As SME leaders plan for the year ahead, Vistage’s latest CEO Confidence Index has found that more than half (54%) of Small and Mid-size Enterprise (SME) members in the UK and Ireland are optimistic that the economic conditions will improve in the next 12 months.

The growing demand for software development professionals has already resulted in a talent shortage of 40m workers worldwide which is projected to reach 85.2m by 2030. However, no-code solutions will allow anyone in the organisation to code cheaper, faster, and without any prior knowledge in programming.

“If we have learned anything in 2020, it’s that consumers play a pivotal role in their own health outcomes.” - CES 2021. Consumers are now expecting accessible, convenient solutions that allow them to jumpstart their care - from wellness to healthcare - at any moment.

Initial income from digital gift cards in the US stores sampled by Rise.ai jumped by 299% in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to the third quarter of 2020, and by 135% compared to the fourth quarter of 2019. Initial income rose by 558% in December 2020, compared to November 2020. Overall, while for the full year initial income more than doubled by 114% in 2020 in comparison to the previous year.

Hong Kong innovation and technology expertise will be on display at CES 2021, with 22 of the region’s leading entrepreneurs and innovators exhibiting at the Hong Kong Trade Development Council’s (HKTDC) 44th annual Hong Kong Pavilion at CES. Held virtually from 11th-14th, this year’s exhibits will showcase why Hong Kong is the ideal incubator and launchpad for tech innovation and global business success.

‘I’ve had this idea…’ It’s apparently ideas that drive entrepreneurs. Spotting a gap in the market, formulating an amazing product or service that will answer it. Why hasn’t anyone thought of it before? Good ideas are everything when it comes to starting a business… That is, until you find yourself blindsided by an idea that doesn’t take you anywhere because it has no data to back it up. Because while ideas are the entrepreneur’s bread and butter, it’s data that powers their production. At least, that’s been my experience.

New data has revealed that Birmingham has been crowned the UK’s regional startup capital for a seventh year running, defying challenges to business confidence posed by the Coronavirus pandemic.

British cybersecurity startups raised £651m last year after the start of lockdown in March, but only £11.9m went to companies looking to raise investment for the first time, according to new research released today by Plexal and Beauhurst.

Freehand, a UK-based medical technology company, today launched a crowdfunding round to support international expansion for its pioneering robotic surgical camera controllers. The company is seeking up to £1m in investment via Crowdcube to establish a global team of clinical training specialists and expand its distribution network across Europe, Asia and the Americas.

FaultFixers have successfully raised a joint investment deal of £100,000 out of a total £150,000 round through Suss Ventures, the new investor matching service at Sussex Innovation backed by the University of Sussex.

Positive Plus One, a social networking app, has announced that a total of £260,000 has been raised to add the next level of functionality into the specialist platform for the international HIV community.

Humn is delighted to announce an additional investment from Shell Ventures and existing investor Marbruck Investments. This funding will accelerate Humn’s domestic and international roll-out as they grow their presence as the leading innovator of fleet insurance in Europe.

The online world has often been difficult for inventive startups that want to make a living from their passion. You have an idea that you believe consumers want, but getting it to them is hard. Your strength is in the idea, but to get it out there you have to create a website, decide on ecommerce or charging capabilities, plan a marketing strategy, resolve accounting issues and even organise customer service. So before you even get started you are defeated by too many obstacles. However, for the creative person there are a great many platforms and technology solutions that will do all of this for you.

Investments in Welsh businesses by syndicates of angel investors in Wales has grown despite business uncertainty in 2020 according to the Development Bank of Wales.

As the Corona Pandemic continues to derange the global supply chain processes and economy across the globe, consumers' inclination towards online buying has been increasing, resulting in many businesses switching to online to stay afloat during this challenging time.

Managing a fleet of vehicles is a huge responsibility. Along with maintenance and driver management, fleet managers need to be responsible for the protection and safety of their assets. Fleet insurance is essential when it comes to managing and mitigating the risks that surround your fleet.

Pivoting. Along with ‘unprecedented’, ‘lockdown’ and ‘the new normal’, it’s become somewhat of a buzzword over the last 12 months - and in the conversations I have among my business contacts, partners and stakeholders, rarely a day goes by where I don’t hear it used in one way or another.

Creative workspace and accelerator, Huckletree is launching a new initiative to ensure some of the UK’s most innovative and promising startups have the space and mentoring they need to grow in 2021.

As we move into a new year, many startups and established businesses alike will be looking to make new international connections. This is particularly relevant as the Brexit Transition Period ended on 1st January 2021 and the country is now looking to forge new trading relationships.

Promoting a new way of thinking! Heather Thurlby launches a female only directory to support and promote female owned and run businesses in the construction and trades.