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Maryam Simpson’s Clear Path to Creative Leadership
Business

Maryam Simpson’s Clear Path to Creative Leadership

by December 9, 2025

When Maryam Simpson started creating homemade magazines as a kid on her family’s first computer, she didn’t know she was laying the foundation for a career in digital marketing.

But her love for design, storytelling, and tech never left. Today, she’s a seasoned Marketing Specialist based in Hoboken, New Jersey, helping brands grow with strategy, empathy, and data.

From launching rebrands to tripling client sales, Maryam’s work speaks for itself. But behind every campaign is a mindset focused on clarity and connection.

“Marketing is about empathy,” she says. “You have to understand people well enough to create something that moves them.”

Let’s take a look at how she got here—and how she’s changing the way marketing is done.

From Edison to Rutgers: Early Signs of a Storyteller

Maryam grew up in Edison, New Jersey, in a home that blended engineering logic and literary curiosity. Her dad was a civil engineer. Her mom, originally from Iran, was a high school English teacher. That mix sparked her interest in both structure and story.

At Edison High School, she joined the yearbook club, student council, and DECA. She won a regional marketing strategy competition in her senior year. But she was already experimenting with ideas before that—building digital collages, redesigning logos, and exploring how images and words connect.

That curiosity led her to Rutgers University – New Brunswick, where Maryam Simpson earned her B.S. in Marketing and Communications in 2014. During college, she interned at a boutique ad agency in Princeton and found her niche in digital.

“I liked how fast things moved,” she says. “And I loved how strategy and creativity could work together.”

First Jobs and Fast Growth

Maryam’s first professional role was as a Marketing Assistant at Garden State Financial Services. It was a mid-sized firm, but the experience was big. She created email campaigns, managed social media, and tracked analytics.

“It taught me how to balance daily work with long-term goals,” she says. “And how to communicate across teams.”

By 2017, she had moved on to BrightLeaf Media Group, a digital agency in Jersey City. There, she worked with clients in healthcare, retail, and tech. She didn’t just participate—she led.

One of her major wins was a rebrand for a regional hospital network. The project boosted online patient engagement by 43%. She also launched a social influencer campaign for a skincare brand, tripling monthly sales. Another standout was a content strategy overhaul that pushed SEO traffic up by 200%.

“Those were turning points,” she says. “I learned how to connect performance with purpose.”

Leading With Purpose at EverNova

In 2021, Maryam took on a hybrid role at EverNova, a sustainability-focused brand based in Hoboken. The job blends everything she’s passionate about: storytelling, analytics, product messaging, and values-driven marketing.

She works closely with product development teams to make sure what the company says matches what it does.

“People want authenticity,” she says. “If there’s a gap between what a brand promises and how it acts, they’ll see it. Fast.”

Her role is part strategy, part content, and part research. And it reflects her broader belief in marketing with meaning.

Skills That Make an Impact

Maryam’s toolbox is deep. She’s skilled in SEO, brand identity, social media strategy, content writing, and data analytics. She uses HubSpot, Salesforce, Google Ads, and design tools like Adobe Creative Suite and Canva Pro.

But what really sets her apart is how she uses those tools. It’s not just about driving clicks. It’s about building trust.

“It’s easy to make noise,” she says. “It’s harder to create something people actually care about.”

She also mentors younger professionals online, answering questions in LinkedIn groups and offering advice on marketing careers.

Recognition and Giving Back

Her work hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2020, she was named one of NJ AdWeek’s “Top 30 Under 30 Marketers to Watch.” In 2021, she won Best Social Media Campaign at the New Jersey Marketing Excellence Awards. In 2023, she was a featured speaker at the Women in Digital Marketing Summit in Newark.

Outside of work, Maryam volunteers with Girls Who Code NJ and Habitat for Humanity Hudson County. She teaches digital skills, helps with community events, and supports local causes.

She also runs a travel blog called The Urban Lens, where she mixes her love for photography, cities, and nature. It’s a space where she writes about everything from café culture in Lisbon to hiking trails in upstate New York.

The Mindset That Drives It All

Maryam is the kind of marketer who listens first. She blends data with emotion. She builds with purpose and isn’t afraid to challenge the standard playbook.

She’s not chasing trends—she’s building stories that last.

“Marketing isn’t about selling,” she says. “It’s about connecting. That’s what sticks.”

In an industry full of noise, Maryam Simpson stands out for one simple reason: she knows how to make things clear.

Read more:
Maryam Simpson’s Clear Path to Creative Leadership

December 9, 2025
Invest in Women Taskforce hits £635m as Nationwide and British Business Bank join first close of landmark ‘Women backing Women’ fund
Business

Invest in Women Taskforce hits £635m as Nationwide and British Business Bank join first close of landmark ‘Women backing Women’ fund

by December 9, 2025

The Invest in Women Taskforce has surpassed its fundraising ambitions in a major boost for female entrepreneurship, announcing that it has now convened £635 million in commitments, more than double its original £250 million target set at launch in 2024.

The milestone includes confirmation that Nationwide and the British Business Bank will join Barclays and M&G as anchor partners in the targeted £130 million first close of the groundbreaking Women backing Women Fund of Funds, subject to final terms and approvals.

The fund, managed by Bootstrap4F and believed to be the largest female-led fund of funds in the world, represents the first initiative of its kind in the UK dedicated to deploying capital directly into female-founded companies and gender-balanced VC teams.

The Taskforce’s first Annual Report, published today, reveals that more than £70 million was deployed in 2025 across 15 founders and funds, with a strong pipeline now emerging as momentum accelerates. The funding pool has become the largest coordinated effort globally to reshape the investment landscape for female entrepreneurs.

A sector still facing a deep investment gap

Despite the rapid progress, female founders continue to face stark funding disparities. Research by Beauhurst and the Taskforce shows that fully female-founded businesses receive just 2% of UK equity investment. At the current rate of change, the Taskforce estimates it will take at least a decade to reach funding parity between all-male teams and female or mixed teams.

