For many brands today, technology sits at the centre of how the business operates, from booking systems and payments to supply chains, inventory forecasting, customer data, and even product development. It is no longer just a marketing tool or ecommerce channel.

Artificial intelligence isn’t something businesses are waiting for anymore. It’s already here, and it’s embedded in tools and workflows that companies of every size can access today.

The CFO who gets you to Series C is rarely the CFO who takes you to IPO. Yet most boards still hire “a CFO” as if the role is static.

For decades, the US, and particularly Silicon Valley, has defined the global tech narrative. The deepest capital pools, the most recognisable founders, and the most valuable public tech companies have largely come from across the Atlantic. That dominance hasn’t disappeared yet, but the story is definitely shifting.

Harmonic’s decision to strengthen its presence in Manchester reflects something that has been building quietly for years: the city’s transformation into one of the UK’s most dynamic growth markets for technology, consumer brands, media, and financial services.

Consumer and FMCG businesses are operating under high pressure. Margins are still volatile, stock profiles are more complex, cash sensitivity is higher, and decisions that once had weeks of breathing room now need to be made in days, sometimes even hours.

For the first time, YouTube’s UK reach has overtaken that of the BBC. On the surface, that sounds dramatic. It’s the kind of headline that invites speaks of decline, disruption, and cultural loss in the UK. But this moment isn’t really about the fall of public service broadcasting.

AI startups are not scaling like traditional tech businesses ever did. What used to take three to five years is now happening in 12 to 18 months. The timelines are shorter, the stakes are higher, and the margin for error is shrinking fast.

Transformation is essential for finance teams hoping to stand out in a fast-changing industry. At Harmonic, our expertise goes beyond traditional finance recruitment. Our Interim division specialises in connecting businesses with transformation professionals who can make an immediate impact, whether that’s improving cashflow visibility, leading ERP implementations, redesigning reporting frameworks, or supporting M&A integration. These are consultants who have the expertise to rewire how your finance team operates.

After the first ten or so finance hires into creative agencies, I thought I’d seen most scenarios. After a hundred plus, you start to see clear patterns you can’t unsee. There are patterns in who thrives, who struggles, and where agencies quietly trip themselves up.

Jeff Bezos’ new venture, Project Prometheus, is the clearest sign yet that the world’s most influential operators believe this change has already started. And interestingly, many of the ideas Prometheus is built on are already emerging inside the UK’s deeptech sector.

Over the past decade, the UK has quietly – and now decisively – positioned itself as Europe’s AI powerhouse. Once a follower behind Germany’s dominance in industrial robotics, Britain is now leading the continent in venture capital investment across both artificial intelligence and robotics.

Hiring the right finance talent can unlock growth and improve your commercial decision-making. It also brings structure to creative chaos... But too often, agencies fall into traps that lead to mismatched hires, wasted money, and endless frustration. And they could all have been avoided if they’d just turned to a specialist. If you’ve ever rehired for the same role twice in a year, or onboarded someone great on paper who didn’t quite click in reality, this is for you…

TikTok trends, rapid delivery apps, and D2C product drops have all reprogrammed the modern shopper. Whether it’s skincare, soft drinks, or the dopamine hit of a social notification, consumers increasingly expect things to land on their lap almost as soon as the transaction is completed. The question big FMCG brands are now asking is: how fast can we move stock without breaking efficiency?

Digital-first shopping behaviours like AI-powered personalisation, and influencer-driven discovery, have reshaped how products are made and marketed. The winners are those who are blending creativity with commercial intelligence and understand that finance plays just as important a role as design or brand storytelling.

2025 has been a big year for finance professionals across the creative industries. Agencies have been tightening budgets and production companies are rethinking their funding models. As a result, the financial sector has been complex but also full of opportunity.

If you work in the creative industries, you’ve probably seen royalties mentioned on an invoice or in a contract. But do you know where that money actually goes, or how much you might be missing out on?

Founders and investors often underestimate just how much transformation a high-calibre interim CFO can deliver in a short space of time. Within just three months, the best interim hires can bring visibility, control, confidence, and create value that pays for itself several times over.

