Daily Archives: January 15, 2025

Leicestershire-based sustainable decorations start-up secures £25,000 in funding for business growth

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565Visit Shots! nowSpot Dec, a sustainable decorations company based in Leicestershire, has secured £25,000 in funding from First Enterprise under the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme.The business, which looks to offer an innovative solution for decorating spaces for any occasion, aims to use the Start Up Loans funding to invest into acquiring better tools and higher quality materials for packaging purposes.Co-founders Lee Coles and Kristina Koshmanova-Bahrin were inspired to start this business from their desire to create magical moments for their children during special occasions without leaving small, unsightly damages when taking down decorations.With Lee’s background in construction helping with planning and understanding regulations, and Kristina’s design, multimedia and product management skills, the duo were able to build a business that is both practical and visually appealing.(L-R) Lee Coles and Kristina Koshmanova-BahrinSpot Dec creates sustainable decorations that can be reused multiple times instead of being discarded after each event. Its discrete ceiling anchor with four hooks protects walls and ceilings while allowing decorations to hang beautifully, while its subtle design stays in place year-round, with ceiling lights enhancing the display.Combined with fully recyclable packaging, Spot Dec promotes an eco-friendly approach to event decoration and its damage-free, practical design lets even tenants create a magical atmosphere without worrying about marks on walls or ceilings.The funding from First Enterprise was primarily used to invest in bringing their product to market, and tooling which was crucial for kickstarting the manufacturing process and ensuring they could make their products at scale. It was also used to source high-quality materials for their packaging to reflect the eco-friendly and visually appealing values of their product.Lee Coles and Kristina Koshmanova-Bahrin, Co-Founders of Spot Dec, comment: “Securing a patent and scaling production were daunting challenges, requiring significant time and resources.“The Start Up Loan from First Enterprise, paired with the invaluable guidance of our adviser Forbes Lucas, transformed our journey. The funding allowed us to fast-track production, bring our product to market, and grow our business much sooner than expected. Forbes’s support extended beyond finances – his insights into our logo, website, and packaging were pivotal. With his ongoing encouragement and First Enterprise’s backing, we’ve overcome obstacles and achieved milestones that once seemed out of reach.”First Enterprise provides business loans ranging from £500 – £150,000, which are funded through several regional funds, for start-ups and SMEs that are unable to borrow from traditional high-street lenders. The not-for-profit organisation reinvests any surplus into loan funds to further support economic growth and job creation in the local communities. Forbes Lucas, Business Adviser at First Enterprise, comments: “Working alongside Spot Dec during their loan application process was a really fulfilling experience, the co-founder’s passion behind their product really showed through their dedication to creating beautiful environments for their family and friends. Wishing them all the best for the business’s future.”Richard Bearman, Managing Director of Small Business Lending, British Business Bank commented: “Spot Dec have clearly sought out a gap in the market and have been able to use their real-life previous working experience to develop a niche business that is thriving. Funding and guidance from the Start Up Loans programme should only push them to further heights and I look forward to seeing all their success in the future.”Continue Reading

