For scaleups, traditional hiring practices anchored in rigid CVs, mandated degrees, and predefined job roles can stifle progress. In a fast-paced world where adaptability, innovation, and inclusivity reign supreme, these outdated methods often fall short of meeting the demands of rapid growth. Instead, forward-thinking leaders should consider breaking through the “paper ceiling” and shifting their focus to individuals’ capabilities rather than their past titles.

Efforts to boost AI use will be undermined if key people and organisational factors aren’t properly understood, the CIPD says as it begins a government-backed programme to help bridge the gap between AI innovation and responsible implementation.

In an age of distrust, it’s more important than ever for your business to cultivate a strong reputation for reliability, honesty and trustworthiness with consumers, as trust in particular impacts brand engagement. The latest research by Trustpilot found that over four-in-five (82%) agree that a strong Trustpilot score makes them more likely to trust your brand, and a further 83% say it increases their likelihood of making a purchase. 

Hi, I’m Louise, Co-Founder of Neurodiversity Unravelled. We support families and individuals in navigating neurodivergent conditions, and we do this with compassion, clinical expertise, and authenticity to empower and enable the best outcomes. We have been in business for seven years now. Starting a business with my business partner Rebecca was quite a process of self-reflection and growth.

Parent Mental Health Day served as a vital reminder of the importance of supporting the mental health and wellbeing of parents, guardians, and carers. Parents make up a significant proportion of those experiencing mental health challenges in the UK, 68% of women and 57% of men, highlighting the urgent need for tailored support. However, mental health doesn’t exist in isolation, when a parent is struggling, the impact is often felt across the entire family. In this article, Dr Glenn Mason, Head of Adult Psychological Therapies at Onebright, discusses the role of the employer in supporting parents and families.

MacroCycle Technologies – the startup using upcycling tech to cut the costs, energy, and carbon demands of the $700 billion plastic waste industry – has announced it has raised $6.5 million in seed funding.

The AI-driven winds of change transforming societies, industries, and digital economies globally were on full display at Ai Everything GLOBAL as Wednesday saw visitors exclusively experience the most hands-on AI applications ever created by world-leading AI changemakers.

The wait is almost over – E-commerce Berlin Expo 2025 is right around the corner. For the first time ever, the Expo spans two full days, 19th and 20th of February, offering more opportunities to connect, learn, and explore. With free entry and a packed agenda, it’s the ultimate event for anyone in e-commerce. Want to make the most of it? Follow this guide to prepare like a pro – from now until after the Expo.

‘Beyond the Balance Sheet’, a new report from private and commercial bank, Arbuthnot Latham, reveals that over 40% of UK entrepreneurs exit to prioritise wellbeing and family. Current market conditions also play a large role, with 65% selling up sooner than they had wanted due to the fear of tax rises. One in five entrepreneurs said they received offers they “couldn’t refuse”, often resulting in hasty decisions and heightened uncertainty.

Niqolas Bassano, the fitness apparel technology startup, has launched its Angel Investment Round, which went live on 20th January 2025, offering investors the opportunity to join a brand that is redefining activewear through innovation, sustainability, and smart textiles.

Steven Bartlett, star of BBC’s Dragon’s Den, and host of Diary of a CEO podcast, has stepped down as a Director of Huel, the meal-replacement drink brand.

Leaders from across the region will meet to discuss the advancements in lab technology and the overarching industry, which has seen numerous developments over the past couple of years. With the conference setting its eyes on the evolution of the lab it will address 9 important and varying themes that encompass the breadth of this ever-growing field in Basel, May 27-28.

London Lab Live 2025 is set to debut on 14–15 May 2025 at ExCeL London, bringing together professionals from across the lab sector to inspire collaboration and innovation. Representing industries such as chemical and material science, FMCG, food and beverage, agriculture, pharma, biotech, medical, real estate, academia, and beyond, the event promises to be the UK’s most dynamic gathering for the lab community. 

The UK has the third biggest online eCommerce market, behind USA and China and this shows how much the nation has changed from the traditional way of shopping on the High Street.   

TAU Systems, the producer of ultrafast, compact laser-plasma accelerators, has announced its participation in a DARPA-funded initiative to develop new radiation testing capabilities for space-bound electronics. This programme, a part of DARPA’s Advanced Sources for Single Event Effect Radiation Testing (ASSERT) initiative, seeks to enhance the resilience of electronics deployed in space environments where exposure to cosmic radiation poses significant risks to performance and longevity.

Forget the fancy logos, the killer website, and the perfect pitch deck. While those are all important, the most crucial element for any startup, particularly in today's cutthroat environment, is something far less tangible: your reputation.

On 30 January, the final of the Polish startup accelerator Axios took place in Berlin. Twenty-one entrepreneurial teams presented their projects to the jury – ranging from AI platforms for pet care to apps for people with insulin resistance. Participants tested their ideas, received valuable market expert recommendations, and explored new growth opportunities. The programme was supported by key IT industry players, including SOFTSWISS international tech company.

In the run-up to the Autumn Budget, UK business sentiment plummeted to its lowest figure since November 2023. This was a sure sign of how much businesses expected filling the UK’s ominous £22 billion fiscal hole to fall on their shoulders. And the subsequent tax hikes won’t have done much to change that.

Startups often begin with one person, one vision, and an overwhelming workload. The instinct? Try to do everything yourself. But let’s be clear: one person isn’t a business – it’s a job. One of the biggest mistakes founders make is cutting corners on talent, thinking they’re saving money, when in reality, they’re holding back growth, efficiency, and credibility.

A new study by Markel Direct has revealed the top cyber security issues facing SMEs – with the increasing sophistication of cyber threats named as the top concern for business owners.