The House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee recently echoed this call for urgent action, urging the government and industry to invest more decisively in female entrepreneurship.

Government backing and economic case

Speaking ahead of a Downing Street reception to mark the launch of the Annual Report, Chancellor Rachel Reeves said supporting female entrepreneurs was central to the government’s economic agenda.

“Growth is this Government’s number one mission, and I am backing female-powered business not only because it’s critical for our economy but because it is the right thing to do,” she said.

“As the first female Chancellor, I am committed to improving economic outcomes for women, from lifting the two-child cap to breaking down barriers that stop women from starting, scaling and investing in British businesses.”

‘A commercial imperative, not just a moral one’

Hannah Bernard, Barclays executive and Taskforce co-chair, emphasised the economic potential of backing women-led businesses.

“Female-led businesses deliver 35% higher returns than male-led businesses,” she said. “This is not only the right thing to do,  it is a commercial imperative. We must urgently rebalance investment committees and capital deployment.”

Debbie Wosskow OBE, entrepreneur and co-chair of the Taskforce, said the fund’s progress should serve as a wake-up call to the wider VC industry.

“Reaching first close will be a huge milestone. We’ve worked tirelessly to build the world’s largest funding pool for women, but about 80% of UK venture capital still goes to all-male teams,” she said. “The evidence is clear: diverse teams deliver stronger returns. So what are we waiting for?”

The Taskforce continues to call on institutional investors, pension funds and corporates to join the initiative and help close the UK’s persistent gender funding gap.

Read more:
Invest in Women Taskforce hits £635m as Nationwide and British Business Bank join first close of landmark ‘Women backing Women’ fund

December 9, 2025
Frasers Group snaps up Swindon Designer Outlet in latest retail property expansion
Business

Frasers Group snaps up Swindon Designer Outlet in latest retail property expansion

by December 9, 2025

Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group has acquired Swindon’s Designer Outlet, one of the UK’s busiest retail destinations, marking the latest move in the company’s fast-growing property portfolio.

The popular shopping centre — housed within the Grade II-listed former Great Western Railway Works — attracts more than three million visitors a year and has been sold by LaSalle Investment Management, which only purchased the site in 2022.

Michael Murray, CEO of Frasers Group, said the deal underscores the company’s commitment to investing in physical retail as a core part of its “elevation strategy”.

“Physical retail is central to our elevation strategy and investing in Swindon — one of the UK’s top five outlets by footfall — strengthens our position as both retailer and landlord,” Murray said. “This acquisition reinforces our property strategy and unlocks new opportunities for our brands and our partners.”

The outlet, which opened in 1997, was previously operated by McArthurGlen before changing hands to LaSalle. Its acquisition marks another major shopping centre addition for Frasers Group, following last month’s purchase of the Braehead Shopping Centre in Scotland.

The FTSE-listed business, controlled by founder and majority shareholder Mike Ashley, now owns a growing portfolio of retail centres across the UK alongside its chain of Frasers department stores and brands including Sports Direct, Game, Jack Wills and Evans Cycles.

Industry analysts said the move highlights Frasers Group’s continued strategy of combining retail ownership with property investment — a model that gives it significant influence over rents, tenants and prime retail locations during a turbulent period for the high street.

Read more:
Frasers Group snaps up Swindon Designer Outlet in latest retail property expansion

December 9, 2025
Government unveils £725m package to create 50,000 apprenticeships and tackle rising youth unemployment
Business

Government unveils £725m package to create 50,000 apprenticeships and tackle rising youth unemployment

by December 9, 2025

The government has announced a £725 million overhaul of the apprenticeship system, setting out plans to create 50,000 new placements over the next three years in an effort to address rising youth unemployment and strengthen the UK’s long-term economic prospects.

The reforms include a £140 million mayoral pilot programme giving regional leaders new powers to connect young people — particularly those not in education, employment or training (NEET) — with apprenticeship opportunities at local employers. Ministers say the changes will open thousands of new routes into skilled work across the country, with a sharper focus on aligning training with local labour market demand.

A central pillar of the reforms is a commitment to cover the full cost of apprenticeships for eligible under-25s at small and medium-sized businesses — a move aimed at removing the financial barriers that have discouraged thousands of SMEs from hiring apprentices.

The government will also launch new foundation apprenticeships in industries such as hospitality and retail, intended to help young people enter the workforce more quickly. Expansion plans for growth sectors — including digital, engineering, health and advanced manufacturing — are expected to create clearer pathways into roles experiencing chronic skills shortages.

Sheila Flavell CBE, COO of FDM Group, called the investment a “crucial step” in preparing young people for a job market undergoing rapid transformation.

“As AI adoption accelerates across every sector, the demand for digital and technical skills is rising sharply,” she said. “Our research shows that more than half of organisations now expect AI capabilities in all early-career roles, yet only 6% feel their teams are equipped with these skills.”

Flavell said embedding practical AI and digital literacy into early-career training was essential to ensuring the UK workforce remained competitive.

Sachin Agrawal, Managing Director for Zoho UK, said the reforms were a “significant step towards modernising the UK’s skills infrastructure,” particularly in regions historically underserved by training and investment.

“By building a more evenly distributed skills base, the UK can attract greater investment from the tech industry into hiring and upskilling local talent,” he said. “Flexible short courses, foundation apprenticeships and new pathways in AI and digital engineering mark an important shift toward modular, competency-based training.”

From April 2026, the reforms will introduce a suite of short, flexible training courses in critical skills areas as well as a new Level 4 apprenticeship in artificial intelligence, designed to meet employer demand for future-focused capabilities.

The package represents the most significant restructuring of the apprenticeship system in a decade and is aimed at reversing a sharp decline in participation — apprenticeship starts among young people have fallen by almost 40% since 2015/16.

