As the UK braces itself for a General Election, SMEs contemplate the potential implications of a new Government on their operations.

Alibaba.com has announced the official launch of Alibaba Guaranteed. This new service aims to simplify global sourcing and provide a more flexible and reliable supply chain for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the US and beyond.

With London Tech Week next week, for entrepreneurs, investors, and tech enthusiasts looking to stay ahead of the curve, attending top-notch startup and VC technology events is crucial. If you are looking to expand into international markets or find out more about European startups, here are the top 10 events you won't want to miss this year.

Law firm Addleshaw Goddard (AG) has opened applications for its business accelerator programme, AG Elevate, providing tech companies with the opportunity to secure a package of tailored legal advice to help them grow at scale.

AI usage in UK workplaces is up 66% since September 2023, and 18% since the beginning of this year, according to Slack's new Workforce Index.

Four in five UK small businesses are looking to increase their international payments in the year ahead, but looking beyond domestic trade may heighten their risk of being debanked, according to a new report by cross-border payment provider IFX Payments.  

The entertainment industry, with music as the main segment, is undergoing a revolution with the arrival of generative artificial intelligence. According to the consultancy Globmedia, which analyses the link between AI and music, 8% of the generative AI market in 2023 is related to applications of the machine learning tool in the music sector, which represents a turnover of 275 million euros. Furthermore, according to the same source, by 2028, AI-created pieces are expected to increase tenfold, potentially reaching 28% of today's royalty collections.

The technology sector continues to be a driving force in the global economy, with companies reaching unprecedented valuations and transforming industries.

DeepL, a global Language AI company dedicated to breaking down communication barriers worldwide, announced the launch of DeepL for Enterprise. Over 100,000 businesses in more than 60 countries, including 50% of the Fortune 500, use DeepL’s advanced platform for superior translations and writing.

Research from IT consultancy Zartis reveals substantial confidence in AI regulation among senior UK tech executives. Not only do 77% of respondents rate current global government coordination of AI regulation positively, but they also desire more regulation. Nearly three-quarters (72%) express a desire for increased regulation, with almost a third (29%) wanting 'a lot more'.

New research has revealed that greater financial support, regulatory changes, and government-led initiatives to simplify starting a business are seen as the most important factors needed to grow UK entrepreneurship. Implementing these changes could unlock the potential of an estimated 10 million aspiring entrepreneurs.

Zoom inaugurated its new Experience Centre in the heart of London. The Zoom Experience Centre has brought the Zoom brand to life. The experience-based space was designed to inspire and immerse customers and partners in Zoom’s products, solutions, and values.

Tourism Innovation Summit (TIS) returns to Seville, Spain, from 23 to 25 October along with a new edition of the Touristech Startup Fest 2024 entrepreneurship competition, an event aimed at all those national and international startups that want to present their innovation projects with which they are transforming, reactivating and bringing new business models in the tourism sector to the industry and to Travel Tech investment funds.

The hotel industry is experiencing a revolution with the advent of artificial intelligence. According to data provided by tour operators in 2024, it is estimated that more than 80% of Spaniards already use AI to make reservations for travel or accommodation, a number that indicates the impact of the recent solution in the sector, which is changing the way in which supply and demand interact.

HubSpot, the customer platform for scaling businesses, has announced the findings of a study conducted by Milieu Insight that explored the trends and innovations shaping the startup landscape in Southeast Asia and India.

Forterro, a European provider of ERP software solutions tailored for the industrial mid-market, has expanded its portfolio by acquiring Prodaso, an innovative German startup focused on bridging the gap between Internet of Things (IoT) and AI applications for manufacturing processes.

Octopus Energy is expanding its global influence with new investors Galvanize Climate Solutions ("Galvanize") and Lightrock joining its investor base.

Applications to exhibit at Eureka Park at CES 2025 are now open, offering startups a prime opportunity to showcase their innovations on a global stage.

Kneron, the San Diego-based full-stack AI company known for its neural processing units (NPUs), has released its latest Edge AI server and an AI-embedded PC.

NEC X, the Silicon Valley innovation accelerator backed by NEC’s portfolio of advanced technologies, is once again accepting applications for Elev X! Ignite, its venture studio programme that transforms early-stage founders into seed-ready startups.