Tech Nation’s Future Fifty is the UK’s most established late-stage growth programme. Since its launch, more than 30% of the UK’s unicorns and 40% of its decacorns have come through the programme, with alumni collectively raising over £16 billion.

With fewer slots, tighter budgets, and higher expectations, commissioning in 2025 is more competitive than ever. And as a result, production companies need more than a great pitch to stand out. They need commercial credibility, and in this high-stakes environment, your finance function could be the difference between the greenlight and a rejection.

Artificial intelligence is dominating venture capital investment. Generative AI and automation platforms are at the forefront of this trend, promising big changes across industries. But despite the frenzy of funding and soaring valuations, one question looms large: can these AI startups deliver sustainable success?

As we approach the midpoint of 2025, the UK private equity (PE) industry is facing a fascinating time of contrast: a backdrop of cautious optimism is shadowed by lingering economic uncertainty.

You’ve made your reluctant return to the office, and it’s… exactly the same. The beanbags have resurfaced, the standing desk is still standing (alone), and since every team doesn’t come in every day, breakout corners have become storage areas for unopened tech boxes.

In 2025, the role of finance in early-stage tech startups – especially SaaS and fintech – has evolved far beyond number-crunching and monthly reports.

The UK’s built environment doesn’t exist in silos. It’s the result of a collaborative web that ties together architects, construction teams, interior designers, and furniture specialists all working with complex workflows, shifting budgets, and tight deadlines.

The music industry is attracting serious financial attention in 2025, with over $1.5 billion raised in March alone. But it’s not just record labels and streaming platforms leading the charge.

As Clerkenwell Design Week 2025 takes over the streets of London, the excitement goes far beyond the aesthetics

The UK’s fintech sector has evolved quickly in recent years, earning its place as one of the most dynamic and influential ecosystems in global finance.

Hydrogen may once have been the fuel of the future, but now it’s very much a part of the present – especially in the UK.

Every May Clerkenwell, a London neighbourhood known for its cobbled streets, converted warehouses and long-standing design heritage, transforms into a vibrant playground for architects, designers, and design-curious visitors.

For those who aren’t familiar with MAD//UpNorth, it's an event that has quickly established itself as the ‘Glastonbury of the marketing world.’

At Harmonic we recently sponsored MAD//UpNorth, where a huge part of the event was showcasing top female talent. But despite some obvious progress, the numbers still remain stark: women are still significantly underrepresented in finance leadership roles.

The global independent music sector is a powerhouse in its own right and no longer just the underdog of the industry.

Let’s be honest, no one launches a SaaS startup because they’re itching to spend late nights rifling through their bank transactions.

The business world has long been male-dominated, but women are proving time and again that they are more than essential players in the industry – they're also leading voices in the movement towards a more sustainable, inclusive, and equitable future.

In an industry where creativity comes first, it’s easy to overlook the unsung heroes who keep the lights on and the cameras rolling: finance professionals.

2025 is brimming with opportunity for start-ups and scale-ups – especially those aiming to supercharge their growth.

The UK pet food industry has undergone remarkable transformations in 2024, fuelled by shifts in market dynamics, consumer behaviour, and groundbreaking innovations.

The way Artificial Intelligence (AI) is shaking up architecture is game-changing – though not entirely unexpected. According to the RIBA AI Report 2024, over 40% of architects are already putting AI to work.

Wired recently unveiled their much-anticipated Europe’s 100 Hottest Startups list for 2024, and one trend is impossible to ignore: CleanTech companies are taking the spotlight.

In the wake of the B Corp movement, there’s been a growing sense of responsibility among food and beverage (F&B) brands to prioritise sustainability.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising industries, and the fields of Data and Business Intelligence (BI) are no exception. With advancements in machine learning, natural language processing, and predictive analytics, AI is reshaping the way organisations use data to make decisions.

The COVID-19 pandemic turned our workspaces upside down, challenging long-standing norms and bringing in new perspectives on productivity, collaboration, and how the “traditional” office looks.