Ministers say the new measures will simplify pathways, expand access and ensure training reflects the needs of modern industries and regional economies.

Read more:
Government unveils £725m package to create 50,000 apprenticeships and tackle rising youth unemployment

December 9, 2025
Using 2024 Frontiers Research to Strengthen Feminised Cannabis Seed Quality
Business

Using 2024 Frontiers Research to Strengthen Feminised Cannabis Seed Quality

by December 9, 2025

Recent scientific work has given growers a clearer look at what truly strengthens the quality of feminised seeds, and one of the most relevant studies came from a 2024 publication in Frontiers in Plant Science.

Researchers focused on how feminised seeds are made, how the plants react, and what steps actually lead to dependable outcomes. With these findings, growers can rely on approaches grounded in real research rather than continuing with practices that do not always deliver.

Why Feminised Seeds Benefit From Scientific Guidance

Growers have spent years creating feminised seeds through trial and personal know-how, but the outcomes were rarely consistent. One batch might turn out great, while the next could show strange or unwanted traits. The 2024 Frontiers research helps eliminate that uncertainty by explaining how different treatments influence plant hormones and reproductive development. Understanding these processes makes it easier to create seeds that deliver the traits growers expect.

Feminised seeds are valued because they develop female flowering plants, which naturally provide the most desirable harvests. When the seeds are stable and genetically consistent, growers enjoy predictable growth patterns, reliable flowering behavior, and more uniform bud development. The study’s findings reinforce the importance of genetic stability and help explain why some plants respond better to feminisation techniques than others.

Another major benefit of following science-based methods is reducing the chance of unwanted stress responses. Plants that are not handled correctly sometimes produce mixed traits or unusual expressions. Using the refined techniques outlined in the research helps growers avoid these issues and focus on producing strong, dependable plants.

Key Findings From the 2024 Study

According to the Frontiers research, there are several ways to improve seed quality, and timing is one of the most critical. Treatments applied at the right stage of plant growth work far more effectively, helping plants respond consistently and producing more stable seeds.

The study points out that keeping the environment consistent makes a big difference. Plants that receive regular lighting, stable temperatures, and balanced nutrition develop more predictably during feminisation. This steady environment supports proper hormone function, which is essential for ensuring the seeds remain female.

Another critical finding focuses on the importance of genetic selection. The study emphasizes that choosing parent plants with well-defined characteristics leads to far superior outcomes. When the parent stock is strong, the feminised seeds inherit that reliability. This is especially valuable for growers aiming to preserve particular flavors, aromas, or growth behaviors.

The study’s insights do not just benefit large-scale breeders. Small-scale growers can use these findings to refine their own practices. Even simple adjustments in timing, environment, and plant selection can noticeably improve results.

Putting the Research Into Practice

For growers, the biggest challenge is applying scientific knowledge with practical methods. The 2024 study makes this more accessible by outlining clear conditions that support the feminisation process. Growers who maintain steady lighting cycles, avoid sudden temperature swings, and ensure the plants receive appropriate nutrition will create a healthier environment for feminised development.

How seedlings are cared for can shape the entire feminisation process. Plants that enjoy gentle airflow, moderate lighting, and appropriate watering develop stronger roots and structure. This foundation helps ensure that feminisation techniques are more effective down the line.

Choosing strong starting genetics is equally important. When growers begin with high-quality Cannabis seeds, they reduce the likelihood of inconsistent traits appearing later. The Frontiers research reinforces the idea that stable genetics allow plants to respond more predictably to both environmental conditions and feminisation treatments.

Growers working on their own breeding lines can use insights from the study to refine their approach. Knowing how hormones affect sex expression allows them to pick better male-reversed parents and schedule treatments more accurately. The result is seeds that consistently remain female while keeping the qualities of the parent plants.

Combining Scientific Insight With Personal Experience

The 2024 Frontiers study provides a strong scientific foundation, but growers still benefit from combining research with personal experience. Each grow space has its own unique traits, and each grower develops individualized routines. Merging personal observations with science-based guidance creates a balanced and adaptable approach.

For example, while the study explains the relationship between timing and hormone activity, actual growers discover how their own lighting setup or feeding rhythm affects plant responses. These small personal insights help refine the overall process and make each new cycle more successful than the last.

Growers who invest in reliable Cannabis seeds and apply the updated techniques described in the research often see improvements in stability, flowering behavior, and overall plant health. As these practices become more consistent, the entire cultivation process becomes smoother and more rewarding.

Final Thoughts and a Gentle Invitation

The 2024 Frontiers research offers straightforward guidance for producing high-quality feminised seeds. By pairing these scientific findings with attentive growing practices, cultivators can create healthier plants, more reliable traits, and more satisfying harvests. Starting with quality cannabis seeds and maintaining steady, informed care truly matters.

Read more:
Using 2024 Frontiers Research to Strengthen Feminised Cannabis Seed Quality

December 9, 2025
5 Top Tips For Becoming a Sole Trader 
Business

5 Top Tips For Becoming a Sole Trader 

by December 9, 2025

Taking the leap to join the world of the self-employed is equally as exciting as it is nerve-wracking. If you are new to self-employment, or you’re thinking about becoming a sole trader, then here are a few essential tips that will help you along the way.

Manage Your Time Wisely

Being self-employed can be incredibly time consuming. There is always something that needs to be done, it’s easy to fall behind, and it doesn’t take much to become overwhelmed by your ever increasing workload. This is why it’s so important to manage your time effectively.

Consider purchasing an organisational planner. A good one will have a calendar, spaces for project overviews, priority tasks, contact numbers, and due dates, as well as a place for notes and ideas.

Writing everything down may also make your workload feel more manageable, particularly as you begin to tick things off of your list.

