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College of DuPage Paralegal Alumna One of Seven Certified Russian Court Interpreters in Illinois

College of DuPage

In federal courthouses across the U.S., access to justice requires the use of languages spoken around the globe. As one of only seven Certified Court Interpreters in Illinois for the Russian language, College of DuPage alumna Olga Bronovytska plays an integral role in helping a defendant with limited English proficiency or who is deaf or hard-of-hearing understand legal proceedings and assist in their case from beginning to end. “Regardless of the outcome of a case, the bottom line is that meaningful access to the process is provided to the defendant,” Bronovytska said. A 2020 COD Paralegal Studies graduate, Bronovytska said the College provided her a solid foundation to learning the intricacies that take place in a courtroom. “Without completing the Paralegal Studies program at COD, I would not have been comfortable interpreting hearings, depositions, arbitrations and other cases,” she said. “Without specific education in the legal field, it is just impossible to embrace and be fluent in legal proceedings. I decided I needed to go through the entire program to obtain a solid foundation.” Because she was working and raising two young children, Bronovytska took only one or two classes per semester. She was thrilled with the encouragement she received from both faculty and peers, including Paralegal Professor Sally Fairbank. “Professor Fairbank made me realize how many more professional opportunities would open up if I completed the program,” she said. “I was also amazed with the support that faculty provided. It was immediate.” Fairbank credits Bronovytska’s tenacity during her time in the program and has enjoyed seeing her flourish in the field. “Olga was the consummate professional from the first day she started our program,” she said. “She was poised, prepared and courteous, and her work product was superior. She was continuously focused on learning and self-improvement, and I am thrilled that our program assisted her in reaching this prestigious accomplishment. Court interpreters play such a vital role in the constitutional process, and they allow everyone, no matter their background, a fair trial.” During the next few years, Bronovytska—who also interprets Ukrainian, is advanced in French and is conversational in Mandarin Chinese—plans to continue working as a court interpreter while looking for additional courses to take at COD, including corporate law. She then would like to find employment with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, where she can use her multilingual skills, or with corporations where she could use both linguistic skills and knowledge obtained during her time in the Paralegal Studies program. “My COD professors provided me with consistent support throughout the program, and to them I must give a sincere ‘thank you.’” Learn more about the Paralegal Studies program at College of DuPage ### Contact Details Angela Mennecke +1 630-942-3134 menneckea@cod.edu

December 13, 2021 05:00 PM Central Standard Time

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Velocity Global hires Colin McDonagh from Facebook to expand contractor management expertise

Velocity Global

Velocity Global, the leading provider of global talent solutions, today announced it welcomed Colin McDonagh as its vice president of Emerging Business. McDonagh applies more than a decade of experience innovating programs to source top contractor talent for global companies. McDonagh is a frequent expert speaker and contributor on the Future of Work and was the architect for Meta’s (formerly Facebook) highly respected Direct Source program. “We help companies work with anyone, anywhere, anyhow. Colin is an expert on all three,” said Eric Schroeder, Velocity Global chief operating officer. “Colin built a world-class contractor program at one of the largest companies on the planet and solved the complexities that stand between flexible talent and getting work done. He’ll apply that knowledge for our clients and our own triple-digit growth.” Velocity Global’s work platform combines the company’s proprietary cloud-based talent management technology, personalized expertise, and unmatched global scale to build globally distributed teams. More than 1,000 clients rely on Velocity Global’s platform in 185 countries and all 50 United States without the need to set up their own legal entities or state registrations. “There’s no such thing as a company that relies solely on internal employees. Companies like Meta can’t execute big ideas without a diverse workforce from every corner of the globe,” said McDonagh. “I chose to join Velocity Global to contribute proven methods to simplify the process to work with anyone, anywhere, anyhow and honestly change the future of work at incredible scale,” said McDonagh. McDonagh is based in Dublin, Ireland, and is building a global team to deliver products and solutions for contractors and freelancers. Those positions are posted with other Velocity Global opportunities at https://velocityglobal.com/about-us/careers/. About Velocity Global Velocity Global accelerates the future of work beyond borders. Its global work platform simplifies the employer and employee experience to employ any talent anywhere with just a click through its proprietary cloud-based workforce management technology, backed by personalized expertise and unmatched global scale. As the largest global Employer of Record (also known as International PEO) in 185 countries and all 50 United States, more than 1,000 brands rely on Velocity Global to build global teams without the cost or complexity of setting up foreign legal entities or state registrations. The company offers additional services including Independent Contractor Compliance to assess a workforce, and Agent of Record (AoR) to streamline payments to contractors. Velocity Global was named a “Leader” in Global Employer of Record services by prominent analyst firm NelsonHall. Founded in 2014, the company has hundreds of employees across five continents. For more information visit velocityglobal.com. Contact Details Velocity Global John Hall +1 720-650-4348 johnhall@velocityglobal.com Company Website https://velocityglobal.com/

