Over the past six months UK small-to-medium-sized businesses (SMBs) have grown on average by six per cent despite the broader UK economy struggling, according to the latest SMB Index from HP.
HP’s survey of 1,000 SMBs, with between 1 and 50 employees shows that, compared to that of the previous six months, growth for UK SMBs has slowed slightly but optimism is still strong, with SMBs expecting to grow by up to 13 per cent over the next year. Optimism in the economy is also strong, with 66 per cent of SMBs optimistic about the year ahead. SMBs in Financial Services have grown the most (13 per cent), followed by Manufacturing (10 per cent). SMBs in Retail (4 per cent) and Professional Services (1 per cent) have seen the least growth. Nearly half of UK SMBs (48 per cent) are turning to social media to help grow their business and reach new audiences, with 56 per cent of sole traders recognising its value the most. However, although SMBs are finding social media beneficial for networking purposes (83 per cent), and as a mechanism for advertising (57 per cent), many SMBs are underestimating its true potential for business growth and lead generation.
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Being 'social' is considered by many as a key attribute of modern operations for a broad spectrum of businesses. Even more believe it's the single most important driver of change in the marketing communications industry, but tangible examples of these are considerably rarer than social media theorists.
The IPA in association with PR Newswire are proud to present the first in a series of events that will explore how social media and related techniques are actually being applied today. The clear boundaries between advertising, marketing communications and PR are dissolving in a world of mainstream social media usage.
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Despite continuing economic uncertainty in 2010, SPIE’s business held up well, and profitability improved for the fifth year running. The Group broke new ground in all of its markets and saw organic growth resume in France
With consolidated turnover up 0.7% year-on-year to €3.75 billion, annual business volume stabilised, underpinned by a balanced customer portfolio and good anticipation of sector trends, with growth in the healthcare and social housing sectors, sustained mobility in cities, demand for energy efficiency in services and manufacturing, the solar photovoltaic boom and the roll-out of broadband networks being just a few examples. In addition, SPIE further strengthened its excellent position in the energy markets.
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Homewood Suites by Hilton, the international brand of the all-suite, home-like hotels, today launched an integrated brand awareness campaign starring the brand’s beloved “Lewis the Duck” mascot and its suites with full kitchens. The campaign includes TV, print, and online ads, as well as a Duckmentary chronicling Lewis’ TV ad shoot, which will serve as the centerpiece for a corresponding social media and public relations campaign.
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Bacardi Limited, the largest privately held spirits company in the world, announces tennis champion Rafael Nadal as the new Bacardi Limited Global Social Responsibility Ambassador. The ATP World Tour® #1 ranked Rafael Nadal now leads the Company’s award-winning responsible drinking campaign, “Champions Drink Responsibly.”
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SES conference was a great success in Hong Kong 2010. We have invited 245 veterans from online marketing, search marketing and the social media marketing industry. There are more than 50 guest speakers who are marketing giants from the industry introducing the latest industry trends, technological innovation and success stories.
Trend Micro unveiled Trend Micro™ Online Guardian for Families today, the company’s first product designed for parents concerned about their kids’ social networking activities. With comprehensive parental controls, social network monitoring, and Internet filtering, Trend Micro Online Guardian gives parents the tools they need to keep up with their children’s Internet and social networking activities and take action to keep them safe while they are using their cell phones, tablets, laptops, and desktops.
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Turner Sports, CBS Sports and the NCAA announced today the newly enhanced NCAA March Madness on Demand (MMOD) live products to be launched for the upcoming 2011 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship. NCAA March Madness on Demand, produced by Turner Sports Interactive, will be available across multiple digital platforms, including online (http://mmod.ncaa.com), as an iPhone and iPod Touch app, and for the first time, as an iPad app. Among the new features, MMOD will offer improved live viewing with richer quality and larger format streams, a personalizable channel lineup feature, and live stats and social companion views.
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Toyota today announced its “100 Cars for Good” program, which will award 100 vehicles over the course of 100 days to 100 deserving nonprofit organizations based on votes from the public.
Beginning March 7, 2011, registered 501c(3) non-profit organizations can apply online through Toyota’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/toyota for a chance to win a Toyota Prius, Tacoma, Tundra, Highlander Hybrid, Sienna, or Sienna Mobility. A six-year 100,000 mile powertrain warranty will also be provided for each vehicle awarded. Applications submitted by March 21, 2011 will be reduced to 500 finalist organizations that will be in the running to win a vehicle. These final organizations will be selected by an independent panel of judges who are experts in the fields of philanthropy and social responsibility. Finalists can submit videos, create their own online profiles and rally their friends and supporters to encourage voting for their organization.
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Smarter, Wiser, Kinder is a Children's Enlightenment Book. It is designed to help children thrive, by highlighting the seamless connections between academic and social-emotional learning. These are protective factors which foster resilience in children, and promote safe and supportive families and schools. Learn about the book and this author: www.TraceyCollins.com Children's Books, Non-fiction
Experian Automotive today announced CheckMyRide.com, a free social media Website for car enthusiasts. Members of the site can build their own personal vehicle history timeline, track the whereabouts of vehicles they have owned in the past, and easily share their favorite memories about the cars and trucks they love on Facebook and Twitter. The new site also allows members to receive a free AutoCheck® vehicle history report so they can fully understand and share their current vehicle’s history.
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Subaru of America, Inc. walked a different path for the face-off at Cowboys Stadium, resulting in a 500% increase in planned social and viral engagement.
In conjunction with its sponsorship of Animal Planet’s “Puppy Bowl VII,” Subaru invited owners across the country to walk their dogs on game day. Supporters pledged to participate on Subaru.com and through the company’s Facebook page.
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