Barbara Ayisi cold-called The Langham, sent seven follow-up emails and landed her first ever brand shoot at one of London's most prestigious hotels. On persistence, preparation and how to approach a luxury venue with a proposal they cannot say no to.

Travel retail gives brands access to millions of international consumers every year. But it works very differently from traditional retail. Yvonne Airey on commercial readiness, margin expectations and how to approach the channel strategically.

Shannon was one of 2,225 female founders who contributed to The Rise Report 2026. On loneliness, the funding gap, what success actually means and why 78% of founders say human connection is the whole point.

From choosing the right event to interacting with strangers, Hannah Capocci-Hunt on what product founders need to know before their first market stall and what the experience teaches you that nothing else can.

We're living through a trust recession. The gap between what people say and what they do has widened — and audiences are exhausted by the performance. Danielle Thompson on what they actually want instead.

Charlie Terry, Founder of CEEK Marketing, analyses TALA’s £2.6m operating loss, Grace Beverley’s strategy and the wider debate around founder-led UK brand profitability.

Ellie Johnson introduced three operating principles that changed how she runs her business — and how she shows up in it. On discipline, balance and organisation as the foundations of sustainable growth.

Being yourself is a start — but it's not a strategy. Marketing strategist Giada Nizzoli on what high-ticket clients actually need to see before they trust you with their money.

Self-employed women aren't entitled to nothing when pregnant — but the support on offer is explained poorly. On Maternity Allowance, Keeping in Touch days and what to prepare for financially.

A stunning portfolio tells you what a designer can create. It doesn't tell you how they work, how they communicate or whether they'll truly understand your business. Lucy Hoddinott on the questions worth asking before you sign anything.

Claudia Stephenson has hired across creative, technology and events for years. On why degree requirements are shrinking the talent pool — and what businesses gain when they widen the aperture.

You don't need to be constantly on camera to build authority. PR strategist Jo Swann on how strategic PR works quietly in the background and what founders need to do to get started.

Too many businesses treat sustainability like decoration. Mia Marks on why the companies worth watching bring it into the room early — and why it behaves less like a conscience and more like a structure.

Reels because everyone says you should. Webinars because it feels like the next thing. Claire Best on why trend-chasing creates distraction rather than direction — and the five foundations worth building first.

Anna Hutton spent years in survival mode before applying her behaviour change expertise to her own working life. On the five tactics that made her calmer, more productive and less burnt out.

When The FSS Group needed to scale, Jo and Sanjay Varsani refused to let growth dilute what made them good. On systems that protect care, hiring for values over skills, and why their proudest moment involved a charity ambulance.

Four Essex founders on networking without pressure, building community with intention, and why ambition in 2026 is less about scale and more about sustainability.

Lisa Johnson hit every financial milestone she set herself and still felt nothing. On why money makes a terrible target — and what impact-driven business actually looks like in practice.

Sales prove demand. Belief builds longevity. Brand architect Rachel Pearson on why the most valuable brands — from Patagonia to Hermès — aren't chasing the market. They're defining it.

You don't need to keep pushing visibility right up to the final day of the year. PR strategist Dina Behrman on four small tasks that keep your business top of mind while you actually rest.