Business

American men have lost their work ethic and increasingly feel entitled to a comfortable life without applying themselves, according to Wilbur Ross, who served throughout Donald Trump’s first term.

Ross, the Wall Street investor once dubbed the “king of bankruptcy”, said younger generations have been “coddled” by growing up in a wealthy society, weakening the drive to work that underpinned previous generations and threatening long-term economic growth.

“It used to be that the mantra for any young person was work hard and you can make progress and do better than your parents did,” Ross said. “It never occurred to anyone to not work, at least not anyone I knew. There’s been a whole change in that.”

He argued that a combination of state benefits and parental prosperity had created a sense of entitlement. “I think all these [benefits] programmes, and also the relative prosperity of the current generation’s parents, have created a feeling that they’re entitled to a nice lifestyle, independently of whether they perform any kind of meaningful work,” he said.

“If you’re an able-bodied person who’s not willing to even seek a job, why should you prosper?”

Overall labour force participation among Americans aged 25 to 54, the so-called prime-age workforce, fell sharply during the pandemic but has since recovered to 83.8 per cent, one of the highest levels in nearly a quarter of a century. However, Ross and other economists say that headline figure masks a profound long-term shift among men.

Prime-age male participation has been in structural decline since the 1960s, even as female participation has surged to record levels. The divergence is especially pronounced among younger workers.

Analysis by the Brookings Institution shows that labour force participation among 25-year-old men has fallen in every successive generation since 1969. For men born in the late 1990s, participation at that age stands at about 84 per cent, down from 93 per cent for those born roughly 45 years earlier.

By contrast, participation among women of the same age has climbed steadily, rising from 66.3 per cent to 76.6 per cent over the same period.

Ross said the trend among men was particularly damaging for economic prospects. “I think there are a lot of men who just don’t want to work that hard,” he said.

Workforce participation, he added, was one of the three critical drivers of economic growth. “One is growth in the population of working-age people — that’s something you have no control over in the near term. The other two are productivity and workforce participation. And of the two, for the moment, workforce participation is probably the more important.”

Economists have pointed to several factors behind the decline in male participation, including the loss of industrial jobs, the rise of service-sector roles traditionally dominated by women, higher incarceration rates leaving many men with criminal records, the expansion of disability benefits, and persistent weaknesses in education and skills training.

Together, they warn, these forces risk leaving a growing cohort of men disengaged from work — with long-term consequences for productivity, public finances and social cohesion.

Read more:
Men have lost their work ethic, says Trump’s former commerce secretary

Britain remains stuck at the bottom of the G7 for overall investment, despite Labour’s pledge to inject billions of pounds into public spending over the next two years, according to international data.

Figures from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development show that total investment, combining both public and private spending, stood at just 18.6 per cent of GDP in the third quarter of the year. That leaves the UK trailing all other G7 nations, including the United States, Germany, France and Japan.

The data underlines a long-running weakness in the British economy. The UK has recorded the lowest investment rate in the G7 in 23 of the past 31 years, a factor widely blamed for poor productivity growth and weak long-term economic performance.

By comparison, Japan recorded the highest investment rate among the G7 at 27 per cent, while Germany, despite being in a two-year recession, invested around 20 per cent of GDP over the same period.

Labour has made boosting investment a central plank of its economic strategy, pledging to increase public capital spending on infrastructure, transport and housebuilding. Economists at PwC estimate that public investment will rise by £13 billion in 2026–27, marking the largest two-year increase since the 2008 financial crisis.

However, there are growing concerns that this surge in government spending will not be matched by the private sector. PwC’s chief economist, Barret Kupelian, warned that private investment is expected to stagnate due to weaker business confidence and slower profit growth.

“There will be a much stronger focus on domestic growth levers from the government, particularly public investment picking up at a record pace,” Kupelian said. “But private investment is unlikely to respond as strongly in the near term.”

The scale of the challenge is stark. EY estimates that up to 1,000 major investment projects are planned to start or complete by 2040, with government-backed capital spending on track to reach £1.1 trillion. Yet even this would leave a significant funding gap.

