Our regular webinars continue next week, where we focus on an unavoidable topic - Artificial Intelligence. Let's be honest, with so many businesses integrating some sort of AI technology into their processes (including many of the new applications we are receiving every day) we knew it was time to cover this in more depth.
On Wednesday, 28th January, from 10am, Richard will be joined by James, where the conversation will cover the benefits and ways in which AI can be a very useful tool when it comes to writing your business plan when going through your own application, but also, what to avoid.
We're guessing that you know the routine by now, sign up below to attend live. As always, our chat box will be open throughout the session for any burning questions or input to the discussion you may have:
Innovator International
And whilst we are on the subject...
AI is now part of how UK businesses operate day to day, and for new startups, especially, it's arrived at exactly the right moment. Used well, it can slash the time and cost between idea and execution, helping small teams punch well above their weight. But it also comes with real risks for founders who assume AI is always correct.
In our latest article this week, we explore both sides of this new reality: how AI can help startups move faster and learn quicker from day one, and where it can lead businesses badly astray if used without proper oversight. From automating the admin that slows momentum to confidently producing answers that are completely wrong, AI is transforming what's possible for UK SMEs while raising the bar on what customers expect.
The question isn't whether to use AI; it's how to use it without losing what matters most: trust, accuracy, and genuine customer understanding.
Richard Harrison
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Why stepping away might be the reset you need
Have you heard the saying 'taking a well earned break'? We are here to encourage taking that break, and why not? You deserve it!
Being self-employed and running a business is all consuming but stepping away allows a real reset and recharge opportunity. Taking regular breaks isn't a luxury when you're building a business, it's essential maintenance. Your brain needs space to process, your body needs rest, and your perspective needs the reset that only comes from physically removing yourself from your everyday environment.
Harriet wrote this article exploring the above, as well as providing real recommendations of where to go:
Harriet Fuller
How One Founder Is Making Business Trust Accessible to All
This week, we sit down with Irfan Farooq, founder of Glocal Corporate Research and Investigations (GLCRI), who's on a mission to make trust verifiable for businesses of every size.
After years of watching companies lose money and damage their reputations because they lacked proper due diligence, Irfan decided to do something about it. Now operating across 120 countries from his UK headquarters, GLCRI provides background checks, risk management, and due diligence services that were once only accessible to major corporations.
His priorities for the next five years are clear and ambitious: expand GLCRI into a globally trusted name in background checks and due diligence.
"Ultimately, my vision is to make trust the standard in every business relationship," he says.
In a world where one missing detail can derail a deal or destroy a reputation, Irfan is building the infrastructure to ensure informed trust isn't a luxury reserved for the biggest players, it's a standard accessible to everyone.
Read the full story of how Irfan is turning transparency into a business advantage:
Harriet Fuller
We'd love to spotlight your entrepreneurial journey - if you're part of our Innovator community and have a story to share, get in touch with us to be featured
... and don't forget, you can find and read all our stories here:
Harriet Fuller
From the Article Archives
We've been busy writing easy, informative articles to help with all stages of your business journey. Some are there to help with various stages of your Innovator Visa journey, others to give top tip advice...
Innovator International
Richard Harrison
Innovator International