As your business scales, the need for strategic hires who can not only maintain financial health but also drive operational efficiency is of high importance. But as many tech companies will know, securing top-tier finance and operations talent is a major challenge

At Harmonic Finance, our Interim team led by Ed Naish, partners with some of the UK’s fastest growing PE/VC Backed organisations, helping them to find the Finance & Change Transformation experts to guide them through periods of transition or growth.

Few bands have left as indelible a mark on the British music scene as Oasis. From their humble beginnings at the Boardwalk Club in Manchester to signing with Alan McGee in Glasgow, their rise was meteoric.

The food and beverage (F&B) sector is no stranger to transformation. In the last few years, it has undergone seismic shifts, driven by a perfect storm of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising operational costs, and changing consumer expectations.

For decades, gamers were stereotyped as basement-dwelling nerds and reclusive geeks - but nowadays, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Last month, Sir Keir Starmer won a landslide victory for labour in the 2024 general election. The new Labour government, propelled by the simple motto “Change,” has put forward various reforms to stimulate the UK economy and businesses.

TLDR: Far from it! As we move towards an increased understanding of the health impacts of high ABV and high calorie drinks, millions of people have started to question whether having healthier drinking habits means making peace with being a tad more boring.

Data is like gold dust for ambitious start-ups and scale-ups.

When we think about the most important hires in small design studios, we often focus on creative specialists - designers and architects who can develop brilliant ideas, tackle client briefs, and bring concepts to life.

The finance team is the beating heart of any growing business, delivering the financial stability, in-depth analysis, and number crunching required for long-term success.

Last week I attended my first MAD//FEST. For those who aren’t familiar, the event has gained notoriety as the Glastonbury of the marketing world. I believe it has a magic, a sense of fun, and speakers whose creative prowess make this a worthy comparison.

For scale-ups, maximising revenue streams can make the difference between long-term success and failed growth.

Healthtech is undoubtedly one of the most dynamic industries on the planet.

Interim finance hires (also known as contractors) can be a game-changer for scale-ups looking to drive growth.

The UK TV & Film industry is facing a crisis.

Growing businesses in the F&B space can quickly find themselves needing senior financial support - but there’s just one problem.

We all know that artificial intelligence has become an extremely valuable tool for many different industries across the UK. Over time, the technology is only becoming more efficient, more productive, and crucially, more accessible.

The climate emergency is impacting every area of our lives - and this impact is only becoming more severe as time passes. Climate change is leading to a wide range of urgent issues for the planet, including extreme weather events, water shortages, rising ocean levels, and wildlife endangerment.

At Harmonic, we’ve recently seen an increasing number of candidates shifting from larger network agencies to smaller independents. While there are plenty of reasons behind these career moves, many individuals reference a lack of progression, company culture, and growth plans as motivating factors.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last year, you’ve most likely encountered the concept of a ‘GPT’ at some point online. (And even if you have been under a rock, you’ve still probably messed around with ChatGPT or used GPT-4 to practise French on Duolingo.)

This diverse, fast-moving sector promotes global talent, encourages creativity, and provides us with access to our favourite artists and live performers. However, there’s a pressing issue across the industry that’s frequently overlooked - and that’s its impact on the environment.

Creative agencies play an incredibly important part in the marketing world. They produce innovative work that differentiates their clients, push the boundaries of advertising creativity, and ultimately help businesses achieve their goals.

Fashion resale platforms have exploded in popularity in recent years, causing a seismic shift in the clothing industry.

If you have any involvement in the world of digital marketing, you’ve undoubtedly heard about the imminent arrival of a ‘cookieless’ future.

While we often focus exclusively on nature when talking about the environment, the ‘built environment’ has a colossal impact on our daily lives.

The food & beverage sector has always been one of the fastest-moving markets on the planet. Every year, major shifts in consumer behaviours, marketing trends, technological advancements, and industry practices change the F&B landscape in surprising ways.

From live music to film production, the creative industry is notorious for moving at a dizzying speed. Demands are constantly changing, priorities are always shifting, and businesses are often forced to react quickly to unexpected curveballs.

The cosmetics industry is primed & ready for significant growth in the next few years.

