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Cost of living crisis prompts free online marketplace from BrightHR
BrightHR has announced the launch of a free online marketplace and perk system connecting thousands of small businesses across the UK .
This launch comes as statistics show 27 % of UK employers are considering implementing similar benefit schemes in the next 12 months after food , fuel and energy prices are likely to climb even higher .
Bright Exchange allows BrightHR ’ s 40,000 clients to advertise deals and share exclusive discounts with each other .
The innovative online tool is the first free service for employers and employees , letting users post adverts showcasing their unique services , perks and benefits and helping SMEs give back to their staff .
“ We understand that the past two years have been incredibly hard – not just for our clients , but for their employees as well ,” said Alan Price , CEO , BrightHR .
Mettle reaches 50,000 customers
Mettle , the NatWest-backed digital business account , has seen 500 % customer growth since the start of 2021 , reaching a milestone of 50,000 side hustlers , freelancers and small businesses in the UK .
This hike correlates with the rise in people taking the leap to turn their passion into a business in recent years , according to Companies House data .
Despite challenges for these small businesses , Mettle – which was built to serve the selfstarters of the UK – has also seen customer deposits increased by almost 600 % and has processed £ 2 billion worth of customer transactions through the platform since January 2021 , showing strong growth in the sector .
Sectors where Mettle saw the most growth in the past year include construction-based services , with 101 % growth in accounts opening , followed by accommodation and food services ( 94 %), accounts relating to the cleaning of buildings ( 84 %) and education services ( 81 %).
One in two regional business owners feel negatively impacted by bank closures
Zeller has announced the release of the Zeller Regional Report : Shining a Spotlight on Regional Businesses .
The new research , based upon a survey of 420 Zeller merchants trading across metro and non-metro areas , explored the regional business boom ; uncovered top-of-mind challenges for merchants ; sentiment towards the big four banks following increasing branch closures in regional areas ; and what the growing opportunities are for regional business owners following the impacts of pandemic-triggered lockdowns .
With a record number of Australians packing their bags for a regional tree-change in the past two years , economies and communities outside of the capital cities are undergoing a rapid transformation . Zeller ’ s research indicated that business owners in regional areas feel disproportionately impacted by closures of local incumbent bank branches , a finding which supports the increasing adoption of new technology to support regional business payments and financial services .
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