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Recent findings from iwoca's Q1 2024 SME Expert Index reveal concerns among brokers regarding high street banks' reduced willingness to fund SMEs. Bank lending to SMEs dropped significantly, impacting their financial health. Alternative financing options like fintech lending and crowdfunding are gaining importance amid shrinking traditional banking routes.

In May 1920, Mary Harris Smith became the world's first female chartered accountant. Despite initial resistance, she set up her own firm in 1887. Her portrait now adorns Chartered Accountants’ Hall.

In today's digital era, amidst fierce competition for consumer attention, storytelling emerges as a potent tool for brand building. It forges emotional bonds, sets brands apart, fosters loyalty, simplifies complexity, ensures consistency, drives engagement, and can be measured for impact, elevating brands to influential narratives.

ACCA has reached 100,150 UK members and 252,500 globally. With 69,500 UK PQs and 526,000 worldwide, ACCA will celebrate its 120th anniversary this year. CEO Helen Brand highlights the achievement and the commitment to an inclusive, ethical profession.

Securing venture capital involves creating a solid business plan, developing a minimum viable product, networking, perfecting the pitch, demonstrating traction, and undergoing due diligence. VC funding provides capital, mentorship, and strategic partnerships, but requires sharing equity and rapid growth.

Richard Edwards, CEO of the R&D Community, highlights potential pitfalls of HMRC's new R&D tax relief advanced notification rules. Companies must notify HMRC in advance to claim relief, complicating backdated claims. Strict compliance expectations focus on intentional R&D projects, adding complexity for accountants.