The Fintech industry moves at a blistering pace, and for start-ups looking to drive growth in this dynamic market, one of the biggest challenges is keeping up with rapid change.

From Pokémon Go to Fortnite, the Gaming industry has had its fair share of success stories. Yet behind the scenes of these iconic titles lies a critical component: the CFO. This article delves into six challenges faced by start-up and scale-up CFOs in the gaming space and some of the strategies used to mitigate them.

As the first industrialised city in the world, Manchester boasts a rich history of thriving industries and cultural transformations.

The Netherlands is developing one of the most exciting, innovative, and unique fashion scenes in the world.

The last few years have seen a significant shift in terms of priorities across the creative industry. Rather than being judged purely on campaign executions and awards, agencies are now being held to a higher standard in terms of sustainability, employee welfare, community engagement, and ethical business practices.

The UK has produced some of the most successful fintech businesses in the world, from Monzo to Wise and Revolut. In fact, the UK is now home to 16 of the world’s top 200 fintech companies, and has firmly established itself as a hotbed for innovation.

As a start-up, making your first finance hire is a major step towards long-term growth and profitability. It’s an exciting time for your business - but it can also be a confusing one.

Artificial intelligence has rapidly transitioned from a futuristic concept to a tangible, accessible tool being utilised across multiple industries. Many businesses are now leveraging AI to varying degrees, using the technology to drive efficiency, boost productivity, and reduce human error.

Slush originated in Helsinki 15 years ago, initiated by a group of students as an informal gathering for budding tech entrepreneurs. It has earned recognition as a celebration of tenacious entrepreneurship. It started with a one-day affair made up of around 250 people similar to the event in Liverpool last week.

There’s plenty to think about when you’re recruiting finance professionals as a SaaS business.

Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) functions play a crucial role in helping FMCG brands to improve financial performance, strategic decision-making, and overall efficiency.

Health and biotech start-ups have a lot to consider when trying to generate growth, from product development to customer acquisition and fundraising.

In the fast-paced world of Software as a Service (SaaS) start-ups, where innovation and adaptability reign supreme, building and maintaining a successful venture requires a delicate balance of vision, strategy, and prudent financial management.

Customer experience (CX) and retention are two key factors that determine the success of any SaaS business. CX refers to how customers perceive and interact with your product and service, while retention refers to how many customers stay with your business over time. Both CX and retention are influenced by various aspects of your SaaS offering, such as product quality, pricing, support, onboarding, feedback, and more.

The COVID pandemic was extremely disruptive to the live music industry - but the post-pandemic era has also come with its own unique challenges and obstacles.

The UK is a hotbed of innovation and entrepreneurship, especially in the software-as-a-service (SaaS) sector.

The health foods market has skyrocketed in recent years, with a surge in popularity that has made a significant impact on the F&B industry.

For PR agencies looking to drive long-term growth and consistently outperform competitors, successfully recruiting outstanding talent is key.

Burberry chairman Gerry Murphy recently claimed that the removal of VAT-free shopping for tourists has made the UK the ‘least attractive shopping destination in Europe.’

If you’re undertaking any form of production, from a big-budget film to a single commercial shoot, then you should almost certainly consider hiring a production accountant.

Manchester has experienced enormous transformation in recent years, firmly establishing itself as a hotspot for tech innovation and ambitious start-ups.

Whether you’re a pre-rev start-up or a fast-growth business looking to scale, getting your internal finances in order is crucial for success.

The music industry has a significant impact on the UK economy, contributing £4bn in 2021 and unlocking opportunities for many creative talents. The sector also supports a wide range of different professions, from songwriters to venue owners and managers.

It’s becoming increasingly clear that 2023 will be a challenging year for many businesses.

The rising cost of homeownership has led to the emergence of ‘generation rent’ - millions of UK residents that are unable to afford a house, meaning they’re effectively stuck in rental agreements.

Modern consumers are expecting more from businesses than ever before.

The Software as a Service (SaaS) industry has seen significant growth in the United Kingdom over the past 5 years.

