Four-in-five (81%) Gen Z workers in the UK would consider working remotely for a company outside of the UK if that meant greater salary opportunities, according to new research commissioned by global HR and payroll firm Deel.

With increases in National Insurance contributions due to take effect from 6 April, businesses and employees are both likely to feel the pinch. Towergate Employee Benefits’ annual research shows that less than half (48%) of UK companies offer salary sacrifice on their pension provision and they and their employees are therefore missing out on offsetting the costs.

As employers brace themselves for hikes in National Insurance contributions (NICs) on 6 April 2025 and the reduction in the threshold at which they are due, GRiD has found that over a quarter (28%) of senior HR decision-makers believe that increased costs imposed by government such as higher employer NI contributions will present a significant challenge to their business in the next 12 months. Broken down by size of company, 30% of SMEs see this as a challenge, compared to 25% of large corporates.

Commody, a Lithuanian startup introducing a new way to co-own collectible and historic cars through a digital-first platform, has raised €500,000 in pre-seed funding.

The user experience (UX) can make or break how people feel about your startup’s offerings. However, UX consulting professionals can reduce the chances of costly missteps and show that the startup has accurately anticipated the target audience’s expectations and catered to them.

Travel industry set to increase investment in tech stacks in the year ahead with AI the priority for technology budgets.

Startup ProFuse Technology, which specialises in the cultivation of muscle tissue in laboratory conditions, has launched a new technology and programme for discovering drugs that prevent muscle mass loss caused by the growing use of GLP-1 weight-loss injections, aging, and cancer.

Entrepreneurs and business leaders must prioritise their mental fitness just as athletes do, ensuring they are rested and ready to perform at their best, says Deborah Meaden.

Pophouse, the global entertainment and music investment firm co-founded by ABBA star Bjorn Ulvaeus, has hit a high note with the closure of its debut fund, Pophouse Fund I, securing over €1 billion. This achievement saw the firm reach its hard cap, positioning it among the largest first-time private equity funds raised in Europe in the past decade.

Scaling a startup and building out an executive team can be a daunting process. As a business grows, so does the complexity and pressure, and this is where a Chief of Staff can make a significant impact. So, what is a Chief of Staff? What do they do? And how do you know if your startup needs one?

In a market increasingly defined by a “rush to quality,” venture capital firms are finding it harder than ever to win the most competitive deals. With fewer standout startups raising money and those that do often commanding sky-high valuations, VCs are under pressure to evolve.

Companies across the Technology Channel are tackling a complex landscape when it comes to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Recent political and social pressures, particularly in the USA, has meant that some companies are scaling back their efforts. It is promising to see, however, that over 75% of UK companies are doubling down on their DEI initiatives despite the ongoing pressures.

How often have you said yes to something that didn’t feel right just to avoid discomfort? And what has that cost you? Your wellbeing, your work, or the impact you set out to create?

Vistage has released its quarterly CEO Confidence Index for Q1 2025, revealing a notable decline in economic confidence across the UK and Ireland.

Over half (52%) of organisations are cutting expenses in light of rising government costs. That’s according to a survey by AccountsIQ, a provider of advanced financial management software, and ExpenseIn, who joined the AccountsIQ Group earlier this year.

Isomorphic Labs, an AI-first drug design and development company, has raised $600 million in its first external funding round. The financing round is led by Thrive Capital, with participation from GV, and follow-on capital from existing investor, Alphabet.

Verley, a French biotech startup specialising in sustainable food solutions, has launched the world’s first portfolio of functionalised precision fermentation dairy proteins, designed to overcome the limitations of both traditional and plant-based alternatives.

Geovation, an Ordnance Survey initiative, in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s (MHCLG) Digital Planning Programme has announced the launch of a new £1.2 million PropTech Innovation Challenge.

Phlux Technology, a UK startup in infrared sensor technology, has announced a £9 million Series A funding round. BGF led the round with funding from existing backers including Octopus Ventures, Northern Gritstone, and Foresight.

A breakthrough in respiratory diagnostics is set to transform the way serious lung conditions, such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), are detected and managed in the UK.