loot topgameshq com | Breaking World News, Latest International Headlines & Analysis

2025-11-29 23:51:14

TechWM founder to take new role as CEO appointed

2025-12-06 05:16:14

This Is the Change Social Security Retirees Will Be Most Excited About Next Year

2025-12-24 10:14:48

Celebrating the Union of Beauty and Wellness for a Radiant Appearance

2025-12-12 20:42:56

Unveiling the Secrets of Collagen: Its Vital Role, Rich Sources, and Varieties for a Radiant Life

2025-12-17 22:42:19

Cardiff tech venture Nisien.AI boosted with equity investment

2025-12-07 07:13:19

Timeless Elegance: The Persistent Influence of Vintage Style in Modern Fashion

Investing

View All

2025-12-06 05:16:14

This Is the Change Social Security Retirees Will Be Most Excited About Next Year

-->-->Key PointsSocial Security is expected to undergo a number of changes in 2026.The program’s maximum benefit should increase, as well as its earnings test limit.Of all of the change anticipated, retirees are no doubt most excited to get a boost to their monthly checks.Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset’s free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don’t waste another minute; learn more here.(Sponsor)-->-->October could potentially be a huge month for Social Security. If things go off without a hitch, the Social Security Administration is scheduled to announce a number of key changes to the program later this month.Some of those changes include:A new maximum monthly benefitA new earnings-test limit, which applies to some seniors who work and collect Social Security at the same timeA new earnings requirement for work creditsA new wage capNot every change is one people will be happy about. A higher wage cap, for example, will require higher earners to open their wallets and pay into Social Security even more. A new maximum monthly benefit, on the other hand, is something to celebrate.But there’s one change retirees on Social Security are apt to be very excited about in the new year. It’s a change that could have a huge impact on their day-to-day finances.What will 2026’s cost-of-living adjustment look like?Each year, Social Security benefits are eligible for a cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA. COLAs are supposed to protect retirees from inflation by allowing Social Security benefits to rise as living costs increase.In 2025, Social Security recipients got a 2.5% COLA. But so far, experts are calling for a larger Social Security COLA in 2026 — one that could come in at 2.7% or even higher, depending on how much inflation picked up in September.The reality is that many retirees live paycheck to paycheck, with Social Security being their only paycheck. A larger COLA in 2026 could be a huge help to people who need the extra money to keep up with their costs.A 2.7% COLA, or something in that vicinity, could also be great news for seniors for another reason — it’s a larger bump than 2025’s raise, but it’s also not so incredibly large.A very generous COLA — say, one in the 5% or 6% range — would be an indication of surging inflation. That could be dangerous for seniors and Americans as a whole.A moderate but reasonable COLA in the ballpark of 2.7% means that inflation is still pretty modest. That’s a good thing for people who don’t have a lot of wiggle room in their budgets.It’s best not to rely too heavily on Social Security COLAsWhile the 2026 COLA may be the most eagerly anticipated Social Security change for the new year, the reality is that relying on those raises a lot isn’t the best thing. COLAs have long failed to help Social Security recipients keep pace with inflation, even though that’s precisely what they’re designed to do.A better idea is to have some income outside of Social Security to supplement those checks. That income could come from a variety of sources, such as:An IRA or 401(k)A part-time jobAn annuityRenting out a room in your homeWith any luck, 2026’s Social Security COLA is one retirees will be happy with. And chances are, they’ll care more about that change than any other. But it’s important to recognize that Social Security COLAs typically only go so far, and to not bank too heavily on next year’s raise, no matter what it amounts to.If You have $500,000 Saved, Retirement Could Be Closer Than You Think (sponsor)Retirement can be daunting, but it doesn’t need to be. Imagine having an expert in your corner to help you with your financial goals. Someone to help you determine if you’re ahead, behind, or right on track. With SmartAsset, that’s not just a dream—it’s reality. This free tool connects you with pre-screened financial advisors who work in your best interests. It’s quick, it’s easy, so take the leap today and start planning smarter!Don’t waste another minute; get started right here and help your retirement dreams become a retirement reality.(sponsor)

