The Digital Operational Resilience Act, commonly known as DORA, is scheduled to come into force on 17 January 2025. It aims to both harmonise EU Information and Communication Technology (ICT) regulation across EU member states and, more importantly, address a critical gap in how financial institutions manage ICT operational resiliency risks.
Hiring your first employees marks a major milestone for any startup, reflecting your business’s growth. However, expanding your team requires a deeper understanding of HR processes and employment law to avoid common pitfalls. Sally Gwilliam, Employment Partner at Harper James talks you through the essential areas you need to know as your business grows including employment status, contracts, HR compliance, IP protection, and dealing with resignations.
It all seems to make perfect sense: when you manage, after a global crisis, to reinvent how organisations furnish their spaces – preserving cash flow while helping them meet regulatory, environmental, and social obligations – you should also be able to envision an entirely new way to fuel your ambitions.
A notable 41% of IT professionals are struggling to hire qualified candidates due to a ‘significant’ skills gap in the industry, with only 12% reportedly unaffected by this gap. That’s according to new data from SolarWinds, a provider of simple, powerful, secure observability and IT management software.
Forefront RF, a fabless semiconductor company based in Cambridge, UK, announced the closure of its £16 million Series A funding round, backed by existing investors BGF and Foresight Group, alongside new VC partners, Octopus Ventures, and Cambridge Innovation Capital. This infusion of capital supports Forefront RF’s mission to redefine how mobile devices manage complex RF environments, expanding possibilities for connected devices worldwide.
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.








