Forbes recently revealed that hackers sell full cyber access to small businesses for as little as $600 on the dark web. The rise of AI-driven scams has made it easier for hackers to access company data, giving business owners an unprecedented concern. Here, Kristian Torode, Director and Co-Founder of Vodafone secure device manager provider Crystaline, provides tips on how small-to-medium businesses (SMEs) can enhance their cyber resilience.

When you have a brilliant product idea, it’s easy to fall in love with it. So deeply in love that it seems impossible for it to fail. All it needs is hard work and execution; everyone will see how brilliant it is. Right?

The digital identity landscape in the UK has undergone a seismic shift in recent years, driven by government initiatives like the Digital Identity and Attributes Trust Framework (DIATF).

Despite being built on great ideas, 90% of startups eventually fail. Fernando Amaral, Chief Revenue Officer at expense management solution Rydoo shares his insights on the common pitfalls and best practices for building a successful startup.

Hackathons have long been a launchpad for innovation, but what if they could do more than just spark ideas? What if they could become structured, real-time engines for building, learning, and connecting? These are the questions AI Product Engineer Igor Luchenkov set out to explore. 

AI startups in the UK are raising billions in funding, yet there’s a startling gap between capital and real-world impact. Recent studies reveal that only one in seven UK AI companies are working towards solving actual market or societal problems. Given that there are more than 3,000 AI firms operating in the region, it feels appropriate to ask – what’s going wrong?

At the AWS Summit in London, I sat down with Tricia Troth, Head of Startups UK and Ireland at Amazon Web Services (AWS), to explore how the company is supporting early-stage businesses through technical enablement, investment guidance, and a broad ecosystem of resources.

Sales isn't a dirty word – it's a survival skill. In today's high-stakes, high-noise business environment, mastering the art of closing is the difference between having a great idea and building a great company. Whether you're a Gen Z founder fluent in digital storytelling or a seasoned entrepreneur adjusting to a new economy, one truth remains: meetings don't move markets – deals do.

Being a founder is lonely. You’re pulled in a hundred directions, expected to have all the answers, and often left without a safe space to voice doubts or test ideas.

In a digital economy, no business is too small to be a target. Yet when we talk about cybersecurity policy and resilience, small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) still don’t get the attention – or support – they need. That has to change.

As economic uncertainty looms large in Western markets – from political instability in the US to rising regulatory headwinds – a new centre of gravity is emerging for forward-thinking businesses: the Middle East. At WOLF, a UK-founded tech company built around creating community-led online entertainment for Arabic speakers, we’ve experienced first-hand the region’s exceptional growth potential.

Early-stage startups face hundreds of decisions in a short time. Most are focused on product development, market fit, and funding. But as the digital infrastructure of a business takes shape, hosting becomes a factor that can influence speed, security, and long-term scalability.

In today’s digital-first world, platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube can push a product into the public eye within hours. We’ve all seen it: a quirky gadget, an innovative beauty tool, or a clever design catches on, and suddenly it’s everywhere. Sales spike, followers grow, and demand explodes.

Gen Z are now the largest generation group globally, and as the youngest cohort in today’s workplace, they are already stepping into leadership roles that will drive the future of business for many years to come. With nearly a quarter of a million directors of UK companies already being Gen Z in 2024, their growing influence is clear.

ESG reporting is no longer just about ticking boxes. As reporting expectations evolve, businesses that treat ESG as a core priority will be better positioned to attract capital, manage regulatory risks and drive sustainable value. And CFOs, perhaps unexpectedly, are now at the centre of this shift.

Growing up on a small Caribbean island, I developed a great appreciation for the ocean and our marine environment. In island and coastal communities, our history, cultures, and livelihoods are intrinsically linked with the great blue.

AI coding tools like GitHub Copilot, Amazon CodeWhisperer, and Hostinger Horizons have transformed software development. They can handle routine code tasks, offer instant suggestions, and even provide ready-to-use software. However, they are not magic oracles of error-free code.

In today’s technology landscape, the dominant narrative is one of relentless growth – an arms race of downloads, funding rounds, and user acquisition. Yet, as the world’s fastest-growing AI applications emerge from unexpected corners, a different story is unfolding: purpose-driven technology, shaped by spiritual and ethical wisdom, is proving more resilient and impactful than conventional, metrics-obsessed approaches.

When misinformation about a new innovation begins to circulate on social media – as happened to the dairy co-operative, Arla at the end of last year – it’s easy to pick campaigns apart and highlight communications missteps – but there’s a bigger issue at play.

As digital customer experiences become central to everyday life, marketers need to remove barriers and create inclusive content. That’s where the European Accessibility Act (EAA) comes in. Taking effect on June 28 2025, the directive will shift how businesses approach digital communications.