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You don’t need to know everyone. You just need to find your people
We’re told all the time that we need to network in business. Grow your network. Make connections. Get yourself out there. Meet more people. But after 12 years of running a business network, I’ve learn …
What I've Learnt Watching Women Build Businesses From Scratch

What I've Learnt Watching Women Build Businesses From Scratch

01 Sept 2026 Lou Nylander - Wildflowers of London
Every year, I facilitate at the Women Entrepreneurs Network Business Retreat at King's College London, an event I've been involved with twice now. I've also been part of Birkbeck's Pioneer Programme f …
Why sponsorship could be the competitive advantage your business is missing
Most business leaders understand the value of mentoring. Sharing experience, offering advice and helping someone build confidence can have a lasting impact on both individuals and organisations. Yet t …
Why Founder Communities Matter More Than Ever
There has never been a better time to start a business. Technology has lowered the barriers to entry, artificial intelligence is helping founders work more efficiently, and access to knowledge has nev …
From representation to influence: the leadership challenge every growing business should be tackling
For many small and growing businesses, diversity can feel like something to focus on later, once the organisation has grown or the leadership team has expanded. In reality, the opposite is often true. …
The UK’s Most Funded Startup Sectors: An Analysis of 3,023 Companies
AI dominates conversations about startup investment. But after tracking 3,023 funded UK companies, we found a more interesting picture: AI leads by number of startups, fintech has attracted the most m …
One Conversation Can Change Your Business
When we look back at successful businesses, it's easy to assume their growth came from brilliant ideas, perfect strategies or flawless execution. In reality, many of the biggest opportunities begin wi …
Shattering the Concrete Ceiling: The Power of Sisterhood in Professional Leadership
The modern professional world can often feel isolating for Black women, who may find themselves as the only one in the room. The journey can be lonely, and trust can be hard to come by. This lack of c …
Consistent business networking – so many benefits
Building trust over time Trust rarely comes from one conversation. People need to see you, hear how you talk about your work, and notice how you treat others. They need to see that you follow up and s …
Three questions every CEO should ask before investing in AI

Three questions every CEO should ask before investing in AI

04 Aug 2026 Women in Banking and Finance
1. Are we solving a real business problem – or chasing AI hype? AI should never be the starting point; the business challenge should be. Whether the goal is improving customer service, streamlining op …
Why
What is Antisocial Networking? Antisocial networking isn't about hiding in a corner or ignoring people. It is about actively rejecting the loud, performative, high-pressure habits of traditional netwo …
What Does Andy Burnham as Prime Minister Mean for Small Businesses?
What has he said so far? Burnham has been fairly open about where he thinks Labour went wrong on small business policy, admitting the party "got it wrong" and pledging a shake-up of business rates as …
AI Tools Can Help or Silently Expose Your Data

