Business News Round Up (24/02/2020)
Technological pace is UK’s CEOs key threat
Economic uncertainty and the speed of technological change have been highlighted as the biggest fears for UK CEOs in 2020, according to a new report. The CEO Survey by PwC found that CEOs in the UK expressed concerns over the pace at which technology has advanced, with three quarters citing the speed of technological innovation as a ‘threat to their business’. In addition to this, 79% of CEOs believe that skills shortages and lack of experience with emerging technologies, such as AI, is also a threat to business.
https://www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk/main-news/technological-pace-is-uks-ceos-key-threat/
Property developers in the North set to benefit form launch of new £1bn fund
A new £1 billion fund has been announced for the North of England, aiming to boost property development in the region by increasing the supply of available finance. GBB is targeting a gap in the market, offering secured property development loans of between £1 million and £5 million, with 90% of lending supporting regional property developers and SME construction companies across the Northern Powerhouse regions of the North East, North West and Yorkshire. The bank plans to support residential property development projects and commercial properties, estimating it will support the development of more than 12,4000 residential properties and more than 500 commercial properties.
Government launches £10m Innovation Scholars scheme to develop new tech for NHS
A new £10 million Innovation Scholars Scheme has been announced in the UK to support the development of new technologies and techniques to help the NHS develop treatments and cures for those facing life-threatening health conditions. The scheme offers investment to support collaboration in life sciences between researchers and industry. It will include developing new healthcare wearable technologies such as smartwatches and monitors, diagnostic devices like mobile health units, and new personalised medicines based on patients’ genetic information.
Perwyn backs web hosting firm as BGF exits
Manchester-headquartered web hosting company Miss Group has secured investment from Perwyn in a move which led to the exit of BGF two years after its first investment. Miss Group offers a range of services including domain registration, web hosting, site building, virtual private servers (VPS) and email management to SMEs, receiving an initial investment of £6.4 million from BGF in August 2018, followed by a further £13 million to accelerate its international expansion strategy in 2019.
https://www.insidermedia.com/news/north-west/perwyn-backs-web-hosting-firm-as-bgf-exits