News

The new year is an excellent opportunity for businesses to review their finances and plan effectively for the months ahead.

With the annual increases to the national living and minimum wage and other statutory payments set to take effect in April 2025, its essential to prepare for these changes in advance.

National Living and Minimum Wage

From 1 April 2025, the National Living Wage (NLW) and the National Minimum Wage (NMW) will increase as follows:

National Living Wage (workers aged 21 and over) from £11.44 an hour to £12.21
Aged 18-20 from £8.60 an hour to £10.00
Aged 16-17 from £6.40 an hour to £7.55
Apprentice rate from £6.40 an hour to £7.55

The 16.3% increase in the 18-20-year-old rate is the largest increase ever. It is intended to narrow the gap with the NLW because the higher rate is expected to be extended to 18-20-year-olds in the future. The Low Pay Commission is likely to consult on how to achieve this in 2025.

Employers should audit the ages of their workforce so that they can inform payroll or payroll providers about the individuals benefitting from any increases to the NLW or NMW to ensure that the new rates are paid.

Increase in statutory payments

On 6 April 2025:

The weekly rate of statutory maternity, adoption, paternity, shared parental and parental bereavement leave pay will increase from £184.03 to £187.18 or 90% of the employee’s average weekly earnings if this is less than the statutory rate.
The weekly rate for statutory sick pay will increase from £116.75 to £118.75

Employers will need to ensure that staff going on family-related leave are informed of the increased rates at the relevant time.

Although there is a relatively modest increase to statutory sick pay (SSP), employers must be aware that there are potentially significant changes ahead. On 4 December 2024, a consultation exercise about strengthening SSP ended. To be eligible for SSP, an employee must have average weekly earnings at, or above, the lower earnings limit (LEL), which is currently £123 a week (increasing to £125 in April). SSP is only paid from the fourth day of sickness absence. It is estimated that up to 1.3 million low-paid workers are not eligible for SSP. In addition, because SSP is not payable until the fourth day, many people who qualify for it work when they are unwell. As part of the consultation, it is proposed that eligibility be extended to those earning below the LEL and that the three-day waiting period be removed so that SSP is available from day one. The proposal is to introduce a taper to the SSP rate so that an employee is entitled to a certain percentage of their average weekly earnings or the SSP flat rate, whichever is lower. There are no further details at the moment.

National insurance contributions

In the autumn budget, it was announced that, from 6 April 2025, the rate of employers’ NICs will increase from 13.8% to 15%. In addition, because the earnings threshold has been lowered, employers will pay NICs on employee earnings from £5,000 rather than £9,100.

There is some concern that this rise in employers’ NICs and the increases in the NLW and NMW could negatively impact recruitment and result in job losses. The increased costs could also be passed on to consumers.

According to a recent announcement by the Deputy Governor of the Bank of England, the rise in employers’ NICs could slow long-term wage growth overall.

Undoubtedly, the additional costs present challenges for employers, particularly when balancing the need to remain competitive with the rising financial pressures. Employers should consider proactive measures, such as reviewing budgets, identifying efficiencies, and exploring options to enhance productivity. Open communication with employees about potential changes and ensuring compliance with legal obligations will also be key to navigating these adjustments.

Furthermore, consulting with legal or financial professionals can assist businesses in making informed decisions and implementing strategies to manage these changes effectively.

Read more:
Looking ahead to 2025: Increased costs for employers     

James Watt, co-founder of the beer producer BrewDog, has drawn controversy by describing Britain as “one of the least work-oriented countries in the world” and questioning the nation’s focus on “work-life balance”.

Instead, the entrepreneur and his fiancée, the social media personality Georgia Toffolo, advocate “work-life integration”.

In a video posted on social media, Watt argued that “the whole concept of work-life balance was invented by people who hate what they do. So if you love what you do you don’t need work-life balance, you need work-life integration.” Although he deleted the original Instagram post, citing a torrent of abusive messages, Watt later shared new comments suggesting the negative reaction highlights a “low work ethic” in the UK.

Watt referenced research from the Policy Institute at King’s College London which found that Britons are among the least likely of 24 surveyed nations to say work is central to their life. He also cited statistics from the Office for National Statistics indicating UK output per hour is 13% lower than France’s. “As a nation, we love to joke about the French being lazy,” Watt noted, “but the reality is that our output per hour is lower than theirs.”

