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.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

Survey results show that 75% of Make UK Defence members exhibiting at DSEI have increased their headcount in the last twelve months. Three in eight respondents noted an increase in at least 10% headcount, 18% of respondents grew by a quarter or more, while a handful of respondents even noted doubling their headcounts.

Digital Catapult has announced that its Black Founders Programme has returned for a third year in partnership with Sony Music UK and Sony Music Publishing UK and, in a first for the programme, in collaboration with broadcaster Channel 4. 

Confidence has become one of the most important currency markers in the workplace. Yet recent research – conducted by social research agency Hark - reveals that one in 10 children already feel a complete lack of confidence by the age of 13 in their ability to build a future career.

Start Up Loans reports that this summer has seen the highest number of loans taken out by founders over the past four summers. This growth comes despite reports indicating low levels of business confidence, highlighting that UK small business founders accessing the programme remain undeterred and keen to start up new ventures.

BT has opened its test and integration facility, the largest in Europe, to cybersecurity innovator Sitehop to test its quantum-resistant encryption technology on the replica BT network, in a first of its kind proof-of-concept.

 One Carbon World (OCW) will be the official climate impact partner of the upcoming Carbon Markets Africa Summit (CMAS) taking place in Johannesburg from 22 to 23 October. 

The Business AI Alliance, spearheaded by 4most, was launched on the 9th September at a Parliamentary Reception. The new alliance brings together sector-based organisations committed to shaping national AI policy with a focus on growth and influence, providing much needed SME representation in the face of big tech dominance and aspiring to a clear, positive narrative around AI’s economic potential for the UK.

Plum, the smart money app trusted by millions, has unveiled its AI-powered tool built on Google Cloud and enabled by Google’s Gemini models.

New research from Kore.ai reveals that a shortage of specialised AI talent is slowing UK enterprises’ ability to scale and realise return on investment on AI pilots. Despite overall optimism into AI implementation across enterprises, over a third of UK businesses (36%) are faced with a lack of AI expertise when implementing a new AI solution, acting as a handbrake on progress.

This November, women from every walk of life will gather for a one-of-a-kind event that redefines what empowerment truly means. The WomenIN Festival 2025, happening on 13–14 November at Cape Town’s iconic Newlands Cricket Ground, is more than a celebration – it's a catalyst for connection, change, and collective power.

A new survey from The Open University reveals a growing dilemma for UK businesses: almost all leaders (96%) see growth as central to their strategy, particularly in the context of the UK Government’s priority mission in achieving strong, secure, and sustainable economic growth by 2035. Yet nearly three in four admit it often comes at the expense of workforce diversity and inclusion goals (72%) and sustainability and net zero efforts (71%).

The short- and medium-term investment plans of UK small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) have been hit hard by the recent changes to international trade tariffs.

Runna, the running coaching app, has launched the start of internationalisation on the platform. The app is now available in seven new languages, unlocking access to personalised running training plans for millions of new runners worldwide.

Skylark Lasers, a diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) laser specialist, has appointed international business development consultancy Intralink to accelerate its growth in China.