[New] Explore uxplore to discover state-of-the-art digital hub

uxplore was delighted to welcome SMEs from Coventry and Warwickshire to the launch of the new uxplore Digital Hub, a state-of-the-art facility located on Coventry University campus to support SMEs to access new revolutionary technology in digital connectivity.

Attendees heard from a range of industry leaders including representatives from Vodafone, Hollywood Gaming and uxplore, all offering their advice, guidance and enthusiasm to attendees.

Malcolm Barnes, director of Hollywood Gaming, spoke to delegates about the role 5G plays in helping them to develop new multisensory immersive experiences across extended reality to deliver a new level of interaction to audiences of the future.

Malcolm said: The uxplore facility will provide a perfect opportunity for local businesses to understand and test connectivity solutions irrespective of the vertical sector they work in.”

The uxplore project has a wide range of fully funded and match funded activities for SMEs across Coventry and Warwickshire to get involved with. From workshops to new business mentoring, technical mentoring and grants, the project has been specifically developed to support the local business community in preparing them for new connectivity technology. The project is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Midlands Engine.

Marius Dorobantu, director of Eterra Space Systems Limited based in Coventry, said: “Eterra are a satellite communication company. We are preparing to work on a demonstrator of a satellite and for the satellite to work, we need a base station for the satellite to communicate with. Our plan is to test the base station using the private network systems at uxplore, the 5G based ones, and test functionality that way.”

Lily Samuels, an award-winning corporate nutrition specialist, said: “There are so many levels that I can use this space for. After attending the uxplore workshop, I now want to create an app for the business.”

Deepak Farmah, head of industrial innovation at Coventry University, is delighted to support local businesses to thrive by adapting their services to harness digital connectivity and added: “Along with the project’s further five digital support strands available, the digital hub is the prime location for innovation, through exploring how 5G connectivity can benefit your businesses future, utilising our space to plan and prepare for the inevitable digital future.”

The Digital Hub is open to SME representatives to book a tour to explore, use the contact form at https://uxploreproject.co.uk/contact/

By Phil Stevens, Head of Tax at Burgis & Bullock

After the dust settled on the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement in November, a few key announcements look set to impact normal business owners.

The tax-free dividend allowance is set to reduce to £1,000 in 2023-24, before halving again a year later. In addition, the 1.25% increase in dividend rates introduced for the 2022/23 tax year is being held over in to 2023/24.

When you also consider that the top rate of corporation tax is set to increase to