According to EY-Parthenon, meeting Labour’s wider ambitions, including defence spending rising to 3 per cent of GDP by the end of the decade, would leave an investment shortfall of £583 billion. If defence spending increases to 5 per cent of GDP by 2035, the gap could widen to £817 billion, placing further strain on the public finances.

Mats Persson, global leader of EY-Parthenon, said the UK faces mounting pressure from overlapping investment demands. “The government has made progress in unlocking capital for infrastructure, but the long-term funding requirements across energy, defence, health and transport are rising rapidly,” he said.

Economists have long argued that Britain’s low investment levels are a major drag on productivity. Business investment drives innovation and technology adoption, while public investment provides the housing and transport networks needed to support growth.

Louise Haigh, the former Labour transport secretary, said the problem reflected decades of short-term policymaking. “Underinvestment has plagued the UK economy for half a century,” she said. “Our five-year political cycle doesn’t give businesses the long-term certainty they need to commit capital.”

Reform UK’s deputy leader, Richard Tice, accused the government of creating a hostile climate for investors. He said uncertainty and tax changes had pushed capital elsewhere and claimed his party would prioritise deregulation and incentives for wealth creation.

With private investment faltering and public spending under pressure, economists warn that closing Britain’s investment gap will require more than headline funding commitments — and a sustained effort to restore confidence across the business community.

Read more:
Britain stuck at bottom of G7 for investment as private spending stalls

A third of British businesses are planning to invest in artificial intelligence in 2026 as firms sharpen their focus on productivity, skills and technology in an increasingly competitive market.

Research from Lloyds Bank shows that AI is becoming a central pillar of growth strategies, with companies looking to automate processes, improve efficiency and strengthen long-term competitiveness.

The Lloyds Business Barometer, based on a survey of 1,200 firms, found that productivity improvement is the top priority for businesses heading into the next year. Alongside AI investment, 35 per cent of companies said they plan to invest in team training in 2026, recognising that new technologies require new skills to deliver real value.

Paul Kempster, managing director for commercial banking coverage at Lloyds Business & Commercial Banking, said the findings highlighted a shift towards more strategic, future-focused investment.

“These are priorities that will support businesses’ long-term growth,” he said. “They help firms not only capitalise on opportunities in the year ahead, but also build strong foundations well beyond 2026.”

Earlier research from Lloyds underlines why AI is attracting growing attention. In a study published in June, 82 per cent of businesses using AI said it had boosted productivity, while 76 per cent reported an improvement in profitability. Retailers reported the strongest productivity gains, while manufacturers were most likely to see a positive impact on profits.

Despite the momentum, barriers remain. Businesses cited the cost of AI tools, shortages of specialist skills, data privacy concerns and energy usage as factors slowing adoption. Even so, 56 per cent of firms said they intend to make new AI investments over the next year, while a quarter of those yet to adopt the technology said they plan to do so.

The barometer also points to a modest improvement in sentiment. Overall business confidence rose by five points in December to 47 per cent, up ten points over the course of 2025. Optimism about the wider UK economy climbed to a four-month high, with many firms expecting price pressures to continue easing.

However, caution remains evident on the consumer side. Early indicators suggest weaker high-street performance ahead of Christmas, with in-store footfall on the final Saturday before Christmas down almost 7 per cent year on year.

Taken together, the data paints a picture of businesses looking inward, investing in technology and people to drive efficiency, while remaining alert to fragile consumer demand and ongoing economic uncertainty.

Read more:
A third of UK businesses plan AI investment in 2026 as confidence ticks up

Small businesses across the UK have recovered £10 million in late and overdue payments with the help of the Office of the Small Business Commissioner, marking a major milestone in efforts to tackle damaging payment practices by larger organisations.

Almost £1 million has been recovered so far in the current financial year alone, with more than £500,000 secured in December 2025, highlighting an acceleration in enforcement and case resolution compared with previous years.

Since its establishment in 2017 under the Enterprise Act 2016, the Small Business Commissioner’s office has acted on behalf of small firms facing unpaid invoices or unfair payment behaviour. It reviews enquiries, investigates formal complaints and works directly with larger companies to resolve disputes and release outstanding funds.