Kildare finalist announced for Business of Craft Awards at Showcase 2025

A craft and design business from Co. Kildare has been announced as a finalist for the Business of Craft Awards, as part of Local Enterprise Showcase at Showcase 2025 in the RDS later this month. Lorna Frawley and Joanna Brien-Sammons of SIÓG Botanicals, supported by Kildare County Council’s Local Enterprise Office, have been shortlisted in the ‘Best Newcomer’ category. They are competing against Incredible Socks supported by LEO, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown and Mojo & Co supported by LEO, Louth. 
SIÓG Botanicals specialises in creating pressed flower art prints and greeting cards inspired by the beauty of Irish nature. Their work has gained recognition not just locally but across the country, and this nomination is a testament to their passion and craftsmanship.
Jacqui McNabb, Head of Enterprise, Tourism and Economic Development, Kildare County Council said: “The addition of the Business of Craft Awards to the Local Enterprise Showcase at Showcase, is a significant boost for the companies. It helps to highlight some of the best-in-class businesses from the design and craft sector across the country and we are doing that in front of key buyers both nationally and internationally. So, it gives businesses that extra competitive advantage as we look forward to the event. 
Showcase 2025 is set  to be a huge event for our Kildare Local Enterprise Office supported companies, including SIÓG Botanicals, Loinnir Jewellery and Tamzen Lundy Designs. They will have the chance to meet with buyers from all over the world and it’s three days that could change their business forever.  We’ve been working closely with them all to ensure they can maximise their participation, so there is a lot of excitement ahead of the event this year.” 
The awards have three categories; Best Newcomer for the best craft and design business exhibiting for the first time, One to Watch for the best craft and design business with excellent export and international potential and Sustainability Champion for the best craft and design business excelling in sustainability.
The awards will take place on Monday, January 20 at Showcase in the RDS as part of the overall event. The finalists were selected from the 105 Local Enterprise clients who will be exhibiting to national and international buyers across the three days. 
Mary Blanchfield, interim Chief Executive, Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) commented: “Congratulations to all the finalists of the LEOs Business of Craft Awards. These awards are a great way to celebrate the business models of craftspeople across the country. Showcase 2025 promises to highlight the very best of Irish talent and creativity. At Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI), we are delighted to have the opportunity to provide support a dynamic platform for businesses to connect and collaborate with both domestic and international buyers. We look forward to working closely with the Local Enterprise Offices to welcome all the exhibitors and to build on the success of last year’s show.”
Showcase 2025, is a pinnacle event in the global design and crafts calendar and will open its doors to thousands of buyers from across the world, including Ireland, the UK, USA, mainland Europe, Asia and Africa, generating millions of euros of sales orders during the show. Showcase is presented on behalf of Design & Crafts Council Ireland, with support from Enterprise Ireland in promoting the trade show internationally through their network of offices overseas, and the Local Enterprise Offices nationwide. 
Local Enterprise Showcase is one of several enterprise initiatives run by the Local Enterprise Offices across the year to foster entrepreneurship and help small businesses to start and grow. Other events include Local Enterprise Week, National Women’s Enterprise Day, the National Enterprise Awards, the Student Enterprise Programme and the Local Enterprise Village as part of the National Ploughing Championships. For more information on the Local Enterprise Offices and the supports they can provide, please visit LocalEnterprise.ie
A craft and design business from Co. Kildare has been announced as a finalist for the Business of Craft Awards, as part of Local Enterprise Showcase at Showcase 2025 in the RDS later this month. 
Lorna Frawley and Joanna Brien-Sammons of  SIÓG Botanicals, supported by Kildare County Council’s Local Enterprise Office, have been shortlisted in the ‘Best Newcomer’ category. They are competing against Incredible Socks supported by LEO, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown and Mojo & Co supported by LEO,  Louth. 
SIÓG Botanicals specialises in creating pressed flower art prints and greeting cards inspired by the beauty of Irish nature. Their work has gained recognition not just locally but across the country, and this nomination is a testament to their passion and craftsmanship.
Jacqui McNabb, Head of Enterprise, Tourism and Economic Development, Kildare County Council said: “The addition of the Business of Craft Awards to the Local Enterprise Showcase at Showcase, is a significant boost for the companies. It helps to highlight some of the best-in-class businesses from the design and craft sector across the country and we are doing that in front of key buyers both nationally and internationally. So, it gives businesses that extra competitive advantage as we look forward to the event. 
Showcase 2025 is set  to be a huge event for our Kildare Local Enterprise Office supported companies, including SIÓG Botanicals, Loinnir Jewellery and Tamzen Lundy Designs. They will have the chance to meet with buyers from all over the world and it’s three days that could change their business forever.  We’ve been working closely with them all to ensure they can maximise their participation, so there is a lot of excitement ahead of the event this year.” 
The awards have three categories; Best Newcomer for the best craft and design business exhibiting for the first time, One to Watch for the best craft and design business with excellent export and international potential and Sustainability Champion for the best craft and design business excelling in sustainability.
The awards will take place on Monday, January 20 at Showcase in the RDS as part of the overall event.  The finalists were selected from the 105 Local Enterprise clients who will be exhibiting to national and international buyers across the three days. 
Mary Blanchfield, interim Chief Executive, Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) commented: “Congratulations to all the finalists of the LEOs Business of Craft Awards. These awards are a great way to celebrate the business models of craftspeople across the country. Showcase 2025 promises to highlight the very best of Irish talent and creativity. At Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI), we are delighted to have the opportunity to provide support a dynamic platform for businesses to connect and collaborate with both domestic and international buyers. We look forward to working closely with the Local Enterprise Offices to welcome all the exhibitors and to build on the success of last year’s show.”
Showcase 2025, is a pinnacle event in the global design and crafts calendar and will open its doors to thousands of buyers from across the world, including Ireland, the UK, USA, mainland Europe, Asia and Africa, generating millions of euros of sales orders during the show. Showcase is presented on behalf of Design & Crafts Council Ireland, with support from Enterprise Ireland in promoting the trade show internationally through their network of offices overseas, and the Local Enterprise Offices nationwide. 
Local Enterprise Showcase is one of several enterprise initiatives run by the Local Enterprise Offices across the year to foster entrepreneurship and help small businesses to start and grow. Other events include Local Enterprise Week, National Women’s Enterprise Day, the National Enterprise Awards, the Student Enterprise Programme and the Local Enterprise Village as part of the National Ploughing Championships. For more information on the Local Enterprise Offices and the supports they can provide, please visit LocalEnterprise.ie

Canada’s business investment to be subdued, productivity must be addressed

The CFIB says that capital investment in business machinery and equipment decreased 16% in the 10 years from 2013 to 2023, the equivalent of $1,178 less for every worker (adjusted for workforce size), which has made the productivity crisis worse.

