Key takeaways from Microsoft Inspire 2021

The latest Microsoft Inspire event proved once again to be an insightful and valuable event for all of Microsoft’s partners. It has proved to be an invaluable tool to measure the company’s future and where it sees itself in a post-pandemic world.

How to recruit your brands super-fans organically for your startup

There’s no denying that high-profile influencer marketing, when executed well, can drive a mass of traffic and word of mouth hype. But now thanks to ASA laws, influencers now have to be transparent when working with brands on these campaigns, which can leave customers feeling unsure as to whether an influencer is being authentic. As a result, a brand’s reputation can take a massive hit. 

Benefits of Brand Licensing

The commercialisation of your brand through licensing, can help maximise the potential of your trade marks, and is key to generating business revenue and increasing commercial value.

Xero unveils the next evolution of bank reconciliation

Xero has unveiled its most comprehensive improvements to bank reconciliation on the platform in a decade, to help give small business owners more time back in their day.

Black Tech Fest reaffirms companies commitment to British Black community

The largest global brands in the technology industry today announce their collective commitment to champion racial equity at Black Tech Fest ’21, a live festival celebrating Black culture, showcasing innovation, and creating pathways for underrepresented talent. The three-day event will take place online and in person from 19th to 21st October during UK Black History Month. Last year, over 40,000 people streamed Black Tech Fest content across Black History Month and 3,500 attendees from over 20 countries attended the festival, the biggest celebration of its kind in Europe. See here to pre-register.

Lab by Transport for Wales to showcase innovation and tech talent

A pioneering scheme designed to support startup businesses and stimulate growth in Wales is showcasing the best of innovation and tech talent in August.

Getting your leadership team on board with remote first working

Over the last year, many of us have become very familiar with remote working. However, as we begin to return to normality, you’re probably wondering – what now? Is everything going to go back to the way it was pre-pandemic, or are we going to use this experience to change the way we work for good? It’s a decision that your leadership team needs to make together and back 100%, so how do you get them on board?

Round of funding accelerates Angell’s development on smart bikes

Angell was founded more than three years ago on the premise that Europe’s major capitals would be free of individual combustion vehicles by 2025. Angell’s mission is to improve day-to-day life in cities by designing, creating, and distributing future mobility objects for commuting, fitness, and leisure.

Reactive Reality announces the launch of PICTOFiT Shopping

The augmented reality platform which allows shoppers to virtually try clothes on their own personalised avatars via their favourite online stores.

Podcast publisher launches crowdfunding campaign

The UK startup is simplifying the world of podcasting and making it more accessible for the storytellers of tomorrow.

Marginal Gains: Learnings from the Great British Cycling Team

Sir Dave Brailsford led the Great British cycling team to unparalleled success during his era as Performance Director between 2003 and 2014. The team went from the periphery of world cycling to winning over 150 gold medals across the 10 years he was in the role.

Female digital entrepreneurs to provide tools for success

Thinkific Labs, a platform for creating, marketing, and selling online courses, today announced the launch of the third annual Think in Color Summit.

 

Industrial giants to benefit from startups’ manufacturing solutions

Four cutting-edge UK technology startups will now have the opportunity to develop minimum viable products (MVPs) to help industry titans digitise and improve their manufacturing processes, after being selected to go through to the final stage of Digital Catapult’s Made Smarter Technology Accelerator Programme.

Top Tips for Small Business Owners to Protect Their Brands

In the wake of the global pandemic, many aspects of our everyday lives have changed, including how we shop – with many of us now choosing to buy primarily online.

North’s first female angel syndicate launches

Northern-based volunteer collective, Fund Her North, which brings together women in the investment industry to support Northern female founders, has launched the region’s only female angel syndicate, Women Angels of the North.

Don’t Be a Menace to Your Investor Relations

This topic is probably one of those that were lost on very few people from the industry. But if this piece could save another startup founder from making a move that would affect their relationship with investors and probably jeopardise the whole fundraising process, I’ll try my chances.

The Rise of Female Entrepreneurs in the MENA region

The MENA region has undergone major political social and economic changes and improvements over the last 20 years, but when it comes to business, entrepreneurship rates in the MENA region are still significantly lower than other global ecosystems. The number of early stage startups is relatively low.

The edtech business making learning fun

Quizlet was founded in 2005 by Andrew Sutherland, while a sophomore studying French at Albany High School in California. Since then, the company has grown into an interactive learning platform and app, used by over 60 million people around the world. We spoke to Rahim Hirji, UK Country Manager at leading online learning platform and app, Quizlet.

Healthtech adoption is tough: It should be tough, but we aim to make it a little easier

Lorna Green, Director of Enterprise and Growth at Innovation Agency – part of the AHSN Network, is an integral part of the NHS’ efforts to drive innovation into the UK’s healthcare systems.

How UK M&A has been impacted throughout lockdown

The impact of the global pandemic on UK M&A has been somewhat mixed. Following an extremely volatile period last year, which saw many businesses struggle to navigate the new norm and many others successfully ride out the storm, we have seen a strong rebound so far in 2021.