The world of work is changing at an unprecedented pace. Driven by advancements in technology and shifting societal expectations, workplace trends mirror cultural shifts, hinting at a bold future where work becomes more adaptable, efficient and human-centred.

In the early days of my business, I found myself at a networking event surrounded by founders who seemed larger than life. They moved with purpose, voices carrying across the room as they swapped stories and promoted their businesses. As a natural introvert, I felt like a fish out of water and wondered if my quieter approach could ever make an impact. For years, I believed success meant being bold, loud, and unmistakably seen. But what if success didn’t require becoming someone I wasn’t?

These days, sustainability is no longer just a buzzword – it's a necessity. Companies are increasingly recognising the importance of sustainable practices not only for the environment but also for long-term business success. But here's the question every business owner should ask themselves – do I need a sustainability manager? I firmly believe the answer is yes, and here's why.

Lightweight solar company Solivus has announced it has been paired with modular services and infrastructure giant Modulaire Group as part of the Mayor of London’s Better Futures Net Zero Innovation Challenge.

SuperTech, the UK’s only Tech supercluster, welcomes world-first investment technology, AI Simulator, to play a pivotal role in supporting early-stage founders in the SuperTech Seeds programme. The platform provides crucial assistance to entrepreneur at the ‘idea stage’ as they work to develop their business models and navigate the complexities of the startup investment market.

In the Autumn Budget of 2024, Chancellor Rachel Reeves introduced a series of reforms that have stirred both concern and cautious optimism among the UK’s small business community. Small businesses are widely understood to be the backbone of the UK economy; at the start of 2023 there were 5.6 million small businesses, SMEs had a combined turnover of £2.4 trillion, and SMEs account for nearly two-thirds (61%) of total employment.

Web3 and blockchain are among the fastest-growing sectors within the technology space today. Trends shift constantly, and new technologies with their different applications emerge as quickly as the next – what’s new today could be outdated tomorrow. Many founders in the space often find themselves juggling a difficult balancing act: having to keep their eyes on long-term goals while navigating a market that is moving at an incredible speed.

AllFocal Optics, the deeptech startup pioneering nanophotonic lens technology for always-in-focus images, has announced fresh $5.3 million funding, comprised of a $3.6 million (£2.8 million) equity raise, led by SpeedInvest, and Innovate UK grants.

For startups and entrepreneurs, understanding market dynamics is crucial to business growth and brand momentum. Market research provides invaluable insights that can steer your business in the right direction. Yet it’s often not considered a priority part of the planning process, despite its importance in brand building. Here are 10 essential tips to help you grasp the importance of market research for your startup’s success.

Miros, the visual AI e-commerce search solution, has raised a €6 million pre-Series A investment led by EBRD Venture Capital and Tera Ventures. Former Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves also participated in the round as an Angel Investor. Miros will use the funding to enhance R&D, further develop the technology, and expand market reach. To date, the company has raised €8 million.

83% of professionals state they’ve experienced mental ill health at work in the past 12 months – with more than a quarter encountering it ‘regularly’.

Over 100,000 aspiring entrepreneurs have now taken their first steps toward building a business with the support of Venture Planner, an AI-driven platform designed to simplify the journey from idea to actionable business plan. In just 11 months, the platform has gained traction among users across 22 countries and 74 industries, offering practical, tailored business planning tools that help turn dreams into reality.

Vuka Group and Africa’s Green Economy Summit are spearheading efforts to boost Africa's inclusive economic growth by connecting project owners with a global network of investors. This strategic initiative aims to accelerate vital projects, promoting sustainability and prosperity across the continent.

Employers are placing increasing importance on the Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) credentials of employee benefits providers when it comes to selecting a partner for their organisation, according to research conducted by GRiD, the industry body for the group risk sector.

Normative, a company in enterprise carbon accounting across the Nordics, EU, and UK, has announced its acquisition of Eivee, a carbon accounting solution provider serving some of Denmark's largest companies. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Attara has officially launched, a fintech startup poised to transform the landscape of commodity hedging for businesses across the UK. By combining cutting-edge technology with expert advisory services and customised hedging solutions, Attara aims to democratise access to hedging solutions that were previously only available to large corporations, providing much-needed financial security to SMEs.

New analysis of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) data by London & Partners shows that more AI companies (75 companies) from London have expanded internationally than from any other city globally post-pandemic. The UK capital has also welcomed the second-highest number of AI companies (94 companies) in the world, after Dubai (112 companies).

DUKE Distribution, a provider of specialist transport and trackway installation services, has secured a debt finance funding package from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II.

Mahdi Yahya, CEO and Founder of Ori, a UK-based provider of GPUs for AI compute, argues that the UK has all the ingredients necessary to build its own sovereign cloud computing infrastructure – but it’s being held back by a lack of imagination from senior tech players. 

Finnish technology company Quanscient, working in cloud-based multiphysics simulation technology and quantum algorithms, has announced its new growth funding of €5.2 million.