Pointing to the Institute for Fiscal Studies’ conclusion that Britain’s lack of growth in the last 15 years can be attributed to declining productivity, Watt said he was perplexed at the hostility to “someone sharing their approach to hard work.” He argued that if the UK cannot engage in a civilised conversation about work ethic, it could struggle to “compete on the global stage”.

Watt, who remains a non-executive director at BrewDog despite stepping down as chief executive last year, has previously faced scrutiny over BrewDog’s internal culture. Some former employees accused the company of fostering a “culture of fear” in 2021, prompting Watt to issue an apology and outline how the business had changed. Last year, BrewDog decided not to pay new recruits the real living wage, instead opting for the legal minimum wage—a move that triggered further criticism.

While his latest remarks have been met with a fierce backlash on Instagram, Watt noted that the response was more positive on LinkedIn. Georgia Toffolo, who joined Watt in the video, supported his stance on “work-life integration” by describing their shared “high-octane obsession” with their respective projects and businesses.

Read more:
Brewdog founder slams the UK as ‘least work-oriented’ country in the world

Britain’s busiest railway route, the west coast main line, is set for a once-in-a-generation upgrade that will bring significant disruptions for up to ten years.

Network Rail plans to replace more than 150 miles of ageing overhead wires—originally installed in the 1970s—along with extensive signal and track renewals. Industry insiders warn the resulting closures will severely affect passengers and businesses, with some sections of the line shut down for weeks each year from 2026 onwards.

According to planning documents, engineers will take full possession of the track for three two-week blocks in 2026, 2027 and 2028, affecting the main artery that connects Scotland and England. Similar “blockades” are expected to follow over much of the coming decade between Crewe and Gretna, impacting Warrington Bank Quay, Wigan, Preston, Lancaster, Oxenholme, Penrith and Carlisle. While bus replacements will be put in place, transport planners fear the knock-on effect across the UK could be huge, prompting some passengers to opt for flights rather than trains.

One UK rail source described the scale of planned disruption as “unprecedented in the past 25 years,” but stressed that the works, known in the industry as “Trilink,” are critical to the long-term future of the line. The full upgrade covers 155 miles of overhead wires, 140 miles of track and the renewal of 2,000 signalling units. Preliminary cost estimates approach £3.84 billion, spread over 10 to 15 years.

Avanti West Coast, which runs services from London to Scotland, carried 32 million passengers last year and expects substantial timetable changes, although the company says it is too early to confirm precise details. Analysts note that scrapped extensions of HS2, once seen as key to easing congestion on the west coast main line, mean this upgrade work is unavoidable if the line is to remain fit for purpose.

Scottish business leaders, including Stuart Patrick, chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, argue that the project highlights the UK’s struggle with long-term infrastructure planning. While acknowledging the necessity of renewing critical assets, he emphasises the need for a strategic vision that encourages a shift from air to rail: “It is increasingly difficult to see how we will achieve that without adding capacity on cross-border services.”

Liz Cameron, director of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, shares concerns about the impact on travellers but recognises the upgrade’s importance. “We acknowledge that extensive work will inevitably lead to disruptions, but it is crucial to minimise short-term inconvenience,” she said. Network Rail insists it is working closely with train operators and wider industry stakeholders to plan the closures and manage the economic fallout.

The west coast main line was last upgraded between 1998 and 2009—a drawn-out process marked by political rows and soaring costs. Lessons from that period are expected to inform this major overhaul, but with multiple years of partial closures confirmed and more in the pipeline, millions of rail users will be forced to navigate a decade of lengthy detours and timetable changes.

Read more:
West coast main line faces decade-long closures in multi-billion-pound overhaul

Marks & Spencer has accelerated its drive towards net zero by rolling out a fleet of lorries fuelled by biomethane, a gas derived from waste such as food, animal manure and wastewater.

The retailer expects the biomethane-powered vehicles to help cut emissions by as much as 85% compared with diesel, while also offering significant cost savings.

Under the plan, M&S will add 50 new biomethane-fuelled lorries to support its food supply chain, ferrying ingredients and products between warehouses. A further 30 vehicles will be deployed to distribute the company’s clothing and homeware ranges. Once fully operational, nearly 10% of M&S’s entire transport fleet will be low-emission.

