BUSINESS TRENDS 2014

ALTERNATIVE WORKING PRACTICES

Flexible working +

Helping employees establish a better work/life balance helps retention, motivation and engagement

CROWDFUNDING

You no longer need cash to start a business

Crowd funding sidesteps bank loans, directly connecting people to business ventures

OFFSHORING

Many top companies move processes abroad for tax reasons, to reduce overheads and supply chain and to focus on core business

WELLBEING AT WORK

Mindfulness courses are available to schools and businesses that understand the value of meditation and turning our attention to the present

STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS

Larger companies are seeing the brand benefit of using their power to support SMBs

Bringing a personal touch and allowing localisation to go global

PRIVACY BEST PRACTICE

Companies are beginning to position their privacy policy as a competitive advantage

Crisis strategies, in case of a data security breach, are also on the rise

DATA CRUCIAL FOR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

Big Data is no longer just for geeks it has become economically relevant to businesses, creating value by reducing waste

SEAMLESS PAYMENTS

Speeding up the customer path to purchase is happening via NFC and pre-pay services for taxis and food

Tablets are ideal for cashier service SMBs

LEARNING FROM THE BIG BOYS

Many people are seeking inspiration from the likes of Apple, Amazon and Google to learn how to better themselves in the world of work, leadership and entrepreneurship

mEMPLOYMENT

Mobile is becoming a tool for accessing employment and income-generating opportunities

People can also use their phones to

and mini-CVs