December 13, 2021 07:01 AM Mountain Standard Time

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NCMA’s Entry-level Certification Achieves ANSI Accreditation

National Contract Management Association

The National Contract Management Association (NCMA) announced today they have been granted accreditation from The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for the Certified Contract Management Associate™ (CCMA™) certification. “This is a critical milestone for our entry-level certification, the second NCMA certification to receive this honor,” said Kraig Conrad, CEO. “Accreditation from an internationally-recognized third-party solidifies the quality of the CCMA™ and reinforces our community’s journey to represent global best practices in everything we do.” The ANSI accreditation process, based on the ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024 standard, provides a global benchmark for certification programs to ensure they operate in a consistent, comparable, and reliable manner worldwide. ANSI accreditation signifies that the holder has attained a certification designed to the highest industry requirements and that NCMA has met, and continues to meet standards for quality, emphasizing the validity and integrity of the CCMA™ program as the entry-level contract management certification. The CCMA™ assess knowledge of the ANSI-Approved Contract Management Standard™ (CMS™) that is recognized as the basis for common language for contract management and the processes created through integration and interaction of job tasks. For more information about the CCMA™ certification visit www.ncmahq.org/certification. ### The National Contract Management Association (NCMA), which was founded in 1959 and is the world’s leading association in the field of contract management. The organization, which has over 18,000 members, is dedicated to the professional growth and educational advancement of procurement and acquisition personnel worldwide. NCMA strives to serve and inform the profession and industry it represents and to offer opportunities for the open exchange of ideas in neutral forums. To find out more, please visit www.ncmahq.org. Contact Details Jennifer Knowlton +1 571-382-1127 jennifer.knowlton@ncmahq.org Company Website https://www.ncmahq.org/

December 08, 2021 04:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

a360inc Chooses Provana to Bring Expanded e-Filing and Enhanced Data Analytics Solutions to Mortgage Default Servicing Industry

