
Payments executives are confident; fewer are ready for the future. A new ACI Worldwide study reveals a growing divide between confidence and capability among global payments leaders, with legacy systems and internal resistance holding back modernisation as industry expectations accelerate into 2026.

UK office workers say AI is saving them almost half a working day. A new study by Salesforce and IDC suggests a steep jump in productivity gains — but the headline may not reflect the broader workforce experience.

Most AI tools miss where teamwork happens. Miro’s new study finds 75% of global business leaders believe current AI systems focus too much on individual tasks, hindering collaboration and slowing transformation. The findings underline a growing demand for AI that supports shared workspaces and team-level creativity.

GoodData unveils its Intelligence Layer for governed, context-aware AI. The platform embeds data governance, business logic, and semantic integrity into every analytical process, enabling enterprises to make faster, more reliable AI-driven decisions across complex environments.

Eight North of England startups have secured investment through PraeSeed. The six-week accelerator, backed by the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II and PXN Ventures, has invested £200,000 in each company, taking total funding to £3 million and expanding its support for Northern innovation.

London ranks second globally for tech innovation, Zurich leads. The latest Z/Yen Smart Centres Index highlights London’s tech prowess, surpassing San Francisco. Zurich tops the list, while Singapore climbs to third. Oxford and Cambridge remain key players, bolstered by university spin-offs.

AI meets fragrance discovery in Jo Malone’s latest innovation. The Estée Lauder Companies and Jo Malone London have unveiled an AI-powered Scent Adviser experience designed to recreate the brand’s signature in-store consultation online, helping consumers find their ideal fragrance through natural language interaction.

Three in four disabled UK shoppers face digital barriers. New AccessiWay research shows accessibility issues are driving customers away during key sales periods, with calls for stronger regulation and inclusion on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

London’s new AI lab aims to lead global research efforts. The five-year collaboration will focus on foundational AI research in safety, reliability, and societal impact, combining Imperial’s academic strength with Thomson Reuters’ applied expertise in large-scale systems.

Company claims that platform predicts human behaviour with 85%+ accuracy. Developed over two years of applied research, the platform interprets signals across media to generate behavioural foresight for businesses in sectors from retail to healthcare.