The scale of the problem remains significant. Government research shows late payments cost the UK economy around £11 billion a year, contributing to the closure of roughly 4,000 businesses annually — the equivalent of 38 firms every day. Earlier this year, ministers launched a consultation on strengthening the powers of the Small Business Commissioner as part of a wider crackdown on late payment culture.

One small IT business supported by the Commissioner this year said intervention proved decisive after months of failed attempts to recover an overdue invoice from a large travel company.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the Small Business Commissioner for helping us recover a long-overdue payment after many unsuccessful attempts through email, phone calls and website forms,” a spokesperson said. “Being a microbusiness of just four people, we simply weren’t high on their radar. Thanks to the SBC’s support, we were able to make payroll this month.”

Emma Jones, the Small Business Commissioner, said the £10 million milestone underlined both the scale of the problem and the importance of small firms coming forward.

“What an incredible achievement,” she said. “Over £10 million retrieved for small firms, with almost £1 million recovered this financial year alone — three times the amount secured last year. Late payment is not only bad for business, it also takes a serious toll on founders’ mental health as they worry about paying bills and keeping their business going.”

Jones added that the office could only deliver results when businesses raised cases and urged more small firms to seek help if they were being paid late by larger customers.

Small businesses with unresolved payment disputes that they have been unable to settle directly are encouraged to contact the Small Business Commissioner for advice and support.

Read more:
£10m in late payments recovered for small firms by Small Business Commissioner

Britain’s electricity demand has risen for the second year in a row after two decades of decline, marking a decisive turning point as electric vehicles, heat pumps and AI data centres usher in a new era of electrification.

Provisional figures for 2025 show electricity consumption rose by 3 per cent, the fastest annual increase since 2001, according to analysis by Imperial College London for Drax Electric Insights. It is the first time the UK has recorded two consecutive years of demand growth since 2002–03.

Electricity use reached an estimated 273 terawatt-hours (TWh) this year, up from 266 TWh in 2024 and 262 TWh in 2023. Demand had peaked at 347 TWh in 2005 before falling steadily as appliances became more efficient, heavy industry declined and parts of the economy de-industrialised.

That long-term trend now appears to have reversed.

“We have reached a turning point after 20 years of demand falling,” said Iain Staffell, associate professor of sustainable energy at Imperial College and lead author of the Electric Insights analysis. “Electric vehicles, heat pumps and the data centres powering AI are now pushing up electricity demand.”

The rise reflects rapid electrification across transport, heating and digital infrastructure. Installations of heat pumps increased by around 20 per cent in 2025, while electric vehicle sales jumped 28 per cent, with roughly one in three new cars sold now electric. Power demand from data centres, fuelled by artificial intelligence, is also accelerating. It is estimated to have doubled since 2020 and now accounts for 3–4 per cent of UK electricity consumption, with projections suggesting it could exceed 10 per cent within a decade.

The Climate Change Committee has previously warned that electricity demand may need to at least double by 2050 if the UK is to meet its decarbonisation targets, a scenario that underpins government plans to expand generation capacity and upgrade the national grid at a cost of tens of billions of pounds.

Crucially, the analysis shows that the extra demand in 2025 was met entirely by cleaner power. Renewable generation rose sharply, led by a 35 per cent surge in solar output following the sunniest year on record and the connection of new solar farms. Solar still accounted for only 7 per cent of the total electricity mix, but wind remained the single largest source at 31 per cent for the second year running.

Gas-fired generation provided 28 per cent of electricity, while nuclear output fell to just 12 per cent — its lowest share since 1980 — after extended maintenance outages and unplanned shutdowns at ageing reactors.

“Our power system got cleaner at the same time as growing,” Staffell said. “Renewables met all the extra demand placed on the grid.”

Carbon emissions from electricity generation fell to their lowest level since 1938 following the final closure of coal-fired power stations in 2024. However, the cost impact was less benign. Wholesale electricity prices rose by 12 per cent over the year, driven by higher gas prices and a sharp increase in carbon costs.

The data underline a fundamental shift in the UK energy system: electricity demand is rising again — not because of inefficiency, but because power is replacing fossil fuels across the economy. The challenge now is whether generation, networks and storage can scale fast enough to keep pace without pushing costs sharply higher for households and businesses.

