Evelyn Partners research shows female entrepreneurs exit for 25% less than men, averaging £3.9m versus £5.2m. Experts at the No Diversity, No Deal event in Glasgow say structural barriers, funding gaps and negotiation bias hold women back.
Category: News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
Former IoD chief Anna Daroy banned for 11 years over Covid Bounce Back Loan abuse
Anna Daroy, former Director General of the Institute of Directors, has been banned as a company director for 11 years after abusing Covid Bounce Back Loans. Globepoint Associates Ltd took £100,000 when only £50,000 was allowed.
Tesla stock surges nearly 50% since Elon Musk’s spat with Donald Trump
Tesla shares have soared nearly 50% since Elon Musk’s public feud with Donald Trump. Insider buying, strong Q2 results and FSD progress fuel the EV maker’s rebound.
Millions of Gucci, Balenciaga and Alexander McQueen customer records ransomed in cyberattack
Hackers have stolen data from millions of Gucci, Balenciaga and Alexander McQueen customers in a Kering cyberattack. The stolen details include names, emails and purchase history, though no card data was taken.
UK inflation holds at 3.8% in August, piling pressure on chancellor ahead of budget
UK inflation held at 3.8% in August, nearly double the Bank of England’s target. The data reinforces expectations that rates will remain at 4% as Chancellor Rachel Reeves warns the economy is “stuck”.
Microsoft commits £22bn to UK supercomputer as Big Tech unveils £31bn investment blitz
Microsoft is investing £22bn to build Britain’s biggest AI supercomputer and expand UK data centres, part of £31bn in US Big Tech funding unveiled during Trump’s state visit.
Susie Ma secures £20m payout as Tropic Skincare profits jump 30% after Lord Sugar exit
Former Apprentice finalist Susie Ma has taken a £20m dividend from Tropic Skincare after profits rose 30% to £8.7m in 2024, following her buyout of Lord Sugar’s stake.
84 new businesses launched every hour in Britain during first half of 2025
Britain’s entrepreneurial spirit remains strong, with 84 new companies launched every hour in the first half of 2025, according to fresh analysis from SME lender iwoca.
Google parent Alphabet reaches $3 trillion valuation as AI and legal reprieve boost shares
Alphabet has joined the $3 trillion club after strong AI growth and a favourable antitrust ruling sent shares to record highs. The Google parent now sits alongside Apple, Microsoft and Nvidia in the world’s most valuable firms.
Cyberattack threatens to keep Jaguar Land Rover factories idle until November
Jaguar Land Rover’s factories could remain shut until November after a cyberattack forced the carmaker to halt production. Suppliers warn of insolvency risks as thousands of workers remain on standby.
UK labour market cools: jobs and pay growth slow, says ONS
ONS figures show UK jobs growth slowing with payrolls down 8,000 in August and wage growth easing to 4.8%, adding to signs of a cooling labour market as the Bank of England weighs interest rates.
Elon Musk invests $1bn in Tesla stock as record $1tn pay deal looms
Elon Musk has bought $1bn in Tesla shares, his first open-market purchase since 2020, as the board prepares a shareholder vote on a record $1tn pay package tied to ambitious growth targets.
Google pledges £5bn UK investment and opens Hertfordshire datacentre amid Trump visit
Google will invest £5bn in the UK to expand AI, create over 8,000 jobs and open its first Hertfordshire datacentre, in a boost hailed by Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
US and China reach TikTok deal after years of security disputes
Washington and Beijing have reached a framework agreement to transfer TikTok to US-controlled ownership, ending years of security disputes. The deal awaits approval from Donald Trump and Xi Jinping.
Survey reveals surge in UK employers using ‘bossware’ to monitor staff emails, browsing and screen time
New research suggests a third of UK companies are using “bossware” surveillance tools to monitor workers’ online activity, prompting concerns from managers about privacy, trust and workplace culture.
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