This latest initiative builds on M&S’s commitment to hit net zero across its own operations by 2030, and for its wider supply chain by 2040. Last year, the retailer invested £1m in reducing harmful emissions from dairy cows by altering their feed, cutting greenhouse gases by an estimated 11,000 tonnes.

UK businesses face growing pressure from both government and opposition parties to step up environmental efforts. Labour has vowed to reinstate a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, while ministers are considering a new levy on retailers and manufacturers that use plastic packaging instead of paper or cardboard.

Transport minister Lilian Greenwood has welcomed M&S’s move, calling it an example of how British companies can “lead the charge towards innovative zero-emission vehicles.” Julian Bailey, head of group transport at M&S, emphasised the retailer’s focus on reducing carbon, saving energy and improving overall operational efficiency as it adopts more green technologies.

Read more:
M&S shifts up a gear with sewage-powered lorries to slash emissions

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has declined to rule out the possibility of a full Budget in March, fuelling speculation about potential tax hikes or spending cuts.

When pressed in Parliament, Ms Reeves instead reiterated her commitment to the borrowing rules set out in October, which include balancing day-to-day expenditure with tax receipts and reducing debt as a share of GDP over the forecast period.

Despite having vowed to hold just one Budget a year to provide businesses with predictability, the Chancellor pledged to go “further and faster” amid recent market turmoil. She attributed a sharp rise in borrowing costs to “global movements in international markets” and insisted she would continue meeting the Government’s fiscal rules.

Her remarks followed a politically fraught week, during which the pound slipped and UK bond yields surged — developments that critics blamed partly on Ms Reeves’s trip to China. Speculation about her position mounted on Monday after Sir Keir Starmer refused to guarantee that she would remain as Chancellor until the next general election, although Downing Street later confirmed its confidence in her leadership.

Meanwhile, the latest sale of 30-year inflation-linked gilts saw a small dip in demand compared with a similar auction last year. Lower demand tends to push bond yields higher, potentially adding further strain on the Chancellor’s fiscal room for manoeuvre.

Read more:
Reeves leaves door open for March emergency budget

A nationwide seed funding programme for innovators in the colour and dyeing sector has launched for its third consecutive year, offering up to £25,000 in equity investment per venture.

Organised by The Dyers’ Company, the initiative invites entrepreneurs working in areas ranging from colour chemistry and food technology, to medical dyes, sustainable dyeing, textiles, and more to apply before 5th March 2025.

Building on the success of its previous two years, The Dyers’ Company Seed Capital Investment Fund is designed to help early-stage businesses bring their products and ideas to market, while enhancing the UK’s economic impact in colouration. Successful applicants will secure a minority equity investment and benefit from the organisation’s extensive network and mentoring opportunities.

Martin Lane, Clerk of The Dyers’ Company, described this third year as “a significant milestone in our enduring commitment to the colouration industry.” Previous recipients include plant-waste dye start-up SAGES London, and Post Carbon Lab, a biotech and textile-tech company that turns carbon emissions into eco-friendly colours credited The Dyers’ Company with helping it prepare for international expansion and attract further institutional investment.

Stage one of the process involves submitting an online application by 5th March 2025. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited for an interview on 2nd April 2025, where final decisions will be made. Historically focused on supporting academics and students through grants and bursaries, The Dyers’ Company is now extending its reach to entrepreneurial minds looking to shape the future of colouration.

For details on how to apply and further information, visit: The Dyers’ Company Seed Capital Investment Fund

Read more:
Seed capital fund opens for third year to boost the UK’s colouration industry

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transitioned from being a futuristic concept to an essential part of everyday business operations.

For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), AI presents a wealth of opportunities to enhance productivity, streamline processes, and remain competitive in an ever-evolving market. Here, we explore how various industries are leveraging AI to their advantage in practical and cost-effective ways.

How Different Industries Are Leveraging AI

1. Retail

The retail sector has embraced AI to enhance customer experiences and improve operational efficiency:

Personalised Shopping: Online retailers like ASOS and Amazon use AI to recommend products based on browsing history and purchase behaviour.
Inventory Management: Predictive analytics helps retailers optimise stock levels, reducing overstock and stockouts.
Customer Service: AI-powered chatbots handle customer queries in real time, improving satisfaction and reducing support costs.