Read more:
UK electricity demand rises for second year running as EVs, heat pumps and AI drive surge

Over the past ten years, the New Year and Birthday Honours have increasingly reflected the changing shape of British business, from scale-up founders and fintech pioneers to industrial leaders and advocates for responsible capitalism.

These figures stand out for their sustained economic impact rather than celebrity alone.

Sir Richard Branson

Founder, Virgin Group

Already knighted, Branson has continued to receive recognition for services to entrepreneurship, employment and philanthropy. His Virgin ecosystem remains one of the UK’s most globally recognisable business exports.

Sir James Dyson

Founder, Dyson

Honoured for services to design, engineering and innovation, Dyson’s investment in advanced manufacturing and R&D has reinforced the UK’s reputation for high-value engineering, even as production has become increasingly global.

Dame Carolyn McCall

Chief Executive, ITV

Recognised for services to broadcasting and business leadership, McCall is widely credited with modernising legacy organisations, first at easyJet, then at ITV, while championing diversity at senior levels.

Sir Mike Ashley

Founder, Frasers Group

A controversial but undeniable force in UK retail, Ashley’s knighthood acknowledged decades of value creation, job generation and investment in British high streets and sports retail.

Dame Emma Walmsley

Chief Executive, GSK

One of the UK’s most senior female executives, Walmsley has been recognised for services to the pharmaceutical industry and life sciences, a sector increasingly central to Britain’s economic future.

Sir Charles Dunstone

Co-founder, Carphone Warehouse

Honoured for services to business and charity, Dunstone helped shape the UK’s consumer telecoms market and later became a leading figure in philanthropy and social enterprise.

Sir Ian Cheshire

Former CEO, Kingfisher

Awarded for services to business and sustainability, Cheshire has played a pivotal role in embedding environmental responsibility into board-level decision-making across UK corporates.

Dame Sharon White

Former Chair, John Lewis Partnership

Recognised for services to business and the public sector, White’s leadership bridged regulation, retail and governance during one of the most challenging periods for UK consumer businesses.

Taken together, these honours chart a shift away from purely industrial-era recognition towards leaders who combine commercial success with innovation, governance reform and long-term societal impact, a trend reinforced again in the 2026 New Year Honours.

Read more:
Top UK business honourees of the past decade

The 2026 New Year Honours List has highlighted a broad cross-section of UK business leaders, rewarding contributions from high-growth sectors, corporate stewardship, entrepreneurship and efforts to widen business opportunity and investment.

While the honours system casts a wide net across public service, arts, charity and science, several recipients stand out for their direct impact on the UK’s economy and business landscape.

Banking, finance and corporate leadership

Gary Andrew Hoffman — CBE

Appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services to the economy and sport, Hoffman is Chair of Monzo Bank Holding Group and Monzo Bank Ltd. His stewardship comes amid a period of rapid evolution in digital banking and a renewed focus on customer trust and regulatory compliance in UK fintech.

Ian Graham King — CBE

Awarded a CBE in recognition of his role as Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems and as Lead Non-Executive Director for the Department for Transport. King’s leadership at one of the UK’s largest defence and aerospace companies underscores the strategic importance of advanced manufacturing and technology-driven exports to the UK economy.

Entrepreneurship and small business champions

Jonathan Piers Daniel Linney — OBE

Honoured for his services to small business, entrepreneurs, investors, banking and diversity, Linney is the Executive Chair of Implement AI Ltd, a company at the intersection of technology adoption and SME scaling. His recognition reflects the growing profile of AI-enabled services in supporting UK startups and investment readiness.

Akin Onal — OBE

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of MORI, Onal has been awarded for services to entrepreneurship. His work is widely associated with championing the UK’s start-up ecosystem and fostering inclusive paths to business growth.

Marie Sarah Owen — OBE

Owen, Founder and Chief Executive of LS Productions, was recognised for services to the creative industries and economic development, a nod to the increasingly significant role that creative and media businesses play in economic vibrancy and regional growth.