2025-12-22 09:31:49

When the Market Collapses, This Is the Stock to Own

So far this year, Altria Group Inc. (NYSE: MO) has offered a benefit that is relatively unusual for high-yield stocks. The share price has risen 26% since the start of the year. The S&P 500 is 14% higher in that time. Megacap tech companies are considered the stock market leaders this year. However, Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) remains flat in 2025, and Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) is up 2%.-->-->24/7 Wall St. Key Points:Altria Group Inc. (NYSE: MO) is probably the safest high-yield stock.The tobacco company has raised its dividend annually for over 50 years.Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset’s free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don’t waste another minute; learn more here.(Sponsor)-->-->Loading stock data...Among the stocks that pay large dividends, Altria is also the safest, based on its long-term performance. Its 6.45% yield is based on a forward dividend of $4.24. Over the past 56 years, it has raised its dividend 60 times. The median age of Americans is 39 years.In terms of decades-long high yields, the two most often mentioned in the same breath as Altria are Dow Inc. (NYSE: DOW) and Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE). Pfizer’s stock is down 10% this year. Dow’s is down 42% this year, and it recently cut its dividend.In total, Altria has paid out $32 billion in dividends over the fiscal years 2020 to 2024. It has also purchased $8 billion of its shares during the same period.In the most recently reported quarter, Altria’s revenue was down 6% to $5.3 billion. However, its adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS) were up 6% to $1.23. It affirmed its guidance of a 2% to 5% increase in EPS for the full year. Its success in the most recent quarter came from its legacy business: Billy Gifford, Altria’s chief executive officer, commented, “Our highly profitable traditional tobacco businesses performed well in a challenging environment in the first quarter.”Almost all of Altria’s revenue comes from sales of cigarettes, and there is a theory that many investors are hesitant to buy its stock for this reason. However, the dividend is a significant incentive to offset that.Another Reason to InvestAnother reason to consider investing in Altria is the potential risk to the global economy. People typically do not cut back on cigarette smoking in tough economic times. Altria’s dividend is unlikely to disappear, as the company’s balance sheet is excellent.The stock market has become perilous, according to those who believe it has reached its peak. President Trump has threatened to impose high tariffs on imports from several major nations, which could drive up U.S. inflation. His latest threat is a 30% tariff on Mexican imports. Mexico is the second-largest trading partner of the United States.An increase in tariffs and the effects on inflation mean American consumers’ buying power will be hit. That, in turn, threatens U.S. gross domestic product (GDP). Under those circumstances, Altria may be the best stock to own. That is, if investors can ignore its tobacco business.Altria Stock Price Prediction and Forecast 2025-2030If You’ve Been Thinking About Retirement, Pay Attention (sponsor)Retirement planning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. The key is finding expert guidance, and SmartAsset’s simple quiz makes it easier than ever for you to connect with a vetted financial advisor. Here’s how:Answer a Few Simple Questions. Get Matched with Vetted Advisors Choose Your  Fit Why wait? Start building the retirement you’ve always dreamed of.Get started today! (sponsor)

