Martin Neill

'Discount Variations' are launching soon in Quoli ⭐️ 💰 Merchants would be able to tailor their incentives based on the type of review submitted. Let's say if there are 📝 Text-only reviews, you can offer no discounts 📸 For photos, offer a fixed price or % discount (5%) 🎥 For videos, offer a slightly bigger discount (10%) Plus: - You can set a minimum order value - Use Quoli's auto-generated codes - Use existing discounts from Shopify - Set expiry for discount codes (days) - Enable reminders for code expiry - Enable reminders for photos/videos #Quoli #ReviewDiscounts #Shopify

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#Manchester based past SkilledUp Life tech startup customer Cytix raises £1.6 million Seed investment from Manchester based Praetura Ventures founded by David Foreman. Michael Rees well done. Limited Partner (LP) in this case is Northern Powerhouse Fund II operated by British Business Bank British Business Bank North of England Delyth Lloyd Edwards. Simon Cunnington SkilledUp Life helped Thomas Ballin and the team during the earliest stages of the tech startup when they were self-funded and bootstrapping. I also had the pleasure to mingle with Ben Armstrong at Techcelerate when they were just starting up and trying to build the first version of the product. Both Ben and Thomas stood up as a strong pair of co-founders. They came from the same industry, worked for the same boss and knew the market inside out. They knew how to innovate the market and slice a portion of the market for themselves. They also had a superb unfair advantage in addition to above. The pair was perfect to start a tech product company. Let me explain why. When you talk about building tech startups, especially at the very earliest stages, you need to two people: - Some one who can code and build - Thomas Ballin - Some one who can sell - Ben Armstrong Having been in the tech startup world for 20 years, I rarely see this ideal combination. I knew they would go places. And they had. A massive congratulations from me to Thomas, Ben and the team. My only regret was I could not convince them to join Techcelerate. 😁 Here's the story https://lnkd.in/ec7VzXp2 covered by Deal Lite. Here's the story about Pre-Seed round https://lnkd.in/eR4UQ9fi I look forward to reading the story about Series A investment not too long in the near future. Congrats all. A good day for #Manchester! 🥂 Oh, by the way, we have a ton of #cybersecurity volunteers on https://skilledup.life Here is a bunch of Manchester tech startups who are leveraging SkilledUp Life as they self-fund and bootstrap their businesses in the early stage. These companies are cash-efficient and understand how hard the journey is: - Dustid run by Michael Livingstone - Orakly run by Craig A. Taylor - also a Techcelerate member - mutuals run by eddy D. SkilledUp Life de-risked Cytix over 20 months period. SkilledUp Life is here to give a leg up to tech startups in early years. #Cytix #Cybersecurity #Manchester #TechManchester #SkilledUpLife

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Introducing Furnitured.co.uk a London-based platform built to empower UK businesses with cutting-edge solutions for the buying and selling of new and pre-owned furniture. Our platform connects individuals across the UK, providing an easy, sustainable way to discover and share quality furniture. 🌟 Community-Driven Marketplace: Furnitured enables smooth, trusted transactions between buyers and sellers, creating a vibrant marketplace where furniture finds a second life. 💼 Effortless Listing & Discovery: Our platform simplifies the listing process, making it easy for users to upload and browse furniture, bringing unique pieces to a wider audience. 🌱 Sustainability at Heart: With Furnitured, we're not just connecting buyers and sellers; we’re encouraging sustainable choices by extending the life of furniture. 📈 Seamless User Experience: Designed with both ease and efficiency in mind, Furnitured offers a straightforward, intuitive interface, making buying and selling furniture effortless for everyone. Join us as we transform the way furniture is traded, bringing convenience and sustainability together. Follow us for updates on this exciting journey!

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Why brokers are listening and following business. marketing and technology advice from companies who employ people who have never run their own successful business or never funded any marketing campaign with their own money is very strange and weird. No wonder 20% of brokers dont write any loans. And this number is growing. It is critical to get advice from people and companies who are actually qualified to do so.

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286 successful launches of #franchise, retail and manufacturing brands... Below is an edited deck of how we 'show up,' for franchise brands that own their website and have the freedom to plug and play with 'best of,' marketing technologies and agencies.

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Pure Play Service -> Software Enabled Service I believe it's the way lot's of great businesses will be built (& already have been). I've posted multiple times about how 1) operational complexity and 2) distribution are the real moats in software based businesses, as building software becomes easier & easier. Haven started as a pure service. Now we are/have been in the exciting process of building lots of product and software to support our business operationally & delight our customers. This was all by design. We didn't spend a year and a bunch of venture dollars building a product in the dark, hoping that someone would want it or need it some time in the future. We got revenue & customers in the door first, learned what to build through supporting them, and are doing it. I think you can build businesses in a more de-risked way with this strategy, without trading off upside. What do you think, internet?