Sector leadership and industry bodies

Mark Bamforth — OBE

Executive Chairman of Kincell Bio and General Partner at Kineticos AMR Accelerator Fund, Bamforth received honours for services to UK life sciences and UK-US business relations. His cross-border work in biotech funding and strategic partnerships reflects the UK’s globalising innovation economy.

Alessandra Bellini — OBE

The past President of the Advertising Association, Bellini was recognised for her contributions to the advertising and marketing sector — industries that underpin UK creative exports and digital media growth.

Safaraz Ali — OBE

As Chief Executive Officer of Pathway Group, Ali has been honoured for his leadership in diversity and inclusion in business. This award highlights how equitable talent and board representation are increasingly prioritised within modern UK corporate culture.

Joanne Liddle — OBE

Managing Director of Industrial Precision Components Ltd, Liddle was recognised for services to the aerospace sector in Northern Ireland, a reminder of the critical role manufacturing expertise plays in regional economies and national supply chains.

Entrepreneurial legacy and scale-up impact

Richard David Harpin — Knight Bachelor

Knighted for his services to business, Harpin (pictured) is the founder and former CEO of HomeServe, a £4.1bn home assistance business that now employs around 9,000 people. His career embodies the scale-up journey from start-up founder to industry disruptor, and his recent work with policy on apprenticeships emphasises business’s role in workforce development.

What this year’s list highlights is both diversity of contribution and the newer nature of business impact in Britain: from tech and fintech to manufacturing and creative industries, the honourees span sectors that collectively shape economic resilience and future opportunity.

This years honours signal areas of growth and influence, and underscore how recognition at the national level often mirrors broader themes in business policy and investment.

Read more:
UK business leaders and innovators honoured in 2026 New Year honours list

Octopus Energy Group is preparing to spin out its technology arm Kraken in a landmark deal that values the business at $8.65 billion, following a $1 billion standalone investment round.

The funding, announced in London on 29 December, is led by D1 Capital Partners, with participation from major global investors including Fidelity International, Durable Capital Partners and the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board through its Teachers’ Venture Growth arm.

The move paves the way for Kraken’s formal demerger and independence from Octopus Energy Group, allowing the platform to operate as a neutral, global technology provider to utilities while Octopus sharpens its focus on energy retail, generation and clean technology.

As part of the transaction, new and existing investors are acquiring around $1bn of Kraken equity. In parallel, investors led by Octopus Capital are injecting a further $320m into Octopus Energy Group to support innovation and growth across its wider businesses. After the split, Octopus will retain a 13.7% stake in Kraken.

Originally incubated within Octopus, Kraken has grown into one of the world’s most advanced AI-powered operating systems for energy utilities. It is now contracted to serve more than 70 million customer accounts globally through licensing agreements with major energy providers and processes over 15 billion new data points every day.

In September, Kraken revealed that its contracted annual revenues had exceeded $500m, representing fourfold growth in just three years. The company’s technology is increasingly seen as critical infrastructure for utilities modernising billing, customer service and grid management in support of the energy transition.

Greg Jackson, founder of Octopus Energy Group, said the demerger marked a natural next step. “Kraken is in a class of its own in terms of technology, capability and scale,” he said. “As an independent company with world-class backers, it will be free to grow even faster and is set to be a true UK-founded success story.”

Jackson added that Octopus itself would benefit from the move, pointing to its more than 10,000 staff, 11 million customers, $10bn of generation assets under management and expansion into areas such as EV leasing and heat pump manufacturing.

Kraken’s chief executive, Amir Orad, said independence would allow the platform to accelerate global adoption. “Becoming an independent company gives Kraken the focus and freedom to scale as a neutral, global operating system for utilities,” he said. “Our goal is to positively impact a billion lives within a decade.”

Dan Sundheim, founder and chief investment officer of D1 Capital Partners, said Kraken’s growth and customer retention underpinned the firm’s investment decision. “We believe Kraken is adding significant value to utilities, as reflected in its customer satisfaction, stickiness and growth,” he said.

Following the demerger, Kraken will operate with its own governance structure, leadership team and cap table, marking one of the most significant UK tech spin-outs in recent years and underlining the growing global demand for data-driven energy infrastructure.

