In the Autumn Budget of 2024, Chancellor Rachel Reeves introduced a series of reforms that have stirred both concern and cautious optimism among the UK’s small business community. Small businesses are widely understood to be the backbone of the UK economy; at the start of 2023 there were 5.6 million small businesses, SMEs had a combined turnover of £2.4 trillion, and SMEs account for nearly two-thirds (61%) of total employment.
In the early days of my business, I found myself at a networking event surrounded by founders who seemed larger than life. They moved with purpose, voices carrying across the room as they swapped stories and promoted their businesses. As a natural introvert, I felt like a fish out of water and wondered if my quieter approach could ever make an impact. For years, I believed success meant being bold, loud, and unmistakably seen. But what if success didn’t require becoming someone I wasn’t?
In today’s world, sustainability is no longer just a buzzword – it’s a critical necessity. As global environmental challenges intensify, businesses in every sector are being called upon to adopt eco-friendly practices. This shift is crucial, not only for reducing waste and carbon emissions but also for promoting a healthier future. For startups, this presents a golden opportunity to innovate, disrupt traditional industries and build sustainability into their core operations from the ground up.
B2B Stars, the platform for B2B search, ratings, and digital engagement, has attracted 80,000 visits in just two months since its launch, driving new digital visibility for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Designed to streamline how SMBs connect with prospects and suppliers, B2B Stars enables users to discover, evaluate, and engage with businesses seamlessly.
SuperTech, the UK’s only Tech supercluster, welcomes world-first investment technology, AI Simulator, to play a pivotal role in supporting early-stage founders in the SuperTech Seeds programme. The platform provides crucial assistance to entrepreneur at the ‘idea stage’ as they work to develop their business models and navigate the complexities of the startup investment market.
These days, sustainability is no longer just a buzzword – it’s a necessity. Companies are increasingly recognising the importance of sustainable practices not only for the environment but also for long-term business success. But here’s the question every business owner should ask themselves – do I need a sustainability manager? I firmly believe the answer is yes, and here’s why.
How to build a mission-driven startup with long-term goals in the evolving Web3 and blockchain space
Web3 and blockchain are among the fastest-growing sectors within the technology space today. Trends shift constantly, and new technologies with their different applications emerge as quickly as the next – what’s new today could be outdated tomorrow. Many founders in the space often find themselves juggling a difficult balancing act: having to keep their eyes on long-term goals while navigating a market that is moving at an incredible speed.
Founders and business leaders seeking sustainable growth are invited to join Growing with Purpose: A Founder’s Workshop for Business Success, taking place on Thursday 21st November 2024. The workshop, hosted at Bingham Riverhouse, is designed to help entrepreneurs, founders, and business owners break through structural barriers and master the art of cash flow, as well as learning how to build a business that balances profit and purpose.
Miros, the visual AI e-commerce search solution, has raised a €6 million pre-Series A investment led by EBRD Venture Capital and Tera Ventures. Former Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves also participated in the round as an Angel Investor. Miros will use the funding to enhance R&D, further develop the technology, and expand market reach. To date, the company has raised €8 million.










