Trending News & Expert Recommendations

Another week of exciting insights! From AI breakthroughs to shifts in global investments, here are the key highlights:

?? Workplace Watch Startups 100: DEI Award

Black Seed VC, the DEI Award 2024 winner, exemplifies a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, addressing stark inequalities in venture capital. While only 2% of UK funding goes to all-female founding teams, an even more alarming statistic reveals that just 0.24% has been allocated to Black founders over the past decade. As co-founder Karl Lokko highlights, this shortfall hinders immense economic potential, underscoring the urgent need for change in the investment landscape. ?? Startups

Expert Voices

• Naomi Sesay, Speaker, Head of Creative Diversity, Channel 4
• June Sarpong, Speaker, Broadcaster, Entrepreneur And Diversity Expert
• Asad Dhunna, Speaker, Marketing & DEI Trailblazer???????????????????????????????????????????

?? Pay Gap for Women on Boards Is a ‘Red Flag’

The gender pay gap on Europe’s financial boards widened to 36% in 2023, even as EU firms push to meet a 2026 deadline for 40% female board representation. With penalties for non-compliance looming, this disparity signals a serious red flag for the industry. ?? Bloomberg

Expert Voices

• Laura Bates, Speaker, Everyday Sexism Project Founder, And Best-Selling Author Of “Everyday Sexism”
• Johanne Penney, Speaker, CEO And Founder of Amp Up Your Voice, And Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity And Inclusion Expert

?? China invests in the UK

China has committed ￡600 million to the UK, promising more investment in the future. Science Secretary Peter Kyle sees it as a positive step towards rebuilding ties despite ongoing concerns about human rights. Critics argue the timing was off, given rising UK borrowing costs, but the Treasury views it as a crucial move towards securing up to ￡1 billion in future investment. ?? The Standard

Expert Voices

• Tim Hames, Speaker, Specialist in Politics, Business, and Geopolitical Risk
• Blanca Moreno-Dodson, Speaker, Expert in International Economics and Mediterranean Integration
• Dharshini David, Speaker, Broadcaster, BBC Chief Economics Correspondent, Author And Conference Chair

?? AI Unleashed

Keir Starmer has revealed a bold AI-driven plan to boost UK growth and public services. Key steps include AI Growth Zones in Oxfordshire, ￡14 billion in investment creating 13,250 jobs, and smarter public services. Highlights feature a supercomputer, a National Data Library, and cutting-edge AI infrastructure. With AI set to add ￡47 billion annually to the economy, the UK is positioning itself as a global leader while tackling energy and data security challenges. ?? GOV UK

Expert Voices

• Alex Connock, Speaker, Expert in Media and Artificial Intelligence
• Ayesha Khanna, Speaker, AI Entrepreneur And Advisor And Forbes Groundbreaking Female Entrepreneur
• Adrian Joseph, Speaker, Business Leader, Big Data and AI Expert

?? AI Encouraging Creativity

Adobe’s strategy lead, Scott Belsky, explains how they think AI transforms business by breaking barriers and democratising creativity. More than a productivity tool, AI empowers professionals and everyday users alike. With AI-enhanced tools like Premiere Pro and Acrobat, Adobe streamlines workflows and fosters innovation. Looking ahead, the company is investing in AR, VR, and personalised content to redefine digital experiences. ?? Forbes

Expert Voices

• Scott Morrison, Speaker, Best-Selling Author, Impactful Business And Creative Expert
• Nicole Crentsil, Speaker, Cultural Producer And Creative Consultant
• Asif Kapadia, Speaker, Multi-Award Winning Film Director, Writer And Producer

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