The age of artificial intelligence has officially arrived in the world of marketing & PR - and the response has been mixed, to say the least.

It can be tough for advertisers and agencies to stand out in today’s marketing landscape.

As conversations around sustainability and eco-friendly business practices have gained momentum in recent years, many different industries have faced serious criticism - and the world of fast fashion is no exception.

The Manchester tech scene is absolutely thriving at the moment.

The cost of living crisis is impacting consumers across the UK in many different ways. Households are grappling with rising bills, individuals are re-assessing their financial situations, and shoppers are being forced to adapt their buying behaviours.

Artificial intelligence can feel like a bit of a daunting concept sometimes.

The PR industry is one of the most exciting sectors in the world, known for producing mind-blowing creativity and bold thinking.

Christmas is fast approaching, and the festivities are already warming up. Mince pies are on the shelves, presents are being frantically ordered, pub fireplaces are roaring, and Mariah Carey is preparing for another sizable royalty check.

The advertising technology (or ‘Ad Tech’) industry is one of the most innovative areas in the wider world of digital marketing.

TikTok is nothing short of a phenomenon in the world of social media and digital culture.

Fintech (Financial Technology) and Insurtech (Insurance Technology) are two of the most exciting markets in the world.

The plastic pollution crisis is one of the most pressing environmental issues on the planet. The widespread use of plastic is a relatively new phenomenon in historical terms, but the material has already made a serious impact on the environment.

Earlier this month, some of the Harmonic team and I had the pleasure of attending Web Summit 2022 held in Lisbon. Web Summit is Europe’s largest tech event that brings together some of the biggest names in tech alongside a global community of start-ups.

Hiring a CFO is a huge milestone for ambitious start-ups. These experts can completely transform the financial health and revenue potential of small businesses. CFOs often tackle vital responsibilities such as revenue forecasting, cash flow management, and strategic planning - all of which are key to sustained growth.

Many of us often associate financial technology with products like mobile payments and cryptocurrency platforms. But the world of financial technology is rapidly evolving.

The InsurTech sector is continuing to grow at lightning speed. In 2021 the industry set a new annual funding record at $13.4bn - almost double the $7bn that was invested in 2020.

It’s becoming increasingly important for modern companies to stand for something beyond healthy profits and sales.

The cost of living crisis is continuing to impact individuals across the UK. Many are now struggling to manage household bills and living costs, and consumers are being forced to dramatically change their behaviours to endure the crisis.

The first financial hire is a major milestone for any startup. Hiring a finance professional isn’t just a big step towards increased growth for a small business. It’s also a critical piece of recruitment that will have a lasting impact on the future success of the company.

Gen Z represents a huge revenue opportunity for online retailers and e-commerce brands - but this unique generation also represents a significant challenge for these same companies.

Conversations around the importance of diversity and gender equality in business have gained serious momentum in recent years.

The 7th of September saw the return of Cenex-LCV2022, celebrating the latest innovations in low-carbon technologies and showcasing some incredible zero-emission vehicles.

Software as a service (SaaS) is one of the most exciting industries in the world, packed with innovative products, new technologies, and fast-growing companies.

Artificial intelligence has quickly transitioned from a futuristic, abstract concept to a tool that’s impacting our everyday lives.

It’s a city that’s absolutely brimming with unique culture, tourist destinations, and rich historical landmarks. It was also voted the 13th best city in the world by Time Out this year, beating heavy-hitters like Tokyo, New York, and Paris.

The term ‘biotech’ is most commonly associated with the healthcare and pharmaceutical fields, and while it’s true that companies have made huge strides in these areas, these aren’t the only sectors that biotechs have the potential to revolutionise.

June 14th saw the return of the annual Grocer Gold Awards in Guildhall London, celebrating the best and brightest brands that the grocery sector has to offer.

Transport is a huge area of focus for governments and global organisations looking to tackle the climate crisis.

Clerkenwell Design Week was back with a bang this year, aiming the spotlight at some of the most brilliant creative minds in the design industry.

The importance of purpose-driven advertising is now widely recognised by consumers and brands alike.

Experiential marketing is one of the most innovative and unique forms of modern advertising.