AI Tools Can Help or Silently Expose Your Data

07 Jul 2026 Total Group International
AI Readiness Starts with Secure Data AI tools like Copilot are only as secure as the data and systems they access. When an organisation's Microsoft 365 tenant isn't properly hardened, AI can unintenti …
The Boardroom Runs On A Different Language. Learn It Before You Need It.
The access problem holding boards back Let's start with the second question, because the business and technology industry can answer it unevenly. Women are building companies and leading innovation ac …
Why Face-to-Face Industry Events Matter more than ever for Business Owners
A New Approach to Networking, for the IoT Industry As markets evolve quicker than ever, there is more need than ever for trust in a product and its credibility, as a foundation for decision making. Fo …
The UK Wants More SMEs Exporting: What This Means for Growth
Business Secretary Peter Kyle recently urged SMEs to take a “leap of faith” into exporting, highlighting a continued decline in the proportion of UK companies that have ever exported. The figure has f …
East London's Innovation Bet Is Sending a Clear Signal to UK Business
The UK is quietly reshaping how innovation happens, and East London is becoming the focal point. At the centre of this shift is Here East, a rapidly expanding campus in Stratford bringing startups, un …
The UK Just Backed AI With £500M. Here's What That Means.
The UK government has launched a £500 million Sovereign AI fund with a clear objective: back British AI companies, help them scale quickly and ensure that growth stays in the UK. Designed to operate m …
What London CEOs Know About First Impressions That Others Miss
In London's high-pressure business environment, presentation continues to shape perception long before credentials do. From first meetings to final decisions, how you come across can influence trust, …
The UK's £11bn Late Payment Problem Is Hitting SMEs First
Late payment is becoming one of the biggest hidden strains on SMEs in a UK economy still under cost pressure. Cashflow gaps are continuing to widen, putting increasing pressure on day-to-day operation …
Most SMEs Are Using AI. Very Few Are Seeing a Return
At a Goldman Sachs summit in Birmingham, there was a clear message: when it comes to AI, adoption is everything. This comes at a time when larger firms continue to outpace smaller businesses, with AI …
THE BUSINESS SHOW EXPANDS TO AMSTERDAM IN 2027
  The Business Show has just celebrated its 26th year, becoming a crucial part of the SME ecosystem. We have brought together thousands of small business owners and leaders with exciting keynote speak …
£7.4 Billion on the Table: What New Government Spending Targets Mean for SMEs
The government has set a clear target. By 2028, over £7.4 billion a year will go directly to SMEs through public sector spending. As Cabinet Office Minister Chris Ward put it, “these ambitious spendin …
What Sets Successful Growing Businesses Apart?
People are the foundation "The most successful growing businesses I have encountered without exception are focused on their people - their clients' needs and investing in their team and culture at eve …
Proportionate Reporting, Real Growth: How FRC Changes Could Benefit SMEs
The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has announced a package of measures aimed at making financial reporting and audits more proportionate for SMEs. The goal is straightforward: reduce unnecessary co …
Why You Should Attend the International Franchise Show
Find the perfect franchise for you We have over 250 brands exhibiting at the International Franchise Show, actively looking for people like you to franchise with them. A stunning range of sectors are …
Top UK Startup Success Stories and What Your Business Can Learn from Them
The UK continues to produce founders who are building thoughtful, ambitious companies across a wide range of sectors. Their businesses look very different on the surface. Yet when you look closely at …
£3,000 Per Hire: Why SMEs Should Be Rethinking Their Hiring Strategy
The government's £2.5 billion “new deal” for young people sends a clear message: For SMEs balancing growth against cost, this changes the hiring conversation. A £3,000 incentive per hire, expanded job …
Winning the Tender Is No Longer Just About Price
ESG is said to be in decline. The practice is not. ESG is said to be in decline. The practice is not. There is a growing narrative that ESG is falling out of favour. In some circles, particularly poli …
AI Advice, Real Conversations: Why Networking Still Drives Small Business Growth
New research from American Express reveals a shift in how UK small business owners seek advice. Artificial intelligence is becoming a common source of guidance, yet the findings also confirm something …
How to Spot Genuine Business Awards (and Tips to Avoid the Fake Ones!)
Here's your checklist! 1. Check who's behind the awards Look for an established company with a visible track record. If you can't easily find who's running it or the organisers seem newly formed or va …
Lead Follow Up: How to Turn Exhibition Meetings into Sales