Provana

Provana, provider of the industry's first unified platform for compliance and performance management, today announced a new partnership with a360inc, to enhance and expand technology-enabled solutions to default servicing law firms. Building on both companies' extensive expertise in the legal and financial services industries, a360inc clients will benefit from expanded e-filing capabilities and advanced data analytics tools. Scott Brinkley, Chief Executive Officer of a360inc, noted, “We’re excited to partner with Provana to offer our technology clients enhanced e-filing and BI reporting capabilities. With Provana’s nationwide e-filing solutions now accessible through all a360inc applications, our clients will have seamless access to services that better position their businesses to navigate the unpredictability of the current mortgage servicing market.” “The partnership comes at a critical time for foreclosure firms, when scale and flexibility are primary concerns, given the rapidly changing economic and regulatory landscape,” said Provana Chief Executive Officer Sandeep Bhargava. “Formalizing this relationship between a360inc and Provana builds on our promise to work with SMBs to help them overcome process-intensive challenges for higher productivity and profit.” “After working with both Provana and a360inc for many years, I’m excited to see the two companies join forces,” said Jim Ward, Chief Executive Officer of ProVest. “Together, Provana and a360inc deliver a powerful combination of technology and services that can help mortgage default servicing law firms focus on their core competencies and maximize productivity and profitability.” For up-to-date information about specific implementations, contact us. Clients can also learn more about the benefits of these unique technology solutions, schedule custom demos and meet representatives from both companies during the MBA Servicing Conference in February. About Provana Provana’s SaaS-based digital operating platform is the first of its kind, giving leaders control over process-intensive operations. We serve law firms, insurance companies, accounts receivable agencies and networked enterprises in the US market that are tightly regulated by the CFPB and other authorities. Built on decades of experience in machine learning, natural language processing and business process management, Provana helps customers manage sensitive interactions, analyze unstructured data, process personal information and ensure compliance. Provana is backed by a NYC-based Fintech PE, most recently raising funds in November 2020. Learn more at www.provana.com. About a360inc a360inc is a leading technology and outsourcing services provider to the financial services, real estate, and legal industries. Based in Addison, TX, a360inc provides case management system technology and outsourcing services to law firms, title agencies, underwriters, mortgage companies and investors. Learn more about a360inc and its suite of products and services online at www.a360inc.com. About Provana Provana is a SaaS platform that gives leaders control over process-intensive operations. We serve law firms, insurance companies, accounts receivable agencies and networked enterprises in the US market that are tightly regulated by the CFPB and other authorities. Provana is built on decades of experience in machine learning and natural language processing and helps customers manage sensitive interactions, analyze unstructured data, process personal information and ensure compliance. Provana is backed by a NYC-based Fintech PE, most recently raising funds in November 2020. Learn more at www.provana.com. Contact Details Provana Britney Schaeffer +1 469-774-2409 britney.schaeffer@provana.com a360inc Amber Benson +1 469-640-0432 amber.benson@sqft.management Company Website https://www.provana.com/