Read more:
Octopus Energy to spin out Kraken in $8.65bn valuation deal

Buying a used iPhone loses its appeal if an iCloud Activation Lock screen appears. Users often find this after turning on the phone, leaving them unable to use it.

The Find My iPhone security feature Activation Lock. It prevents unauthorized use of a lost or stolen phone without the owner’s Apple ID and password.

This article explains why this lock emerges and how to bypass iCloud Activation lock securely. The greatest and most trusted techniques for protecting your data, privacy, and legal safety will be examined.

What Is iCloud Activation Lock and Why Does It Happen?

Apple protects your data with iCloud Activation Lock. Find My iPhone links the handset to the owner’s Apple ID. The lock persists on the phone after a reset to prevent unauthorized use. This prevents crooks from stealing or selling locked devices and safeguards owner data.

Second-hand customers often encounter this issue when sellers forget to deactivate the gadget from iCloud. An old owner, business, or repair shop that didn’t sign out may call. In this article, bypassing the lock means unlocking your own smartphone, not someone else’s.

Confirm the Device’s Status Before Buying (Pre-Purchase Checklist)

Before buying a used iPhone, inspect its condition. This easy action prevents issues.

1.    Check Activation Lock status via IMEI/serial number tools

Use the IMEI or serial number to check the device’s Activation Lock status. Many internet tools and Apple support checks can show if a device is linked to an Apple ID.

However, one should always perform a reset of the second-hand iPhone right in front of the seller before making a purchase. This is a sure way of confirming that the iPhone is not carrier locked and it is ready for use. In fact, a factory reset is a good test to see if the phone is Activation Lock free because after the reset the iPhone should not ask for the previous owner’s Apple ID or password during the setup process.

Go to “Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings”.

2.    Ask Seller to Remove Device from Their Apple ID.

Always ask the seller to remove the phone from their Apple ID before paying. This can be done on iPhone or iCloud.com.

3.    Show proof of purchase

Provide a receipt, bill, or documented selling agreement to prove purchase. These safeguard you if you require Apple support.

Apple’s Official Ways to Remove Activation Lock (Safest Route)

It’s better to use Apple’s approved Activation Lock removal solutions for safety. These solutions protect you from scammers, keep your device safe, and guarantee legal unlocks.

Sign In with the Original Owner’s Apple ID

Asking the owner to unlock the device is fastest. Ask the seller to input their Apple ID and password on the iPhone setup screen. This disables the Activation Lock immediately. They can remove the web lock without you by following these simple steps:

Step 1. Go into iCloud.com, click “All Devices.”

Step 2. Find the “iPhone,” and click “Remove.”

Step 3. Wait for a few minutes. They’ll unlock your iPhone so you can customize it.

Contact Apple Support with Proof of Ownership

If the original owner is unavailable, contact Apple Support. Apple can remove the Activation Lock if you verify ownership.

May need to show:

A receipt
Bill of sale
Details of the seller
The serial or IMEI number

Apple verifies your documentation to ensure the device is not lost or stolen. Your device will be unlocked after ownership verification. This process is safe and formal, but it may take days.

Safe Solutions to Bypass iCloud Lock

If the official Apple procedures fail, there are safe alternatives. These tools can help if you can’t reach the seller, don’t have their Apple ID, or have a used device without paperwork.

Solution #1 — Recommended: Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock (iOS)

Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock (iOS) is a powerful tool for unlocking stuck iPhones and iPads. It can be used if you forget the Apple ID, bought a used phone with Activation Lock, or cannot reach the previous owner. It works with iOS/iPadOS 26 on all new iPhones, including the iPhone 17 series.

Why It’s Recommended:

It bypasses iCloud Activation Lock without Apple ID.
Works with various iPhone/iPad models
Needs no jailbreak
Easy steps anyone may follow
User-safe, trusted by millions
It also unlocks screen passcodes, removes MDM, disables Screen Time, and removes SIM locks. This entire unlock solution is fast and secure.

How It Works:

Step 1. Start by installing Dr.Fone. Launch the software and select “Screen Unlock.” Select “iOS” to unlock.

Step 2. Dr.Fone displays unlock tools. Select “iCloud Activation Lock Removal.” This instructs the software to circumvent Activation Lock.