2025-12-26 05:18:47
2 Safer Dividend Stocks to Buy Before October Volatility Strikes
-->Key PointsGIS and SBUX stand out as deep-value options for investors looking for value in today’s arguably rich market.GIS and SBUX have ongoing turnaround plans and they could show signs of paying off going into the new year.Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset’s free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don’t waste another minute; learn more here.(Sponsor)-->-->Who would have thought that September would be such a good month for stocks? It’s typically the nastiest month of the year for market returns, but things were different this year. Before you look to buy stocks while breathing a sigh of relief now that September has ended, it’s the month of October that also tends to be not such a great year for markets. Indeed, a good September might pave the way for tougher sledding as the weather (and maybe the market weather) gets a bit chillier.With some brilliant investors, such as Leon Cooperman and Jeremy Grantham, raising concerns about the longevity of the current market rally, it’s natural to want to be a net seller of stocks now that the fourth quarter has arrived. Whether we’re in the “latter innings,” somewhere in the middle, or closer to the start, I think it’s just a good idea to be ready to play some defense, well ahead of time.Indeed, perhaps going for some safer dividend stocks well ahead of a volatility spike could make a lot of sense. With the U.S. government shutdown causing ripples in the market waters to start the month, it might be time to check in to see how the market’s lower-beta names are faring. Here are three names that could prove to be the best defensive bets this fall:General MillsGeneral Mills(NYSE:GIS) shares probably couldn’t be bothered by a government shutdown or a return of market-wide volatility. Shares of the consumer packaged foods firm have been stuck in a multi-year bear market, now down close to 44% from its 2023 all-time high.Undoubtedly, the cereal maker has some serious headwinds weighing down quarterly sales and, of course, the share price. Despite the challenges, management is confident that it can turn a corner as the consumer feels a bit of a pinch at the grocery store’s middle aisle.New products and marketing might be able to jolt sales, but until a quarter delivers a big upside surprise (the last quarter was good, but not good enough for investors), GIS shares stand out as a show-me story. For those with the patience to stick around, there’s a nice 4.9% dividend yield to collect. And with a beta close to zero (it’s actually slightly negative), there might be shelter from the next market storm.StarbucksStarbucks(NASDAQ:SBUX) stock has actually shed around 2% of its value in the past five years. Undoubtedly, it’s been a rough patch amid a pressured consumer. Still, the ailing Seattle coffee shop chain has one big thing going for it: CEO Brian Niccol. Indeed, Mr. Nichol is a great turnaround artist who will probably pull it off again. For now, investors need to give the man more time to get the job done. With 900 job cuts and plans to close hundreds of stores, Starbucks’ turnaround seems well underway.With a strong, premier brand, I do view Starbucks as a company that will boom once consumer sentiment booms again. Pumpkin Spice season and new plans to beef up the protein lineup might just help fuel a resurgence unlike any other. In the meantime, shareholders can treat themselves to a nice 2.93% dividend yield while they wait for a sustained rally. The stock is still down around 33% from its all-time high hit all the way back in early 2021.Though Starbucks isn’t exactly what most would consider a “safer” stock, I find it to be a fantastic value that’s severely oversold, with catalysts that could spark a turnaround, even if the market is ready to run into a few October roadbumps.If You have $500,000 Saved, Retirement Could Be Closer Than You Think (sponsor)Retirement can be daunting, but it doesn’t need to be. Imagine having an expert in your corner to help you with your financial goals. Someone to help you determine if you’re ahead, behind, or right on track. With SmartAsset, that’s not just a dream—it’s reality. This free tool connects you with pre-screened financial advisors who work in your best interests. It’s quick, it’s easy, so take the leap today and start planning smarter!Don’t waste another minute; get started right here and help your retirement dreams become a retirement reality.(sponsor)
Continue Reading
2025-12-21 18:14:05
Trump’s $1 Trillion Military Blitz: 2 More Defense Stock Winners to Buy Now
-->-->Key PointsPresident Trump’s $1.01 trillion defense budget proposal marks a 13% increase for 2026.The plan focuses on cyber, space, AI, and hardware to counter global threats.While the world’s largest defense contractors will get big wins, other defense stocks will also benefit substantially.Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset’s free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don’t waste another minute; learn more here.(Sponsor)-->-->President Trump has proposed a $1.01 trillion defense budget for fiscal year 2026, marking a 13% increase from the previous year’s enacted levels. This boost targets strengthening U.S. military readiness against global threats, with key allocations for cyber security, space capabilities, AI integration, and equipment upgrades. For defense contractors, this means expanded opportunities in procurement and research and development, potentially adding billions of dollars in contracts over multiple years. The plan prioritizes naval fleet growth, missile systems, ground vehicles, and advanced electronics to maintain strategic edges.While the three largest U.S. defense contractors —Lockheed Martin(NYSE:LMT),RTX(NYSE:RTX), andNorthrop Grumman(NYSE:NOC) — will secure large portions through flagship programs such as fighters and bombers, the spending surge creates broader gains. This could enhance revenues, support stock rallies, and provide predictable income streams amid economic uncertainties. Although risks to the final tally approved include budget debates in Congress, approval seems likely given bipartisan support for defense. That means the two defense stocks below also stand to benefit from this plan.General Dynamics (GD)General Dynamics(NYSE:GD) operates across marine systems, combat vehicles, and IT services, positioning it well for the budget’s focus on shipbuilding and land forces.Its Electric Boat division handles Virginia-class submarines, expected to see increased orders as the Navy aims to expand its undersea fleet. Bath Iron Works contributes to destroyer programs like Arleigh Burke, directly tied to naval modernization funds. On the ground side, GD’s Abrams tanks and Stryker armored fighting vehicles benefit from army upgrades — a recent $202 million follow-on contract signal steady order flow — especially with ongoing needs in Ukraine and potential Middle East escalations. The IT arm gains from cyber and data analytics investments. Loading stock data...General Dynamics’ market cap stands at $92.4 billion, with a trailing P/E of 23 and year-to-date gains of 30%. Wall Street currently has a consensus hold rating on GD stock and a $340 per share price target, implying it is fairly valued at $343 per share. Yet investors should still buy now due to its existing $95 billion backlog that gives it earnings stability  Geopolitical tensions amplify demand, making GD a reliable hold for growth. Beyond military hardware, General Dynamics also has a civilian aerospace division in Gulfstream that diversifies its revenue and mitigates some of the risks associated with pure defense plays. Analysts forecast 11% to 12% EPS growth over the next two years, driven by margin expansions from supply chain efficiencies. With a 1.8% dividend yield and 34-year payout history, GD offers additional appeal to income-focused investors eyeing long-term stability in a volatile sector.L3Harris Technologies (LHX)L3Harris Technologies(NYSE:LHX) specializes in communications gear, sensors, and space systems, aligning with the budget’s emphasis on electronic warfare and missile defense. Its tactical radios and night vision tech support integrated defenses, while space sensors aid satellite programs. The company stands to gain from drone countermeasures and secure networks, areas with proposed funding hikes. LHX recently upped 2026 revenue targets to $23 billion, backed by a $34 billion backlog and $1.2 billion in cost savings from efficiency drives. Loading stock data...With a market cap of $55.4 billion and a forward P/E of 18 for a stock trading at $297 per share, consider buying now as strong cash flows enable dividends and acquisitions, plus NATO spending trends boost international sales. LHX’s tech focus offers high-margin growth in a trillion-dollar environment.The firm’s Aerojet Rocket Engines acquisition enhances propulsion capabilities for hypersonic and missile projects, which are key budget priorities. International exposure, at 20% of sales, also benefits from allied nations’ rearmament, including a $1.1 billion contract with Netherlands in March for communications systems. Free cash flow hit $2.1 billion last year, funding R&D in AI-driven sensors. With a beta of 0.7, LHX provides lower volatility than peers, ideal for balanced portfolios seeking defense upside without excessive swings.If You have $500,000 Saved, Retirement Could Be Closer Than You Think (sponsor)Retirement can be daunting, but it doesn’t need to be. Imagine having an expert in your corner to help you with your financial goals. Someone to help you determine if you’re ahead, behind, or right on track. With SmartAsset, that’s not just a dream—it’s reality. This free tool connects you with pre-screened financial advisors who work in your best interests. It’s quick, it’s easy, so take the leap today and start planning smarter!Don’t waste another minute; get started right here and help your retirement dreams become a retirement reality.(sponsor)
Continue Reading
2025-12-03 11:49:41
IBM Is America’s Worst Tech Company
International Business Machines Corp. (NYSE: IBM) was the latest company, American or otherwise, to cut an artificial intelligence (AI) deal. This was a less-than-modest arrangement with Anthropic. It allows business customers access to Anthropic’s Claude AI model. The deal will enable IBM software to access an advanced AI tool. Many of IBM’s customers are large companies.-->-->24/7 Wall St. Key PointsIBM is the latest company, American or otherwise, to cut an artificial intelligence deal.However, it is too small to be a significant player in the new AI landscape.Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset’s free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don’t waste another minute; learn more here.(Sponsor)-->-->The deal stands out as less than mediocre when large tech companies and larger AI companies are cutting deals worth tens of billions of dollars. OpenAI and Nvidia have been forging partnerships across the tech world, with deals that rank among the largest in tech history.Loading stock data...The market does not regard IBM as a significant player in the new AI landscape. Its stock is up 36% this year. By contrast, Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NASDAQ: AMD) is up 92% because of a partnership with OpenAI. Oracle Corp. (NYSE: ORCL) shares are up 72% in part due to a $300 billion deal that includes OpenAI to build out infrastructure.IBM is still, and has been for years, too small to matter as a partner. This is reflected in its market cap, which is $270 billion. Oracle is valued at $882 billion, and AMD, which Nvidia dwarfs in the AI chip business, has a market capitalization of $383 billion.IBM lost whatever clout it had decades ago. In 1980, IBM ranked ninth on the Fortune 500, America’s largest companies based on revenue. Since then, it has missed the opportunity to lead in personal computers, PC operating systems, e-commerce, tech operating systems, search, and, more recently, AI. It is hard to find a tech company that lost that many chances to be a leader.Aside from a tiny market cap, it has tiny revenue. In the most recent quarter, the company reported revenue of $17 billion and net income of $2.2 billion. In its most recent quarter, the AI sector leader, Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT), had revenue of $76.6 billion and net income of $27.2 billion.IBM is too small to play an important role in the future of AI.Could This Quantum Computing Stock Be the Next Nvidia?If You’ve Been Thinking About Retirement, Pay Attention (sponsor)Retirement planning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. The key is finding expert guidance, and SmartAsset’s simple quiz makes it easier than ever for you to connect with a vetted financial advisor. Here’s how:Answer a Few Simple Questions. Get Matched with Vetted Advisors Choose Your  Fit Why wait? Start building the retirement you’ve always dreamed of.Get started today! (sponsor)
Continue Reading