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Become an Investor/Business Partner in PupMarket UK: The Ultimate Dog Owner Marketplace App Platform Are you passionate about the booming pet industry and looking for a lucrative investment opportunity? Consider becoming an investor or business partner in PupMarket UK, the premier marketplace app platform for dog owners in the UK. Why Invest in PupMarket UK? 1. Massive Market Potential: - The UK is home to approximately 13 million dogs, with nearly 34% of households owning at least one dog. - The pet care industry in the UK is valued at over £7 billion annually, and it continues to grow as more people invest in their pets' health, wellbeing, and lifestyle. 2. Unique Value Proposition: - PupMarket UK offers a centralized platform where dog owners can find everything they need, from pet products and services to community connections and expert advice. - Our app facilitates convenient, reliable, and enjoyable experiences for dog owners, ensuring they find exactly what they need for their furry friends. 3. Innovative Features: - User-Friendly Interface: Easy navigation and personalized recommendations make shopping a breeze. - Comprehensive Listings: A wide range of products and services, including grooming, training, pet sitting, and veterinary care. - Community Engagement: Connect with other dog owners, share experiences, and participate in local events. 4. High Growth Potential: - With the increasing number of dog owners and the rising trend of treating pets as family members, the demand for comprehensive pet care solutions is at an all-time high. - PupMarket UK is poised to capture a significant share of this growing market by offering unmatched convenience and quality to its users. 5. Social Impact: - Investing in PupMarket UK means supporting a community of dog lovers and contributing to the wellbeing of pets across the UK. - Our platform promotes responsible pet ownership and connects users with trusted providers, ensuring the best care for their dogs. Contact Us to Learn More Interested in exploring this exciting opportunity? Reach out to us for more information on how you can become an investor or business partner in PupMarket UK. Please email Colin at [email protected]. Don't miss out on the chance to be part of a thriving and rewarding industry. Invest in PupMarket UK and make a positive impact on the lives of dogs and their owners!

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It's how you see what goes up for sale on eBay, before it goes up for sale on eBay. NobleSpirit traditional catalogue auction sales are a first of its kind exclusive to eBay. Discover, research, plan, budget. https://lnkd.in/eEFQrvSf #noblespirit #ebay #stampmarketindex #collectibles #baseballcards #sportscards #comics #econmy #marketplaces #investments

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Exciting News from ProFit-Gen Custom Apps! We are thrilled to announce that ProFit-Gen Custom Apps is not only continuing to develop innovative apps for other businesses but has also expanded into creating our own app platforms! We are currently seeking investment and business partners for the following unique marketplace app platforms: 1. Barketplace UK - A marketplace for UK dog owners to purchase any dog-related item or service. Additional features include a missing dog alert component and community discussions. 2. Equip Fit - A marketplace for gym equipment, allowing individuals, gyms, and studios to find both new and used gym equipment. 3. Wellbeing Coaching Marketplace - A comprehensive marketplace for health and wellbeing coaches, including fitness coaches (plus online options), nutrition coaches, life coaches, stress management coaches, emotional wellness coaches, corporate wellness coaches, spiritual wellness coaches, behaviour change coaches, and financial wellness coaches. We are seeking investment between £6k-£8k per app business for a 50% stake in each app business. For more information, please contact me at [email protected]. Let’s create something amazing together! #InvestmentOpportunity #Startup #AppDevelopment #Marketplace #ProFitGen #Innovation #BusinessGrowth #Fitness #Wellbeing #DogOwners Feel free to share or reach out for more details!

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More fees reduction from eBay, although with some * Are we entering the thick of the battle between legacy marketplaces? Private sellers will no longer pay listing fees for the first 300 items the put up for sale on the platform. This works for most of everyday sellers who are just looking to clear out or make a few pounds. If we are to win the fight against pointless waste, we should welcome any initiative that helps people : -Reduce their waste -Re-circulate items -Free up space -And make some cash. (we all need a bit of money in this cost of living crisis) #techforgood #circularity #charityfundraising

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Scale-up business guide to getting investor-ready: THE CUSTOMERS (6/7) For any investor-ready business you need to have a complete understanding of who your customers are. Who you are targeting and who already is buying your service or product. This article offers tips and advice on understanding your customers to help you impress potential investors. #Growth #business # customers

