Business Confidence stories

CPiO appoints Duncan Boyne as Power BI Lead to enhance data strategy and analytics for UK SMEs amid economic uncertainty and operational challenges.

UK fintech founders embrace AI, with 83% adopting it, despite 81% losing confidence in the economy and nearly half considering relocating abroad due to tax concerns.

Despite rising costs and softening profits, 92% of New Zealand's SMEs remain confident in their business outlook over the next year and five years ahead.

Duality Technologies partners with Google Cloud to deliver confidential AI using NVIDIA GPUs, enabling secure, scalable large language model training for enterprises.

The Visual Media Association has launched its 2025 survey to benchmark Australia’s AUD $15bn print, sign, packaging and visual media sector amid key government reviews.

NZ small businesses saw 1.9% sales growth year-on-year, but jobs fell 1.2%, with sectors like construction and hospitality facing ongoing challenges.

UK electronics firms are boosting stock and purchase orders ahead of Q4, responding to longer lead times and aiming to meet demand during key retail periods.

Job ads in New Zealand rose 0.6% in July, marking a spring recruitment surge as tourism and IT sectors prepare for a busy summer season.

UK firms are boosting AI investment and upskilling plans, with 42% hiring for AI roles amid inflation and rising energy costs, says Barclays survey.

Searches for “PR Agency Auckland” hit a five-year peak, signalling strong growth as Kiwi tech firms boost funding, launches, and international expansion.

A VML study reveals UK business leaders face growing confusion and reduced confidence as digital transformation complexity stalls progress and staff morale.

Confidence in New Zealand's civil construction sector has fallen sharply despite a USD $207 billion infrastructure pipeline and growing tech adoption.

London SMEs lead in digital support and funding access, while nearly three-quarters of regional firms lack involvement in mentoring and digital initiatives.

Australian businesses in 2025 will focus on new hires, staff upskilling, and office upgrades, favouring low-cost, high-impact investments amid tight profit margins.

UK SME leaders show cautious optimism with a slight confidence rise, yet worry over AI adoption, Brexit competitiveness, and EU market expansion in 2025.

UK manufacturing SMEs could boost GDP by GBP £83bn if they scale, but face barriers like outdated planning and funding access, says new report.

UK electronics manufacturers saw sales revenue and profit margins drop 23% in Q1 2025, despite a 30% overall rise in sales across other UK manufacturers.

Significant rise in identity fraud targeting European firms, with 59% reporting more attacks despite 74% feeling confident in their defences, Signicat finds.

Confidence among UK tech leaders has dipped, with 61% viewing conditions as neutral or poor, though 84% plan investments in AI and innovation next year.

The VivaTech Confidence Barometer shows 85% of tech firms prioritising AI investment, with US executives most optimistic about national competitiveness.