Step 3. Connect your iPhone or iPad to the PC via USB. Dr.Fone scans devices and displays their models and OSes. Verify the information and select “Unlock Now.”

Step 4. Dr.Fone downloads and removes the Activation Lock in Step 4. Avoid disconnecting your phone. The gadget may restart several times. You will get a success message and your iPhone will unlock after the process.

Your device will restart and allow you to use your Apple ID after a few minutes. One of the quickest and safest ways to obtain access.

Solution #2: Use an Official MDM Bypass (Business/Managed Devices)

Some iPhones are owned by schools or businesses. The IT team controls these phones via MDM. The phone may have an Activation Lock for a business or school.

IT workers often have a bypass code to access devices. Instead of Apple ID, they enter the code on the Activation Lock screen.

The steps are simple:

The IT admin logs in to Apple’s MDM or Apple Business Manager portal.
They locate the device in the organization’s inventory.
An Activation Lock bypass code is generated.
During iPhone setup, the bypass code is entered instead of the Apple ID password to unlock the device.

Other Common (But Risky/Unrecommended) Methods

Before you try any random approach online, be aware that many “quick fixes” are dangerous. These methods may seem beneficial, but they typically fail or damage your device. Consider the most prevalent dangerous tactics and why you should avoid them.

1.    DNS or software hacks

DNS changes can unlock an iPhone, according to certain sources. However, Activation Lock remains. It displays a bogus menu and disables most apps. It can also damage your phone’s internet settings.

2.    Flashing or BYPASS services

Many web services provide cheap “unlock” techniques. These may be scams. Some programs contain malware that steals data or damages phones.

3.    Jailbreak bypass

A jailbreak temporarily removes the lock, but a reboot or update restores it. It also compromises phone security.

Tips Before Bypassing iCloud Activation Lock

Prepare before trying any approach. This prevents problems and protects your phone.

If possible, back up your device. Backups protect images, messages, and information.
Your phone needs enough power and a good internet connection. Stable connections are needed for many unlocking tools.
Check your iPhone model and iOS version to avoid using the wrong tool.
Always avoid sharing personal information with unknown websites or people. Examples: Apple IDs, passwords, and payment info. Being diligent safeguards your phone and privacy.

Conclusion

An iCloud-locked iPhone can be unpleasant, but there are safe solutions. Official Apple techniques are always best and most trusted. If those fail, Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock (iOS) is straightforward and secure. Stay cautious, avoid dangerous hacks, and take precautions. You may unlock and use the phone again with the appropriate way.

Read more:
Bought an iCloud-Locked iPhone? Here’s How to Bypass Activation Lock Safely

Clear and reliable communication sits at the heart of every successful small business. Customers expect calls to be answered promptly, enquiries to be handled professionally, and appointments to be managed without friction.

For many business owners, meeting these expectations while keeping overheads under control can feel like a constant challenge. Staffing costs, limited availability, and growing customer demands all place pressure on already stretched teams.

As businesses grow, communication systems often struggle to keep pace. Missed calls, delayed responses, and overloaded staff can damage customer confidence and slow progress. Finding a smarter way to manage everyday interactions has become a priority for organisations looking to protect both service quality and profitability.

The Hidden Costs of Traditional Business Communication

Employing a dedicated receptionist has long been viewed as a sign of professionalism; however, the true cost often extends far beyond the salary. Employers must account for ongoing expenses such as National Insurance, pensions, holiday cover, training time, and workspace requirements. These costs can quickly escalate, particularly for small businesses operating on tight margins.

Training also represents a recurring commitment. New staff require time to learn the systems, understand call handling procedures, and adapt to the business tone. During this period, productivity often drops, and existing team members may need to provide additional support.

Missed calls remain another costly issue. When staff are busy or unavailable, unanswered calls can result in lost opportunities and frustrated customers. To address this challenge, many businesses are now turning to an AI-powered call answering service solution that ensures calls are answered consistently while reducing reliance on permanent reception staff.

Modern Communication Challenges for UK Small Businesses

Customer expectations have changed. Many people now expect businesses to be reachable beyond traditional office hours, especially when making initial enquiries. For small teams, this can lead to long working days or inconsistent coverage.