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Founders and business owners will be relieved to hear the Chancellor’s continued support for the Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR), which is vital for incentivising entrepreneurs to take the risk of starting their own businesses. After rumours of BADR being abolished completely, maintaining the £1 million lifetime limit on gains is a good outcome for entrepreneurs. Although relief will increase from its current level of 10% to 14% in April 2025 and 18% from 2026, this maintains a significant gap compared to the higher rate of capital gains tax (CGT). The news is also a victory for thousands of workers with access to equity-linked rewards like employee share schemes. While founders were the focus of much of the discussion around BADR ahead of the Autumn Statement, it also provides relief to employees who benefit from a successful exit. These schemes are vital for the founders and workers generating the growth that is important to the government’s goal of restoring public finances. Schemes like BADR, the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and similar initiatives such as the Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) employee share scheme are rightly acknowledged as the global gold standard and have put the UK at the forefront as an incubator of innovative startups. We will need more of these schemes to provide a relative ‘safe space’ to help businesses scale, so they can bring their full economic potential to this country, rather than being bought and taken offshore. You'll find the full budget here: https://lnkd.in/egB9PZu8 Let me know your thoughts on yesterday's announcements!

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Sales processes Of products and services Of businesses Planning ahead Here’s a thought👇🏼 The wheels of profitable commerce depend on sales, so it’s always a bit strange that in the UK that sales people are still somehow under rated. We talk of technical founders and non technical founders, we talk about operations teams, we talk about fund raising, we rightly focus on client segmentation, and we should be talking about client needs. And so the list goes on. But rarely about the art and skills of selling. We talk about it obliquely when we talk of product market fit and go to market strategies. Because guess who makes those cogs go round? Sales teams do. Who provides the feedback mechanism? Sales people do. Marketeers design the messages and claim the strategy, they build the plans and write the content, they pick the channels, they quantify and qualify the feedback. All good and vital. Investopedia tells us that “Marketing refers to the activities a company undertakes to promote the buying or selling of its products or services. Marketing includes advertising and allows businesses to sell products and services to consumers, other businesses, and organizations.” However sales is the main event that makes this business happen. So many cost lines and sales teams are the revenue line. The content conversations on here talk about fund raising and then celebrate exits. I’ve rarely seen content about sales processes and an even rarer sight is talking about selling businesses. The latter is going to be part of the cycle unless you are focussed on building an evergreen family business. It’s definitely going to be part of the cycle if you have taken in external capital because that’s how they will crystallise their profit . It makes me think we all better have a plan for that leg of the journey so that it’s not full of surprises. Let’s hope more people start writing about it and then it’ll start being discussed openly. #ThinkLikeAClient #GrumpyOptimism #TechStartUps #VentureStudios #Innovations Footnote: all my content is written daily by me with no additives or tricks. If it interests you please tag the 🔔 in my profile to get it delivered straight to you. Otherwise if you search #GrumpyOptimism and #GrumpyOptimist you’ll find my library of past posts. Never recycled, always fresh.

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Upcoming IPOs: 5 SME Issues and Two New Listings Scheduled for Next Week... https://lnkd.in/ex4Gt7MC SME IPO's IPOs, IPOs next week, Upcoming IPOs, Primary market, Vilas Transcore IPO, Beacon Trusteeship IPO, Ztech India IPO, Aimtron Electronics IPO, TBI Corn IPO, Awfis Space Solutions IPO, GSM Foils IPO, #smeipo #ztechindia #aimtronelectronics #awfisspace #vilastranscore #primarymarket #ipo #upcomingipos #markettrendzona Market Trend Zona

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Today we have a superb episode with an absolute legend, Alan Patricof, Co-Founder of Primetime Partners, Greycroft, and Apax Partners. It’s hard to explain just how important Alan has been for tech and VC. He’s one of the true pioneers in venture capital worldwide, having started his first VC firm in the 1970s, Alan Patricof and Associates, which later became Apax Partners and currently has over ~$80Bn AUM. Alan is an inspiring figure, not only because of his success in the business world but also because of his vitality and contagious optimism. He joined us a day after his 90th birthday and candidly, he had more energy than most people I know. We recorded live on stage at Rise, created by Barclays in NYC for the 2024 Gilgamesh Ventures Summit, an annual meeting where we gather over 150 limited partners, founders, investors, and friends for a series of events and discussions about the future of tech and financial services. In this episode, we discuss: - The early days of Venture Capital and Tech in the 1970s and beyond - Alan grew up in NYC and built his career in NY – how was the city back then? - Building primetime partners to invest in the fastest growing market, people over 60 - Staying healthy. How Alan keeps fit, focused and is closing deals at 90 Years Old - Why your reputation is all that matters in this business… and a lot more! Special thanks to Morgan Borer, Jessica Schaefer, Carlee Snyder, Courtney Dawson, and Carina Oriel! https://bit.ly/4g1HNMU

