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 How F2F delivered 1000 + recurring customers in 100 days Learn how F2F customer acquisition delivered 1,000+ recurring customers in 90 days, one of the most effective ways to build long-term recurring revenue By Debbie Shaw • 5 min read
Press release Why prospects say “not now” in face-to-face sales You’ve probably seen the moment happen dozens of times. The conversation goes well. The customer nods along, asks a couple of questions, maybe even says the offer sounds good. Then, just as the decision should happen, they pause and say the same polite line: “Not right now” By Debbie Shaw • 7 min read
Press release What a mature customer acquisition partner looks like Senior leadership teams should care about finding solutions that don't just trade one problem for another. Mature customer acquisition partners are the rising tide that lifts all boats By Debbie Shaw • 7 min read
Press release Bristol’s beloved Mocha Mocha Coffee House announces nationwide franchise launch Bristol, UK – 8th April 2026– Independent coffee brand Mocha Mocha Coffee House, a well-established name in Bristol’s vibrant café scene, has officially announced the launch of its nationwide franchise programme—creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs to bring the brand to communities across the UK. Mocha Mocha Coffee House has built a strong reputation for its high-quality coffee, fresh food offering, and welcoming, community-led atmosphere. Located in the heart of Bristol, the brand has By Richard Pakey • 2 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
