This article has been created in collaboration with a sponsoring partner. Every year, hundreds of lifestyle and culture writers pick out the top food and drink trends for the months ahead. In 2024, leaving aside the usual threats of potato milk and buckwheat, a prevailing customer concern will trump every modish ingredient: value. Today’s economy has set a stark table. Rising living costs have turned food receipts into a bitter read for customers. For food businesses desperate to salvage slim profits, dropping prices may seem beyond the pale. Reassuringly, value for money doesn’t necessarily ..read more

Starting an ecommerce business with no experience may sound daunting, but it’s not impossible. My own journey is a testament to this. As a mum wanting to spend more time with my kids, I set up a business called Dotty Fish; a range of leather baby shoes and accessories that are stylish, affordable, and suitable for little feet as they grow and develop. I knew first-hand that finding baby shoes that look good, are practical, and are reasonably priced can be a challenge for parents. After receiving leather baby booties as a gift after my son’s birthday, I was in love but during competitor analysi ..read more

I used to have a view of what a typical founder looked like – and I felt I didn’t fit the profile. But if I’ve learned anything from my own journey, it’s that anyone can start a business, at any age.  Now, I’m the founder of Seep, the million-pound plastic-free and biodegradable household cleaning range that’s helping to curb microplastic pollution and diminish plastic waste. But I didn’t start out on top. I grew up in South Wales and was state school educated.  As a young girl, I was conscientious, competitive and curious – traits which may have been an indication of an entrepreneur ..read more

I was studying engineering at the University of Bristol when my Grandma Pat, who had dementia, was rushed to hospital. She had become severely dehydrated, and my family was told to expect the worst.  Thankfully, after 24 hours on IV fluids, she made a full recovery, but I was shocked that not drinking enough had such a huge impact on her health. Looking into it further, I realised that the situation isn’t uncommon. I wanted to help. I’ve always been driven by innovation. After leaving Bristol, I won a scholarship to study at Imperial College London and The Royal College of Art. Here, I w ..read more

March marks a celebration of female power, with International Women’s Day, Mother’s Day, and B Corp Month, offering a fitting opportunity to reflect on my journey as a female leader. In the competitive business landscape, the archetype of a strong leader often evokes images of assertiveness, decisiveness, and unwavering toughness. However, within the realm of female leadership, there is often a lack of recognition that softness can indeed be a formidable strength. From spare room to boardroom Having nurtured The Cheeky Panda from my spare room into an 8-figure turnover business, leading a dive ..read more

Entering the world of entrepreneurship straight from university might seem like a daunting leap, but for me, it was an exciting adventure waiting to unfold. Mad about manis My journey began with a deep passion for nails that started when I was just 16. I found myself spending all my pocket money on nail care and treating myself to manicures. This love for nails stuck with me throughout university, where I decided to take things to the next level by becoming a certified nail technician. Balancing my newfound skill with my studies, I graduated with a first-class degree in Economics. Stepping int ..read more

Due to the coronavirus crisis, many businesses are currently working remotely for the first time in their history. With the situation expected to remain unchanged for several months, it's imperative that these businesses quickly adapt to holding effective remote meetings – and we're going to show you how. But a global pandemic isn’t the only reason to learn these skills. As working from home – or as a digital nomad – grows more popular than ever, businesses should aim to adapt to a remote way of working in order to future proof their business. Holding remote meetings can seem like a daunting p ..read more

Life as a Ukrainian entrepreneur and investor changed quickly in 2022. This past month marks two years since my country was invaded, triggering a brutal and punishing conflict that has left Ukraine facing a spiraling reconstruction bill of over $1 trillion and our soldiers fighting for their lives. Bridging the gap Having lived in London with my young family since 2018 my own situation differed from my entrepreneurial friends at home, but I saw a way I could help. It quickly became apparent that innovation holds the key to Ukraine's defence and ultimate rebirth. We have all read about the role ..read more

I believe that everyone should be able to access genuinely flexible work, and make sure that my own team can work wherever and whenever they want. As the CEO of a company that helps workers discover flexible roles and companies, this is unlikely to come as a surprise. But after getting fired for asking to work from home, I will never take the flexibility I have now for granted.  Horrible Bosses Since the age of 18, I have lived with an autoimmune immune condition that can cause me pain and leave me unable to walk at times. My symptoms hit their worst when I was working in a demanding inve ..read more

Mental health and employee wellbeing have taken a dive in recent years. These low levels of job satisfaction and high levels of burnout are directly linked to the pandemic, which reshaped today’s working world. A company’s success is intricately connected to its employees' health and happiness. It must focus on creating a positive and supportive work environment, boosting workers’ quality of life and reaching for an organisational culture that promotes success.  Why should you invest in employee wellbeing? Employees who are physically and mentally well are more likely to be engaged in the ..read more