Don’t Neglect Skill Development

You can never stop learning and it’s important to invest time into developing your skills so you can continuously improve your business. Whether it’s an online course, an evening class, or just some personal reading, prioritising your own development is crucial for long-term success.

Consider Outsourcing or Guidance From Experts

Outsourcing doesn’t mean you’ve failed as an entrepreneur. Leveraging experts can be a strategic move that helps you move your business forward more effectively. For example, an OnlyFans model might choose to work with a UK based OnlyFans management agency to get the support they need with things like marketing and finances, which could prove challenging to handle alone.

Keep Up With Your Finances

Being self-employed comes with a lot of financial responsibilities. From reporting to HMRC to getting the right insurance, you need to stay on top of the legal and financial side of things to ensure you remain compliant, avoid costly fines, and have a stress free time.

Make sure you stay up to date with the latest legislations, keep a record of your spending, and always file your tax returns on time.

Adequately Promote Your Business

It’s one thing having a great product or service, it’s another making sure people know about it. Without the right promotions, it can be tricky to get new customers, so it’s crucial that you invest some time and resources into marketing your brand and your offering.

There are plenty of inexpensive ways of doing this. Social media advertising, email marketing, and setting up a Google Business Profile all cost little to nothing but can make a huge difference to the success of your business.

Get Your Business Up and Running

Whether you’ve recently got set up or you’re still in the planning stages, by taking on board these five tips, you can ensure your business runs smoothly and successfully.

Read more:
5 Top Tips For Becoming a Sole Trader 

December 9, 2025
5 Ways Business Can Improve the Working Environment 
Business

5 Ways Business Can Improve the Working Environment 

by December 9, 2025

Positive working environments encourage creativity, increase productivity, reduce turnover rates, and improve overall performance.

Ensuring the office is a pleasant place to work in isn’t just about keeping employees happy, it’s about ensuring the longevity of your business. With that in mind, here are five ways you can improve the working environment.

Focus on the Physical Workspace

The area in which a person works can significantly influence their wellbeing and concentration levels. You should ensure the office is clean and functional, with areas of collaborative and focused work, and take things like lighting, furniture, decor, and temperature into account.

Leveraging reliable facilities management suppliers can make it easier to maintain the building to a high standard and ensure the workplace remains safe and functional.

Support Health and Wellbeing

It’s important to encourage healthy behaviours. For instance, if you put out snacks or meals, opt for a variety of nutritious options. If you provide benefits, consider ones that contribute to a person’s health like gym memberships, discounted gym classes, or access to therapy or mental health services.

Take Steps to Prevent Burnout

Burnout is incredibly common and it can be detrimental to an employee’s health, happiness, and performance at work. Offering flexible working hours or remote working opportunities can make a big difference, and will allow them to better manage their work and personal lives.

In addition, ensure that all employees are given an adequate amount of time off, and when they are on annual leave, their time away is respected.

Be Proactive About Feedback

Businesses should give staff the chance to share their ideas, concerns, and general feedback. But simply listening isn’t enough. You also need to address any concerns, resolve any issues, and take any criticisms or suggestions on board. This will help employees feel valued and respected.

Prioritise Personal and Career Development

If staff feel as though they are stuck in a dead end job and they aren’t given the opportunity to develop their skills, it’s unlikely they will remain motivated to contribute. Putting pathways for progression in place, setting clear goals for promotion, and investing in personal and professional growth is crucial for retaining high-performing employees.

Bettering the Workplace is an Ongoing Effort

Substantial changes to your business model can take time but it’s important to make a conscious effort to continuously make improvements. By creating a suitable working environment, focusing on the health and wellbeing of your employees, and supporting personal and professional growth you can create a workplace where both the staff and the business thrive.

Read more:
5 Ways Business Can Improve the Working Environment 

December 9, 2025
Top Blockchain Development Companies: A Guide for C-Level Leaders and Business Founders
Business

Top Blockchain Development Companies: A Guide for C-Level Leaders and Business Founders

by December 8, 2025

Many companies now see blockchain as a core technology for business problems. They want faster settlement, stronger security, and fewer intermediaries in operations.

Web3 markets matured after the first hype and early speculation phase. Now more companies test blockchain in real products, not pilots.

Recent data shows how quickly this shift is scaling. Market.us values the global blockchain technology market at USD 372 billion in 2025. It projects growth to about USD 12,895 billion by 2032. That path implies compound annual growth near 68%.

This scale shows how widely blockchain technology has been adopted. However, many teams still lack experience in internal blockchain development. They often need a blockchain development services company to guide the integration process. Strong partners can translate business needs into secure and implementable architectures.

This article helps leaders assess which blockchain development companies align with their goals. Let’s dive into it!

What a Blockchain Development Company Delivers Today

To use blockchain in operations, businesses need several core building blocks. A blockchain development company helps design and build each layer.

Core blockchain and nodes

Every solution needs reliable access to the chosen blockchain network. Vendors set up nodes, hosting, and monitoring so systems can read and write.

Smart contracts

Smart contracts turn business rules into code that runs automatically. A blockchain development company designs, codes, and tests these contracts for clients.

Token and asset models

Tokens represent value, access, or rights inside a product or ecosystem. Teams define supply, roles, and flows that match the business model.

Backend services and APIs

Internal systems must talk to the chain through stable, secure APIs. Developers build services that handle wallets, balances, and transaction status.

Wallets and identity flows

Users need simple ways to hold assets and prove identity. Vendors create wallet flows or full custom wallets that fit the UX.

DeFi / VRF Architecture

DeFi architecture defines how funds, rewards, and risks move on-chain. Developers design VRF-based systems for fair rewards, vesting, staking, and prize flows.

Governance / Compliance

Governance design sets how admins control minting, burning, and critical actions. Teams build KYC, AML, blacklist, and freeze controls to meet regulatory expectations.