2025-12-15 21:22:12

Car rental tech venture Finalrentals accelerating global growth

Car rental tech venture Finalrentals is looking to accelerate its global growth plans following a six-figure equity investment. The Cardiff-based firm, with provides a customer tech platform for car rental businesses globally, has closed a pre-Series A investment round. Its brings it total fundraising to over £1m following its first round in 2022. The latest round was backed by E100 London Business School Angel Syndicate, leading angel investors from both London and the United States, as well as existing backers Since its last funding round, Finalrentals has tripled its revenue, achieving a 300% year-over-year increase, and expanded into over 30 international markets. The company has also grown its global partner network to include more than 500 car rental providers. With this new investment, Finalrentals aims to surpass the £1.1m annual net revenue mark while increasing its global team by 40% to support further expansion. Founder and chief executive Ammar Akhtar said: “This funding is a testament to the strength of our vision and execution. With the backing of our investors, we are poised to redefine the car rental experience, empowering local rental companies with cutting-edge technology, automation, and seamless global reach. We will use this funding wisely and will work towards growth only growth." Finalrentals plans to use the funds to enhance its AI-driven automation, accelerate product development, and expand its international footprint, targeting key markets in Europe, the Middle East, and North America. The car rental sector is worth $100bn globally with Finalrentals well positioned as a key disruptor, bridging the gap between local rental businesses and global travellers through its innovative tech platform. It comes as it has expanded into the lucrative UAE marketplace in a partnership with car rental provider Autorent. The UAE’s car rental industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by an increase in tourism and a growing demand for flexible mobility solutions. Mr Akhtar said; “This partnership will revolutionise the car rental sector in the UAE, providing a seamless and technology-driven experience for customers.”

2025-12-22 09:31:49

When the Market Collapses, This Is the Stock to Own

2025-12-19 06:30:59

Fintech unicorn Zopa to double office space as it launches in Canary Wharf

Fintech heavyweight Zopa is poised to double its office space as it plans a move to a new headquarters in Canary Wharf. The upcoming office, situated at 20 Water Street, will sprawl across 44,000 square feet and accommodate Zopa's existing workforce of 900, as reported by City AM. The British digital bank, established in 2020, announced the relocation as part of its preparations for the public launch of its flagship current account and a GenAI proposition designed to "bring humanity and warmth into banking". The fintech firm will be rubbing shoulders with several banking giants already based in the business district, including HSBC, JP Morgan, and Barclays. Iain Kendrick, Chief People Officer, described the move as a 'statement of intent', saying: "Our relocation to a brand-new headquarters at 20 Water Street in the heart of Canary Wharf marks a major milestone in Zopa's growth journey. "This move is more than just a change of address-it's a statement of intent as we change the face of banking in a location previously dominated by the UK's established banking players. "As we continue to scale, investing in a best-in-class workspace reinforces our ambition, culture, and commitment to attracting and retaining top talent." Zopa also revealed plans to install its own neon sign atop the 13-storey building, which boasts an impressive BREEAM sustainability rating. The company's rapid expansion over recent years culminated in it turning a profit in December 2023. The fintech's most recent endeavours saw it teaming up with energy behemoth Octopus to penetrate the energy market, and with retail giant John Lewis to provide personal loans to its 23 million customers.

