A new survey of UK startup founders by the Angel Investment Network (AIN) challenges the pervasive stereotype of the twenty-something entrepreneur working from their parents’ garage, revealing that the median founder is now middle aged, often relying on external employment to keep their ventures afloat.

Private equity makes founders uneasy, in startups and in professional services alike. The usual fears come up quickly: loss of control, outside pressure, and culture being reshaped by someone who wasn’t there when the company began. Those concerns don’t come out of nowhere, but they also aren’t the full picture. When investment is structured with intention, capital strengthens the parts of a company that determine its long-term stability.

I’d like to quickly tell you about a female founder I’ve always found really inspiring. Her name is Sara Blakely.

In 1998 she was making a living selling fax machines door-to-door when, one day, she cut the feet off her tights because nothing fit right under white trousers. She wasn’t dreaming of billions. She was frustrated, determined to fix a problem she had herself

The sign in big bold letters on the wall at a CEO’s office didn’t mince words: “Nobody cares, work harder.”

As hybrid work matures and occupier expectations continue to evolve, 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for the UK’s commercial property market. The pandemic-era shockwaves have settled, but their impact on how we work, meet, and use space has created a lasting shift and it’s just about to enter its next phase.

“No”. A word that leads many of us to experience disappointment, rejection, frustration, even anger. From childhood it’s often the hardest word to hear.

A recent global risk management survey revealed that macroeconomic volatility, trade disruptions and increasing competition have pushed cash flow and liquidity into the top 10 risks for business leaders – for the first time since 2019.

There’s been a huge amount shared about the EU AI Act in recent weeks, so much so that you’d be forgiven for being pretty confused as to what is happening and when, and whether you need to worry about it at all.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is significantly changing the way small and medium-sized businesses manage their finances. In the UK, the number of SMEs adopting AI tools has increased 32-fold between 2022 and 2024, while average spending on AI tools has risen nearly sixfold over the same period. Once seen purely as a tool for automation, AI now plays a much more proactive role, helping businesses anticipate cash-flow gaps, prevent fraud, and deliver more personalised customer experiences. 

Dean Franklin is the winner of The Apprentice 2025 and Founder of ADL Air Conditioning, and at The Business Show 2025, he discussed starting a business during lockdown, his experience on the show, and how life has changed since the big win.

I love the British startup community. Its founders are filled with creativity, talent, and a sense of fairness and purpose. However, when I started my climatetech career at Greentown Labs, the US’ largest climate tech incubator, I could tell the energy was different.

For most startups, building credibility takes a lot of hard work, as they must demonstrate consistency and competence to build trust. They may have a great product or service, but until people trust the brand, growth stalls.

Once the highlight of the corporate calendar, the office Christmas party has long symbolised celebration, team spirit, and a well-earned end to the year. But recent headlines – and countless social media horror stories – suggest that the shine has worn off.

In today's fast-paced economy, managing cash flow can be a balancing act. For many, the timing between income and expenses isn't always perfect. A sudden, unexpected cost or a planned purchase can create a temporary need for a financial boost.

Outreach is a network problem. Stop the scattergun strategy; data-driven networks are the smarter way to solve it, explains Luke Ibbotson, Manager at commercial data solutions provider JMAN Group.

In an age where algorithms generate headlines and AI-written content floods our feeds, audiences are craving something more human, which means truth, credibility, and connection are more important than ever.

For many startup businesses in the UK, managing health and safety can be one of the most time-consuming and complex parts of running operations. Between writing detailed risk assessments, preparing method statements, and keeping up with HSE compliance, it’s easy for small teams to feel overwhelmed. That’s where RAMS software can make a real difference.

The UK’s Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden has revealed that nearly one million 16–24-year-olds are currently not in work or education, marking the highest numbers in over a decade. This lost generation risks deepening divisions in the labour market, impairing industry innovation, and stalling economic growth.

If you’re looking to launch a mobile app development business, now is a great time. With millions of mobile devices in use across the UK, demand for innovative mobile applications continues to rise. Whether you’re interested in building native apps, hybrid apps, or cross platform apps, this guide will help you get started. For expert insight and inspiration, you can explore how UK app designers approach the process from concept to launch.

Startup founders must prepare for every financial eventuality when planning a successful business year. Explore the essential expenses every business must account for when starting. Being aware of these expenses will help you level with your industry competitors in 2026.