Letitia Randell

Smaller businesses are the engines of the UK economy but right now, too many are stuck in first gear. Right now, 36% of small businesses are growing—an encouraging sign, up from 21% in July 2024—but most small firms are ready to put their foot on the accelerator. Those using digital tools are shifting into higher gears: boosting revenue, increasing sales confidence, and enhancing productivity. Yet one in three small businesses still haven’t tapped AI tools.

New data from Fiverr’s third annual UK Future Workforce Index reveals that over a third (35%) of UK businesses are saving over £40,000 per month by turning to freelancers – with the average monthly saving exceeding £33,000 – highlighting the hard value of workforce flexibility in today’s challenging economic climate.

New research from one of the leading health and wellbeing providers Westfield Health has revealed that women in the UK are 13% more likely to experience burnout than men, with significant implications for both individuals and the organisations that employ them. The study, based on a survey of 2,001 economically active adults, found that 36.4% of women report frequent burnout, compared to just 25.4% of men.