Business Confidence Stories - Page 7

Global Stories

Business Confidence stories

UK leaders report confusion as digital transformation grows

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

By Shannon Williams • 3 min read • Fri, 15th Aug 2025

Artificial Intelligence

UK SME leaders remain cautious on growth, AI & EU expansion

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

By Jed Nykolle Harme • 4 min read • Thu, 26th Jun 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Tech executives prioritise AI, face privacy & eco concerns

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

By Sean Mitchell • 2 min read • Fri, 21st Feb 2025

Stories from Other Regions

Business Confidence stories

Marketing Technologies

VMA goes data-first with 2025 Industry Metrics launch

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.

By Melania Watson • 4 min read • Thu, 30th Oct 2025

Agricultural Technology

NZ small business sales show slow growth as jobs decline

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.

By Sean Mitchell • 3 min read • Thu, 30th Oct 2025

Supply Chain

UK electronics firms boost stock as lead times rise before Q4

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.

By Shannon Williams • 4 min read • Fri, 26th Sep 2025

Agricultural Technology

New Zealand job ads stabilise as spring brings early recruitment surge

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.

By Shannon Williams • 3 min read • Wed, 17th Sep 2025

Digital Transformation

UK firms boost AI investment & upskilling despite challenges

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

By Shannon Williams • 5 min read • Thu, 11th Sep 2025

Data Protection

Why searches for “PR Agency Auckland” signal a surge in tech sector growth

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

By Mark Devlin • 4 min read • Tue, 26th Aug 2025

Construction

Call to action if contractors are to survive

Confidence in New Zealand’s civil construction sector has slumped, with only 16 percent of firms expecting a positive outlook amid fewer projects.

By Staff Writer • 4 min read • Sun, 17th Aug 2025

Productivity

Plunge in business confidence

Only 16 percent now have a positive outlook, as a lack of work and uncertainty threaten jobs across New Zealand's civil construction sector.

By Staff Writer • 4 min read • Mon, 4th Aug 2025

Fleet Management

NZ civil construction sector faces confidence drop, workforce shortage

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

By Melania Watson • 4 min read • Mon, 28th Jul 2025

Government

London SMEs lead in digital support as regional gap widens

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

By Catherine Knowles • 3 min read • Thu, 10th Jul 2025

Customer Experience

Australian firms to prioritise staff upskilling & office upgrades in 2025

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

By Shannon Williams • 4 min read • Wed, 9th Jul 2025

Digital Transformation

UK manufacturing SMEs could boost GDP by GBP £83bn if scaled up

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

By Kaleah Salmon • 5 min read • Wed, 18th Jun 2025

Small Business

Electronics manufacturers see 23% fall in sales & profit margins

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.

By Sean Mitchell • 2 min read • Tue, 10th Jun 2025

Fintech

AI accelerates identity fraud as firms overestimate defences

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

By Shannon Williams • 4 min read • Tue, 3rd Jun 2025

Digital Transformation

UK tech leader confidence drops amid economic uncertainty

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.

By Shannon Williams • 3 min read • Thu, 8th May 2025