December 08, 2021 11:54 AM Central Standard Time

Politicians and Reformers Agree, Constitutional Reform is Coming Soon

Let Us Vote for a BBA

With the recent oral arguments surrounding Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, calls for constitutional reform have echoed around the country. A little-known passage in the U.S. Constitution allows the states to draft and the people to ratify amendments without Congress. Recently, both reformers and politicians have agreed a convention to propose amendments is no longer hypothetical, it’s happening. “…There are currently applications from 27 states requesting a convention on a Balanced Budget Amendment and six generic applications for a general convention,” said outgoing NJ Senate President Steve Sweeney. “Despite the differing reasons, that makes 33 states with pending applications, and only one more would be required to call for a constitutional convention.” "I wish to personally thank Sweeney for confirming in public what we have been saying in private all along,” said David Biddulph, founder of the Let us Vote for a Balanced Budget Amendment Citizen Campaign, “A national convention to propose amendments to the U.S. Constitution is going to happen, not only in our lifetimes, but I predict it will happen in the next year or two.” "I am eagerly introducing a resolution this legislative session, which I hope will be number 34 and the final measure needed to compel a national convention," said State Senator Rex Rice (SC-2), "I am also introducing legislation to hold convention delegates to their oath of office as they serve the public in what will surely be one of the most interesting periods in American history. I encourage other legislators around the country to do the same." Recent Supreme Court decisions, such as Chiafalo v. Washington, have reaffirmed the safety of a convention process and allayed concerns about oath-taking delegates who would attempt to deviate from their original purpose. "The Supreme Court has said delegates must do the will of the people who send them to an assembly. That much is crystal clear from the recent Electoral College decision," said Mike Kapic, author of Conventions That Made America. "As a further safety check, the Assembly of State Legislatures recently negotiated bipartisan rules for an orderly and organized convention process. I am convinced that commissioners from the states assembled at a convention will behave much better than the members of Congress that we see on our television screens every day." At least 33 states currently have active certified resolutions calling for a convention, but historically, Congress has received many more calls on a variety of issues. Most amendments to the U.S. Constitution began with convention calls from the states and ended with Congress proposing the desired amendment, including the Bill of Rights. But on issues where Congress is the source of the problem, such as fiscal responsibility and election integrity, reformers are skeptical a solution will ever come out of Washington D.C. "Americans agree, Congress is stuck consistently in overspending and increasing taxes on American business and families. There is a genuine lack of political will for reform in the nation’s capital," said Bob Carlstrom of the Association of Mature American Citizens, "The people and the states must come together soon to propose a permanent fix for the nation's financial disorder, or the ship of state may sink due to the lack of stewardship and loose spending from our federal representatives. There exists a process in the Constitution to do just that. Let's use it." Not all politicians and reformers greeted this recent news of the imminent convention with fanfare. Some even reacted with alarm and began to immediately work to halt the number at 33 and possibly even rescind some of the currently active resolutions, a constitutionally questionable practice. For example, in New Jersey, SCR161 recently passed the New Jersey State Senate and its companion bill in the Assembly, ACR222, is scheduled for a vote this week. “Rather than focusing on issues important to voters, like getting kids back in school or reducing property taxes, New Jersey's lame duck session is being used to throttle the high hopes of reformers on both sides of the political aisle," said Tom Llewellyn of the Let Us Vote for a Balanced Budget Amendment Citizens Campaign, Inc. "Prior to voting this week, Sweeney’s counterparts in the Assembly may want to ask if it's wise to walk down that garden path with a proven loser when voters of both parties disagree with what you're doing. Political logic like that will get you beat by a trucker who spent less on his whole campaign than you did on the bar tab at Di Paulo’s." For more information, please visit: https://letusvoteforbba.org Contact Details Let Us Vote for a Balanced Budget Amendment Mae James +1 386-432-4744 info@LetUsVoteforBBA.org Company Website http://letusvoteforbba.org/

December 08, 2021 12:10 PM Eastern Standard Time

NCMA Announced Award Recipients at GCMS

National Contract Management Association

The National Contract Management Association announced recipients of the Advancing Professional award, Chapter Excellence award, and Outstanding Chapter Volunteer award. These outstanding achievements were honored at Government Contract Management Symposium 2021. “Congratulations to this year’s award winners,” said Kraig Conrad, NCMA Chief Executive Officer. “This powerful group of leaders demonstrates dedicated service to both NCMA and the contract management and acquisition profession. It is an honor to celebrate the impact our members have.” This year’s awardees are: Advancing Professional Award Eileen Tobin, CPCM, CFCM – Dulles Corridor Chapter Chapter Excellence Award Small – San Gabriel Chapter Medium – Jacksonville Chapter Large – East Tennessee Chapter Extra Large – Tyson’s Chapter Outstanding Chapter Volunteer Award Catherine Lambert, CFCM – Rio Grande Chapter Vicki Dyer – East Tennessee Chapter The National Contract Management Association (NCMA), which was founded in 1959 and is the world’s leading association in the field of contract management. The organization, which has over 18,000 members, is dedicated to the professional growth and educational advancement of procurement and acquisition personnel worldwide. NCMA strives to serve and inform the profession and industry it represents and to offer opportunities for the open exchange of ideas in neutral forums. To find out more, please visit www.ncmahq.org. Contact Details Jennifer Knowlton +1 571-382-1127 jennifer.knowlton@ncmahq.org Company Website https://www.ncmahq.org/

