Features

How startups and SMEs can support sustainable innovation and resilience in the blue economy

Growing up on a small Caribbean island, I developed a great appreciation for the ocean and our marine environment. In island and coastal communities, our history, cultures, and livelihoods are intrinsically linked with the great blue.

ESG reporting is now a strategic choice – and CFOs can lead the way

ESG reporting is no longer just about ticking boxes. As reporting expectations evolve, businesses that treat ESG as a core priority will be better positioned to attract capital, manage regulatory risks and drive sustainable value. And CFOs, perhaps unexpectedly, are now at the centre of this shift.

Gen Z are pioneering a new era of business leadership

Gen Z are now the largest generation group globally, and as the youngest cohort in today’s workplace, they are already stepping into leadership roles that will drive the future of business for many years to come. With nearly a quarter of a million directors of UK companies already being Gen Z in 2024, their growing influence is clear.

The dark side of going viral: why startups must prioritise IP protection

In today’s digital-first world, platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube can push a product into the public eye within hours. We’ve all seen it: a quirky gadget, an innovative beauty tool, or a clever design catches on, and suddenly it’s everywhere. Sales spike, followers grow, and demand explodes.

Why the Middle East is becoming a smart bet for business amid US volatility

As economic uncertainty looms large in Western markets – from political instability in the US to rising regulatory headwinds – a new centre of gravity is emerging for forward-thinking businesses: the Middle East. At WOLF, a UK-founded tech company built around creating community-led online entertainment for Arabic speakers, we’ve experienced first-hand the region’s exceptional growth potential.

Hosting choices that support startup growth

Early-stage startups face hundreds of decisions in a short time. Most are focused on product development, market fit, and funding. But as the digital infrastructure of a business takes shape, hosting becomes a factor that can influence speed, security, and long-term scalability.

Don’t leave SMBs exposed: why cybersecurity must scale with innovation

In a digital economy, no business is too small to be a target. Yet when we talk about cybersecurity policy and resilience, small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) still don’t get the attention – or support – they need. That has to change.

Why every startup founder needs a trusted sounding board

Being a founder is lonely. You’re pulled in a hundred directions, expected to have all the answers, and often left without a safe space to voice doubts or test ideas.

Stop pitching, start closing: the must-have skill for all dealmakers

Sales isn’t a dirty word – it’s a survival skill. In today’s high-stakes, high-noise business environment, mastering the art of closing is the difference between having a great idea and building a great company. Whether you’re a Gen Z founder fluent in digital storytelling or a seasoned entrepreneur adjusting to a new economy, one truth remains: meetings don’t move markets – deals do.

How AWS is supporting UK innovation

At the AWS Summit in London, I sat down with Tricia Troth, Head of Startups UK and Ireland at Amazon Web Services (AWS), to explore how the company is supporting early-stage businesses through technical enablement, investment guidance, and a broad ecosystem of resources.

Rethinking the UK’s AI startup strategy: building with purpose

AI startups in the UK are raising billions in funding, yet there’s a startling gap between capital and real-world impact. Recent studies reveal that only one in seven UK AI companies are working towards solving actual market or societal problems. Given that there are more than 3,000 AI firms operating in the region, it feels appropriate to ask – what’s going wrong?

Igor Luchenkov, Founding Engineer of Hackathon Party: hackathons are not just for coders anymore

Hackathons have long been a launchpad for innovation, but what if they could do more than just spark ideas? What if they could become structured, real-time engines for building, learning, and connecting? These are the questions AI Product Engineer Igor Luchenkov set out to explore. 

The unlucky 90%: why so many startups fail

Despite being built on great ideas, 90% of startups eventually fail. Fernando Amaral, Chief Revenue Officer at expense management solution Rydoo shares his insights on the common pitfalls and best practices for building a successful startup.

Why the introduction of a singular corporate ID verification process in the UK is vital

The digital identity landscape in the UK has undergone a seismic shift in recent years, driven by government initiatives like the Digital Identity and Attributes Trust Framework (DIATF).

Why most new ideas fail – and how yours won’t

When you have a brilliant product idea, it’s easy to fall in love with it. So deeply in love that it seems impossible for it to fail. All it needs is hard work and execution; everyone will see how brilliant it is. Right?

Armenia’s data centre boom: what it means for the region

When you think of the next global digital infrastructure hub, Armenia may not be the first place that comes to mind. But that’s precisely what makes it so compelling.

Is your SME prepared for a cyberattack?

Forbes recently revealed that hackers sell full cyber access to small businesses for as little as $600 on the dark web. The rise of AI-driven scams has made it easier for hackers to access company data, giving business owners an unprecedented concern. Here, Kristian Torode, Director and Co-Founder of Vodafone secure device manager provider Crystaline, provides tips on how small-to-medium businesses (SMEs) can enhance their cyber resilience.

Why the finance industry must leap into the ESG era: evolve or fall behind

Emerging fintechs are speeding ahead with ESG at their core, while many traditional financial institutions are struggling to keep up – slowed by the complexities of legacy systems and rigid internal processes.

The hidden costs of outsourcing: why mortgage lenders should consider direct servicing

Today’s mortgage lenders face significant operational challenges, particularly when relying on third-party processors for outsourcing services. These services, while potentially streamlining certain tasks, often come with high costs and can limit the lender’s control over their operations.

A practical guide to getting started with the ESPR’s DPP Mandate for SMEs

The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) is gaining recognition among many businesses serving the EU market as a key driver of circularity and sustainability.