2. Online Casinos

AI has significantly transformed the online casino industry:

Fraud Detection: AI algorithms monitor player activity to identify suspicious behaviour and prevent fraud.
Personalised Gaming Experiences: Casinos use AI to recommend games based on player preferences and habits. For example, a player who enjoys playing slots not on GamStop can receive tailored suggestions for similar games, enhancing their gaming experience with options that match their style and preferences. These platforms use AI to analyze players’ gaming history, preferences, and behavior to recommend games they are most likely to enjoy. Algorithms can consider factors such as game types (slots, poker, roulette), themes, betting patterns, and session duration.
Customer Support: Chatbots provide instant assistance, improving user experience.

3. Real Estate

The real estate industry is leveraging AI to simplify processes and offer better services:

Property Valuation: AI-powered tools analyse market trends, location data, and property features to provide accurate valuations.
Smart Search Platforms: AI enables property search engines to match buyers with their ideal properties by analysing preferences and behaviours.
Predictive Analytics: AI helps predict market trends, allowing agents and investors to make informed decisions.

4. Finance

The finance sector has been an early adopter of AI, leveraging it to drive efficiency and security:

Fraud Prevention: Banks and financial institutions use AI to detect fraudulent transactions and protect customers.
Automated Trading: AI analyses market data in real time to make informed investment decisions.
Customer Insights: AI tools help financial advisors understand client needs and tailor their services accordingly.

5. Healthcare

AI is revolutionising the healthcare industry, benefiting both providers and patients:

Diagnostics: AI systems analyse medical data to assist in diagnosing diseases with high accuracy.
Patient Engagement: AI chatbots remind patients about appointments and medication schedules, enhancing adherence.
Operational Efficiency: AI streamlines administrative tasks, such as scheduling and billing, freeing up time for healthcare professionals.

The Benefits of AI for SMEs

AI offers significant advantages for small and medium-sized enterprises, enabling them to compete effectively in a fast-paced business environment. Some key benefits include:

1. Enhanced Efficiency

AI automates repetitive tasks, such as data entry and scheduling, allowing employees to focus on more strategic and creative responsibilities.

2. Improved Decision-Making

With access to advanced analytics, SMEs can make data-driven decisions quickly, giving them a competitive edge in their market.

3. Cost Savings

AI tools help optimise processes, reduce errors, and minimise resource waste, leading to substantial cost savings over time.

4. Personalised Customer Experiences

AI-powered systems analyse customer data to deliver personalised experiences, boosting customer satisfaction and loyalty.

5. Scalability

AI enables SMEs to scale their operations efficiently by automating key processes, from marketing to customer support.

6. Innovation

By integrating AI, businesses can explore innovative solutions, such as developing new products or entering new markets, which were previously out of reach.

Overcoming Challenges in AI Adoption

While the benefits of AI are clear, adopting it comes with challenges. Here are some common hurdles and how to overcome them:

1. Cost Constraints

Many SMEs worry about the upfront investment required for AI solutions. However, the rise of Software as a Service (SaaS) models has made AI tools more affordable. Platforms like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 integrate AI features into everyday software, offering high value at low costs.

2. Lack of Expertise

AI can seem daunting for businesses without in-house technical expertise. Collaborating with AI solution providers or investing in training for employees can help bridge this gap.

3. Data Privacy Concerns

With AI relying heavily on data, businesses must ensure they comply with regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Choosing reputable AI providers with strong data protection measures is essential.

The Future of AI in Business

As AI continues to evolve, its potential applications will expand. Businesses can look forward to advancements such as:

Voice and Image Recognition: AI systems that understand voice commands and visual data will simplify customer interactions.
Predictive Analytics: More advanced tools will predict trends with greater accuracy, offering businesses a competitive edge.
AI Ethics: Greater emphasis on ethical AI will ensure technology benefits all stakeholders without causing harm.

Final Thoughts

AI is no longer a futuristic concept but a practical tool for everyday business operations. For UK SMEs, adopting AI can lead to enhanced efficiency, better decision-making, and improved customer satisfaction. By starting small and focusing on tools that address immediate needs, businesses can gradually integrate AI into their workflows and reap its long-term benefits. Embracing AI today ensures a stronger, more competitive tomorrow.

Read more:
Artificial Intelligence for Everyday Business

The surge in U.S. equities markets following Donald Trump’s November 2024 election victory could indicate a divide between current market sentiment and economic forecasts.