There’s been a much-needed push in recent years for increased diversity in the TV and film industries.

If you’ve been anywhere near the internet recently, you’ve no doubt seen NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) skyrocketing in popularity. And if you’re still not entirely sure what NFTs are, don’t worry. You’re not alone.

A major breakthrough took place recently in the world of nuclear fusion energy.

Developed in a market shaped by the global pandemic, Q-commerce (or ‘Quick Commerce’) is the natural evolution of E-commerce with a huge emphasis on fast logistics. Consumer expectations have changed in the modern world.

In the UK, around 17% of adults were experiencing some form of depression in the summer of 2021 - a 7% increase compared to pre-COVID levels. This has been a constant theme throughout the pandemic, and the impact is still being felt today. As a result, demand for effective mental health treatments is escalating rapidly.

As consumers become increasingly aware of societal issues, their shopping preferences are also changing. Many customers are now gravitating towards online brands that focus on social purpose alongside profit.

The ‘buy now pay later’ (BNPL) sector is growing at an incredible speed. The premise of BNPL is fairly simple. When customers reach an online checkout, they can choose to split their total bill into multiple instalments rather than paying the full cost up-front.

The start-up landscape has changed dramatically in recent years. New businesses are always focused on driving a healthy profit - but many companies are also now committed to creating products that tackle societal challenges.

2021 was a fairly turbulent year, to put it mildly. But thankfully, there’s always one thing you can rely on - brilliant creative agencies producing brilliant ideas.

As the UK eases out the pandemic, now feels like a good time to reflect on how difficult the past 18 months have been for domestic and global businesses.

Over the past decade health care has changed rapidly. We have seen the introduction of mobile apps which allow you to speak to a healthcare professional from the comfort of your home, and apps that can identify disease early based on genetic structure. Indeed, the health care sector is moving into a direction that is more tech-driven and individualised.

With COP26 well underway, governments will start to think about what changes can be made to limit the impact of human existence and consumption on the planet. To reduce animal agriculture, and look for alternative ways of feeding a growing population that has significantly less environmental impact, will be a challenge.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic began, many UK industries have gone through major changes, and the film and TV sector is no exception. TV and film production was halted for many months during lockdown, and professionals saw their work dry up overnight.

Independent creative, media and advertising agencies play a significant role in the wider world of marketing. These agencies often bring a breath of fresh air into pitches and new business meetings, offering a bold alternative to established networks.

Creative Technology - which combines creative industries such as TV, Film, Music and Design with modern technology - is a fast growing and incredibly diverse sector with plenty of innovation and collaboration within it.

Unforeseen, unprecedented and unpredictable are all words that can be used to describe the past year and a half. In the wake of Brexit, the UK experienced its most profound challenge yet. Almost every human being in the country, and on the planet, has been affected by the consequences of Covid-19. The long term economic effects of nationwide lockdowns and the closing of hospitality and entertainment industries over the past 18 months is yet to be seen.

This article was sponsored by Harmonic Finance.

Trips to the post offices, banks or the high street to sort out your ‘life admin’ are now things of the past with the emergence of brilliant technology and automation taking care of things… nothing new right?

As a Founder or Investor, what should you expect from your CFO? How should this evolve as you shift from Seed through to Series E or IPO? Chris Short, our Boston-based SaaS expert for Harmonic Finance has the some of the answers.

At the beginning of July, Clerkenwell saw three days of eclectic lighting, furniture and interiors, welcoming its annual design event.

In the past two decades we have seen exponential growth in the Tech start-up and scale-up space and there is one trait, regardless of industry or sector, whether in SaaS, Artificial Intelligence, Fintech, e-commerce, HealthTech, AdTech or a whole host of others, that they have in common and that is exponential headcount growth.

Once upon a time, marketing agencies existed to solely sell services to business and help companies make a profit. Today, some marketing agencies have chosen to be a driving force for good, offering a wide range of services - from campaigns and social media management to digital strategies and product launches - and many are focusing on selling goods and services that are people - and planet-friendly.