2025-12-17 14:42:44

'Let's build an industry that reflects diversity': Tech leaders speak out on International Women's Day

There’s still some way to go for women in tech despite the progress of recent years – that’s the message from tech leaders in the North West and beyond ahead of this year’s International Women’s Day. Dr Andrea Cullen, CEO and co-founder at Manchester-based cyber skills company CAPSLOCK, said: “After 30 years in the tech sector, I’ve seen progress in breaking barriers, but challenges remain. “When I studied computer science, I was often one of the only women in the room, and that lack of representation made it hard to envision a clear career path. Today, many women still face this struggle. “Confidence, not ability, remains one of the biggest barriers, with women often feeling unheard and undervalued. I’ve seen how men of all ages often push themselves forward while equally capable women hesitate. This isn’t about skill, it’s about how the industry perceives and supports women in tech. Without strong female role models at every level, breaking into and advancing in the field remains difficult. “While diversity is now part of the conversation, real change requires action. We need diversity at all levels, from schools to leadership positions, and recruiters must rethink hiring practices to ensure they’re accessible and not biased towards traditional university routes. An inclusive sector means creating an environment where women are heard, supported and empowered to lead. “Beyond policy and incentives, organisations need practical steps to drive change. Many want to improve diversity but don’t know where to start, so taskforces providing resources on inclusive hiring and workplace culture can make a difference. We must move beyond conversation and amplify women’s voices, break down barriers and build an industry that reflects diversity.” Linda Dotts, chief partner strategy officer at Warrington-based IT enterprise giant SS&C Blue Prism, said International Women’s Day offered a great opportunity to reflect on the state of women in the technology sector and to plan a more inclusive and equitable future. She said: “Fewer than a third of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) jobs (29%) are currently occupied by women. The statistics on female representation in the tech industry can be aggressively improved with better career mentoring in our schools and encouragement from leaders in all aspects of education and business. “Despite the remarkable advancements in AI, data and process automation, cloud computing, and a global talent shortage, we continually see so many talented women leaving the tech industry due to lack of career progression opportunities, female role models or company culture. As AI and other technologies continue to influence the business models enterprises create, a broad mix of developer talent representing the enterprises’ customer base will become even more important. “The barriers preventing women from accessing opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math are not due to a lack of skills, but rather to persistent misconceptions and biases. The challenge lies in building a culture that values and supports the success of women in these fields. It is about creating an environment where women can excel in various roles, from research and development to leadership and innovation and take risks that drive high rewards of achievement. “As the landscape of IT evolves, embracing a new era for sustainability, it is crucial to recognise the skills required are not bound by gender. Women possess a diverse range of talents essential for driving scientific advancements. This year’s UN assembly’s theme for International Women’s Day is ‘Accelerate Action’, which should prompt us to consider how we can increase momentum and urgency in addressing the systemic barriers and biases that women face, specifically in science and technology.” Senior leaders at Manchester e-commerce giant THG Ingenuity also met ahead of International Women’s Day to discuss what can be done to "accelerate action” and to promote gender equality in the workplace. Hannah Pym, chief brand and marketing officer, said: “It’s about consistency, making small and positive change habitual within the workplace. It’s great to use IWD to shine a spotlight on the importance of gender equality, but the critical action is to champion it every day.” Alex Felton-Crawford, VP of alliances & partnerships, said fostering networks and a sense of community “helps women to connect outside of their day-to-day interactions, both cross-functionally and across levels of seniority. These connections break down silos and barriers to build coalitions that can advocate for change and establish safe spaces where women can discuss challenges and share success strategies.” Cat Mellor, director of creative services at THG Studios, said men needed to step up and use their voices to advocate for women. She said: “Whether it’s putting their name forward for big opportunities, backing them in key meetings, or ensuring they’re included in leadership conversations, these actions make a real difference. Training on unconscious bias, inclusive hiring, and workplace behaviour should go beyond theory and lead to real, actionable changes in how decisions are made.” Jo Drake chief information officer at THG Ingenuity, said companies needed to be steadfast in their support for inclusion. She said: “We need to anchor DEI initiatives and policies into business outcomes. Companies with diverse teams consistently outperform those without, so making the business case for inclusion is essential. The key is to integrate DEI into business strategy and not treat it as a standalone initiative that is seen as someone else’s problem.” Chief commercial officer Lucy Cooper said: “We must fuse individual passion with organisational backing. It starts with speaking candidly about the inequalities we see – calling them out without fear – and then championing practical fixes like inclusive hiring panels and continuous leadership development for underrepresented groups. Momentum thrives on results we can see and replicate.”

