Many experts recommend that you should start out in a voluntary capacity, rather than trying to make the leap from executive director to corporate Ned. Schools, academies and charities, for instance, are always on the lookout for directors with strong commercial skills to serve them as governors and trustees.

From mind-controlled cars to perma-charged batteries, innovations in development today are poised to enhance, disrupt and even spawn whole new industries, writes futurist Will Higham

Directors are at high risk, but there are new ways to protect your data at Companies House

Only a quarter of British SMEs make use of mentors. Experts discuss what both parties stand to gain

Robert Ettinger, CEO of British leather goods firm Ettinger, on how he has developed the brand in Japan

The benefits of carbon neutrality can be realised more easily and cost-effectively than firms might imagine

The IoD’s Information and Advisory Service offers guidance for licensing

Tomorrow’s best employees will be putting self-determination and community before office gimmicks, writes futurist Will Higham

The former IoD head of taxation makes the case for the main concessions

An authority on trust in the digital age, Botsman offers advice on public speaking and explains why the new principles of trust pose a challenge for business leaders

Russ Shaw, founder of Tech London Advocates, a global network of 6,000 tech leaders, answers your biggest AI questions

There’s much about Brazil to attract firms right now. UK imports do better here than those from other nations