News

Six startups selected for world’s first regulatory sandbox for industrial safetytech

Six UK startups pioneering the use of AI, robotics and other emerging technologies to improve industrial safety and risk management have been selected for the world’s first regulatory sandbox for industrial safetytech, it was announced.

Another bumper year for VCTs despite economic uncertainty

AIC figures released today show the amount invested in Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs) once again hit more than £1 billion. The total – including dividend reinvestment – was £1.08 billion, the second highest on record.

Applications open for International Startup Platform in Switzerland

Kickstart Innovation’s programme is entering its eighth year and has helped successful startups such as Planted, Neustark, Unsupervised and AAAcell accelerate. More than 270 deals in the form of collaborations from 80 countries have been realised so far. Investments of more than €2 billion have been raised to date.

Record number of new companies set up so far in 2023

The number of new businesses incorporated in the UK reached a new record in the first quarter of 2023 despite rising costs, reveals a new study of the latest Companies House records. The research, carried out by digital agency Koozai, analysed the latest records from the Office of National Statistics of businesses registered with Companies House.

The great tech unrest: 3 in 4 UK tech workers dissatisfied at work

Over three quarters (77%) of tech talent in the UK are unhappy in their current jobs and actively seeking out new roles, according to a new report out today.

Funding into UK HealthTech companies fell 37% in 2022

Tracxn, a global SaaS-based market intelligence platform, has released its Tracxn – HealthTech UK Report ahead of World Health Day.

Early contact with analysts recommended for tech startups

According to research, startup enterprises that offer services to technology companies should strategically involve business analysts at an early stage to increase their likelihood of success.

Looking for business growth? It’s time to look in the margins

Exclusive research shows why today’s marginal behaviours – such as polyamory, insect diets, home burials and microdosing – could point the way to tomorrow’s soaraway business growth.

Impact Brixton shortlisted for Small Business Britain award

Impact Brixton based in South London has been shortlisted for the Mission Possible Award at this year’s Small Awards, organised by Small Business Britain.

How Dragons’ Den can be the best marketing opportunity around

No matter the sector, many startups face similar problems. Chief among them is the battle to be seen by potential investors and customers. Even the best products or services will struggle to grow without visibility among the right audiences. 

Funding announced for 53 projects which could help reduce bills and emissions

A bumper crop of cutting-edge projects – which it is hoped will help deliver a future power grid that is both more secure and cleaner while also turning Great Britain into a growth hub for energy entrepreneurs – have received funding.

Work smart! AI virtual assistant hits UK market

Warsaw-based technology firm SmartyMeet announces its UK expansion with the debut of ‘Boe,’ an inventive AI chatbot hailed as your “best AI buddy,” designed to transform video meetings into productive work sessions.

Bioliberty secures £2.2m to fund soft robotic glove

Scottish technology firm Bioliberty has secured £2.2 million in funding to develop a soft robotic glove which can restore upper limb mobility in patients following a stroke.

Now is the time to innovate your business model with Elite Business Live at SME Xpo

Elite Business, the business publication dedicated to inspiring Britain’s SMEs, is back with another special Elite Business Live at the SME Xpo.

Luxury Asset Exchange unveils tech to protect the value of fashion products

LABELL-D is unveiling its Luxury Asset Exchange creating a new technology and market by reframing retail for smarter consumption which is more circular and climate friendly.

The wealthiest companies with the weakest passwords

Even the world’s richest companies’ employees have unbelievably poor password habits, reveals the new research by NordPass. While cybersecurity experts repeatedly urge businesses to take better care of corporate passwords, the wealthiest companies worldwide still find the world’s king and queen of poor passwords — “123456” and “password” — good enough to secure corporate digital assets.

Employers adapt health & wellbeing support to hybrid working patterns

Employers are adapting the health and wellbeing support they offer to employees in light of new remote and hybrid working patterns, according to new research1 from GRiD, the industry body for the group risk sector.

Expedia launches conversational trip planning powered by ChatGPT

Expedia announced a new use for artificial intelligence with the beta launch of a new in-app travel planning experience powered by ChatGPT.

92% of Gen Z founders start their business as a side hustle

The overwhelming majority (92%) of startups founded by Gen Z (18-24 year old) entrepreneurs start off as a side hustle, according to new research commissioned by Connectd, the leading platform for managing and growing relationships between startups, investors and advisors.

Rise of Boomerang employees: 71% of professionals open to returning to pre-Covid employer

Almost three quarters of professionals (71%) have stated that they are open to returning to their pre-Covid employer – with half admitting that the reasons as to why they left are no longer applicable in today’s market.