Staying human in a world tilted towards machines

Over my career I’ve worked with countless startups – some of which have gone on to become household names. The ones that stand out offer more than great products or clever marketing. They have a beating heart. They create moments that make people feel – joy, excitement, pride, nostalgia.

Fintechs gain ground as UK SMEs rethink banking relationships

UK SMEs and micro businesses continue to be dissatisfied with the level of proactive advice and personal service they receive from their main bank, according to new research from RFI Global.

Academy to supercharge learning teams for the age of AI

360Learning has launched its L&D Performance Academy – a free, ATD-accredited, interactive online Academy built to help learning and development professionals future-proof their careers and drive measurable business impact in the age of AI.

OX Delivers to unlock West Africa’s e-mobility potential

OX Delivers, the UK-based electric vehicle startup, and Wahu Mobility, Ghana’s manufacturer of durable and connected electric bikes, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore opportunities to enhance electric mobility solutions that boost business, create jobs, and make a positive sustainable impact in Ghana.

Only 14% of employers understand employees’ wellbeing needs

Research from Towergate Employee Benefits reveals that only 14% of employers strongly agree that they have a good understanding of their employees’ needs across all four pillars of health and wellbeing: physical, mental, social, and financial.

Collaborative engineering & computing platform for AI-enabled startups

Anthemis, an early-stage investment firm, and Cambridge AI Venture Partners (CAIVP), a team comprised of industry experts Sir Andy Hopper, Prof. Rob Mullins, Dr Gavin Ferris, and Mike Halsall, announce the launch of CommonAI, a collaborative engineering and computing platform for AI-enabled startups, enterprises, engineers, academics, and investors. 

BIOWEG secures €16M to scale biodegradable alternatives to microplastics

BIOWEG, a German biotechnology company developing high-performance, biodegradable ingredients to replace intentionally added acrylic polymer based microplastics, has closed a €16 million Series A round.

OpenAI and Google angels back Agentic AI startup

Clarity, an AI-powered customer-experience and voice-of-customer (VoC) platform for highly regulated industries, has raised $12 million in new funding. The round is led by Prosus Ventures with participation from STV Al Fund (backed by Google), Sukna Ventures, Wamda Capital, Neo, Oraseya Capital, Phaze Ventures, Propeller, Tech Invest Com, and angels from OpenAI and Google.

Over half of employees are considering leaving current role

There is a growing disconnect between employee expectations and what organisations are delivering, putting pressure on HR leaders to rethink hiring, leadership development, and retention strategies.

Adapting short-form video marketing to meet Gen Z and Millennial expectations

Data from SproutSocial reveals that short-form video delivers the highest ROI over other marketing trends. Generationally, expectations and engagement levels vary, but everyone is consuming short-form content across all platforms. 

Founder shares how she grew her award-winning business with heart

If you told me four years ago, I’d be running a thriving creative hub in the middle of Yorkshire – supporting nearly 50 local makers, hosting events, and heading to the House of Lords as part of the UK’s SmallBiz100 – I’d have laughed and said nope not me!

Two innovative startups join ONE Tech Hub

Aberdeen’s ONE Tech Hub has welcomed two ambitious tenants, energy tech company Energy Insider and AI startup VetAI, further cementing the hub’s role as the home of the region’s digital tech sector, one of the UK’s fastest growing.

Tech overload is emerging as a hidden threat to SME productivity

UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are embracing digital tools at an unprecedented rate, investing in software designed to streamline operations, improve collaboration and drive growth.

Why Flutter is a top pick for startup mobile apps

For startups, there are two important metrics – speed and cost. Most early-stage companies require an app that looks stylish, works without a hitch, doesn’t require an enormous budget or an army of developers, and can be delivered in a tight schedule.

Job hugging closes the gap: why staying put may be smarter

For years, job hopping was hailed as the fastest route to a higher salary. But new figures suggest that advantage is vanishing, making the latest workplace trend ‘job hugging’ (staying loyal to one company) a more rewarding career move. 

Jam 7 secures seed investment: redefining B2B growth with agentic marketing

Jam 7, creator of the Agentic Marketing Platform (AMP), has closed its seed funding round led by Stephen Altman, founder of New World Private Equity Partners. The investment will accelerate Jam 7’s mission to transform how B2B tech companies innovate, compete, and grow.

AI and job automation: would you replace your CEO with AI?
AI and job automation: would you replace your CEO with AI?

“The companies that thrive in this new era will not be the ones that hand over the keys to an algorithm. They will be the ones where leaders treat AI as a force multiplier,” writes Alexander Walsh, Co-Founder and CEO of Oraion

Meet the innovator mapping safer bike routes through cities

French entrepreneur Garance Locatelli is making city cycle networks easier to navigate with a subway-inspired wayfinding system, developed through a programme delivered by Connected Places Catapult.

Working ourselves sick: employers need to do more to battle presenteeism
Working ourselves sick: employers need to do more to battle presenteeism

As the seasons change, many Brits will be experiencing colds, coughs, and flus over the next few weeks. Working while sick, otherwise known as presenteeism, costs employers around £24 billion annually, according to Deloitte, due to reduced productivity, prolonged illnesses and leaving employees to work through a reduced capacity.

UK investors shaping startup innovation

UK investors are no longer just backing innovation, they’re actively directing it. That’s according to new research from EmpowerRD, which revealed the vast majority (97%) of investors are now directly shaping the R&D strategies of the businesses they fund, cementing their role as key architects of the UK’s innovation economy.