Small Business (SMB) stories
Smaller businesses across Japan and Asia Pacific will gain wider access to CrowdStrike’s Falcon platform through expanded distributor-led partnerships.
Australia’s smallest employers face heavier payroll compliance as PaySauce targets 694,000 micro-businesses with new hires and AUD $4 million backing.
Small businesses could see faster reporting and less manual admin as AI-driven rivals automate bookkeeping and pressure QuickBooks to adapt.
The new platform aims to cut routine bookkeeping for small firms by automating payments, reconciliation and tax prep while keeping users in control.
Nearly all Scottish tech firms now use AI, with full adoption doubling to 18% as sales and cashflow improve despite softer confidence.
Wider use of new financial health tools could help 200,000 more UK SMEs a year secure lending, CFIT said after testing prototypes.
UK Xero users can now manage supplier, expense and employee payments in one place as Dext expands its payments tool with payroll.
Recurring revenue and AI subscriptions helped the Italian software group lift annual revenue 12% to EUR 1.15 billion and widen margins.
Businesses risk slower sites, weaker security and lost leads if they overlook core WordPress tools that help sites run smoothly and rank better.
A tougher fee regime is pushing the payments firm to offer SMEs more services, from POS and broadband to bookkeeping, beyond EFTPOS.
Business customers could soon get more automated spending controls as American Express buys Hyper to add AI expense tools to its commercial services.
More than 150 Alberta jobs are set to be supported as federal cash helps local manufacturers automate production and diversify exports.
The commitment could help Episode 1’s latest fund reach a first close and attract more private capital for early-stage UK start-ups.
The plan could deepen UK firms’ dependence on overseas AI providers unless ministers also spur wider enterprise adoption and infrastructure.
The showcase highlighted early-stage ventures tackling clinical delays, relationship support and school safety as finalists pitched to investors and local firms.
Customers can now freeze cards or check spending by text or voice, as Revolut joins banks racing to make finance apps conversational.
All ticket sales will support charity as the Sydney event aims to give managed service providers practical lessons instead of vendor pitches.
Energy uncertainty is delaying spending, with 39 per cent of firms postponing expansion plans as costs and supply stay volatile.
Employers are rewarding office presence with higher salaries and bonuses as hybrid staff risk falling behind on pay and progression.
Nearly half of Australian SMEs still avoid AI, but uptake is rising as firms use it mainly to cut admin and save time.