Manchester stories

Hendrix Rose PR has been appointed to lead UK media relations for fashion search specialist Verde Digital, targeting fashion and eCommerce titles.

Huawei kit swap-out blamed as London’s 5G speeds and reliability fall behind Glasgow and other UK cities, new analysis suggests.

Monzo data shows spending on AI platforms has more than doubled to GBP £19 million in 2025, as pre-loved shopping and coffee also surge.

Widdop launches its first direct-to-consumer eCommerce site for Softies plush toys, marking a major digital shift for the 140-year-old brand.

Vespertec says AI growth will slam into hard data centre limits by 2026, as chip, memory and cooling bottlenecks reshape infrastructure plans.

UK firms pour cash into cyber security yet neglect AI-specific threats, leaving new attack surfaces exposed despite rising confidence.

Manchester’s FourNet has scooped Palatine’s inaugural Leadership in Social Value award after generating GBP £2,660,194 in social value.

Nottingham tech startups and grads surge ahead, but the city trails rival hubs on Innovate UK cash, securing just GBP £6.1 million in 2024/25.

Manchester agency PushON marks 20 years with 40% revenue growth, tripled scale and fresh AI-driven, international eCommerce ambitions.

UK tech leaders say 2026 will test firms’ AI adoption, network resilience and talent strategy, while priming the sector for faster growth.

ABB is acquiring UK diagnostics specialist IPEC to bolster AI-driven predictive maintenance for data centres and critical infrastructure.

IDHL launches IDHL Labs, a group-wide AI incubator backed by GBP £1.5 million to fast-track automation, tooling and data-driven services.

AI data centres are set to strain power grids, labour and emissions targets, forcing the UK and Australia to rethink energy and skills plans.

Six UK cyber startups join a new state-backed scheme to defend critical infrastructure as severe attacks on key services jump 50% in a year.

IDHL has acquired Vervaunt, adding over 70 experts and investing GBP £1.5 million in AI to boost eCommerce and digital marketing capabilities.

Manchester beauty brand P. Louise raked in GBP £2 million in sales on TikTok Shop within 14 hours, aided by eCommerce consultancy PushON.

Manchester’s fintech sector, now worth over GBP £1 billion annually, hosts FinTech North’s conference highlighting innovation, diversity, and growth in the region.

UK finance teams face slow expense claim approvals and vague submissions, with 27% taking over a month and GBP £60 million in claims analysed.

AI and digital skills are now essential in UK law firms, transforming recruitment as firms seek talent to navigate technology-driven legal services.

Manchester's PushON Commerce has acquired Pixel Kicks, merging expertise to expand digital marketing and eCommerce services across multiple sectors.