Intuit QuickBooks’ latest quarterly Small Business Insights Survey reveals that small and medium businesses across the UK are facing mounting financial pressure, with 57% predicting costs will rise over the next three months and that, of these, 64% are worried about the negative impact on their business.

The UK economy could be boosted by a wave of ‘green growth’ led by Britain’s small and medium sized businesses, according to the final report from the independent, Government-backed Willow Review which highlights the economic case for going green. The Review found many SMEs embracing sustainability are benefitting from considerable financial gains.

Spain is solidifying its position as one of Europe’s most vibrant startup ecosystems. According to the 2025 National Tech Companies Report by Ecosistema Startup, the country now has 8,580 active tech companies, a 22% increase from the previous year. Of these, 5,010 are startups, representing a sharp 38% year-on-year growth.

Reflex Drive, a deeptech startup from India, has selected power devices from Infineon Technologies for its next-generation motor control solutions for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

NEXUS the UK based global business concierge hub and the Grand Café NEXT a dynamic meeting place on the water in Amsterdam-Noord, are proud to announce their collaboration which aims to provide a place and community full of inspiration for digital nomads and the creative, digital and tech communities.

New research commissioned by pan-European real estate investment manager Tristan Capital Partners has revealed that restaurants and cafes are the new workspace for London’s startups and entrepreneurs, with a significant proportion choosing to work and conduct their business in eateries rather than office space.

e.l.f. Beauty signed a definitive agreement to acquire rhode, the lifestyle beauty brand founded by Hailey Bieber, in a deal valued at $1 billion.

As economic pressures and AI innovations motivate countries around the world to invest in skills development, the UK has ranked 22nd globally out of 109 countries in skills proficiency. This ranking places the UK ahead of the US (27th) and China (39th), and sees it climb from 45th position last year.

Connected Places Catapult, the UK’s innovation accelerator for transport, the built environment, cities and local growth, announced on 20th May that applications are open for the latest Transport Research and Innovation Grants (TRIG) programme which will award up to 40 projects up to £45k each.

Over two-thirds (68%) of SME leaders believe their business is resilient and prepared to withstand challenges, with a similar proportion (69%) feeling confident in their ability to recover quickly from setbacks.  

With AI adoption racing ahead, outdated systems are holding organisations back as technical debt is rapidly becoming one of the most expensive challenges facing enterprises today, costing them more than just money.

Financial services provider Mollie has announced its financial results for 2024. In a year when the European fintech sector faced growing pressure on margins and growth, Mollie delivered strong financial performance. Gross profit rose by 30% to €115 million. Revenue also saw a significant increase of 28%, reaching a total of €214 million.

Artificial intelligence (AI) usage is on the rise, but with many using it for basic admin tasks and every day queries – a shocking half of Brits would use it for their legal decision-making.

Monumo, the deeptech company coupling AI and machine learning (ML) with traditional engineering expertise to redesign the electric motor, has achieved an 11.4% reduction in the bill of materials (BOM) including a 23% reduction in magnet volume from an EV powertrain and without compromising efficiency.

In an industry that is driven by innovation, resilience, and determination, recognition matters. Recognising your accomplishments is key to maintaining drive, and allows for a moment of reflection for all you have achieved so far.

A growing number of UK small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are taking cybersecurity more seriously, with over half increasing their cyber defences in 2024, according to new research from Bionic.

The University of Oxford’s PINCH project joins EIT Health’s Deep Tech Venture Builder programme to transform pain management in young children. 

According to alarming data from The Burnout Report by Mental Health UK, an overwhelming 91% of UK adults report they experienced high or extreme levels of pressure in the past year.

Virgin StartUp, the not-for-profit incubator for UK business founders, has opened applications for its fully-funded business accelerator, Empower 100, which is exclusively aimed at under-represented business owners based in Greater London.