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Peter Costello established the Future Fund in 2006 & is still its current Chairman 🤨 It’s almost poetic, really. Public funds, designed for the people, yet swirling down the drain of mate-conomics. You couldn’t write this stuff if you tried, or at least you couldn’t write it & call it “good governance.” Let’s stitch it all together & have a look at the fine embroidery of government spending. The Art of “Separate” But Together So, we’ve got funds for disabilitycare & funds for government retirement pensions— sitting in the same buckets! They’re being managed side-by-side, with DCAF & the Future Fund practically holding hands. & the pension fund seems to get first dibs, while those NDIS funds are left to grow in a “safe, future-proof” way, which is code for, “We’ll think about it tomorrow.” nothing like today’s tax dollars fueling tomorrow’s excuses. Investing in Mates, But For “Public Good,” Obviously Then there’s this laughable “merit-based” selection when funds go to private contracts. Isn’t it funny how the same companies—those founded by former government advisers, no less—keep winning these “merit-based” contracts? If the metric is who’s got the most buddies in high places, then, sure, that’s the best value taxpayer dollars can buy. The public thinks it’s paying for services, but maybe it’s actually paying for one giant networking event. Accountability – Just a Fancy Word on a Brochure? So we ask, “Where’s the oversight?” & they throw around words like “transparency” as if saying it makes it true. They’ve got layers of red tape ready to trip anyone who dares ask for details. Who audits this spending? Why, those who signed off on it, of course! A bit like asking the fox if he’s doing a good job managing the henhouse. But hey, trust them—it’s all above board… except for the part where no one can actually see the board. Public Benefit or PR Exercise? Contracts are supposedly in the “public interest,” yet the only public consistently benefiting are the executives cashing in & here’s the kicker when questioned, they paint any critique as an attack on their noble mission. “This is for the people,” they cry, as the funds get funneled into the pockets of well-connected companies. If this is about public good, then why do the only people benefiting seem to have access to the boardroom? Locked Funds & Open Wallets NDIS funds are locked, growing in the background, while government pensions are fully secure & it’s managed by the same board that values “growth” over accessibility. So who’s really benefiting? The vulnerable waiting on promises, or the public sector officials who can count on their retirement fund? Maybe we’re funding more government perks than public services. Here we are, stuck in a system where disability support is kept waiting, government buddies get the cash flow, and “merit” is the punchline. So, the question is, if this is what accountability looks like, what does it say about whose interests are actually being served?

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We are making it easier than ever for advisers to showcase compliant testimonials on their website, with ZERO technical expertise required. You can now select from multiple professional website widget options which will automatically incorporate all of your approved testimonials. With just a few clicks and no coding, you can customize the appearance of the widget and embed pre-approved disclosures. Once your Compliance team has approved the content, just copy/paste the resulting code onto your site. And whenever a new testimonial gets approved by your compliance team, it will automatically get added to your site - no need for endless website updates! You can create as many widgets as you need for different sections of your site. And Testimonial iQ automatically uses the appropriate review schema markup to help your site stand out in search results.

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"How are you finding the market at the moment?" This is a question I get a lot when meeting new and existing connections, as the last 18 months has probably been the toughest market I've observed since 2007. Much like the weather we're experiencing at the moment, things are starting to brighten up and the warm temperatures are helping things thaw. So, what am I noticing that allows me to be so positive (I mean, I'm always positive!)? Funds I work with have raised new funding, or are in the process of raising new funding. This means that investments are being made, which in turn creates opportunities for things like due diligence and advisory. Businesses that I work with and are part of are raising new monies to enable them to go faster, which of course means new people to help them do that, which makes for a much more buoyant economy. I'm noticing a lot of inbound leads from personal recommendations and requests for a coffee to talk through a potential engagement (circa 2-3 a week at the moment, which is up from 1 a month before the turn of the year). These are just some of my observations, how are you finding the market these days? 💡 Happy hunting. ❤️ #fractional #cto #observations #experience

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🚀 $0 to $200,000 in just 4 months, with a gross profit margin of over 70% 😳🚀 Not many companies can showcase growth like this, but this Manchester-based is doing exactly this!! And now, they’re scaling even faster. Founded by two North West entrepreneurs, the company is now seeking a Non-Executive Director with the option to invest in their journey. The founders are no strangers to success - their other business generated £22 million in revenue just last year. Interested? Take a look at the opportunity and connect with them directly: https://lnkd.in/emZR8cG9 If you’re a VC or a professional services firm (legal, accounting, or tax), they’re also keen to collaborate via the DealDirect platform. Garrick Bruce is managing the process. Or DM me.... #virtualnonexecs #VC #Growth #nonexecutivedirector

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