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Hybrid working is proving to be more than a perk. CIPD and ONS data show flexible models cut absence, aid retention, and support productivity — but also risk digital presenteeism and deepening workforce divides if not well managed.
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Starmer forms a “budget board” to mend business relations. The board will meet weekly to coordinate growth policies before the Autumn Budget on 26 November. It aims to maintain strong ties with business leaders and the City.
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Cloud demand is soaring across industries amid AI-enabled infrastructure transformation. Oracle’s remaining performance obligations jumped to $455 billion, reflecting the speed of adoption and investor confidence. AI workloads, multicloud strategies and hyperscale build-outs are reshaping cloud from optional service into critical corporate infrastructure.
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US holiday sales growth is projected to slow sharply this season. Deloitte forecasts a 2.9 % to 3.4 % increase for 2025, marking the weakest rate since the pandemic. In-store sales are losing momentum, while e-commerce continues to grow steadily despite inflationary pressure.
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Todd Davison wanted SMEs to borrow without risking everything. His insurance venture has grown steadily, offering protection for directors against personal guarantee liabilities, and is now preparing for international expansion into other markets where guarantees are common.
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DNB deploys AI to accelerate Malaysia’s 5G service management. Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB), Malaysia’s national 5G infrastructure provider, has implemented BMC Helix to streamline service operations, reduce incident response times, and support national connectivity innovation.
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FCA warns firms against excessive compliance with Consumer Duty rules. The financial watchdog aims to simplify compliance, addressing concerns about regulatory burden and cost. The FCA seeks to clarify expectations and improve flexibility, ensuring businesses do not overinterpret requirements.
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UK employees missed nearly ten days of work last year. The CIPD’s 2025 Health and wellbeing at work report finds sickness absence rising to its highest level in over a decade, with mental ill health and musculoskeletal issues among the leading causes.
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Nominations are open for Bold Woman Award by Veuve Clicquot. Now in its 54th year, the prestigious award recognises exceptional female founders and business leaders who embody the pioneering legacy of Madame Clicquot. Two awards — Bold Woman and Bold Future — will be presented in London in 2026.
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UK employers are tightening pay offers amid growing fiscal pressure. Median pay settlements fell to 3.0 per cent in the three months to July — the lowest since December 2021 — with just 9 per cent of employers awarding 4 per cent or more. Labour market cooling and tax concerns are driving caution ahead of…