Tech

View All

TechWM founder to take new role as CEO appointed

By - 2025-11-29 23:51:14

A business body focused on boosting the West Midlands' tech industry has appointed a new chief executive. TechWM founder Yiannis Maos is stepping down from the role to become its new chief strategy and innovation officer, with cybersecurity expert Andy Hague taking over in April. Mr Maos will remain on the organisation's board. TechWM was launched in 2019 since when it has helped businesses raise more than £100 million and inspired thousands of people to get into the tech sector. It runs the annual Birmingham Tech Week festival every October and advises on regional tech policy, making recommendations and creating partnerships between the public, private and academic sectors. Email newsletters BusinessLive is your home for business news from across the West Midlands including Birmingham, the Black Country, Solihull, Coventry and Staffordshire. Click through here to sign up for our email newsletter and also view the broad range of other bulletins we offer including weekly sector-specific updates. We will also send out 'Breaking News' emails for any stories which must be seen right away. LinkedIn For all the latest stories, views and polls, follow our BusinessLive West Midlands LinkedIn page here. Mr Maos said: "Having hosted our sixth Birmingham Tech Week in October, the largest to date, it feels right to scale TechWM. "It's been an amazing journey, starting with a simple desire to make the tech ecosystem more accessible and evolving into a strategic force for growth. "I'm proud of our journey, from 5,000 attendees at our first Tech Week to recent recognition from giants like IBM and a visit from the Secretary of State. This fuels our ambition to reach a £100 billion tech sector by 2030. "As we transition, our focus will be strategy, innovation and preserving our agile spirit. We'll continue creating opportunities for local talent, ensuring they don't need to move to London. "This is about building a thriving, collaborative community, recognising our collective strength is key to unlocking the West Midlands' tech potential." Mr Hague is a tech entrepreneur and board member with more than 20 years of experience in leading teams. His specialties are cybersecurity and investment funding and he founded Berkshire-based cybersecurity firm Cyberfort Group. He said: "Leading TechWM became an irresistible opportunity after my recent work in industry and government. "My priority is maintaining TechWM's momentum and strategically focusing the team's immense dedication to maximise impact. "Strengthening their ‘can-do' reputation is vital for solidifying TechWM as the key player in public-private tech partnerships. "Yiannis's remarkable legacy, especially Birmingham Tech Week's national prominence, and his continued involvement were crucial to my decision in taking this role.

Cardiff tech venture Nisien.AI boosted with equity investment

By - 2025-12-17 22:42:19

An artificial intelligence spinout company from Cardiff University that has developed a platform to identify online harm and enhance moderation is looking to accelerate growth following a significant equity investment. Nisien.AI has been backed in the first co-investment between the Development Bank of Wales and the British Business Bank’s £130m Investment Fund For Wales (IFW). The exact value of the investment, and the ownership stakes taken, have not been disclosed. The IFW is managed on behalf of the British Business Bank, which is the economic development of the UK Government, by fund manager Foresight. Founded less than two years ago by two Cardiff University academics, Professors Matt Williams criminology) and Pete Burnap (data science, AI), Nisien.AI uses scientifically informed technology to detect and respond to online harms, such as online conflict, to support healthy debate and conversations. Nisien.AI, which already has 14 employees, is working with key customers ranging from the top five social media platforms to global brands. The new investment will enable the company to continue to innovate and scale, making key hires and accelerating R&D to develop and bring to market products like its maiden revenue generating product HERO Detect, which deploys AI algorithms to accurately detect and classify harms across online platforms in real-time. In addition to identifying and responding to online harms, the company is also working on new AI products based on emerging scientific evidence on ‘what works’ in building cohesive integrated online spaces. These distinctive products address user/customer retention issues on social media platforms and brand channels, by using a non-censorship approach that protects freedom of expression. These products will support content moderation and longer term healthy online conversation and community integration. This functionality is essential given the polarising debate around issues of freedom of speech, where the current option to censor content is sub-optimal for users, platforms and brands. Alongside the investment, Foresight has introduced an experienced chair, Tony Stockham, to the business. Mr Stockham has worked with Foresight in the past to scale technology businesses and was formerly both an academic and successful entrepreneur in the field of AI. The founders, who are taking on the roles of chief science officer (Mr Williams) and chief AI officer (Burnap) at Nisien, will also remain employees of Cardiff University. They are supported by senior industry hires, including Lee Gainer, former CFO of Wealthify who has joined as chief executive; Dean Doyle, former head of delivery at HateLab, who has joined as chief operating officer and Rhodri Hewitson, former principal engineer at AM Digital, who has joined as head of engineering. Mr Gainer: “It’s an incredibly exciting time to be growing a challenger business in this sector. With the Online Safety Act being implemented soon, we believe the growth potential for Nisien.AI is huge. "With the support of Foresight, the Development Bank of Wales and the British Business Bank, we look forward to accelerating on the great start the business has made since its formation and continuing to grow, creating sustainable new tech jobs here in Cardiff.” Ruby Godrich, investment manager at Foresight said: “We are excited to be working with the Development Bank of Wales on our first joint investment into Nisien AI. We are keen to see the improvements Nisien.AI will provide to online safety and look forward to working together with the Nisien team.” Bethan Bannister, senior investment manager at the British Business Bank, said: “The Investment Fund for Wales was established to provide the financial backing that pioneering and ambitious companies like Nisien.AI so often need, and we are pleased to support their growth plans as they continue to innovate and scale. " The company has certainly established itself as one-to-watch on the Welsh tech scene and we’re looking forward to tracking their success as they continue on their journey.” Hannah Mallen, assistant investment executive at the Development Bank of Wales, said: “Nisien is a great example of a Welsh business working at the cutting edge of a rapidly developing field. Part of our aim at the development bank is to support businesses in Wales with strong growth potential and a positive social impact. "Nisien’s work will be increasingly important in the rapidly evolving and increasingly topical world of social media, and we’re glad to have supported them during this round. We look forward to working with Foresight to support the business.” Advisers: Financial due diligence SME Finance Partners (Chris Thomas). Foresight Legals: Geldards (Alex Butler and Mina Dimitrova isien.AI a pioneering Welsh artificial). Tech due diligence: Woodstreet Research (Cai Gwinnutt). Development Bank of Wales legals: Blake Morgan.