The UK faces two combined crises: housing and climate change. A chronic under-investment in housing and lengthy construction processes has led to a backlog of people in living in insufficient accommodation. Property prices also mean that many young people are stuck at their parents’, with a grasp of the housing ladder firmly out of reach.

What comes to mind when we think of Venture Capitalists, and the type of businesses they support? I imagine Silicon Valley and mobile apps! It might surprise you, then, that venture capital is one of the most significant sources of funding in the modern hospitality business. Our specialist, Dan, has all the info...

Buildings account for around 40% of global emissions and companies are becoming aware of their responsibility towards sustainability; not only economically, but environmentally and ethically too. So, what is being done to design a better future?

One of the most pressing questions when it comes to Covid-19, from all corners, is when a vaccine might be developed. Many of us were shocked to hear that it could take a year or more – highlighting our woeful lack of knowledge on the subject. However, that timescale will almost certainly be shortened next time we (as a species!) have to deal with such a pandemic, due to burgeoning advancements in the field of Artificial Intelligence.

In the spirit of this year’s movie theme I’m back with a sequel. Which ‘Joe Pesci in Home Alone’-style crowbars a combo of Financial and Royalties information into some X-mas eve content. Ho Ho Ho.

Have you ever wondered how much Christmas crooners rake in from their annual return to the airwaves? Wonder no longer... We compiled the Xmas royalties rich-list, complete with UK boybands, American divas and some one-hit-wonders. Enjoy!

Touts take money from the pockets of fans and artists, whilst often denying the true supporters their chance to catch their favourite artist live. Well, technology has said - no more! Here are some solutions to the tout problem along with Ed's thoughts on which will prevail...

How does an industry propped up by live events survive, and even thrive, during coronavirus? Monika Hewavitarne explores the innovative ways labels, events and artists have been bringing people together digitally; keeping the unique feeling of live music in a mass gathering but without the dangers of the virus.

What matters to us most in life? What do we actually want to do with our free time? What kind of balance do we want in our everyday lives? Whilst lockdowns have clearly robbed us of a great deal this year, there’s evidence to suggest there’s been a positive rethinking of our values.

​The engineering sector is no stranger to change. Technological advancements can reshape processes used for decades, almost overnight. Sometimes that change comes from within, but occasionally it is thrust upon the us by external forces. This is where engineering currently finds itself. This article’s aim is to explore the ways in which engineering is adapting to the problems of Covid-19, potentially for the better.

While we may not have been allowed out, we have been allowed to self-reflect, evaluate our development, and think about how we as a global society want to grow. We need to be more sustainable, more aware, more conscious. And that starts with the buildings we live in. Luckily, there are plenty of architecture practices who are looking to make a difference than more to just a skyline. Here's a look at just five of our favourites.

Fashion is big business. The global apparel market is growing year on year and is expected to reach an extravagant USD$1.5 trillion in 2020. But what does it take to be successful in such a competitive industry that is already bursting at the seams? Alex investigates some iconic fashion founders who have done just that...

With the news that Clerkenwell Design Week has been postponed until May 2021, we look at what could have been with showrooms by Camira Fabrics Limited, Solus, Bisley Office Furniture and Arper, exhibitions from the likes of Morag Myerscough as well as ways to get involved from the comfort of your own home...

We want to talk to you a little bit about what comes next. At the moment, it seems that every article or opinion piece is either leading you down the garden path by pretending all is fine and nothing has changed, or they’re pushing a narrative of doom and despair. As with most things, we need to be setting our sights somewhere down the middle - but with an optimistic twist. Allow Olly to elaborate...

As you’ll hopefully already be aware, Harmonic Finance and Harmonic Operations pride ourselves on recruiting for some of the world’s most cutting-edge technology companies. As a bit of light relief from that thing we’re all talking about (!), here’s some of our hot takes on the most exciting ‘Emerging Tech’ developments globally.

Many of you will be wondering what you can do to help during these unprecedented times. Where can you volunteer? Will it affect your furlough agreement? We have answer to all this and more... Read on and find out what you can do.