Communication channels have also expanded. Phone calls remain important, but customers also expect quick responses across email, online forms, and other platforms. Managing these demands without additional resources can overwhelm staff and lead to delays.

Seasonal fluctuations further complicate matters. Some businesses experience sharp increases in call volumes during peak periods, followed by quieter months. Maintaining full-time reception cover throughout the year can be inefficient, while understaffing during busy times risks missed enquiries.

The True Cost of Missed Opportunities

Every missed call represents more than a single unanswered enquiry. It may signal to potential customers that the business is unavailable or unreliable. First impressions matter, and poor responsiveness can send people elsewhere before a conversation even begins.

An AI receptionist can help ensure that calls are handled promptly, providing reassurance that the business is attentive and organised. This consistency plays an important role in customer retention, particularly in competitive sectors where alternatives are readily available.

How AI Technology Transforms Business Communication

Modern AI systems have advanced well beyond basic call routing. An AI receptionist utilises natural language processing to comprehend caller intent, respond appropriately, and evolve. Rather than forcing callers through rigid menus, these systems create smoother and more intuitive interactions.

Speech recognition allows the system to identify common enquiries and route calls efficiently. Returning callers can be recognised, and information from previous interactions can be referenced to create a more personalised experience.

Integration with existing business software further enhances efficiency. When connected to booking systems or customer records, an AI receptionist can manage appointments, capture enquiry details, and reduce administrative workload without human intervention.

Beyond Basic Call Answering

The capabilities of an AI receptionist extend well beyond answering phones. Appointment scheduling is one of the most valuable features, allowing callers to book, amend, or cancel appointments directly. This reduces back-and-forth communication, freeing staff to focus on more complex tasks.

Multilingual support is another advantage for businesses serving diverse communities. AI systems can communicate in multiple languages, improving accessibility without requiring multilingual staff.

Measuring the Financial Impact of Communication Technology

Comparing traditional reception staffing with an AI receptionist highlights clear financial differences. Permanent staff bring fixed costs that remain regardless of call volume, while AI-based solutions typically operate on predictable subscription models that scale more easily.

Savings extend beyond wages. Reduced training requirements, lower staff turnover, and fewer disruptions caused by absences all contribute to long-term efficiency. Businesses also benefit from improved consistency, as the system performs reliably without fatigue or variation.

Productivity improvements are often seen quickly. Staff spend less time handling routine enquiries and more time on work that directly supports growth. This shift can lead to stronger outcomes without increasing headcount.

Implementation Strategies for Small Businesses

Successful implementation begins with understanding current communication needs. Reviewing call volumes, enquiry types, and peak times helps determine which features will deliver the greatest benefit. This assessment ensures the chosen system aligns with real operational demands.

Selecting a provider that offers flexibility and sector-specific configuration is equally important. Customisation allows the AI receptionist to reflect the tone, processes, and priorities of the business rather than forcing generic interactions.

Gradual rollout often produces the best results. Many businesses begin by using AI support outside office hours before expanding coverage once confidence grows. This approach allows for time to refine without disrupting service.

Common Implementation Pitfalls

Poor customisation can undermine the customer experience. Generic scripts may fail to capture essential details or route calls appropriately. Careful setup ensures enquiries are handled accurately from the start.

Integration issues can also limit effectiveness. If systems do not communicate smoothly, staff may need to duplicate work, reducing efficiency. Ensuring compatibility with existing tools is critical.

Clear communication with both staff and customers supports a smooth transition. Team members should understand how and when the AI receptionist operates, while customers benefit from reassurance that help remains available when needed.

Moving Forward with Smarter Communication Solutions

Adopting intelligent communication tools allows small businesses to strengthen customer engagement while keeping overheads under control. Reliable call handling, improved availability, and better use of staff time all contribute to a more resilient operation.

Small businesses no longer need to choose between professional communication and manageable costs. Smarter solutions now make it possible to deliver consistent, reliable service without the burden of traditional reception staffing.

Exploring AI-driven communication options could be the step that transforms how your business connects with customers, supports your team, and builds confidence at every point of contact.

Read more:
Improving Small Business Communication While Cutting Overhead Costs