Car rental tech venture Finalrentals accelerating global growth

By - 2025-12-15 21:22:12

Fintech unicorn Zopa to double office space as it launches in Canary Wharf

By - 2025-12-19 06:30:59

'Let's build an industry that reflects diversity': Tech leaders speak out on International Women's Day

By - 2025-12-17 14:42:44

Tech South West receives government backing to expand growth accelerator

By - 2025-12-01 14:30:28

Tech South West, the regional sector support organisation, has secured Government funding to expand its Growth Forge accelerator. The money comes via the Barclays Eagle Labs Ecosystem Partnership Programme and will boost support for technology businesses across the West Country. The 2025 programme includes three specialist growth tracks covering AI, marinetech and cleantech. The expansion follows Growth Forge's successful first year in 2024, which saw participating tech companies secure more than £1.6m in investment and £500,000 in grants. Dan Pritchard, founder of Tech South West, said: “Since Growth Forge launched we have supported founders of dozens of growth-focused companies across the region, helping them secure investment, access grant funding, grow their teams and enhance their business operations. “The introduction of specialist tracks in AI, MarineTech and CleanTech reflects the South West's emerging strengths in these sectors. We’re delighted to be able to expand and deliver the programme with support from a host of exciting partners.” The programme brings together industry leaders including Microsoft, British Business Bank, Bishop Fleming, Ashfords, Howden, Program, Innovate UK Business Growth Programme, Plymouth and South Devon Freeport, and Future Space to deliver expert support. Companies on the programme receive support via one-to-one mentoring, partner consultations, interactive workshops, face-to-face growth days and ongoing founder peer groups. Amanda Allan, director of Barclays Eagle Labs, added: “We are eager to support the growth of the tech sector as much as possible and using our Ecosystem Partnership Programme, we’re allocating funding to organisations like Tech South West who are already plugged into their ecosystem needs. “We are proud to be able to support these projects which are designed to help early-stage tech entrepreneurs. This ensures our on-going commitment to support the tech sector which is vital to the continued growth of local economies across the whole of the UK.”

Dragons' Den success for Choppity after firm's founder dreamed of investment win

By - 2025-12-24 06:27:59

County Durham tech firm Choppity braved Dragons' Den and secured investment - and revealed the show success was revealed to them in a dream. Tech entrepreneurs Zara Paul and Aaron Morris, creators of the innovative AI-powered video editing platform Choppity, have successfully secured investment from Dragons' Den. The Durham-based company, which boasts an impressive client list featuring ITN, Autotrader, Turtle Bay, and Sonatype, made a significant impact on the TV show's investors. During their time on the programme, the entrepreneurial pair, who met at university in 2019 and are now married, offered up a 6% stake in their business, sparking interest from three Dragons. Zara, who identifies as non-binary and represented the LGBTQ+ community on the show, commended the inclusive approach of the BBC team, adding: "Knowing the inclusive values the BBC holds as an organisation, it was no surprise to me when the team was extremely accommodating around the use of my pronouns. I hope this encourages more members of the LGBTQ+ community to pursue their ambitions in business." Ultimately, they struck a deal with Peter Jones, who offered £100,000 for a 15% share, with an agreement to reduce it to 12.5% if the investment is repaid by 2025. Zara said: "It was an unforgettable moment to be in that room, presenting something we've worked so hard on. Then to receive three investment offers from some of the UK's top entrepreneurs was just incredible. The night before our pitch, I had a dream that Peter offered us a deal, so when that happened in reality, I couldn't believe it. We're very grateful to the show and the opportunity it gave us." During filming, Steven commented on how excited the pair were to be there, whereas Sara was impressed by them being a collaborative married couple. Post-filming, Choppity and Peter Jones mutually agreed not to proceed with the deal, a scenario not unusual post-filming, reports Chronicle Live. Nonetheless, the founders maintain their enthusiasm for the future post-show, as they prepare to enhance their platform with new editing functions aimed at extending its utility and appeal. Choppity serves as an automated web-based video editor targeting social media, sales, and training videos, simplifying the editing process for businesses and individual creators. Already used by prominent companies, Choppity is seen as an innovative tool in the market. The founding pair have a long history of product development together, with Zara’s background combining computer science, maths, and automation competencies, and Aaron’s expertise spanning computer science, video editing, and graphic design.