Top 7 Blockchain Development Companies Breakdown

1. TokenMinds

TokenMinds

Headquarters
Singapore

Founded
2017

Team size
10–49 employees

Pricing
USD 50–60 per hour

Min. budget
USD 3,000

Key services

Custom blockchain development
Smart contract development
DeFi platform development
Crypto token development
Crypto wallet integration
Blockchain consulting and strategy
NFT and NFT marketplace development

TokenMinds is a blockchain development company active since the early Web3 phase. Since 2016, the team has helped projects move into Web3 with blockchain. Many clients operate in finance, gaming, and iGaming.

The company delivers custom dApps, wallets, smart contracts, DeFi systems, and NFTs. It also builds AI-driven components that support on-chain products. Alongside custom work, TokenMinds offers ready-to-use Web3 and AI products. These solutions help businesses adopt the next internet phase with less friction.

TokenMinds also runs an in-house marketing department focused on Web3 growth. The development team and marketing team work as separate, specialized units. Both groups still coordinate on strategy, timelines, and launch priorities. This setup gives clients one partner for product delivery and market execution.

Over the years, industry media have featured the company’s work. Outlets include CoinRanking, EntrepreneurshipLife, NewsBTC, and other publications. This proves that their expertise and existence are valid and credible.

2. Alpine Blockchain

Alpine Blockchain

Headquarters
Brunn am Gebirge, Austria

Founded
2022

Team size
2–9 employees

Pricing
USD 50–60 per hour

Min. budget
USD 5,000

Key services

Smart contract design and development
Decentralized application (dApp) development
Enterprise distributed ledger technology (DLT) integration
Blockchain consulting and strategy development

Alpine Blockchain is known for blockchain and Web3 services built in Austria. The company has been active since 2022 with a small specialist team. It helps clients with secure blockchain solutions and decentralized technologies. Core work includes smart contract creation and decentralized application development. Alpine also provides enterprise-grade distributed ledger integrations and Web3.0 services. In addition, it offers crypto mining services and mining equipment support.

3. Block Smith

Block Smith

Headquarters
London, United Kingdom

Founded
2018

Team size
2–9 employees

Pricing
USD 50–99 per hour

Min. budget
USD 1,000

Key services

Web3 product and UX research
Crypto economics and token design
Blockchain engineering and systems analysis
Web3 strategy development
Roadmap planning and delivery management

Blocksmith is known for its focus on Web3 research, strategy, and product work. The team has operated as a dedicated Web3 unit since it spun out of Whitesmith. Blocksmith helps clients who need extra Web3 knowledge and capabilities. Its work includes Web3 product and UX research for new and existing products. The team also designs crypto-economic and token models for projects. Further services cover blockchain engineering research and systems analysis.

4. Invoblox

Invoblox

Headquarters
Florida, United States

Founded
2014

Team size
250 employees

Pricing
USD 25–49 per hour

Min. budget
USD 6,000

Key services

Crypto token development
dApp development
NFT development
DeFi development
Smart contract development

InvoBlox is known as a global blockchain development company with full-stack services. It has been active since 2014 in the blockchain industry. The company helps startups and enterprises with end-to-end blockchain projects. Its suite covers consultation, product design, development, testing, and deployment. Some of its work includes NFTs, DeFi platforms, launchpads, and custom blockchains. Public data reports a team of hundreds of blockchain specialists and 300+ projects.

5. Zab Technology

Zab Technology

Headquarters
India

Founded
2016

Team size
50 employees

Pricing
USD 25–49 per hour

Min. budget
USD 5,000+

Key services

Smart contract development
Crypto token creation
Crypto exchange development
DeFi development

Zab Technologies is known for blockchain and cryptocurrency exchange development out of India. It has operated as a government-registered crypto and blockchain company for years. The company helps clients build secure exchange platforms and related crypto products. Some of its key services include exchange software, DeFi, and blockchain development. Zab also works on token creation, wallets, and token sale infrastructure. Its team of 40+ blockchain engineers focuses on custom blockchain applications.

6. Blokk

Blokk.

Headquarters
Switzerland (Bern)

Founded
2022

Team size
10–49 employees

Pricing
USD 150–199 per hour

Min. budget
USD 10,000+

Key services

Blockchain software development
NFT development and marketplaces
UX and product design for decentralized applications

Blokk is known for design-led blockchain tech and Web3 development from Switzerland. The studio has built its brand around “beautiful and easy to use” solutions. It helps ventures design and build custom blockchain and Web3 software. Some of its work includes dApps, DeFi platforms, NFT platforms, and DAOs. Blokk also provides strategic consulting for blockchain tech and Web3 projects. The team supports operations, maintenance, and ongoing support for live products.

7. Rock’n’Block

Rock’n’Block

Headquarters
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Founded
2017

Team size
50 employees

Pricing
USD 50–99 per hour

Min. budget
USD 10,000+

Key services

DeFi development
NFT development
dApp development
Smart contract development
Smart contract audits

Rock’n’Block is known as a Web3-native development studio. It has been active in Web3 product development for several years. The studio helps teams launch Web3 products and grow user bases. Some of its work includes Web3 apps, wallets, and DeFi platforms. Rock’n’Block also builds NFT projects, custom tokens, swaps, bridges, and dApps. Its services span multiple chains, including Ethereum, BNB Chain, and others.

How to Choose the Right Blockchain Development Company

The right company depends on the problem, not just the technology. Start by mapping which workflows or products need blockchain first. Then match that scope with each provider’s proven strengths.

Check whether services cover smart contracts, integrations, and post-launch support. Review pricing bands together with track record and project volume. Team size can signal delivery capacity for larger or ongoing programs.

Look for clear communication, transparent scoping, and realistic delivery timelines. Shortlist two or three companies and compare their proposed approaches. The goal is simple, find a partner that fits both roadmap and risk.

