Press release Female Founders Highlight Hidden Barriers In Securing Investment Female founders Debbie Gilbert and Michelle Leong are speaking out about the unseen challenges women face when raising investment, as they continue to develop their productivity-focused app, Leanier. The pair are seeking funding of £250,000 to support the app ready for launch but have found many barriers to success – and their experience is not unique. In 2025, under three per cent of all venture capital funding available for business went to female founders globally. Having already invested By Fiona Scott • 4 min read
Press release National Minimum Wage welcomed as a positive step for businesses and workers The National Minimum Wage is s a positive force for both employees and employers and sets the foundation for loyalty around recruitment and retention according to Ashlea Fisher, founder IRecruit4. April will see the National Minimum Wage rise by 4.1 per cent from £12.21 per hour to £12.71. For some employers that uplift, spread across many employees, is a big commitment. “The national minimum wage sets an important baseline that ensures people are paid fairly for the work they do,” said Ashlea By Fiona Scott • 2 min read
Press release The FD Consultant celebrates four award shortlists across two business awards The FD Consultant, founded by London-based finance director Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam, has been announced as a finalist in four categories across two business awards. The firm has been shortlisted for Best Enterprise and Best Innovation at the inaugural Best SME Awards 2026, as well as Best SME Business and Excellence in Customer Experience at the Kingston Borough Business Awards. The Best SME Awards were launched this year to recognise small and medium-sized businesses across the UK. Created by By Fiona Scott • 2 min read
Press release Social care tech platform AgoraStaff named in Google GovTech Top 30 Social care technology platform AgoraStaff has been named one of Google’s Top 30 GovTech start-ups in the UK, recognising the company as one of the most innovative digital solutions helping to modernise public sector services. The team was invited to attend the Google GovTech Showcase, where selected start-ups pitched their technology to an audience of government stakeholders, policy advisers and investors. AgoraStaff’s Director of Compliance, Jolene Williams-Pears, attended the event and deli By Fiona Scott • 1 min read
Press release Background screening expert explains new DBS check rules for self-employed workers A recent change to DBS rules means eligible self-employed professionals can now apply for Enhanced DBS checks through a registered umbrella body – something that was previously only possible if an organisation applied on their behalf. Samantha Vaughan, Chief Product Officer at Complete Background Screening (CBS), says the update reflects how working patterns have evolved, with more people operating independently in roles that involve trust and responsibility. “Over the past few years we’ve se By Fiona Scott • 2 min read
Press release How Team GB turned data into gold with real time performance technology A UK-based sports technology company founded by biomechanical expert Dr Dario Cazzola and Roy Shubhabrata has played an important role in the record-breaking success of TeamGB’s bobsleigh and skeleton team and their record-breaking gold medal run at the recent Winter Olympics. Dario is using computer vision technology and AI to transform how elite athletes and teams analyse and improve performance using video which is analysed in a matter of minutes so that actions and improvements can be taken By Fiona Scott • 3 min read
Press release Leanier founders selected for national fundraising accelerator programme Entrepreneurs Michelle Leong and Debbie Gilbert, co-founders of the Leanier app, have been selected to join the Female Founders Rise Fundraising Accelerator Programme, a national initiative supporting women-led businesses to become fundraising-ready and investment-confident. They have joined a cohort of 70 female founders from across the UK taking part in the programme, which is delivered by Female Founders Rise and supported by partners including Barclays Eagle Labs. The accelerator offers ex By Fiona Scott • 2 min read
Press release Westspring IT CEO invited to speak at International Women's Day event in Bristol Bristol based IT firm, WestSpring IT, will be represented at a major regional International Women’s Day event next month, with CEO Emma Carter invited to join a select panel of speakers. International Women’s Day itself takes place on Sunday March 8 and this year marks 115 years since the global movement began in 1911. The 2026 theme calls on us to imagine a gender equal world, one free from bias, stereotypes and discrimination, where difference is valued and celebrated. It is a day to recognis By Fiona Scott • 3 min read
Press release Bath business invited to pilot new technology which makes customer communication instantly interactive Bath based businesses and organisations are being invited to take part in an innovative new project to make their offers and information instantly accessible and interactive for customers. The ConnectedBath Project, led by Minfo and supported by Innovate UK, is focused on helping local retail, hospitality, tourism, service businesses and not-for-profit organisations remove friction between customer interest and customer action. Whether it’s a restaurant menu, event booking, special offer, dona By Fiona Scott • 3 min read
Press release Kids travelling by train can now enjoy allergen-free snacks thanks to Creative Nature Award-winning free-from food brand Creative Nature has partnered with Eurostar to include its children’s Mango & Carrot Kids Snack Bar in the Eurostar Kids Bag, helping to make family travel safer and more inclusive for children with food allergies. The partnership has been delivered in collaboration with MileOne, which identified Creative Nature as the right fit for Eurostar’s children’s offering after several months of working closely with the brand. The Mango & Carrot Kids Snack Bar, which By Fiona Scott • 3 min read
Press release Online fitness community for over 55s expands classes with new Zumba sessions Jim’s Gym, the Cotswolds-based online fitness community for people aged 55 and over, is expanding its timetable in March with the launch of a new Zumba class, after strong interest from members keen to add even more variety to their weekly sessions. The new class will be led by experienced instructor Rowena Wakefield, who began teaching during the Covid lockdowns and has since built a strong local following through classes across Cirencester, Cricklade and surrounding village halls. The session By Fiona Scott • 3 min read
Press release Premium Pet Sitting Team Expands to Meet Growing Demand A fast-growing premium pet sitting service based in North Wiltshire has strengthened its team with the appointment of 21-year-old Mia Baulch as demand continues to rise across the county and surrounding areas. Birddog Catwalk, founded in Malmesbury, has welcomed Bristol-based Mia as a dog walker, pet sitter and administrator as it expands its reach across Wiltshire, Bath, Bristol and the Cotswolds. Mia brings several years of hands-on experience working with animals to the role. Before joining By Fiona Scott • 2 min read