OpenAI releases new tools to rival Anthropic's new AI agent

By - 2025-12-16 09:02:12

OpenAI has unveiled a suite of tools designed to simplify the creation of autonomous agents that can complete tasks on behalf of users, following Anthropic's recent launch of its AI agent. According to an OpenAI spokesperson, "Building agents is harder than it needs to be," as reported by City AM. To address this challenge, the company behind ChatGPT has introduced five new tools aimed at helping businesses and customers develop and scale agentic AI. These tools enable developers to seamlessly integrate OpenAI's advanced models with real-world tools, such as web search, file search, and computer interaction. OpenAI claims that these tools will empower agents to perform intricate, multi-step tasks. The new tools include a web search function that allows agents to scour vast datasets and interact with computer systems directly. Developers have already utilised this feature in early testing to create research assistants and booking agents, as well as to extract insights from public and private datasets quickly and accurately. The web search tool provides real-time, relevant information with in-line citations to sources. Additionally, OpenAI has launched a file search tool that enables AI agents to search large document databases. Navan, a travel software firm, has leveraged this tool to enhance its AI-powered travel assistant, providing employees with rapid and accurate access to internal knowledge bases. Vodafone has entered into a decade-long, billion-pound agreement with Microsoft, which will see the telecommunications company utilise Microsoft's generative AI, digital and cloud services. The tech giant has introduced a 'computer use tool', a third tool that enables agents to carry out tasks traditionally requiring human interaction with a computer, such as data entry. OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, has also launched an 'Agents software development kit (SDK)', an open-source framework designed to facilitate the communication between multiple agents. "These new tools provide developers with an easier path to building and deploying AI agents, enabling applications across various industries", the company stated in a blog post on Tuesday. "By offering capabilities that were once difficult to integrate into agent systems, OpenAI is reducing barriers for businesses looking to harness the power of autonomous AI in real-world applications." These tools follow the launch of two AI agents by the company in January. The first, Operator, was released to independently browse the web for tasks such as booking flights or making online purchases. The second, Deep Research, is capable of performing more complex internet tasks. The company claimed that this agent can complete tasks in minutes that would take humans hours. OpenAI's newly released agent-building tools are entering a competitive market, with several companies already offering AI development platforms. It's being hailed as a 'watershed year' for agentic AI. Anthropic and Google's DeepMind have both launched large language models (LLMs) designed to power intelligent agents. Anthropic's latest offering is the market's first hybrid reasoning model, aimed at simplifying problem-solving for users and developers that require step-by-step cogitation as well as instinctive output. The model also includes a 'scratchpad' feature to display its reasoning process. Meanwhile, OpenAI has introduced new tools that stand out by offering an open-ended approach with some guidance for developers. Unlike competitors providing LLMs with limited integration, OpenAI's strategy focuses on equipping developers with the necessary tools to smoothly integrate AI with real-world actions.

AI bra fitting startup Brarista wins £510k funding to ‘transform’ lingerie and swimwear shopping

By - 2025-12-02 01:03:36

A tech startup using AI to help women shop for bras and swimwear has won £510,000 in growth funding. Manchester’s Brarista was founded in 2019 by Vietnamese entrepreneur Bella Trang Ngo, who wanted to “democratise the traditional bra fitting experience”. She spent four years developing her product, working with top lingerie experts and using data from customers. Brarista uses machine learning algorithms and proprietary Vision AI to offer personalised bra size recommendations and product suggestions, based on individual body types. Bella says research has shown that up to 80% of women wear the wrong bra size. That costs customers money and also means many products end up going to landfill rather than being returned. Brarista aims to help reduce waste and make sure customers are more satisfied with their purchases. The company is currently running paid pilot programs with selected retailers in the UK and EU including Lemonade Dolls, Evenly and Monsera. The funding round was led by GC Angels and also includes a grant from Innovate UK alongside private investment. Bella says she wants to use the cash to grow partnerships with retailers, to grow her team and further develop Brarista to include new products including maternity bras, swimwear and post-surgery lingerie. She said: “Our goal is to democratise the traditional bra-fitting experience, making it accessible and personalised for everyone. "The funding from GC Angels will help us to grow Brarista and reduce the £10 billion annual cost of lingerie returns that take place due to poor fit. "With the support of Ranvir and the GC Angels team, we’re looking to expand into new product categories, empower consumers and have a real impact in the lingerie and fashion markets.” Ranvir Singh, investment manager at GC Angels, said: “We’re really excited to support Bella and Brarista - it is a truly innovative solution that combines AI with the kind of expertise that is seldom available on the high street today. "It is going to completely transform the industry by addressing fit-related issues that have long-plagued both customers and retailers alike. With our investment, we are confident that Brarista will scale quickly and have a significant impact both in the UK and globally.”