Business Confidence stories

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UK manufacturing SMEs could boost GDP by GBP £83bn if they scale, but face barriers like outdated planning and funding access, says new report.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

According to CONTEXT's latest analysis, the PC market is facing a shaky demand downturn but may rebound by 2025 thanks to AI advancements and Windows 11 upgrades.

A new report reveals that 95% of UK finance leaders struggle with global spend management due to outdated systems, hindering business growth.

New Datacom research reveals that 70% of Australians would increase their confidence in local councils through tech investments, yet only 37% see councils as tech-savvy.

DC01UK plans to build a GBP £3.75 billion data centre in Hertsmere, aiming to cater to rising AI and cloud computing demands, creating thousands of jobs.

The UK's EV charging infrastructure is lagging amid shifting phase-out dates for petrol and diesel cars. Will it catch up by 2030?.

Vistage’s latest UKI SME CEO Confidence Index reveals growing optimism among business leaders, with 62% forecasting a revenue boost in the next year ahead of the General Election.

A new study by LogRhythm reveals a critical disconnect between APAC security execs and customers on cyber defence efficacy, prompting strategy overhauls.

Technological developments fuel the confidence of Australian middle-market firms towards future growth, despite overall industry dips, finds a Pitcher Partners report.

Research reveals untapped potential in payroll systems to provide strategic insights for business confidence amid tough economic conditions in Australia.

Amid economic jitters, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) forecasts a noteworthy fall in UK salary increments from 5% to 4% this year, despite reviving business confidence.

Empowering credit control teams with automation technology and a proactive involvement in strategy could fuel profitable growth for businesses in 2024, despite a gloomy economic outlook.

The UK job market faced a slump in late 2023 amid economic unrest, leading to a reduced number of vacancies but an increased demand for skilled labour, says the latest KPMG and REC report.

Nearly two in five UK businesses see high inflation as a major uncontrollable concern, hindering recovery efforts, with tech investment cutbacks in response, reveals a Zoho study.

RSM Australia study reveals a bolstering confidence in growth prospects for the country's agtech sector despite challenges.