Features

From analogue to AI: why harnessing the power of historical data is the key to digital transformation success

Today, many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are still dependent on paper-based and offline workflows, with data from Inside Government revealing that 55% of businesses across West Europe and North America are still completely reliant on paper. This means that without existing digital systems and a centralised database of historical data, the transition to AI-powered workflows can seem completely out of reach.

How to get the most out of a business coach

SFE Services is a Buckinghamshire-based air conditioning, refrigeration and ventilation company. Founded in 2017 and based in Widmer End, High Wycombe, it is owned and managed by husband-and-wife team Grant and Sophie Davenport.

Why threat modelling is key to ensuring online security for startups – and how to implement it

Cyber-attacks are on the rise. From ransomware and phishing to data breaches and insider threats, attacks are not only increasingly common, but more sophisticated too.

How Computer Vision is revolutionising manufacturing

In today’s digital-centric environment, manufacturers are looking to enhance efficiency and increase productivity to stay competitive. It’s a goal that must be achieved against a backdrop of challenges such as labour shortages, supply chain bottlenecks, cost pressures, and even mounting cyberattacks.

Russell Dalgleish: Meet the man turning Scotland’s diaspora into a superpower

Innovation. That’s the answer you’re most likely to get if you ask Scottish Business Network (SBN) founder Russell Dalgleish what Scotland’s most valuable contribution to the world is. He’s not talking about it in the past tense, either. Scotland’s capacity for innovation didn’t stop with world-changing technologies like the telephone, television, and the ATM.

Entrepreneurship Rocks: Business Lessons from the Music Industry

In this article, Matt Bird, CEO and Founder of Lemon, shares insights drawn from his experience in the music industry. Matt highlights the transferable lessons he has brought from his former career, demonstrating the value they offer to fellow business owners.

Control means something different for businesses today

Control is often seen as a good thing for businesses. Particularly where there’s so much at stake, including customers, employees, revenue, products and more. But it’s a term that lives or dies by its definition.

I experienced online harassment as a startup owner – here are the business lessons it taught me

The impact of social media on our business can’t be underestimated: it can amplify authentic voices and help brands reach a whole new audience (even if the constant rebranding and changes are annoying, I’m looking at you X!). We’ve never been closer to our customers, whether that’s through daily behind-the-scenes Instagram stories or WhatsApp for business chat, but this can also be a double-edged sword.

Get inside the mind of possible buyers for your business

There are subtle ways you can work out what someone who might want to buy your SME is really thinking, says Clive Stanley of Warwickshire-based M&A advisors, Acqius.

Creating a Gold-Standard Workforce in the Age of RTOs

As the Paris Olympics is well underway, athletes from all over the world have prepared to compete at the highest level. It takes skill, dedication, and perseverance to be a gold-standard winner, as the British cycling team demonstrated during the London 2012 Olympics.

Procurement’s Role as Protector of Profit

Despite the UK’s headline inflation rate decreasing from 11% in 2021 to 2% in June 2024, businesses are not resting easy. In a recent survey by consulting firm The Hackett Group, procurement leaders identified inflationary pressures on profit margins as a major concern for 2024. For startups, protection against market volatility is critical to ensuring longevity and growth.

Define your endgame – the secret to startup success

The journey from a humble garage startup to a sustainable business is fraught with challenges – most startups don’t survive their initial years. While challenges like funding or product-market fit are common hurdles, a critical – and often overlooked – factor is lack of a clear vision for what they want their business to be in the future.

Traditional professions adapting to a tech-driven world

The evolution of technology continues to redefine industries, challenging traditional professions to adapt or risk obsolescence. Khariton Matveev, CEO and Founder at AI-Startup is an entrepreneur whose journey from edtech to AI offers valuable insights into the future of traditional work in a contemporary landscape.

Dr Nadine Hachach-Haram on the future of healthcare and Proximie

Dr Nadine Hachach-Haram is the Founder and CEO of Proximie, a global healthtech platform digital connecting surgical operating rooms (ORs). Alongside her entrepreneurial venture, she is also a practising NHS surgeon, specialising in plastic surgery at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London.

Revolut vs Starling: the digital banking battle
Revolut vs Starling: the digital banking battle

Revolut vs Starling: the landscape of digital banking has seen a significant transformation, and picking the right bank for your needs has become a complicated affair with so many innovative new players in the market. This article provides a detailed comparison of these two financial powerhouses, examining their services, fees, user experience, and security measures.

Why businesses no longer have to choose between growth and sustainability

Government, shackled by the need to appease voters and navigate political agendas, simply can’t drive the change we need to reach net zero. Political parties struggle to lead in climate innovation because their policies often prioritise large, established sectors over nimble, innovation-driven startups.

How to use AI to help, not hinder, your business

Artificial Intelligence (AI) usage in the UK has risen by 66% since September 2023 and 18% since the beginning of 2024, according to Slack’s Workforce Index. As the owner of an AI tool myself, I see this as a positive. It paves the way for increased productivity, efficiency and profitability for businesses, amongst a shedload of other benefits.

How monetising apps effectively benefits brands and users

Gary Knight, CEO at WOLF, explains the process of how the company monetised its app, successfully generating revenue for the company and its app users.

Strategies To Manage Forex Exposure for Your Growing Startup

Discover how effective foreign currency management can help your startup scale globally. Understand the risks and strategies to safeguard your financial health.

Do you really know what you’re selling? How to identify your USP for maximum sales

Whatever market you are in, standing out is the key to gaining sales above your competitors. So many of us waste time and budget focusing on fine tuning a marketing campaign but struggling to see the results we need.