Why venture studios are the future of the startup ecosystem

It’s hard to start an innovative business on your own. Notably, 90% of startups fail due to insufficient experience, poor market fit, or a lack of resources. That is why many founders and entrepreneurs go to investors and venture funds to secure at least one form of the future – financial. However, is it all the startup needs?

The role of the employer in supporting parents and families

Parent Mental Health Day served as a vital reminder of the importance of supporting the mental health and wellbeing of parents, guardians, and carers. Parents make up a significant proportion of those experiencing mental health challenges in the UK, 68% of women and 57% of men, highlighting the urgent need for tailored support. However, mental health doesn’t exist in isolation, when a parent is struggling, the impact is often felt across the entire family. In this article, Dr Glenn Mason, Head of Adult Psychological Therapies at Onebright, discusses the role of the employer in supporting parents and families.

80% of UK businesses eye AI-driven growth, but digital gaps hinder progress

SAP launches its ‘Supercharging Growth with AI in the UK – a Pathway for High-Growth Businesses’ report, which considers the scale-up opportunities and challenges facing UK businesses in 2025.

How to delegate as a startup and know when it’s time to recruit

Startups often begin with one person, one vision, and an overwhelming workload. The instinct? Try to do everything yourself. But let’s be clear: one person isn’t a business – it’s a job. One of the biggest mistakes founders make is cutting corners on talent, thinking they’re saving money, when in reality, they’re holding back growth, efficiency, and credibility.

A third of UK workers looking to greener pastures in 2025

The latest research from The Global Payroll Association (GPA) reveals that a third of UK workers could jump ship from their current employer in 2025, with widespread dissatisfaction around factors such as pay and job security the key reasons for looking to greener pastures.

Maximising business impact through collaboration

In the run-up to the Autumn Budget, UK business sentiment plummeted to its lowest figure since November 2023. This was a sure sign of how much businesses expected filling the UK’s ominous £22 billion fiscal hole to fall on their shoulders. And the subsequent tax hikes won’t have done much to change that.

SAEKI raises $6.7M to transform large-scale manufacturing

With global supply chains facing mounting pressures and costs continuing to rise, manufacturing is at a critical juncture. Industries like aerospace, automotive, and construction face long lead times and high costs for large-format components, relying heavily on fragmented supply chains and labour-intensive processes. Manufacturing automation business SAEKI announced a $6.7 million funding round to address these challenges through its innovative approach to digital manufacturing.

How to build a digital marketing strategy and not get washed away by storming markets

If I were asked to describe the major hallmark of digital marketing in 2025, I would say it’s brands choosing to adhere to “no-strategy” marketing. Instead of creating a solid 5-year plan with a step-by-step route to success, plenty of businesses today are merely reacting to rapid technological evolution, natural disasters, political shifts, and TikTok trends; our time is rich with Black Swans of all scales.

AI-enhanced drone technology can reduce the demining process

A new whitepaper from UK-Ukraine TechExchange, a collaborative forum around the key issues affecting the war in Ukraine and its future rebuild, explores how cutting-edge innovation can expedite the demining process and Ukraine’s post-war recovery.

Top cyber security concerns for SMEs in the UK revealed

A new study by Markel Direct has revealed the top cyber security issues facing SMEs – with the increasing sophistication of cyber threats named as the top concern for business owners.

Top 5 mistakes SMEs make at the start of the year – and how to avoid them

As we bring in the new year, it’s natural for small businesses to approach this time with high hopes and fresh ideas, but all too often, we see business owners falling into the same traps that not only slow down progress but hold your business back. By recognising these common mistakes and using tools like STEAMhouse’s Outcomes Driver Tool, business owners can start the year with a renewed sense of clarity and purpose to innovate better.

Good habits to live by in business

Habits shape our daily lives – from the ones we’re proud of to those that come naturally, and yes, even the ones we keep quiet about. A well-known habit is the famous “5 AM club” of business leaders. Back in 2013, The Guardian reported that most CEOs were indeed early birds, springing out of bed at 5 AM without hitting the snooze button. However, research from the University of Westminster suggests that early risers (those up between 5:22 AM and 7:21 AM) actually show higher levels of stress hormones compared to their more leisurely-waking counterparts.

Online shopping continues to grow, makes up 36% of all UK retail sales

The UK has the third biggest online eCommerce market, behind USA and China and this shows how much the nation has changed from the traditional way of shopping on the High Street.   

Sustainable startup investment: has the tide really changed?

In its very first days, the new US administration has confirmed its intentions to draw back on some of the key environmental commitments made by the previous government. President Donald Trump immediately signed to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, to end “the electric vehicle mandate,” and to increase oil and gas extraction in order to tackle an energy shortage.

Final countdown: how to prepare for E-commerce Berlin Expo 2025

The wait is almost over – E-commerce Berlin Expo 2025 is right around the corner. For the first time ever, the Expo spans two full days, 19th and 20th of February, offering more opportunities to connect, learn, and explore. With free entry and a packed agenda, it’s the ultimate event for anyone in e-commerce. Want to make the most of it? Follow this guide to prepare like a pro – from now until after the Expo.

The emotional toll of UK business exits

‘Beyond the Balance Sheet’, a new report from private and commercial bank, Arbuthnot Latham, reveals that over 40% of UK entrepreneurs exit to prioritise wellbeing and family. Current market conditions also play a large role, with 65% selling up sooner than they had wanted due to the fear of tax rises. One in five entrepreneurs said they received offers they “couldn’t refuse”, often resulting in hasty decisions and heightened uncertainty.

Future Labs Live draws experts and leaders from science, academia, startups, FMGC, chemical, and agricultural industries to its conference floor in Basel, Switzerland

Leaders from across the region will meet to discuss the advancements in lab technology and the overarching industry, which has seen numerous developments over the past couple of years. With the conference setting its eyes on the evolution of the lab it will address 9 important and varying themes that encompass the breadth of this ever-growing field in Basel, May 27-28.

Niqolas Bassano launches Angel Investment Round to revolutionise fitness apparel

Niqolas Bassano, the fitness apparel technology startup, has launched its Angel Investment Round, which went live on 20th January 2025, offering investors the opportunity to join a brand that is redefining activewear through innovation, sustainability, and smart textiles.

London Lab Live 2025: The UK’s Premier Event for the Lab Community

London Lab Live 2025 is set to debut on 14–15 May 2025 at ExCeL London, bringing together professionals from across the lab sector to inspire collaboration and innovation. Representing industries such as chemical and material science, FMCG, food and beverage, agriculture, pharma, biotech, medical, real estate, academia, and beyond, the event promises to be the UK’s most dynamic gathering for the lab community.

Steven Bartlett steps down from Huel board
Steven Bartlett steps down from Huel board

Steven Bartlett, star of BBC’s Dragon’s Den, and host of Diary of a CEO podcast, has stepped down as a Director of Huel, the meal-replacement drink brand.