business focus


Chartered accountants Haines Watts presents a series of articles based on its blogs. It offers analysis, reviews and comments and welcomes your feedback at hwca.com/blog


of the month Is your business disruptive? writes Kapil Davda, partner at Haines Watts


Technology is transforming the business world and how businesses remain profitable, so this needs careful consideration when planning future strategy.


We have seen many examples recently of disruptive technologies being introduced that have challenged the status quo and led to an explosive growth in market share for innovators to the detriment of competitors; consider the smartphone v Blackberry – and Uber v the London cab.


How to keep up? Firstly, don’t be complacent – look at your products and services to see if you can improve anything and compare yourself


against competitors. Review your business’s strategic direction and consider where investment should be made in research and development, new technologies – and possibly in new markets.


More manufacturing businesses are upgrading their production facilities with the latest in robotic and AI technologies, for example. The use of crowd-based technology by the service sector including banks, accountants and lawyers for finance, transaction processing and document management is another.


Financing some types of disruptive technology can be a


challenge – due to its high-risk nature, traditional channels like banks may not be available so consider angel investors and even crowdfunding.


Many businesses fail to take advantage of the favourable UK tax regime, which aims to encourage businesses to invest and develop new technology; this could be by way of enhanced (up to 130% resulting in a 230% total deduction) expenditure to offset against profits, or a cash refund, depending on the company’s circumstances.


Another way to stay ahead is by acquiring other innovative enterprises which complement or enhance your offering.


Positive times for Regal Court


On Tuesday April 11 Regal Court reopened with a newly refurbished reception. Many poured out of their offices to come and see the new reception and celebrate. Spectacular food was catered by a local company, JJ Catering, which brought a selection of hot food a large finger buffet, and scrumptious mini desserts enjoyed by all


Business centre manager Fiona Bryan said a few words of thanks to all who came and to all the suppliers who attended who helped make the whole renovation possible. She then handed it over to the long-serving site security officer, Antonio Fernandes, who gave an epic speech about the building’s history, to be followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony to the business centre’s revolving doors. Videos of this can be viewed on the Regal Court Business Centre Facebook page and on Youtube.


The event allowed clients to mingle as well as introduce themselves to the landlords and various other suppliers they have seen working around the centre. Staff from the Centre’s partner, The Copthorne Hotel, attended handing out various discounted memberships to their fantastic spa and health facilities.


The high spirits in the room were infectious and the praises about the renovation didn’t stop. Everyone, from the first to the fourth floor of the centre seemed to enjoy themselves


THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – THAMES VALLEY – JUNE 2017


immensely and when asked about the grand opening, said how great an event it was.


Since the opening, the new reception has had a largely positive effect on the clients and their guests as the flow of business in the building is much more fluid and manageable. The renovation has come at a key time as research by the Centre for Cities, an organisation which assesses economic growth across the UK, shows that Slough is a major contender economically and comes second only to


London for productivity. With more clients and company expansions since the beginning of April, it seems the only way is up for this busy, local business centre.


01753 910900 regalcourt.co.uk


Lastly, get the right people on board to drive innovation and strategy.


In this world, timing is imperative as the new, innovative kid on the block will get the most returns.


For further information: hwca.com


businessmag.co.uk


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