We are now in the thick of 2025, and it isn’t business as usual. The startup scene has evolved dramatically, and so has the supporting tech and tools, enabling pretty much anyone with an idea and a bit of drive to launch a startup. To succeed, however, you need more than just a groundbreaking idea – you need a bulletproof strategy to stand a chance.

In the wake of the pandemic-driven workplace revolution, adaptability has become essential – and HR technology is the force behind this shift. In a world where work-from-home (WFH) and return-to-office (RTO) policies are in constant flux, leveraging HR technology is crucial for SMEs aiming to remain competitive and responsive. In fact, research from 2023 shows that close to 50% of total HR budgets are dedicated to technology, and with good reason.

Data from the latest Freshworks 2024 Global AI Workplace Report reveals Millennials are embracing and learning about AI tools faster than their Gen Z colleagues. Although Gen Z are digital natives, it’s their older colleagues who are embracing and understanding the tools better, as well as the value it can provide the workplace.

Sustainability isn’t just about cutting carbon emissions – it’s about rethinking the way business is done. For many small businesses, it’s no longer just about reducing emissions; it’s about tackling waste, streamlining processes, and embedding sustainability into their core operations.

Starting a new business and growing it from the ground up is an exciting time in an entrepreneur’s life. If you’re considering global expansion, the idea of more customers and more profit can spur you to jump into the waters. Before you launch that boat, however, consider the measures you must take to sell your startup’s products internationally.

Grant funding is one of the most powerful, yet underutilised, tools for business growth. It provides non-dilutive capital – allowing businesses to innovate, scale, and drive economic impact. However, the competition can be fierce, and success depends on far more than just meeting the eligibility criteria. The most successful applications look at a grant as an investment – funders want to see a return, whether in innovation, job creation, or industry advancement.

Vanta has announced a series of new features and capabilities to help security and GRC teams seamlessly collaborate across their organisation and extended network. These releases – including team-based collaboration and granular user access, an integrated Vanta Exchange for vendor security reviews, enhanced audit capabilities and expanded security questionnaire automation – reduce manual processes and enable companies to manage trust as a team.

YouTube has revolutionised video streaming for two decades. Not only has it adapted to the rise of TikTok and Instagram via YouTube Shorts, but recent studies show that Gen Z users are still more likely to use YouTube than TikTok. 

Qlik has released new research ahead of the Spring Statement, which shows businesses are calling for AI-focused tax incentives and workforce upskilling support. 

Norrsken Foundation, an ecosystem for impact-driven founders and investors, is partnering with #Sustainablehub, a Brussels-based hub for sustainability-focused policy advocates – to open Norrsken House Brussels: a lighthouse for impact on the doorstep of the European Parliament.

As the CEO and Managing Partner of a recruitment boutique agency, I've seen firsthand the struggles that early-stage startups face when it comes to diversity. Economic barriers play a significant role in limiting the ability of startups to attract, hire, and retain a diverse workforce. These challenges are multifaceted, but the impact is clear: without tackling the root causes of economic inequality, startups risk missing out on the full potential of a truly inclusive team.

Five years on from the first COVID-19 lockdown (23 March 2020), new research from GoDaddy uncovers its impact on the UK’s entrepreneurial landscape.

With the upcoming Spring Budget, Sarah Vaughan, Founder of Angelica Solutions, is calling on the government to introduce more financial support for small businesses, particularly in the areas of recruitment and workforce flexibility.

As the Spring Statement approaches, the UK's small and medium sized businesses are eager for economic clarity before committing to major investment decisions.

In the world of startups, grabbing media attention is both essential and frustrating. Founders often tell me, "We need PR, but we don’t have any news!" The truth is, that early-stage startups rarely have major announcements like funding rounds or acquisitions. So how do you make headlines when there’s nothing obviously "newsworthy" happening?

The true risk to your business is not having ESG as part of your core internal business. ESG is everywhere these days. ESG reporting, sustainability and climate change strategies, DEI initiatives. This is great right?!

Space Solar has joined forces with Magdrive to drive forward the development of large in-space infrastructure. Announced at the Farnborough International Space Show (FISS), this collaboration is formalised through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and will operate under the Space Propulsion & Infrastructure Innovation Initiative (SPI³).

Scaling in healthcare can be challenging – regulations, long sales cycles, fragmented markets – however, with the right investors and strategy, there is an immense opportunity for digital health startups to grow and positively impact the global health ecosystem.

Finnish energy technology company Capalo AI announces a €3.8 million seed funding round to maximise the value of energy storage systems and accelerate the green transition through its AI-powered virtual power plant.

New research shows Gen Z are the most entrepreneurial generation yet, with more than two thirds (73%) 16-24 year olds keen to start their own business.