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Crescendo expands into Europe with an AI-native customer experience platform. The company is using the UK as its regional base for a broader push into AI-led service operations.
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Businesses face highest cost inflation since Truss’ mini-Budget. Rising raw material prices have significantly impacted the UK services sector, contributing to over 80% of GDP, as inflationary pressures increase due to geopolitical tensions and supply concerns.
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Employment Hero launches HeroForce for UK hiring and compliance relief. The model applies Employer of Record infrastructure to domestic employment, with Employment Hero taking on payroll and statutory responsibilities for SMEs.
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inploi has raised fresh capital to expand hiring automation tools. The funding will support UK and US growth, alongside new AI tools for high-volume recruitment.
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PeopleBench has acquired a resilience framework for workforce development strategy. The deal combines workforce analytics with a psychometric tool focused on sustainable performance, adaptability, and wellbeing.
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Skills shortages remain a major growth barrier for Yorkshire businesses. BDO’s latest survey found similar pressure across the Midlands, South East, and South West, with retail, hospitality, and manufacturing affected.
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Payment failures are putting retail and hospitality sales at risk. FreedomPay’s latest study found fast-rising losses during outages, alongside pressure on staff and customer patience.
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SME leaders face intense pressure, but resilience can be built. Contributors from the Help to Grow: Management community outline five practical ways to reduce stress, from setting boundaries and delegating to seeking mentorship, reconnecting with purpose, and investing in leadership development.
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Small businesses are being held back by weak financial confidence. Kate Hayward, Xero’s UK managing director, argues that stronger financial literacy can help owners manage cash flow, avoid costly mistakes, and make better decisions on growth, hiring, and investment.
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Searches around fertility at work are climbing sharply in Britain. Mills & Reeve says a 550% five-year rise reflects growing legal and workplace complexity around IVF, surrogacy, adoption, and other routes to parenthood.