Read more:
Top Blockchain Development Companies: A Guide for C-Level Leaders and Business Founders

December 8, 2025
The Real Reason London’s Rubbish Removal Costs Keep Changing
Business

The Real Reason London’s Rubbish Removal Costs Keep Changing

by December 8, 2025

If you live in London and regularly book a rubbish removal service, you’ve probably noticed how prices fluctuate throughout the year — even when the job itself is identical.

One week you might get a full van load collected for £250, and a few months later, the same company could quote £350 or more. It’s not random or because someone is “ripping you off.” In reality, waste removal prices in London are closely linked to demand, and that demand rises and falls depending on the season, economic factors, and the general pace of life in the city.

When demand goes up, prices follow

The busiest — and priciest — time of the year for rubbish removal is summer. From May through to September, people get busy clearing their gardens, renovating kitchens, moving houses, and considering home improvement projects. Builders are also more active in dry weather, creating far more construction and renovation waste.

During this period, waste companies’ also get busy. Their vans are booked back-to-back, and many have to hire extra staff to meet the surge in demand. Naturally, this workload pushes prices higher.

A van load that might cost around £250 in winter can easily reach £350–£420 in summer. In dense and high-demand areas such as Camden, Islington, or Kensington, costs may rise even further due to parking restrictions, congestion, and higher operating expenses.

When the market slows down, prices fall

Then comes the quieter season. To understand this better, we spoke with several London-based waste removal companies that operate daily across the city.

Things tend to quiet down around October, November, and then again after the festive season, from January through March. “Once Christmas is over, most people tighten their budgets and put off big home projects until spring,” says Rubbish Removal UK, a reputable London-based waste removal company, serving both households and businesses. The construction sector also slows during this time as firms prepare for upcoming spring projects. With colder weather and fewer outdoor tasks, garden clearances and seasonal services like decking or shed removal drop off considerably, the rubbish removal company notes.

Another London firm with over ten years of experience, All Junk Removal, agrees: “Many businesses delay large clear-outs until after the end of the financial year, which makes the first quarter of the year noticeably slower.”

This low demand forces many companies to compete harder for fewer customers, often lowering their prices or offering limited-time discounts just to keep their vans on the road and their crews busy.

“If you book a clearance in February, you can easily save £50–£80 compared to what the same job would cost in July,” says Same Day Waste Removal, known for its fast same-day service across London. “It’s the same van, same labour, same work — the only difference is demand.” You might be surprised, but there are quite a few customers who actually wait several months just to save a bit of money on their waste disposal, says the company.

But there’s a limit to how cheap it can go

Of course, there’s a point where prices can’t drop any further. Waste removal companies still have to pay for disposal, recycling, fuel, and staff — and those costs rarely decrease.

Every licensed waste company in London must take collected rubbish to an authorised recycling centre or waste transfer station. These facilities charge fixed disposal fees. They don’t adjust prices depending on how busy the market is — the cost per tonne remains roughly the same year-round.

For mixed household waste, these fees typically range from £160 to £190 per tonne. For more complex materials, such as plasterboard, fridges, or mattresses, the cost can be even higher.

On top of disposal costs, companies must cover fuel, van maintenance, insurance, parking charges, congestion fees and staff wages.

So, even during quiet months, there’s a limit to how far companies can reduce their prices without taking a loss.

If you ever receive a quote that seems suspiciously low, it’s worth being cautious. Unfortunately, some unlicensed operators cut corners by fly-tipping waste to avoid paying disposal fees. If your rubbish is later traced back to you, you could face fines of up to £5,000. Always ensure your collector is licensed by the Environment Agency and provides a valid waste transfer note after the job- this way you can proof who you are dealing with.

Money, taxes, and other economic factors

Aside from seasonal demand, wider economic trends also affect rubbish removal prices.

When inflation pushes up wages and maintenance costs, companies are forced to adjust their rates accordingly. Around the end of the financial year — typically March and April — many small businesses limit spending due to tax obligations, creating a brief dip in demand.

This can lead to short-term discounts as waste firms try to maintain steady workloads. It’s a fine balancing act: no company wants to overcharge and lose customers, but they can’t undercharge and operate at a loss either.

When’s the best time to book a clearance?

It’s clear that if you’re, for example, a construction company with an active project, you don’t really have the option to pick the time of year when waste disposal is cheaper — the work simply needs to be done. However, if you’re planning a major house or office clearance, the most cost-effective time to book is during the off-peak months, typically between January and March, or sometimes in early autumn (September to November).

During these periods, companies have more flexibility, which often means quicker scheduling and lower prices. Same-day or next-day slots are usually easier to secure, and firms are more open to negotiation.

However, price shouldn’t be your only consideration. Always check that the company is properly licensed, insured, and has solid customer reviews. Reputable companies will issue a waste transfer note for every collection and dispose of rubbish responsibly through approved recycling centres.

A market ruled by balance, not by chance

The waste removal market in London is now highly competitive. The city has dozens of licensed firms, ranging from national brands to independent local teams. Digital comparison platforms and online reviews make it easier for customers to shop around, which keeps pricing relatively fair.

Still, there’s a minimum level below which prices simply can’t fall — because disposal and recycling costs are fixed, and labour and fuel costs are not flexible either. Moreover, the cost of waste disposal has risen steadily over the years. “When we started 15 years ago, a tonne of mixed waste at recycling yards cost around £60 — today, that same tonne costs about £190,” says Rony from Rubbish Removal UK.

So while it’s true that waste removal can be cheaper in quieter months, the difference is usually moderate. You might save £50 to £100, depending on the job size, but not much more. Prices will never drop dramatically because the recycling centres and disposal facilities don’t offer seasonal discounts.

The demand truly shapes how much you’ll pay for rubbish removal in London. When the city is buzzing in summer and everyone’s clearing, renovating, and moving, prices climb. When winter hits and people tighten their budgets or focus on taxes, prices ease.

