Your weekly summary of entrepreneurship news, comment, and features. Sent by the Centre for Entrepreneurs (home of StartUp Britain). Sign up here. Read the original newsletter here.
The 2016 Maserati 100
Maserati and the Centre for Entrepreneurs have launched the second annual ‘Maserati 100’; a definitive list of Britain’s most successful philanthropists, investors, mentors and advisors, and ascending entrepreneurs who are supporting the next generation of up and coming business talent.
News
78% of UK’s fastest-growing businesses based outside London
EliteBusiness: According to a report from the London Stock Exchange Group, the overwhelming majority of the UK’s most dynamic companies operate outside the capital. Read more. Read ‘1000 companies to inspire Britain’
Business broadband put under the microscope by Sajid Javid after Ofcom grilling
Real Business: The business secretary has announced that the government will conduct a review aimed at improving business access to broadband, on the back of research indicating British firms are being “severely impacted” by poor internet speeds. Read more
- Related: Red tape and outdated planning laws are to blame for Britain’s slow internet, says O2 boss Ronan Dunne (Mail Online)
UK firms braced for ‘watered down’ business rates review
Telegraph: British companies are bracing themselves for disappointment after it emerged that the government is planning to water down its reform of the controversial business rates system. Read more
UK companies need to raise productivity to support National Living Wage, but how?
CityAM: Businesses are painfully aware of the need to pick up productivity to support the National Living Wage, but they have no idea where to start, according to research published by the Resolution Foundation and the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development. Read more. Read ‘Weighing up the wage floor’
EU referendum
With entrepreneurs divided on the issue, the Centre for Entrepreneurs will remain neutral throughout the EU referendum campaign. Through these weekly newsletters, I will attempt to share relevant polling and statistics relating to entrepreneurs’ views on the topic. These will be presented in a raw format in the newsletter and I will attempt to link to original press releases rather than editorials. Links to external sites do not represent the Centre’s endorsement of third party organisations or views. – Matt.
- 42% of 4,000 FSB members (small business owners across the UK) surveyed this week could still be swayed by either campaign. 52% said they do not feel informed about the referendum. 38% demanded information on the economic impact. 38% needed more information on regulatory burden. 33% asked for more detail on the cost of EU membership. Original press release
- 81% of 175 tech startup founders (126), employees (26) and investors (19) surveyed by Coadec – the tech startup lobby group – want Britain to remain in the EU. Original press release and commentary
- 56% of 42 high growth entrepreneurs in the North East surveyed by Entrepreneurs’ Forum would vote now to keep Britain in the UK; 32% would vote to leave, and 12% are unsure. Original article from EF
- Having been quoted in the Mail on Sunday supporting Britain’s ongoing membership of the EU (based on a twitter survey), membership network Enterprise Nation has clarified its position and invited its members to complete a detailed survey to help it challenge both official campaigns.
Opinion
Instead of moaning about Uber, Labour should embrace its potential
New technologies are here to stay – and they can work for the worker too, writes Labour MP Ian Austin. Read more
What role should Silicon Valley play in fighting terrorism?
Fred Kaplan (MIT Technology Review): Politicians are trying to recruit technology companies to fight ISIS. Does it make sense? Read more
Features
Delivering 25% month-on-month growth: the Deliveroo story
Freddie Dawson (contributor, Forbes) examines the success of UK food delivery startup, Deliveroo. Read more
And finally…
Yet another reason to start a business – entrepreneurship is the second most ‘successful’ profession for men on dating app Tinder (third most successful for women). Read more