News

One in five bosses plan to ‘spy’ on remote workers

A fifth of bosses are looking at using software that allows them to spy on employees working from home and monitor productivity. A survey of over 2,000 found 20% had already introduced ‘remote tracking’ or were considering bringing it in.

OVHcloud renews its commitment to Open Source

OVHcloud, the European leader with a global footprint in the cloud industry, announced today it joined the Open Invention Network (OIN). This engagement affirms OVHcloud’s approach in terms of Open Innovation and will strengthen the company’s ecosystem, by supporting a world-class open source innovation community.

Five ways your business may unknowingly be committing fraud

It’s estimated that fraud cost the UK almost £190bn in 2019, with losses increasing by 57% in the past decade. The cost of fraud is expected to continue to rise, but what can UK businesses do to protect themselves against this illegal activity?

Two-thirds of businesses bracing for Covid-themed phishing surge in new year

Nearly two-thirds (64%) of business decision makers are anticipating COVID-themed phishing attacks targeting their company to increase in 2021, according to new research from Centrify, a provider of identity-centric privileged access management solutions.

DataSecOps to simplify how businesses share, access and regulate data

eXate, a London-based data software firm has announced a £2.3m seed round led by Outward VC, with additional backing from ING Ventures and Triple Point Ventures, to accelerate the growth of its DataSecOps platform. eXate is democratising data privacy for organisations by providing a simple embedded platform that automates the technical enforcement of data policies, solving the large-scale challenges created by evolving and complex global data privacy regulations.

Healthtech startup raises $2.6m to scale at-home digestive health solution

FoodMarble, the digital digestive health company, has closed a seed investment round of $2.6m, led by Business Venture Partners (BVP), with participation from SOSV, Breed Reply, Delta Partners, Enterprise Ireland. The funding will support continued expansion into new markets, research and development projects, as well as the further development of FoodMarble AIRE, the world’s first personal digestive tracker.

Pioneering university startups set to blaze a trail at CES 2021

Innovative technology developed at the University of Southampton is being launched on the world stage from 11th-14th January at CES 2021, as the world’s largest and most influential technology exhibition goes virtual.

Fashion tech startup helps retailers brace for record sales of £28bn this Christmas

In the wake of recent retail closures across the UK, fashion technology startups are delivering much-needed innovation to help merchants maximise online sales and optimise unprecedented digital demand this Christmas. Retail data platform uSizy, is among the emerging startups poised to help UK retailers leverage technology to cope with record sales expected to reach £28bn, by first tackling archaic sizing guides.

How to fix the ‘Big Tech’ empathy problem

An insider’s revealing and in-depth examination of Big Tech’s failure to keep its foundational promises and the steps the industry can take to course-correct in order to make a positive impact on the world.

Still working from home? 10 ways to save money at home this winter

It has been a tough year for everyone and with household bills typically rising as we head into the winter months, financial pressures are set to be exacerbated further. With the cold weather here to stay, on going COVID-19 restrictions and home working, Brits could see their energy costs rise by up to £300 meaning there is no better time to look at ways you can save money this winter.

Are SMEs aware that GDPR rules will still apply after 1st January?

Some uncertainty remains with businesses who deal with the EU on the provision relating to data after the end of the transition period on 31st December. The UK government stance is that GDPR is and will remain engrained in UK law during the transition period and into 2021.

New Growth Programme for early startups launched in South West England

StartUp Studio, a growth programme for early stage tech startups in the South West of England, has been launched. Tech South West has teamed up with virtual accelerator, Activate and startup advisor, Skowt Consulting to provide fully-funded opportunities for up to 30 pre-seed companies a year to progress their business through the programme, and then pitch to regional, UK and global investors.

Angel Business Club Unlocks the Mental Cost of Building a Business

Angel Business Club will address the mental impact of laying the foundations for business success as its Insights Series returns on Wednesday, 13th January. The webinar, titled ‘The Mental Cost of Building a Business’ will be hosted by CEO of fintech app, SimplyPayMe, Kent Vorland.

Recycleye raises £1.2m to turn trash into treasure

Recycleye, the intelligent waste management startup, has secured £1.2m in seed funding, led by venture capital investors MMC Ventures and Playfair Capital, with participation from leading funds Atypical Ventures, Creator Fund, and eolos.

AI-powered healthcare solution nominated for Covid-19 response award

Healthcare technology company, Vantage Health has announced that its AI-powered platform, Rego, has been shortlisted for ‘Local COVID-19 Response Partnership Award’ at the HSJ Partnership Awards 2021. The shortlisting recognises Vantage Health’s dedication to improving healthcare and effective collaboration with the NHS, through Rego’s role in managing hospital outpatient attendances during the pandemic.

3 in 5 bosses claim pandemic has positively impacted workforce productivity

Three in five bosses (60%) say that the pandemic has unexpectedly impacted the productivity of their workforce in a positive way, according to new research from Hitachi Capital Business Finance, with one in five saying their staff are now more independent since working from home (20%).

Digital marketing analytics platform among UK’s most innovative tech startups

A growing digital marketing analytics platform has been crowned as one of the winners of a prestigious award recognising the very best innovations that the tech industry has to offer.

HMRC analysis demonstrates value of R&D tax relief schemes

The R&D tax relief schemes and R&D expenditure credit (RDEC) have driven greater innovation in the UK, according to analysis by HMRC. A review of these schemes, as well as the Patent Box, highlighted that there were both positive direct and indirect impacts on business for those that utilised the schemes whilst also spurring on innovation.

Flow increases sales of depression headset by 247% during pandemic

As COVID-19 continues to impact mental health and access to treatment in the UK, medical device company Flow is reporting a 247% increase in sales of its at-home, brain stimulation headset treatment for depression with 30% of its users overcoming depression during the pandemic.

North West technology adoption pilot marks two-year milestone

Manufacturers supported by Made Smarter, the movement helping SMEs join the Industry 4.0 revolution, are forecasting the creation of more than 750 new jobs from £12.6m of technology investment.