Features
Corporate leaders are among the most accomplished professionals in their industries, having built their careers through strategic decisions, leadership, and determination. Yet, despite their achievements, many are increasingly drawn to entrepreneurship – a realm where they can channel their expertise into building something of their own.
In today’s world, where headquarters are becoming less common, the physical workspace has emerged as a pivotal element of a company’s employee brand. Choosing to invest in a physical space is no longer just about practicality; it’s about differentiation. It sends a message about the company’s values, culture, and commitment to fostering meaningful collaboration.
European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are operating through turbulent times. Rising raw material costs, labour shortages, and increased competition are pushing some of them to their limits. At the same time, global instability has disrupted supply chains, jeopardising profit margins and the ability of many SMEs to meet market demands.
Congratulations! You have successfully navigated the first steps of building your own business. You’ve proved the initial concept has a market and your business is starting to grow. You may have bootstrapped to date by using your savings or taking on investment from the support of friends and family. You may even be further along than this and going down the path of bringing in outside investors to help scale further.
The reality is that having a mobile app is no longer a luxury. For businesses and startups, it’s a potential to reach more audiences and make more money. However, many companies struggle to get started. A common problem is the lack of clear guidance. Nobody explains how to bring an app from idea to completion.
First things first – the rise of ESG up the corporate agenda is good news for the planet. Whether that is driven by evolving regulation, internal company values or the rise of ethical consumerism, initiatives are gaining traction. Beyond this, however, prioritising ESG is increasingly having a positive impact on the bottom line.
With 2025 just around the corner, AI continues to redefine industries, unlocking new opportunities for efficiency, growth, and value creation. Tools such as ChatGPT have received unprecedented attention yet represent only a small part of the transformational value that AI can offer to businesses. Companies seeking to heighten their value – be it in attracting investors, underpinning growth, or laying a foundation in advance would do well to investigate the use of AI outside generative text tools.
The hiring landscape is undergoing a dramatic shift, as organisations reconsider their degree requirements in their pursuit of top talent. According to a recent survey, 45% of companies intend to eliminate bachelor’s degree requirements for certain positions this year, with 55% having already done so in 2023 for some roles.
Despite a challenging backdrop, UK SMEs are still optimistic about the future of their businesses, with nearly three-quarters forecasting growth in the coming year. That’s according to American Express’ latest research which highlights a resilience among these businesses, and sheds light on how small and medium-sized enterprises are navigating rising costs and evolving customer expectations to map a path to success.