Understanding the Value of Exhibition Leads Understanding what makes exhibition leads different from other lead generation methods is key to your success.  Exhibition leads are warm. At The Business S …
Why AI and Cyber Security Can No Longer Be Two Separate Conversations
When I founded the AI and Cyber Security Association (AICSA), I did so because I kept seeing the same dangerous gap playing out across organisations of every size, but nowhere more acutely than in sma …
Common Cybersecurity Gaps SMEs Need to Fix Now
While most SME owners now understand that cyber threats are real, many still struggle with two key issues. They do not fully understand why cyber criminals target small businesses, and they are unsure …
Small Business Grants in 2026: The Complete UK Funding Guide for Startups and SMEs
UK Small Business Grants for 2026 Start Up Loans Scheme  The British Business Bank's Start Up Loans Scheme remains an important government‑backed funding route for early‑stage businesses. This scheme …
6 Innovative Ways to Engage Visitors at Business Exhibitions in 2026
However, leads won't generate themselves. Your audience needs to be able to, and want to, engage with your stand. If you want to succeed at a business exhibition, having a strategy to create a strong …
Seasonal Spending Patterns: How Half Term and Weather Shape UK Consumer Behaviour
Much like predicting the weather, forecasting consumer spending patterns is never exact. However, analysing seasonal spending trends and identifying proactive actions is a critical step for businesses …
How to Build a Strong Brand Identity for Your Small Business
What Is Brand Identity? Brand identity refers to the unique features that build up a brand's personality. It covers both physical and abstract aspects of identity. Brand identity includes everything f …
From Silver to Platinum: Why Pandora's Shift Shows the Power of Business Adaptability
In case you didn't know, the price of silver has been in increasing flux. In January 2026, silver hit a record high, driven by the political climate and high industrial demand.    In February 2026, Pa …
YouTube Has Announced Its Annual Revenue for the First Time: What Does This Mean for Your Business
YouTube's $60 Billion Milestone: What It Means Youtube is over 20 years old. It's a household name, a part of our daily lives, and it shows no sign of slowing down.    What started as a free to use we …
Business Show Media Is Proud To Announce the Next Global Destination and Bold Rebrand of White Label World Expo, Now Officially White & Private Label Expo.
London UK: [06/02/26]: Since acquiring the event in 2024, Business Show Media has taken the London and Las Vegas editions to new heights, delivering record-breaking success and earning industry recogn …
The State of Business in 2026: Opportunities, Obstacles, and the Reality for B2B Companies
UK Business Confidence in 2026: Hesitant Optimism   2026 is shaping up to be a year of hesitant optimism for B2B business growth in the UK. Despite global economic uncertainty, UK businesses are stead …
Which AI Tools Are Small Businesses Using to Save Time and Cut Costs
With the widespread adoption of AI technologies and integrations, it is no longer a tool for the few. It is now affordable, and practical for businesses. The question is no longer “should we take a ri …
What Is the Return on Investment of Exhibiting at The Business Show?
What Do Exhibitors Gain From Exhibiting at The Business Show? Exhibitors at The Business Show benefit from return drivers including: High-intent B2B lead generation Brand visibility in front of a targ …
How to Increase Brand Visibility in 2026: Proven Strategies for Businesses
If you're struggling to get noticed, it can feel impossible to break through. Digital avenues are more saturated than ever. Competitors fill the same spaces as you and offer similar services. There's …
Why Businesses Should Invest in Sponsorship Opportunities
Events, such as The Business Show, often offer a variety of types of sponsorship opportunities, allowing businesses to select the right sponsorship deal to achieve their goals. If you want a breakdown …
Where Legal Firms Can Find Their Next Growth Opportunities
Throughout 2025 and pushing into 2026, we've seen a push towards businesses and firms opting to incorporate more traditional marketing in their yearly plan, either opting to exhibit at The Business Sh …
New US Tariff Threat on UK Imports: How Small Businesses Can Prepare
Read on for actionable steps regarding potential US tariff increase, getting you informed, and keeping you protected.     Potential US Tariff Increase on UK Imports Explained Currently, most US import …
Will AI Search Summaries Affect Your Website?
AI, simply put, is here to stay. Whilst all of the ways that AI will be implemented remain currently unforeseeable, a way it has been thoroughly implemented is in search summaries within major search …
Business Show Media Announces New Brand Identity Following Their Most Successful Year To Date, Reinforcing Its Continued Growth Of The World's Largest Business Events
London, UK: [16/01/2026] The refreshed visual identity reflects BSM's status as the leading global exhibition organiser and is anchored by its flagship, award-winning events, including The Business Sh …
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