Yet, the recycling centres remain inflexible with their fees, setting a natural floor for prices.

If you can, plan your clear-out during quieter months. You’ll likely get a faster service and a better deal. But most importantly, always choose a licensed, reputable company. Paying slightly more for a professional, responsible service is far better than risking fines or environmental damage caused by illegal dumping.

Read more:
The Real Reason London’s Rubbish Removal Costs Keep Changing

December 8, 2025
The new tax stack: how overlapping levies are quietly rewriting UK business models
Business

The new tax stack: how overlapping levies are quietly rewriting UK business models

by December 8, 2025

When executives complain about tax, they rarely have just one levy in mind. A North Sea producer facing an effective tax rate of 78 per cent on profits, a drinks importer hit three times by a packaging payment glitch and a venue staring at a 300 per cent jump in rateable value all see different headlines, but the same trend.

Behind the noise sits a structural shift. The UK has layered an Energy Profits Levy on top of corporation tax, introduced an extended producer responsibility regime for packaging, scheduled a fresh business rates revaluation for 2026 and signed off employer National Insurance rises for 2025 and beyond. Each measure can be justified on climate, fiscal or fairness grounds. Taken together, they amount to a new tax stack that shapes which investments get made, where jobs are based and which tickets or products rise in price.

This is less a story about one controversial levy and more about how overlapping charges quietly rewrite business models. Energy, logistics, consumer goods and live entertainment are all discovering that their margins depend as much on the interaction between taxes as on any single rate. For smaller firms, the administrative drag is becoming almost as significant as the cash cost.

What do we actually mean by a UK tax stack?

Think of the tax stack as a set of layers rather than a single headline rate. At the base sit corporation tax and VAT. Add to that employer National Insurance, due to rise from 13.8 per cent to 15 per cent in 2025 to 2026, plus sector specific levies such as the Energy Profits Levy and the new packaging fees, and finally local costs like business rates, congestion charges and clean air zones.

In the North Sea, the stack is brutally visible. The Energy Profits Levy has been increased three times since 2022 and, combined with existing ring fence taxes, leaves some upstream projects facing an effective tax rate of 78 per cent. Industry groups and recent chamber of commerce reports warn that without reform, output could fall by around 40 per cent by 2030, putting tens of thousands of jobs at risk as investment shifts overseas.

Packaging producers are grappling with a different configuration. Under the Extended Producer Responsibility scheme, firms above certain thresholds must fund the full net cost of household packaging waste collection and recycling, raising more than 1 billion pounds a year for councils once fully implemented. When a direct debit glitch recently led to nearly 500 companies being charged two or three times at once, right in peak trading season, it exposed how tight cash flows are even in sectors that look profitable from the outside.

On the property side, business rates restructure the stack again. Draft values for the 2026 revaluation show sharp increases for some large venues and logistics sites, with analysis suggesting arena rateable values could rise by up to 300 per cent and a wider 15 per cent jump in the overall English tax base, equating to an extra 1.8 billion pounds a year in business rates for major employers.

Snapshot

The new tax stack is not one law but the combination of windfall taxes, producer levies, business rates and higher NICs, which together can turn viable projects into marginal ones even when any single rate appears manageable.

How is the stack hitting energy, logistics, FMCG and live events?

Energy: investment decisions on a knife edge

The North Sea is the clearest example of a stacked regime changing long term plans. A 78 per cent marginal tax rate on oil and gas profits, combined with volatile prices and high capital costs, means only the most resilient projects still make sense. Trade bodies point to survey data showing one in three offshore firms expecting to cut North East Scotland headcount within five years, and over 40 per cent of forecast 2026 revenue coming from outside the UK Continental Shelf as companies divert activity to more predictable regimes.

For integrated energy companies, the result is a strategic pivot. New UK exploration is shelved, while any surplus cash is steered into lower risk renewables or overseas hydrocarbons. That choice is influenced by the total tax stack, not just the headline levy, because higher employer NICs and business rates on plant add to lifecycle costs. Ultimately it affects domestic supply, the pace of transition and the stability of supply chains that depend on offshore work.

Snapshot

In energy, the tax stack pushes firms to move capital abroad or towards lower risk assets, which may be rational for shareholders but leaves domestic output and supply chains exposed.

Logistics and FMCG: thin margins, thick rulebooks

Logistics operators sit at the junction of several levies. Warehouses and distribution centres are typically high value properties, so they feel the full force of business rates revaluations. Fleet operators face fuel duties, clean air charges and vehicle tax, while employer NICs rise in parallel. On top of that, any firm that is the first UK owner of packaged goods must register for packaging EPR fees, which vary by material and recyclability.

Consumer goods manufacturers face similar layers. Many operate on tight operating margins of 3 to 5 per cent, so incremental increases in packaging fees and transport costs quickly drive pricing decisions. Industry groups have already warned that extended packaging charges are likely to push up the price of everyday items such as drinks and household goods, as producers pass through the cost of meeting higher recycling standards.

The compensation for public sector employers on NICs does not apply here, so private producers carry the full burden of higher payroll taxes as well as the administrative load of complying with complex new packaging rules. For mid sized FMCG brands that lack the economies of scale of multinationals, the tax stack constrains their ability to invest in new products or decarbonisation projects.

Live entertainment: business rates and fragile venues

Live events are caught by a different combination. The 2026 revaluation is expected to more than double the business rates bills for some arenas by the end of the cycle, as rateable values catch up with higher takings and new venues. Analysis by tax consultancies suggests that flagship arenas in London and Manchester could see rateable values jump by up to 300 per cent, with transitional relief only delaying the full impact.

At the same time, employer NICs, local licensing fees and policing costs all feed into the stack. Big operators have some ability to absorb shocks, but the likely outcome is higher ticket prices and shorter tours, as promoters trim dates to manage risk. Smaller venues, already operating on slim surpluses, risk closure if they cannot negotiate reliefs or benefit from cultural exemptions.