December 02, 2021 03:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

COMCAST'S INTERNET ESSENTIALS PROGRAM AND SERJOBS ANNOUNCE TECHNICAL SKILLS TRAINING PARTNERSHIP AND $30,000 DONATION

Comcast Houston

Comcast's Internet Essentials program today announced the award of a $30,000 financial grant and donated 1,000 laptops to SERJobs, whose mission is to help individuals from low-income communities transform their lives through education training, employment, and financial empowerment services. The grant and donation are part of a new partnership to fund technical skills training and readiness certifications for clients of SERJobs. This program will offer digital skills training opportunities, including Microsoft Office, PowerPoint, Excel and professional development. “SERJobs is excited to celebrate 10 years of Comcast's Internet Essentials program,” said Sheroo Mukhtiar, CEO, SERJobs. “The Workforce Development Rally highlights the importance of digital literacy in our increasingly virtual world—especially as technology and the needs of our economy evolve. We are grateful to Comcast for their ongoing partnership and support of SERJobs’ and our members.” The announcement is part of Project UP, Comcast’s comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities; and coincides with the 10th anniversary of its Internet Essentials program, which has connected a cumulative total of more than 10 million people to the Internet at home – most for the very first time. Comcast’s expanded eligibility for Internet Essentials, now including all Federal Pell Grant recipients within its service area, will enable even more students to stay connected as they continue to pursue degrees at colleges, universities, and technical schools. “Ten years is a remarkable milestone, signifying an extraordinary amount of work and collaboration with our incredible community partners across Houston,” said Toni Beck, Vice President of External Affairs, Comcast Houston. “Together, we have connected hundreds of thousands of people to the power of the Internet at home, and to the endless opportunity, education, growth, and discovery it provides. Our work is not done, and we are excited to partner with SERJobs to ensure the next generation of leaders in Houston are equipped with the technical training they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world.” Comcast’s top priorities are connecting people to the Internet at home, equipping safe spaces with free WiFi and working with a robust network of nonprofit community organizations, city leaders, and business partners to create opportunities for low-income Americans. As the nation’s largest internet provider, Comcast supports cooperation between communities, businesses and non-profit organizations to enhance digital equity. Comcast’s $1 billion commitment will include investments in several critical areas, including: additional support for the Lift Zone initiative, which establishes free WiFi access in 50 community centers in Houston, and 1,000+ community centers nationwide, for students and adults by the end of 2021; new laptop and computer donations; over $100,000 in digital equity grants for local Houston nonprofit community organizations to create opportunities for low-income Houstonians – particularly in media, technology, and entrepreneurship; and continued investment in the company’s landmark Internet Essentials program. Project UP & Comcast’s $1 Billion Commitment to Advancing Digital Equity: For over a decade, connecting more people to the Internet and the technology they need to participate and excel in an increasingly digital world has been a core focus for the company. Looking toward the next ten years, Comcast is building on that foundation and expanding its impact through Project UP, a comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities. Backed by a $1 billion commitment to reach 50 million people, Project UP encompasses the programs and community partnerships across Comcast, NBCUniversal, and Sky that connect people to the Internet, advance economic mobility and open doors for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, storytellers, and creators. For more information on Project UP and the latest news on efforts to address digital inequities visit https://corporate.comcast.com/impact/project-up. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with over 57 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, Peacock, NBC News, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. About SERJobs: SERJobs Houston, a regional affiliate of SER Jobs for Progress National, Inc., is a nonprofit organization empowering individuals to transform their lives through education, training, employment, and financial empowerment services. Founded in 1965 as a volunteer job bank for Hispanic veterans, SERJobs has evolved, and now operates offices in Houston, Galveston and Fort Bend. SERJobs serves individuals in 13 Texas counties and assists more than 4,000 members access better opportunities every year. For more information, visit serjobs.org Contact Details Comcast Foti Kallergis +1 832-986-0196 Foti_Kallergis@comcast.com SERJobs Christi Vasquez +1 832-890-3606 Company Website https://houston.comcast.com/

