Economy stories

Australia’s family business sector, contributing AUD $1b annually to philanthropy and employing half the workforce, calls for dedicated government ministers.

FloQast ranked No. 1503 on the Inc. 5000 list for the third year, highlighting its rapid growth in accounting software amid challenging economic conditions.

The Denodo University Challenge invites global students to develop AI solutions for real-world social and economic issues, with registration open until 16 November.

Contractor and consulting roles surge globally, with Oyster reporting a 46% rise in contractor engagements and a tenfold increase in consulting hires in 2024.

Business numbers in Australia have surged over 17% since 2019, led by healthcare growth and booming regions like Melton, Victoria, despite economic challenges.

UK CEOs are delaying investments and reshaping strategies amid trade uncertainties, with 83% postponing plans due to recent tariff changes, finds EY survey.

SugarCRM integrates sales-i with Sugar Sell to help sales teams uncover revenue opportunities and enhance performance amid economic challenges.

Anetac launches Human Link Pro, unifying human and non-human identity management with AI to combat rising security risks amid workforce shifts globally.

Retailers name the cost of living crisis their biggest challenge in 2025, with 56% citing it as the main concern amid economic uncertainty, says Fluent Commerce.

Qantas and Airbus have committed AUD $15 million to Climate Tech Partners, aiming to boost sustainable aviation fuel and decarbonisation tech in aviation.

The European Large Format Display market is struggling as unit sales and prices dip, despite higher shipments; education sector saturation is a key factor.

A report reveals that business travellers are booking hotels earlier, with average lead times rising to 17.35 days in late 2024, up nearly 7% from 2023.

Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation and Kintone Southeast Asia have enhanced their partnership to boost digital adoption among Malaysia's SMEs, crucial for economic growth.

Workplace gifting is evolving as living costs rise, with fewer colleagues contributing but higher average amounts per gift, reports GroupTogether.

Anchor has successfully raised USD $20 million in Series A funding to combat late payments for U.S. small businesses, boosting growth and efficiency.

Kantar's latest report reveals a surge in ad-supported streaming subscriptions in the UK, rising to 31% amid changing viewer habits and economic pressures.

A recent survey reveals that 77% of New Zealand business leaders are increasingly concerned about economic uncertainty as they prepare for 2025.

ScotlandIS predicts a surge in AI skills demand and hybrid working models for 2025, despite economic hurdles, with a push for greener data centres.

NVIDIA has unveiled its inaugural research and development centre in Vietnam, a significant step in enhancing the country's artificial intelligence landscape.

The Canberra Innovation Network has boosted the Australian Capital Territory's economy, adding AUD $196 million to its Gross State Product in 2024.