instead of firefighting.

 

Entrepreneur Daniel Lockeron will also be a guest speaker at the event, telling the inspirational story of how he went from a one-man band to the head of an eco business with more than 15 people in the team in just four years.

 

Tickets cost £45 + VAT per attendee. For more information visit www.n-accounting.co.uk or call 01604 330129.

News

Meryl Fabrics® Celebrates Major International Award Success

Meryl Fabrics® pioneer in hi-tech sustainable materials and owners of the first in-house circular economy offering in textiles, is jubilant after receiving a trio of much coveted industry awards at the Professional Clothing Industry Association Worldwide Awards 2022.

 

The PCIAW®  presented the highly innovative manufacturer with the final trophy of the evening, the ‘Industry Award for Sustainability’, as well as Highly Commended awards in two other categories ‘Best Fabric & Fibre Innovation’ and ‘PPE Innovation in Clothing’.

 

Peter Broom, Co-Founder and Director of Meryl Fabrics® explains: “We are thrilled to receive this substantial recognition from such an esteemed international organisation.

 

“Our business is absolutely passionate about revolutionising the textile manufacturing process, eliminating microplastic shedding and reducing the overall environmental impact of professional clothing.

 

“We are hopeful that being presented with these three international awards will amplify our call, encouraging other organisations to join us in our mission to achieve infinite recyclability.”

 

Meryl Fabrics®  was also a headline sponsor of the Professional Clothing Industry Association Worldwide, PCIAW® Summit & Awards 2022, which welcomed UK and internationally-based manufacturers, distributors and retailers to the two day event on 18 and 19 October in London. At the event the firm also welcomed attendees to the stand so they could benefit from key insights on how they can benefit from Meryl Fabrics®  technology to achieve sustainable solutions within their organisations.

 

Driven by problem solving, the award-winning Meryl Fabrics® uses Nylstar Hydrogen bonding technology to enhance the molecular structure of fibres; seal-in microplastics within the yarn and improve the durability of garments. Their continual innovation in Meryl® Eco Dye offers a waterless dyeing process, saving thousands of litres of water during manufacture of fabric as they re-engineer the present of apparel. Meryl Fabrics® seeks to replace cotton with its exceptionally soft touch fabrics that feature natural stretch and moisture management properties that are designed to be recycled and offer other businesses a fully circular model in one place.

News

UK watch business breaks into US with a hand from TikTok

British-based watch brand Hagley West is making inroads into the vital US market thanks to significantly increased exposure on TikTok.

Owner, entrepreneur and TikTok influencer, Tim Hayden, has had two recent trips stateside, where he travelled to different states, hosting a number of live streams, to his nearly one million followers. A third trip is also planned for the end of this month, due to the success of the previous visits.

During his visits Hayden runs his now legendary ‘Find Tim’ live stream challenges to give social media fans a chance to locate him and potentially win a free watch. As a direct result of the visits, the brand has already seen more than 796 US sales and many more enquiries.

The first visit to the US alone delivered more than 300 new US customers and another 40,000 new US social media followers. This spurred Hayden on to want to visit again and also look at different sectors.

“Our famous strapline is ‘love your journey’ and there is nothing more exciting than breaking into new markets”, explained Tim Hayden.

“We’re obviously really proud of our British heritage and we’ll never lose that, but there’s already so much interest in the US and we’re only really just getting started.”

Hagley West is a UK small business success story set against a really difficult current economic landscape. The business is less than five years old and run primarily from Hayden’s Hertfordshire home, with his kitchen doubling as his office. Nevertheless, each year has seen a significant increase in profits and social media following.

Hayden continued, “Times are difficult for a lot of people at the moment and if we can be a source of inspiration for other small businesses on their own journey, I take a lot of personal pride in that.

“This US agenda is just one of a number of really interesting initiatives we are currently undertaking on our growth journey. There are so many places we are keen to take the brand, but that’s not to say we’re forgetting our UK audience.”

Hagley West is currently gearing up for its big Black Friday event, with exciting discounts and opportunities set to be announced in the coming weeks. Hayden is also collaborating with other influencers and supporting charity initiatives via his social presence.