December 02, 2021 09:01 AM Central Standard Time

Kitchen Magic Announces 2022 Kitchen Design Forecast

Kitchen Magic

Kitchen Magic, a family-owned and operated kitchen remodeling company with over 41 years of experience under its toolbelt, announced today its forecast for what the top trends in kitchen design will be in 2022, keeping homeowners informed on how to stay on the cutting edge of remodeling in the new year. According to the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University, elevated spending on residential remodeling projects will continue well into 2022. After a time of unprecedented change that spurred an exponential increase in the time homeowners spent at their homes and in their kitchens, kitchen design as we knew it, changed forever. Homeowners are still looking to further improve their kitchens, inspired by a renewed appreciation for the most used room in the home. With the new year presenting a much-needed fresh start for many, Kitchen Magic is committed to keeping clients on the forefront, uncovering ways to refresh the kitchen by way of remodeling, thus, helping them achieve their renovation resolutions. “In 2022, homeowners will be looking to optimize space and service areas in the kitchen,” said JT Norman, Product & Design Innovation Lead for Kitchen Magic. "Building up these functional areas sets the stage for a sleek and clean kitchen aesthetic.” The company’s design and innovation experts have pulled together a forecast that truly coincides with the clutter-free and practicality often associated with a new beginning. A small sampling of the 2022 Kitchen Magic design trends forecast includes: Knobs & Pulls: The Jewelry of the Kitchen Brass, gold, and champagne tone fixtures are the latest in kitchen hardware. A gold finish is one of the best ways to a add a touch of glamour to the kitchen. Forest Bathing This trend brings the outside inside using materials such as wood, stone, and greenery. When deciding on a palette, think deep, rustic hues and use of color in unexpected places such as appliances and hoods. Scandinavian Influence This trend can be described in 3 words: Clean. Minimalist. Simple. This motif features smooth, straight lines; open floor plans; large glass windows; low profile cabinetry; and geometric shapes. Vinyl is in Vogue Product manufacturing technology has come a long way with homeowners impressed by the fact that they are unable to distinguish vinyl flooring from real wood or stone. It’s one of the more cost-effective flooring options on the market. This product trend will continue past 2022 because of vinyl flooring’s durability and designs. While many homeowners are waiting for January 1 st to commence any remodeling projects, Kitchen Magic hopes that this kitchen design forecast will inspire clients to be “out with the old, in with the new” ahead of the new year. Kitchen Magic’s full 2022 kitchen design trends forecast can be downloaded here. Kitchen Magic has teams of consultants across the Northeast to help homeowners in these regions envision their upcoming projects. To learn more and schedule your free consultation, visit www.kitchenmagic.com. About Kitchen Magic Kitchen Magic is a kitchen remodeling company with headquarters and manufacturing facilities located in Nazareth, PA. Kitchen Magic has been family-owned and operated since 1979. Using an exclusive cabinet refacing process, Kitchen Magic has transformed nearly 60,000 kitchens. Today, Kitchen Magic serves CT, DE, MA, NJ, NY, PA, and RI. Kitchen Magic is recognized by Qualified Remodeler as #1 in kitchen remodeling nationwide, an 11-time Angie's List Super Service Award winner, a Best of Houzz winner for design & service 10 times, and an honored 8-time winner of The Morning Call's Top Workplace Award. Contact Details Kitchen Magic LInda Fennessy +1 800-237-0799 linda.fennessy@kitchenmagic.com Direct Linda Fennessy +1 610-217-0964 Company Website https://www.kitchenmagic.com

December 02, 2021 09:13 AM Eastern Standard Time

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UK SMEs forge ahead with cautious optimism as post-pandemic business confidence grows

