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Global ad growth faces a geopolitical stress test this year. WARC says Hormuz disruption could put nearly $94bn of projected advertising investment at risk.
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Late payment reform would redraw commercial terms for UK suppliers. The Commercial Payments Bill would cap payment terms, strengthen interest rights, and expand Small Business Commissioner powers.
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Cardiff Capital Region has passed its second UK Gateway Review. The approval unlocks £134 million in UK Government funding to support economic growth, jobs, skills, and priority sectors across South East Wales over the next five years.
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AI use is rising faster than workforce readiness levels. Skillsoft says 86% of employees use AI, but only 24% feel fully equipped.
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Most UK businesses are missing from AI-generated commercial recommendations online. LLM Listed says 87% of analysed UK businesses failed to appear for primary commercial AI search terms, despite many continuing to invest in traditional SEO.
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Tribunal award non-payment now carries sharper enforcement consequences. Employers face financial penalties, interest, and possible public naming where awards remain unpaid.
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Brand investment is being weakened by poor measurement discipline. Gartner says 84% of companies are stuck in a cycle of undermeasuring and underfunding brand.
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Retail chiefs warn policy costs threaten youth employment routes. More than 80 CEOs have urged the Prime Minister to act as entry-level hiring becomes harder.
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Executives still rely on instinct when data arrives too late. Confluent research finds 82% of UK leaders feel forced to choose between fast and informed decisions as data access, timeliness, and confidence remain persistent barriers.
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A four-day week could strengthen disability inclusion at work. New research says reduced hours without loss of pay may improve retention, wellbeing, and employment sustainability.