Pivoting to AI: The Crowd Group’s Journey to Product Innovation
From global marketing agency to AI pioneer, Bournemouth‑based Crowd Group is scaling with Innovate UK Business Growth support—delivered by Business West in the South West.
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From global marketing agency to AI pioneer, Bournemouth‑based Crowd Group is scaling with Innovate UK Business Growth support—delivered by Business West in the South West.
In new survey data, the percentage of businesses reporting increased export orders has fallen to 21% in Q4 2025, compared with 31% in Q2 2018 A further 50% report no change, while 28% report a decrease Smaller and medium sized businesses have been hit much harder than larger firms, with just 19% of SMEs reporting increased orders, compared with 39% of firms with more than 250 employees
The UK consulting industry is worth £20.4bn a year and according to the Management Consultancies Association: “Digital and technology consulting, along with business transformation services, remain most in demand. As industries embrace AI and advanced analytics, UK consultants are helping organisations integrate these technologies to boost efficiency and competitiveness.”
We were pleased to represent our region at last week’s Growing Together Alliance's House of Commons reception, hosted by Business South and Deloitte.
The BCC warns that minor business rates adjustments fall far short of what firms need. With rising costs and stalled investment, businesses are calling for deeper reform to create a fairer, more supportive system that strengthens growth and protects high‑street and commercial viability.
UK businesses face growing uncertainty as the US signals fresh tariff hikes. New BCC data shows many firms are exposed and already preparing for impact, while industry leaders urge calm negotiation, contingency planning and swift government support to protect exporters in the weeks ahead.
At Business West, we’re proud to support a diverse network of businesses and organisations, from ambitious start-ups to established firms, education providers and charities, all working to make our region stronger, more skilled and more connected.
Occasionally we like to shine the spotlight on our members, and in this case one of the members of the Bristol Initiative. We sat down with Ben Daniels, Partner and Bristol Location Head, DAC Beachcroft.
The evidence is clear: using digital technology to its full potential can make your business much more productive and profitable.