Snapshot

Whether you run a rig, a warehouse or an arena, it is the combined effect of national levies, local rates and sector specific rules that dictates whether your next project clears the hurdle rate.

How are finance teams adapting to the new tax stack?

Inside boardrooms, tax has shifted from a narrow compliance function to a strategic mapping exercise. Finance teams are building internal dashboards that show how energy levies, packaging fees, rates and NICs interact across sites and product lines, often colour coding exposures by region or business unit. Many teams now generate visual risk heat maps every quarter and, in practical terms, an online image editor is a quick way to update those charts in board packs as thresholds and draft valuations move.

Scenario planning is becoming more visual too. Rather than relying solely on dense Excel models, CFOs are presenting a small set of diagrams that show how cash flows change under different policy paths, such as an early end to the Energy Profits Levy or a steeper business rates multiplier. When those diagrams need to be localised for different audiences, from lenders to unions, using an online image editor to tweak labels, currencies or annotations saves time compared with commissioning fresh graphics for each iteration.

For SMEs that lack a full tax department, the response is necessarily scrappier. Owner managers might sketch a simple tax stack for their business on a single slide, showing corporation tax, NICs, sector levies and local charges as separate blocks. Even there, a basic online image editor is often enough to turn a rough sketch into something legible for a bank manager or potential investor, so stakeholders can see at a glance where margins are under the most pressure.

Snapshot

The complexity of the stack is pushing finance teams towards more visual, scenario based planning, turning tax into a design and communication problem as much as a legal one.

Who actually benefits from this shift in the tax mix?

Not every business model loses out from a stacked regime. Low waste and circular economy players, for example, can benefit from packaging fees that penalise hard to recycle materials. Brands that invest early in refill stations, lightweight packaging or concentrated formulas reduce their fee exposure and can market that saving to environmentally conscious consumers.

Asset light businesses are natural winners. Software firms, platforms and service providers with modest property footprints and relatively small payrolls face lower relative exposure to business rates and NICs. They still pay corporation tax and VAT, but the lack of heavy assets or complex packaging supply chains means fewer sector specific layers.

In energy, companies that pivot towards renewables and grid services may benefit from investment allowances or different fiscal regimes, especially if they can demonstrate alignment with net zero goals. The risk is that a punitive stack on hydrocarbons accelerates that shift faster than the domestic supply chain can absorb, leading to offshoring of both fossil and clean energy investment.

Snapshot

The emerging tax architecture rewards low waste, asset light and often more digital models, while squeezing capital intensive, low margin sectors that are hardest to move.

What would a pro growth simplification for SMEs look like?

Few serious voices argue for scrapping environmental or local funding objectives altogether. The debate is about design. For smaller businesses, a growth minded simplification would start with stability: multi year commitments on key rates and thresholds so that investment plans are not constantly rewritten around each fiscal event.

A second step would be consolidation. Rather than piling separate reporting portals and payment timetables on SMEs, government could explore a single interface for sector levies and local charges, with clear dashboards showing cumulative exposure. Minimum thresholds for registration could be aligned, so that firms do not have to track slightly different volume or revenue tests for every scheme.

Third, more of the revenue could be recycled into targeted reliefs that encourage productivity improving investment. For example, allowing faster relief on digitalisation, green equipment or export development in exchange for complying with extended producer responsibility rules would align incentives rather than simply extracting cash. Support for independent advice, especially for firms in regions with high deprivation or sectoral dependence, would also help avoid a two tier outcome where only large corporates can navigate the system efficiently.

Finally, the state could do more to model its own tax stack explicitly. Publishing regular impact assessments that show how new policies interact with existing levies across typical business types would give entrepreneurs a clearer sense of the playing field and might dampen some of the political volatility that has characterised recent tax policy.

In summary

The new UK tax landscape is less about headline rates and more about interaction. A North Sea operator, a drinks importer, a logistics warehouse and a music venue now face overlapping levies that build into a heavy stack, even when individual measures look reasonable in isolation. That stack is already steering capital, pricing and hiring decisions in ways that will only become fully visible over the coming decade.

For government, the challenge is to meet fiscal, environmental and social goals without hollowing out the very sectors that supply energy, jobs and culture. For businesses, the task is to understand their own tax stack in detail, adjust business models where possible and make a persuasive case when the architecture stops adding up. The firms that treat tax as part of strategic design, not just compliance, will cope best with a regime where the real pressure comes from the layers, not just the labels.

FAQ

What is meant by the UK business tax stack?

The tax stack refers to the combined effect of corporation tax, VAT, employer National Insurance, sector levies such as the Energy Profits Levy and packaging fees, plus local charges like business rates, congestion and clean air zones.

Why is the Energy Profits Levy such a concern for North Sea firms?

Because it sits on top of existing ring fence and supplementary charges, the levy pushes the marginal tax rate on many upstream projects to around 78 per cent, which industry groups say risks driving investment and jobs overseas.

How does the new packaging regime affect consumer prices?

Extended Producer Responsibility rules shift the full net cost of household packaging waste to producers. Many companies expect to pass some of that cost into the prices of everyday items such as drinks, food and appliances.

Why are live entertainment venues worried about the 2026 revaluation?

Draft rateable values indicate that large arenas could see property tax valuations rise by as much as 300 per cent, meaning business rates bills are likely to more than double over the next cycle, which could feed into higher ticket prices.

What would help small businesses cope with these changes?

SMEs would benefit from more stable multi year tax plans, simpler and more aligned thresholds, consolidated reporting portals and reliefs that reward investment in productivity, digital tools and lower waste operations.

Read more:
The new tax stack: how overlapping levies are quietly rewriting UK business models

December 8, 2025
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