Wall Street’s optimism about Trump’s policy agenda has helped push the S&P 500 up more than 27% year to date, with the index breaching 6,000 and commanding its highest premium to global equities in over two decades. The benchmark U.S. stock index has touched new highs since Nov. 5, with its forward price-to-earnings ratio around 23, its highest premium to global equities in more than 20 years.

In this economic climate of both uncertainty and legitimate potential upside, investors may want to turn to flexible financing solutions that allow them to maintain portfolio diversification. EquitiesFirst, a global financing firm specializing in equities-based financing, provides one such approach, offering financing against equity holdings that enables investors to maintain long-term market exposure while accessing capital for emerging opportunities.

Wall Street’s Selective Hearing

Major financial institutions maintain a constructive outlook for the next year despite some concerns around a potential tariff policy. Goldman Sachs projects the S&P 500 reaching 6,300 by November 2025, buoyed by expectations of business-friendly policies and increased mergers and acquisitions activity as interest rates fall. The incoming administration’s selection of investor Scott Bessent, who is viewed as an experienced player who understands market dynamics, as Treasury secretary has also heartened markets.

However, some have argued that this optimism relies on dismissing potentially disruptive policies in a second Trump administration as mere posturing. Edward Alden, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, highlighted this selective interpretation regarding tariffs in an interview with The New York Times: “In the benign, Wall Street version of Mr. Trump’s plans, the White House would use tariffs as a negotiating tool without enacting them.” Yet, on Trump’s intention to implement tariffs, both universal and targeted at countries like Canada, Mexico, and China, Alden emphasizes, “There’s no question he means it.”

The Reality Check

University of California, Los Angeles, Anderson Forecast economist Clement Bohr presents a starker view of economic realities. His analysis warns of labor shortages across multiple sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, construction, and hospitality services, leading to higher prices from both product shortages and increased labor costs.

Trump’s proposed tax cuts would expand the federal deficit beyond its current $1.8 trillion level and add to the nation’s nearly $36 trillion debt burden. This concern has already manifested in the bond market, with the 10-year U.S. Treasury bond yield rising sharply from 3.6% in mid-September to around 4.2% by December, reflecting higher borrowing costs for the government.

In a recent note, Oxford Economics analyst Bernard Yaros projects the deficit remaining above 6% of gross domestic product during the next four years, noting that with Social Security and Medicare protected, “two-thirds of federal spending would be off-limits.”

In this environment of divergent market sentiment and economic forecasts, investors may increasingly seek flexible takes on portfolio management. Using EquitiesFirst’s equities-based financing, investors could participate in U.S. market opportunities while maintaining existing long-term portfolio positions that might benefit from future market shifts.

This could be particularly valuable given the performance of broader global markets, with Hong Kong and mainland China indices declining post-election and Australian and U.K. markets posting modest gains. Defense-related stocks in Japan and Korea have been some of the top performers this year, and increases in these assets typically reflect a high degree of geopolitical uncertainty.

The Federal Reserve Wild Card

The Federal Reserve’s response to Trump’s policies could prove decisive. While Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s term extends through May 2026, uncertainty surrounds the administration’s approach to monetary policy. Despite Trump’s previous verbal pressure campaigns against the Fed, many investors believe he won’t challenge its independence.

Meanwhile, the UCLA forecast projects GDP growth falling below 2% in the second half of 2025, suggesting the market’s current optimism may face headwinds. However, this broader economic slowdown will likely affect sectors and regions differently, creating opportunities for strategic positioning.

Notable market movements since the election include bitcoin surpassing $100,000, driven by expectations of more crypto-friendly regulation.

But while Wall Street’s selective optimism has driven impressive gains, successfully navigating the complex interplay of fiscal, monetary, and trade policies requires careful consideration of all potential outcomes, not just the most market-friendly scenarios.

For global investors, the ability to maintain strategic positions while adapting to changing conditions is crucial. Through solutions like EquitiesFirst’s equities-based financing, investors can pursue tactical opportunities without sacrificing long-term portfolio stability, an approach that may prove particularly valuable as market sentiment meets policy reality.

Read more:
How EquitiesFirst Financing Could Support Strategic Investment Approaches in a Second Trump Term

Groupthink is one of the biggest obstacles to innovation. It’s what happens when everyone in a team or organization gets stuck in the same mindset, reluctant to challenge the status quo or propose new ideas.