Most of us have experienced at least one significant change to our everyday ‘normal’ as a result of the global pandemic. The world as we know it is changing - and while there is much uncertainty around what the near and distant future holds, one thing for certain is that there will be no returning to ‘normal’. How will our lives transform in this new world?

During the current lockdown, virtual onboarding is a necessary evil - but one that could be embraced even after this all has passed.

What do you imagine when you hear A&R: is it someone in a leather jacket hanging around the back of a darkened room 5 nights a week? Well, that’s what it has been for the last 40+ years, really. The cut of the jacket has changed but not much else. That's all set to change with the advent of AI for A&R...

Holy Moly was founded by best friends Gaz & Tom, whilst arguing one night about who makes the best guacamole. Now stocked nationally and growing rapidly, their vision to bring good guac to the UK has been realised. This interview is between our very own Emily and James... Holy Moly's first finance hire.

The music industry is notoriously tough and can take its toll on the mental health of those working in the field. Ed Naish took the time to explore the various options available for those struggling in the industry, including charities and organisations we've had the pleasure of supporting in the past.

Blockchain has been touted as the answer to business-ills for many years, but never really came of age. In this article, Monika examines the possible uses for blockchain within the music industry as we ask the question - music & blockchain, is it finally time?

​It’s a tough old game, food and beverages. In an industry where 9 in 10 startups fail, we need all the help we can get to succeed. If you get it right, there’s a huge market out there waiting to fill your coffers – food and beverage is the single largest manufacturing sector in the UK, turning over a cool £96 billion every year. With that said, Emily explores one of the biggest problems faced by F&B businesses: cash flow.

Film & TV is a ‘sexy’ industry to work in, right? Blockbuster movies, unmissable series, drama, comedy, action… It has it all. From the outside looking in, the industry is all about hiring the best actors and unearthing great storylines. While that is partially true, there is another (very important) force at play… finance.

This article delves into credit control’s crucial role, so that we can begin to understand what they do - and why now is the perfect time to hire one.

SaaS, Iaas, Paas.... What!? If the acronyms leave you confused, you're not alone. We all use some kind of SaaS system in our day to day life and potentially one or two of the others in the office. Our SaaS expert Matt delves into the different kinds and their uses in this fascinating article.

Fast Fashion has become a negative term over the last year or so, with environmental impacts and scare stories being shared across media platforms around the world. Alex explores these stories and examines the rise of slow fashion - is a blend of the two the best solution? Read on to find out...

Every so often a company comes along that defines their market. It’s the reason why we call vacuum cleaners ‘Hoovers’ and why stick-based adhesives are called Pritt-sticks (a slice of primary school nostalgia for you all there). Netflix are this generation’s industry defining company... Shianne explores their effect on film and TV.

Furniture that combines digital technology has for a long time been a bit of a curiosity. If you grew up watching Star Trek, it’s the stuff of science fiction made real: tables with interactive menus built in, chairs that change their structure to suit your body shape and advertising that allows you to place items in your home using augmented reality... In this article Charlotte looks at some of the newest design gadgets in town.

We took a staff trip to Lisbon to enjoy the amazing Nova Batida festival. This write up brings you the sights, sounds and flavours of the festival as it happened.

Following on from our run-down of Food & Beverage VCs, I went away and did some research of my own… Your investor might be on this list!

Fashion and technology haven't always kept pace with each other, but that could be about to change. With advances in blockchain technology, RFID chips and more; we could be about to see a fashion tech revolution.

With studies showing that trust between a CFO and CEO is paramount to a good relationship, we explore what this can mean for your business and how to foster that environment.

Major US investment revitalises a brutalist eyesore in the heart of Camden - a positive sign of things to come?

Being a CFO is pretty cool anyway, but CFO of a group that encompasses record labels and music festivals? We had to find out more. Check out our interview with Johnny Evans - CFO of AEI group.

With retail giants closing down around us, we examined 9 of the fastest growing UK businesses to try and work out what makes them tick...

The dreaded brown envelope. The harbinger of the HMRC Investigation. Does a visit from the tax man have to be terrifying? We look at why they investigate, what process they follow and how you can avoid them coming in the first place…