01732 759725 4 BULLETIN Compliance key driver behind cloud repatriation New research from digital infrastructure provider Pulsant suggests that compliance pressures linked to the rise of AI will become the leading force behind cloud repatriation projects over the next two years. The independent study, conducted by Vanson Bourne, shows that 97% of organisations are confident their current data strategies will remain fit for purpose. 90% predict an increase in their technology investment over the same period. This follows 78% reporting that they have increased investment over the past two years. Digital infrastructure is the top priority for this investment, with 37% of businesses prioritising the area. 78% of respondents ranked AI among the top three factors influencing data strategy. Data sovereignty and residency concerns follow closely, cited by 55% of respondents. Nearly four fifths (79%) say sovereignty considerations are shaping their infrastructure decisions, and these organisations plan to increase investment by an average of 13% over the next two years. The research also indicates that UK businesses may have reached peak public cloud. 87% plan to partially or fully move away from public cloud services, with 54% considering private cloud, 38% exploring an increased reliance on their own datacentres, and 36% exploring co location. www.pulsant.com The £120 million office printer perk UK employees’ personal use of office printers is costing businesses an eye-watering £120 million annually, according to the latest survey by Cartridge Save. Office printers are meant to serve business needs, but a significant portion of printing is purely personal. From CVs and event tickets to forms, recipes, and even kids’ homework, staff are quietly racking up huge costs. 21% of respondents admitted to printing resumes during office hours; 17% use office printers for concert or travel bookings; 14% print government forms, mortgage applications, and similar documents; 9% have used work printers for children’s assignments; and 6% printed horoscopes, memes, or dating profiles. Ian Cowley, Managing Director of Cartridge Save said: “The hidden cost of personal printing is bigger than most businesses realise. Simple interventions, like implementing print quotas, tracking usage, or offering small allowances for personal printing, can drastically reduce costs without alienating staff. It’s about balancing responsible use with employee goodwill.” www.cartridgesave.co.uk Uncertainty is holding back SMB digital and AI adoption Digital solutions provider team.blue has published a new report examining the digital maturity of more than 8,000 small businesses across 30 European countries, revealing that while appetite for digital and AI tools is strong, many SMEs remain unsure how to begin. According to the findings, 30% of small businesses do not know which digital tools they should be using, and more than 1 in 4 say they lack the skills or knowledge to get started. The challenge is particularly acute among older, more established firms, where reluctance to adopt AI rises above 60%. Claudio Corbetta, Group CEO of team.blue, said: “Technology, especially AI, has outpaced the capacity of many small businesses to keep up. Small businesses understand that AI has the potential be transformative, but the current ecosystem too often assumes a level of digital fluency that simply isn’t there yet. “When we simplify the path and make tools genuinely usable, AI stops being intimidating and starts becoming a catalyst for creativity, efficiency and growth. The opportunity isn’t just to help small businesses adopt AI, but to empower them to shape what’s possible with it.” The report shows that small businesses are overwhelmed by the sheer volume of digital choices and unclear pathways. Many report that digital technology feels complex and timeconsuming, with one in five citing a lack of time or resources as a barrier to adoption. What’s more, on average, small businesses rate their confidence in choosing and using digital tools at just 6 out of 10. AI adoption is growing, with nearly 20% of businesses using it extensively and a further third experimenting. However, trust remains a sticking point, almost half of respondents trust AI less than human-led work, raising concerns about data security, accuracy and brand voice. More than 22% say they still don’t know enough about AI to move forward. The strongest demand from SMEs is for clearer guidance rather than more technology. Half of respondents say step by step support would help them progress, while 42% want advice on which tools to use and 38% value training and workshops. https://team.blue Ian Cowley BULLETIN New research Loftware has released its 2026 Top 5 Trends Report, revealing that global businesses are accelerating supply chain modernisation amid rising disruption, regulatory pressure, and geopolitical uncertainty. Based on insights from more than 400 professionals across 55 countries, the report highlights rapid adoption of connected supplier networks, cloud-based labelling, smart packaging, and AI‑driven automation. Loftware President and CEO Jim Bureau said agility and intelligence will define the future of supply chains. Loftware’s report shows that autonomous supply chain technologies are gaining traction. Powered by SaaS-based labelling platforms, AI analytics, and integrated data, these systems help detect disruptions earlier, optimise logistics in real-time, and automate error-prone processes. www.loftware.com
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