A quick Google search for ‘businesswoman’ brings up countless images of suited professionals who certainly look like they mean business.

The ways of working previous generations experienced are no longer reality. We don’t set out from school or college with a set career plan, the promise of future pay rises and promotions so we can buy houses and grow families, followed by rewarding pensions.

Every time I sit down with a founder, I ask one simple but revealing question: “What are you paying yourself?” I have learned after years of working with founders that their answer will not only tell me what I need to know about the state of the business but also so much of what I need to know about the person I am helping.

Starting one’s own business is arguably an exciting prospect. It offers many freedoms and opportunities possibly never experienced in a previous profession. In the UK, entrepreneurship is going strong, with nearly half of working age Britons considering launching their own business this year, up from 35% a year ago.

A law firm’s expertise and experience are central to its value, and firms that effectively manage and utilise information have a competitive edge. As technology rapidly advances, knowledge management (KM) has transformed from simple document-sharing systems into a critical function that shapes the way legal services are delivered.

In the fast-paced business world, leadership isn't just about what you say, it's about how you say it and how you present yourself physically. Your visuals and your body language speak volumes before you even open your mouth. Whether you're in a boardroom, negotiating, or interviewing for a new position, the way you carry yourself will shape the instant perception others have of you. 

Laura Leslie, Partner at DSG Chartered Accountants (DSG), discusses her insights on navigating leadership in the traditionally male-dominated finance sector. She offers advice for other female leaders that are facing challenges, and her thoughts on how to reach your full potential following this year’s International Women’s Day.

This year Amazon UK turned to Growth Studio to implement its national innovation programme AIA (Amazon Innovation Accelerator) across the UK.

Could 2025 be the year you take the first step towards starting your own business? There could be several reasons why you are thinking about launching your own startup this year. Perhaps you’d like more financial freedom, to be your own boss, to have more flexibility, or to have a career challenge.

Rebecca Kelly, Commercial Lawyer and Co-Founder of shizl, has over 20 years’ experience advising business owners on what legal documents they need and when. Rebecca’s vast experience, and that of her Co-Founders, is the inspiration behind shizl, a cost effective subscription based service which enables businesses to access high quality legal documents at a fraction of the cost of paying solicitors to draft them.

Dale Walker, Director of Education at Apprentify shares his thoughts on the future of AI in the workplace and why your managers are the secret weapon to its success.

Traditionally, trademarks were used to protect the names, logos, designs and slogans of companies, to ensure no other business could copy them and create brand confusion.

Deeptech is hard. You’re breaking new ground on technology to solve intractable problems. Your roadmap is longer, your market is often unproven, and customers are harder to reach and tough to convince. 

My biggest piece of advice is when writing a speech or a pitch – and I know it’s tempting when you feel like you are literally lost for words – but don't get AI to write it!

Just like many entrepreneurs, I have been approached by the Dragons’ Den multiple times to pitch my business on the show, and every time we were called, I declined. For years, the show was the ultimate launchpad for startups, promising funding, exposure, and prestige. But let’s be honest: Is Dragons’ Den still the powerhouse it once was, or has it become nothing more than a flashy TV relic, out of touch with the realities of modern entrepreneurship?

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the most promising regions for innovative technologies. With active investments in digital transformation and openness to new ideas, this region has become highly attractive for IT companies worldwide.

“Trade, it turns out, is like water flowing through a stream strewn with rocks. When it can’t go through them, it goes around them,” said Patricia Cohen, New York Times.

The startup journey is unpredictable and filled with challenges, such as securing funding and scaling effectively. For many entrepreneurs, mentorship is crucial in navigating these obstacles because it offers expert guidance, industry insights and valuable connections. An experienced guide can help founders refine their business strategies and unlock growth opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.

The renewable energy sector in the UK is booming, driven largely by innovative startups. These agile companies are pioneering advancements in solar and wind power and smart grid solutions, addressing some of the industry's biggest challenges – such as energy storage, efficiency, and integration into the national grid.

A strong and harmonious co-founder relationship can set the foundations for the future of a startup. However, just like any professional partnership, it’s not immune to conflict. Priorities may shift and visions may begin to diverge somewhere along the way. While disagreements are natural, here’s when you’ll know it’s time to part ways.