Small Business (SMB) stories

Vodafone and Google Cloud widen their SMB push with new Gemini-based concierge and managed cyber defences, starting in Germany and Greece.

Temenos and Bain warn banks that cloud, AI and stablecoins will reshape competition, with core modernisation now key to growth.

Managed service providers can boost renewals and upsell revenue by turning hidden security work into clear, customer-ready reports that prove value.

World IP Day spotlights how sports brands' trademark wars, NFT disputes and licensing fights underpin billions in commercial value.

New Zealand small firms are being urged to join up systems and security year-round, as 42% say tax season is their most stressful period.

Temenos and Bain warn that banks must modernise core systems, governed data and cloud architecture as AI, stablecoins and personalisation gather pace.

Thrive widens post-Abacode push with managed compliance service for firms facing tougher rules and cyber risk.

Everywhen warns businesses and consumers to check web addresses, padlocks and browser alerts as fake sites fuel rising cyber fraud risk.

NZD $173,000 average ransomware cost masks deeper losses as QBE data shows preparation can trim cyber claims by 20% and protect trust.

Acronis rolls out GenAI Protection for managed service providers to spot shadow AI, curb data leakage and block prompt injection.

Xero rolls out AI-powered business health scorecards as 4.6 million subscribers gain deeper KPI tracking, cash flow forecasts and sharing tools.

New Zealand firms face escalating legal and platform scrutiny over review gating, as Storm IMC warns the tactic may breach the Fair Trading Act.

CrowdStrike deepens managed security push in Japan and Asia Pacific with Dicker Data and Otsuka to reach more SMBs through channel partners.

PaySauce appoints former Xero executives Chris Ridd and Mel Shortland-Power as it targets Australian micro-businesses after an AUD $4 million raise.

Intuit's QuickBooks is under pressure as AI start-ups push automated bookkeeping, forcing accounting software to prove it can do more than digitise ledgers.

Xero unveils AI-native finance platform and JAX assistant to cut admin for small firms, with accountants and bookkeepers also in line for gains.

New Zealand businesses say stable power prices and supply would unlock investment, as Schneider Electric research flags energy uncertainty as a brake on growth.

Auckland event backs women to turn financial know-how into property, business and investment gains, with mentors tackling confidence and capital gaps.

Atomgate's Renee Lovell says education, testing and partnerships are helping the South African MSSP turn SonicWall upgrades into measurable business gains.

Apple rolls out unified business hub in 200 markets as signs mount that local ads in Maps will debut across North America this summer.