Recent years have seen a dramatic transformation in the way we work, with hybrid models becoming the standard. However, businesses now enforcing return-to-office mandates are sparking debate about productivity levels, employee satisfaction and work-life balance.

Today's employers benefit from access to a talent pool that business leaders of the past could only dream of. With access to top talent around the world, the interconnected nature of the current global marketplace means that no matter their size, companies today have the tools and opportunity to drive innovation through the cultivation of a strong, dynamic global workforce. This in turn sharpens an organisation’s competitive edge, elevating them above their competition, both at home and when moving into foreign markets. 

Women make up just 31% of enrolments in generative AI (GenAI) courses in the UK, despite a remarkable 227% surge in course enrolments over the past year, according to a new report from Coursera.

Emma went from working 12-hour days in a high-pressure agency to launching her own PR firm on maternity leave – determined to build a flexible, empowering workplace where women can excel.

New analysis reveals over 300,000 SME owners are planning to cut jobs in response to the Government’s planned rise in employer National Insurance contributions (NICs), due to come into effect in April.

A PwC study found that a career in the tech industry was a first choice for only 3% of female students and women only make up for 22% of AI professionals.

More than 120 women queued outside Virgin Hotels London in Shoreditch this morning to pitch their business ideas to the ‘Elevator of Dreams’ – an initiative started by Sir Richard Branson and entrepreneurial-influencer, Simon Squibb, where aspiring UK business founders can go to pitch their business ideas to a global audience.

A quick Google search for ‘businesswoman’ brings up countless images of suited professionals who certainly look like they mean business.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s essential to recognise the women who are not only breaking barriers but also shaping the future of technology.

For many women, financial independence is not just a goal – it’s a necessity. Despite earning more and holding higher positions than ever before, women still face significant financial challenges.

I remember early in my career how happy and motivated I felt when I was entrusted with some task that was out of the ordinary.

The last Issue of Startups talked about how sustainability had to be a focus for startups in 2025, and I couldn’t agree more. As a founder committed to solving the planet’s biggest problems, I support SMEs with digital transformation and sustainability.

At 12 years old, my world shifted in a way I never expected. My mum was diagnosed with a brain tumour, and overnight, I became a carer – not just for her, but also for my four younger siblings.

In the end of 2019, just before the world would change forever with COVID-19, my co-founder and I (both seasoned veterans in the HR and global employment space) decided to take a bold leap.

Right now, we are seeing a movement where women are no longer prepared to wait. No longer prepared to wait for the equality that, as children, we were taught was a done deal.

In the fast-paced world of startups and entrepreneurship, where uncertainty and self-doubt can often creep in, one of the most powerful tools us women can have at our disposal is connection.

While headlines celebrate female entrepreneurship, there's a concerning trend hiding in plain sight. The percentage of women-led SMEs in the UK has declined from 19% in 2021 to just 15% in 2023. Yet, at a time when nearly half of businesses are turning to freelancers to drive innovation, female micro business owners could be the key to unlocking economic growth.

What does it mean to be a successful woman? Is it about breaking barriers, defying stereotypes, or simply staying true to ourselves?

In the lead-up to International Women’s Day, a day dedicated to acknowledging, recognising, reflecting, acting, speaking up, celebrating, and empowering women, I’m reminded of the immense power we each hold through PR and our own publishing platforms – such as our social media profiles, personal blogs, websites, newsletters, podcasts, video channels, online courses/webinars. These all allow us to create and share our stories and messages directly with the world.

In the UK, 18% of businesses are female-owned, while 82% are male-owned. Yet, women are starting more businesses, and 16-22-year-olds are starting more businesses than any other age group.