Stockwood Strategy

Despite lingering anxieties about the pandemic and a variety of economic and commercial issues, the majority of SMEs believe it is now imperative to begin building back from the crisis. They are ready to step up their business investment, with ambitious plans for recruitment, renewal of equipment and machinery, and both domestic and international expansion. Fintech business lender MarketFinance asked 2,000 SME owners across the UK about their outlook for 2022 and beyond, gauging their short and long-term plans for business investment and growth. MarketFinance has today released a comprehensive research report of its findings. Confidence Analysis of the survey results has shown that business confidence amongst SMEs is improving, with many firms now focused on recovery and growth. With pandemic disruptions now largely settled, half of SMEs (48%) expect their turnover to stabilise or to increase over the next 12 months. Similarly, 50% of SMEs expect demand for their products or services to stabilise or to increase over the next six months. MarketFinance’s research has found that the majority of SMEs (63%) expect their business to grow over the next three years Investment With survival mode no longer a necessity and cash flow pressures beginning to ease, the vast majority of SMEs (70%) now feel confident enough to increase business investment over the next 12 months. A quarter of SMEs plan to hire new staff, while 24% expect to purchase new equipment and machinery. When asked how they were factoring borrowing into their investment plans, 23% of SMEs said access to a broader range of borrowing options could enable them to increase investment even further. Borrowing The research findings demonstrate that borrowing will play a key role in recovery and growth with 62% of SMEs saying that prudent borrowing could help them fund growth. However, three quarters (71%) of SMEs do not believe traditional banking products are the most obvious and convenient way to borrow for investment. Despite this lack of alignment between current finance needs and the options available through traditional routes, more than a third of SMEs (37%) are looking to take on new borrowing facilities. Growth With confidence high and a sense of having moved beyond recovery and into a new stage of growth, many businesses are looking forward to seizing a host of opportunities in 2022. Almost all SMEs surveyed (81%) plan to invest in sustainability, while 30% say they are considering merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in the year ahead – more than twice as many as those primarily focusing on organic growth (14%). Over a third of businesses (34%) say they already sell overseas, or have plans to begin doing so. That figure is highest amongst the largest businesses surveyed (turnover between £5m and £6.5m) but even amongst smaller enterprises significant numbers are focused on export. Anil Stocker, CEO at MarketFinance, commented: “ It’s clear that the business environment has shifted and SMEs are looking ahead with a quietly confident and cautiously optimistic view. UK businesses intend to ramp up growth through domestic and international expansion, digital transformation and even M&A activity. But as they reset their post-pandemic goals for a post-pandemic, they’ll need to be confident of their funding base. Given that so many SMEs are looking outside of traditional routes in their search for finance, we’re particularly proud to have been accredited by the British Business Bank as one of the few alternative providers under The Recovery Loan Scheme. Schemes like the RLS are a golden opportunity for SMEs looking to gear up for growth, providing easily accessible funding at a lower cost across a wide range of products. We expect to see a large number of SMEs taking advantage of the scheme over the next 6 months as their growth and expansion efforts gain momentum and they invest in ambitious plans for 2022 and beyond.” About MarketFinance MarketFinance is a fintech business lender which believes that SMEs are building the world. By making finance frictionless, they’re solving the cash flow issues getting in the way of progress. MarketFinance uses smart technology to deliver better access to faster, more affordable finance; with one-to-one help whenever businesses need it. Since 2011, MarketFinance has advanced over £2.6 billion worth of invoices and loans, enabling thousands of UK businesses to bridge today’s funding gaps and fuel tomorrow’s big ambitions. MarketFinance is an accredited Recover Loan Scheme lender and has a wide-reaching network of strategic partners including Barclays Bank UK PLC, Tide, Equals Group and Ebury. MarketFinance is backed by Barclays Bank UK PLC, Mouro Capital, Paul Forster (co-founder of Indeed.com) European venture capital fund Northzone (invested in Klarna, iZettle and Trustpilot), Viola Capital and private equity group MCI Capital (also invested in iZettle, Azimo and Gett). Further information visit: www.marketfinance.com Contact Details MarketFinance Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com Company Website https://marketfinance.com/

December 01, 2021 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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