Industry news

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has reported that export orders rose to a six-year high while optimism about foreign orders increased at the fastest rate in 43 years. The good news for Brexit negotiations is that orders to non-EU markets improved at a record pace. A weaker sterling and stronger global economy are credited for the growth.

Related news: Britain’s Trade Deficit on The Rise

The Conservatives have begun firing shots at energy companies in recent days after a promise for ‘muscular’ action turned out to be a price cap. The pledge will be part of a Conservative manifesto and has left energy firms down in the dumps. The defence against the cap is that it will deter competition and damage consumers.

Related news: Energy Switching on The Rise

The UK needs to make sure that the dividends of machine learning are shared with everyone in society according to the country’s top researchers in the field. Researchers have passed recommendations to the government to ensure that the UK can remain a leading centre for technology.

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India's fourth largest software services firm HCL Technologies announced it will acquire US based Urban Fulfilment Services (UFS) for up to $30 million in cash. UFS is a provider of mortgage business process and fulfilment services. Founded in 2002, the company has over 350 highly skilled professionals. It has three centres in the US. The total cash consideration for this transaction is up to $30 million, including contingent payments.

Related news: An Interview with HCL Technologies

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has dropped its commitment to ’resist all forms of protectionism from its most recent statement, suggesting the Fund’s commitment to global trade is waning. It is believed that the election of Donald Trump on a protectionist agenda and popular discontent with the European project has pushed the Fund aware from its globalisation commitment. Read more here.

Related news: IMF Sees UK Growth Potential

According to Deloitte, consumer confidence in the UK economy has dipped in the first quarter as rising prices put pressure on households. The fall in confidence could spell trouble in the coming months as the UK finds itself heavily reliant on consumer spending to prop up GDP.

Related news: Business Confidence Builds in 2017

According to a recent survey from Adecco Group, 48% of employees believe that artificial intelligence (AI) will positively affect them by helping them achieve a more flexible working structure. 54% believed that technology will provide more jobs than it destroys while two-thirds of those surveyed think technology has increased the number of jobs.

Related news:GSA Launches Independent Automation User Group

In the race to be the President of France, only two candidates remain. Emmanuel Macron will face Marine Le Pen in the second round, setting up a fight between a pro-European and a French nationalist which could have large ramifications for the future of the EU. Odds are currently backing Mr Macron in the second round. Read more here.

DDC OS are delighted to announce the opening of a second office in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, due to continued growth. This move represents their commitment to the local area, as they continue to utilise this central location to handle global outsourcing contracts. The new space offers the opportunity for DDC OS to expand further over the coming years, and the current recruitment drive will see them create at least 60 jobs in the next 3 months. Managing Director, John Callachan, said: "Our history with the Bassetlaw region spans 25 years, so we are keen to further our investment in the area. Our new office marks the next stage in our development and we look forward to continuing our growth at an even faster rate with our additional space."

Related news: Neil Kirkland appointed Service Centre Director at DDC Outsourcing Solutions

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised forecasts for the UK economy to 2% growth this year, up from 1.5%. The IMF said that the British economy had proved resilient to the effects of Brexit ad that consumer spending continues to feed growth however the uncertainty of Brexit may dampen the predicted growth.

Related news: Business Confidence Builds in 2017