The three main reasons cited by poll participants as deterrents to capital investment are the cost of equipment (69%), the cost of doing business (56%), and cash slow constraints (50%). For those in BC, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba around one third also cited the inability to write off Provincial Sales Tax as a barrier to increase investments.   

“If we don’t improve our productivity and make it easier for businesses to equip workers with the tools and equipment they need to be more efficient, Canada risks falling behind its global competitors, losing entrepreneurs to other countries, and worsening the standard of living for all Canadians,” said Bradlee Whidden, senior policy analyst for Western Canada and report co-author. “We will all feel the impacts, that’s why governments need to act now, and fast.”

Productivity was recently cited by PwC Canada as a key thing to address to boost Canada’s M&A market.

Government action

But what does the CFIB want the federal government to do to tackle stagnant productivity and fuel investment?

Business News | L&T Technology Services Reports 9.5% YoY Growth in Q3FY25 Highest Ever Large Deal Bookings

BusinessWire IndiaMumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 15: L&T Technology Services Limited (BSE: 540115, NSE: LTTS), a global leader in engineering and technology services, announced its results for the third quarter ended December 31, 2024. Highlights for Q3FY25 include:Also Read | Indian Government Partners With ITC Ltd To Promote Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Country’s Startup Ecosystem.* Revenue at Rs. 26,530 million; growth of 3.1% QoQ and 9.5% YoY* USD Revenue at $312 million; growth of 3.1% QoQ and 8.7% YoY in constant currency* EBIT margin at 16.2% excluding one-time non-operational M&A expense; up 110 bps QoQ* Net profit at Rs. 3,224 million; growth of 0.9% QoQ* 8 large deals: one USD 50 million, two USD 35 million, two USD 25 million, and three USD 10 million deals”We had a strong quarter with 3.1% growth in constant currency led by our Tech and Sustainability segments where the demand outlook has been steadily improving. In Tech, we grew by 11% sequentially driven by ramp ups in Medtech, Hyperscalers and Communication providers where we leveraged our SWC capabilities. Sustainability grew by 4% sequentially helped by plant modernization and automation demand. Our large deal TCV has seen a healthy increase with eight wins across segments. The large deal pipeline continues to be robust aided by ongoing engagements with customers on both new age product and platform development and business transformation. Our strategy of investing upfront in the first half of the current fiscal has started yielding results with growth and margin improvement. With the Intelliswift acquisition now complete, we have formed a new sub-segment called Software & Platforms through which we will strengthen our foothold in Hyperscalers and enter the Service-led sectors namely Retail, Fintech and Healthcare which are new and promising markets for us. This strategic move enhances our AI, digital and software product engineering capabilities, increasing our ability to deliver greater value to clients through a unified offering. During the quarter, we inaugurated the NVIDIA AI Experience Zone at our Bengaluru design hub, enhancing AI capabilities for clients in Mobility and Tech. With 174 patents filed in AI/Gen AI applications, we reaffirm our commitment to AI led innovation,” said Amit Chadha, CEO & Managing Director, L&T Technology Services Limited. Highlights and Recognitions:Also Read | 2025 Honda CBR650R, Honda CB650R Launched in India: From Price to Specifications and Features, Here’s Everything To Know About New Honda Motorcycles.* Recognized by CII as one of the Top 25 Companies Excelling in Women in STEM, 2024* Zinnov has rated LTTS as a “Leader” in Digital Engineering and ER&D Services 2024 for Overall ER&D, Digital Engineering Services, Medical Devices, Industry 4.0 and Industrial* Honoured as the Government System Integration Partner of the Year FY24 at the Palo Alto Networks India & SAARC Partner Summit FY24 * Awarded the 2025 BIG Innovation Award in Transportation for AnnotAI by the US-based Business Intelligence Group* Recognised by Financial Express FuTech Awards 2024 for Best AR/VR Breakthrough and Best Use of Predictive/Prescriptive AnalyticsPatentsAt the end of Q3FY25, the patents portfolio of L&T Technology Services stood at 1,448, out of which 903 are co-authored with its customers and 545 are filed by LTTS. Human ResourcesAt the end of Q3FY25, LTTS’ employee strength stood at 23,465.(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)