While it might make meetings run smoothly, groupthink stifles creativity, blocks innovation, and ultimately leads to missed opportunities.

The good news is that you don’t have to accept groupthink as inevitable. With the right strategies, you can create an environment where diverse ideas thrive, resulting in a fresher and more competitive business.

Not sure where to start? Here are a few tips to avoid groupthink and foster innovation in your company:

Encourage Open Dialogue and Debate

The first step in breaking free from groupthink is to create a culture where open dialogue is valued. (This is actually the missing piece that most organizations fail to put in place.)

Employees need to feel safe sharing their thoughts, even when they disagree with the majority. If people fear judgment or backlash for voicing dissenting opinions, they’ll stay silent – and groupthink will take root.

Encourage healthy debates by asking thought-provoking questions in meetings. For example:

“What are we overlooking?”
“What’s the worst-case scenario if we proceed with this idea?”
“Does anyone see this differently?”

As a leader, model open-mindedness by listening to feedback without defensiveness. Celebrate team members who challenge conventional thinking, and remind everyone that respectful disagreement leads to better ideas and solutions.

Hire for Diversity

If your team is made up of people with similar backgrounds, experiences, or perspectives, you’re more likely to fall into groupthink. Diversity in hiring isn’t just a buzzword – it’s a proven way to foster creativity and innovation.

Bring in employees with varied skill sets, educational backgrounds, cultural experiences, and ways of thinking. People from different walks of life are more likely to approach problems from unique angles, leading to a broader range of ideas.

When hiring, it’s helpful to prioritize candidates who bring fresh perspectives and challenge your assumptions. Diversity, while it does rock the status quo, has the benefit of introducing new ideas and viewpoints. If your leaders have enough humility to accept these viewpoints, it can be a very good thing.

Use Brainstorming Sessions

Brainstorming can be a great way to generate fresh ideas, but without structure, it usually leads to domination by the loudest voices or a rush to consensus. To avoid this, use structured techniques like:

Brainwriting: Instead of sharing ideas out loud, team members write down their ideas independently before discussing them as a group.
Round-Robin Brainstorming: Each person takes turns sharing one idea, ensuring everyone gets a chance to contribute.
Mind Mapping: Start with a central problem or question and build a web of related ideas, encouraging creative connections.

These methods make sure all voices are heard and that the group explores a wide range of possibilities before narrowing down options.

Bring in External Experts

Sometimes, the best way to break free from groupthink is to bring in fresh eyes. External experts, consultants, or fractional leaders can provide unbiased evaluations of your strategies and suggest innovative solutions you might not have considered.

“Bringing in an external expert can provide fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to marketing challenges,” Chameleon Collective mentions. “They offer unbiased evaluations of existing strategies and suggest improvements.”

Professionals who are on the outside of your organization can come in and challenge assumptions, introduce best practices from other industries, and help your team think outside the box. That’s a win, win, win.

Create a Culture of Experimentation

Creativity thrives when people feel free to take risks without fear of failure. Unfortunately, many organizations inadvertently discourage experimentation by punishing mistakes or focusing too heavily on immediate results.

To foster creativity, create a culture where experimentation is valued and failure is seen as a learning opportunity. Encourage your team to test new ideas on a small scale, gather feedback, and refine their approach. Celebrate the effort, even if the experiment doesn’t succeed.

Rotate Leadership Roles in Meetings

Groupthink often stems from power dynamics within a team. If one person – usually the leader – dominates discussions, team members may hesitate to challenge their ideas or suggest alternatives.

To counteract this, rotate leadership roles in meetings. Allow different team members to take the lead, set the agenda, and guide the discussion. This shifts the dynamic, empowering individuals who might not typically speak up.

Encourage Independent Thinking

Before tackling a problem as a group, ask team members to think about it independently. Have them jot down their ideas or solutions in advance. This prevents the group from anchoring to the first idea that’s presented and ensures everyone has a chance to develop their thoughts without influence.

When the team comes together, each person can share their independent ideas, which sparks richer discussions and avoids the “echo chamber” effect.

Adding it All Up

The key to breaking free from groupthink is to stay intentional. Creativity doesn’t happen by accident – it’s the result of deliberate choices and a commitment to thinking differently. When you prioritize these strategies, your business will be better equipped to innovate and grow.

Read more:
How to Break Free From Groupthink in Your Business and Stay Fresh

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