UK small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are being significantly impacted by the upending of the global trading environment, propelled by the US administration’s tariff policies, according to new research from independent funder Bibby Financial Services (BFS).

There’s no shortage of ambition among the UK’s female tech founders. Every day, I meet women building businesses with drive, resilience, and vision – despite the fact that they’re operating in a system that wasn’t designed for them.

When we think of a founder, the image that often comes to mind is someone who had a lightbulb moment, got up one day and built a company from scratch, eventually taking it to a glorious, lucrative exit with a full set of growth stories and anecdotes to match. 

Understanding and catering to diverse customer payment preferences is crucial for businesses. While data from the trade association UK Finance, shows card payments dominate, making up 61% of all transactions in 2023, and cash usage made up just 12% of all payments, there is a growing preference for multiple payment methods amongst UK consumers.

It’s easier than ever for businesses to go global, no matter their size. With the rise of employment models such as Employer of Record (EOR), startups and SMEs can set their sights on overseas opportunities from the get-go. This growing number of smaller organisations expanding internationally has been dubbed ‘micro-multinationals.’ 

With live entertainment and theatre marketing budgets squeezed, CEO of performance marketing agency SINE Digital, James Dale, explains how his business has quantified the financial burden of ‘boring’ in live entertainment, and looks at why brands are failing to invest in the quality creative needed to beat the ad algorithms

Skynopy, a French NewSpace startup providing ground station services for low Earth orbit satellites, has completed a record fundraising round less than 18 months after its creation.

An initiative designed to help propel growth for startups and protect their ideas has been launched by law firm Myers & Co and intellectual property specialist Pure Ideas.

This year, at the heart of London Climate Action Week, Blue Earth Forum, the official Innovation Hub of LCAW 2025 soared to even greater heights.

From psychological safety to AI bias, The Diversity & Inclusion Conference arms founders with actionable insights to build future-ready, values-led teams that outperform and endure.

Achieving SOC 2 compliance can be a challenging and resource-intensive process for organisations. However, with the right compliance software, companies can streamline the process, reduce complexity, and ensure they meet the strict requirements set by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA).

At the Latitude59 technology conference held last month in Tallinn, deeptech experts discussed developments in the field, emphasising that Europe needs not only the freedom to test innovation but also stronger cooperation with corporations.

Flowstep, the designtech startup building an AI-native canvas for product design teams, has secured a $2.6 million seed round led by London based Supernode Global with a list of supporting investors.

More than 190 organisations, founders, health professionals, and campaigners have co-signed an open letter calling on social media platforms to end the routine censorship of women’s health content online.

German rocket startup Isar Aerospace joined Europe's unicorn ranks, reaching a valuation of more than $1 billion following a €150 million (£128 million) funding round led by Eldridge Industries – a US firm chaired by billionaire and Chelsea FC co-owner, Todd Boehly.

Founded in 2013 by Jennifer Davidson from her bedroom and without external investment, the business was built on the belief and drive to build something different. Since then, Sleek has grown into a global force, delivering some of the biggest events and experiences in the world from their London headquarters.

DejaBlue, the French electrification startup building a platform to optimise flexible energy loads, including EV charging and on-site solar, announced an $8 million seed round led by redalpine, with the participation of Zeno Ventures and Bpifrance.

There is just one week left for founders to submit their applications to be considered for Bits & Pretzels European Pitch Contest where they can put their business in the spotlight in front of 1,500 potential investors from across Europe at the annual Bits & Pretzels festival that takes place in Munich in September. 

New research from Dropbox, in partnership with YouGov, reveals a surprising reality: UK office workers could be spending an estimated 11.3 billion hours a year on administrative tasks like emails and scheduling.

Ahead of the government’s small business review expected this summer, new research reveals that nearly three in five SMEs (58%) feel their concerns are overlooked by politicians, despite the recent manifesto pledge to support small business owners.