British businesses are in danger of being left stranded in the middle of the pack on artificial intelligence, with a new PwC study revealing a significant gap between UK firms and the world’s top AI adopters in both spending and returns.

The consultancy’s global survey found that while leading companies worldwide are investing an average of five per cent of revenue in AI and reaping returns of 15 per cent, their British counterparts are committing just two per cent and generating returns of ten per cent. It is a gap that should alarm boardrooms across the country, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises already grappling with tight margins and limited budgets for technology transformation.

Perhaps more troubling is the innovation shortfall the figures suggest. UK businesses derived only 27 per cent of their revenue from products that did not exist three years ago, compared with 43 per cent among global leaders. For SMEs, which have historically relied on agility and fresh thinking to compete against larger rivals, that disparity ought to prompt some uncomfortable questions about whether enough is being done to turn AI capability into genuinely new commercial offerings.

The research points to familiar obstacles. Outdated IT systems and rigid internal processes continue to hold companies back, with only 27 per cent of UK businesses having redesigned their workflows to properly integrate AI rather than simply grafting it on to what already exists. The same proportion had modernised legacy technology to better accommodate the tools.

There is also a question of ambition. Nearly half of the UK businesses surveyed said efficiency and productivity were their primary motivation for experimenting with AI, while just 26 per cent cited revenue generation. It is a mindset that Leigh Bates, PwC UK’s global risk AI leader, believes is limiting the country’s potential.

Bates described the findings as a wake-up call, arguing that too many firms remain trapped between piloting AI projects and scaling them effectively. The businesses seeing the greatest returns globally, he said, are not merely doing more of the same but fundamentally reinventing how they operate.

Overall, the UK ranked 11th out of 19 countries in PwC’s assessment, behind China at the top of the table, as well as France, Germany and Saudi Arabia. The United States, notably, fared little better at 13th. PwC defined global leaders as companies in the top 20 per cent of AI-driven performance.

For Britain’s SME community, the message is clear enough. The window to move from cautious experimentation to meaningful adoption is narrowing, and those that continue to treat AI as little more than a cost-cutting exercise risk discovering that their competitors, at home and abroad, have already moved on.

Amy Ingham

Amy is a newly qualified journalist specialising in business journalism at Business Matters with responsibility for news content for what is now the UK’s largest print and online source of current business news.

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The Alternative Investment Market firm has acquired technology from Swedish firm Beep Insights AB

Penarth headquartered global diagnostics firm, EKF Diagnostics, has acquired technology that tracks in real time glucose and lactate aimed at improving sport training performances.

The Alternative Investment Market listed firm has struck a deal with Sweden-based Beep Insights AB for its Beep Insights technology. The IOS and android software application combines data from sports performance wearables connected via Bluetooth with real-time glucose and lactate tracking to give personalised metrics to improve sport’s performance training.

The deal bolsters EKF’s sports performance product range, specifically its lactate scout sport, which is already compatible with the Beep Insights application – a hand-held lactate analyser.

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EKF has been working with Peter Alex, chief executive of Beep Insights, and his team to integrate the Beep Insights tech from their software application to better determine lactate threshold in a more accessible way and improve sports training outcomes.

Following the acquisition, the value of which has no been disclosed, Mr Alex will join the EKF team and will look into developing the use of AI within performance training and how this can be integrated into the technology

Gavin Jones, chief executive of EKF said: “Whilst working with Beep Insights we have been highly impressed with how well their data handling application seamlessly connects with our handheld Lactate Scout Sport device, enabling, fast and accurate lactate threshold testing for sports performance athletes at all levels.

“The acquisition of this technology is an exciting step forward for EKF’s Sports Performance division as we look to enable athletes of all abilities access to data to drive improved training outcomes.”

Brokers Singer Capital Markets said of the deal: “Whilst we do not expect any material impact on financials in the short-term, we view this as opening an additional incremental growth driver and a positive signal of intent from management. The shares remain highly attractive with strong cash generation and a robust balance sheet.”

The broker has maintained a share price outlook of 35p.

For its 2025 financial year EKF posted revenues of £51.6m, up from £50.2m a year earlier. Its pre-tax profit of £7.1m was up from £6.3m in 2024.

Mr Jones said: “The 2025 results establish a strong foundation for the five-year strategic Development plan, providing EKF a positive base from which to push further into new markets with a simplified product offering and greater commercial focus on the areas of strategic importance.

“The trajectory for EKF has been clearly mapped to deliver further improvements in margin, revenue and Ebitda. Operational cash generation remains at a high level, and this shall be utilised to thoughtfully invest in those areas that will further build on the requirements of the strategy, and deliver long term shareholder value.

“We remain committed to establishing EKF as a true leader in Hemoglobin point-of-care testing and life sciences, further developing the business through organic growth with a strong focus on profitability improvement and sustainable investment.”

Virgin StartUp has launched applications for the second round of Momentum, its free eight-week accelerator programme built specifically to help dyslexic entrepreneurs grow their businesses.

Momentum 2.0, which runs from 26 May to 14 July 2026, returns after what Virgin StartUp described as the most applied-for programme in its history. The inaugural cohort supported 30 founders last year, with nine in ten participants saying they came to view their dyslexic thinking as a strength by the time they finished. The programme is backed by Virgin Unite and run in collaboration with Made By Dyslexia, the global charity founded by Kate Griggs.

The accelerator is aimed at early-stage founders and offers a combination of tailored workshops, one-to-one mentoring and practical resources designed around the way dyslexic thinkers naturally operate. Virgin StartUp has also introduced a dedicated “Dyslexic Thinking” space within its online community for business founders, extending the programme’s reach beyond the cohort itself.

The commercial case for backing dyslexic entrepreneurs is well documented. Analysis from Made By Dyslexia suggests that dyslexic business owners contribute at least £4.6 billion to UK GDP annually and support more than 60,000 jobs. The charity estimates that one in three entrepreneurs is dyslexic, a statistic that underlines how closely entrepreneurial instinct tracks with the pattern recognition, creative problem-solving and big-picture thinking commonly associated with dyslexia.

Elle Upshall, scale up lead at Virgin StartUp, said the response to the first cohort had exceeded expectations and that the programme had demonstrated what happens when business support is designed around different ways of thinking rather than in spite of them.

Among the alumni of the first Momentum cohort is Alex Molokwu, founder of Loujo, an initiative that uses educational songs to help dyslexic children with reading and writing. Molokwu credited his mentor with helping him turn instinctive thinking into structured strategy. Aylin Abdullah, founder of Fractionals Match, an AI-powered marketplace for scaling businesses, said the programme gave her the space to articulate and lean into how she thinks, rather than treating it as something to work around.

Griggs, herself a dyslexic social entrepreneur, framed the initiative in broader economic terms, arguing that the UK has never needed dyslexic thinking more if it wants to unlock growth and innovation.

Momentum sits within a wider push across the Virgin Group to champion neurodivergent talent, inspired in large part by Richard Branson’s own experience with dyslexia. The ambition extends beyond the cohort: by helping dyslexic founders scale, the programme aims to drive job creation and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Applications for Momentum 2.0 close on 8 May 2026. Full details are available at virginstartup.org/momentum.

CANBERRA, Australia — The federal government on Monday rolled out a $20 million national advertising campaign urging Australians to reduce fuel consumption and adopt more efficient driving habits as global oil supply disruptions from the Iran conflict continue to push prices higher. Titled “Every Little Bit Helps,” the multi-channel blitz aims to stretch limited supplies for essential services such as trucking, farming and emergency response amid ongoing volatility in the Strait of Hormuz.

Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said the campaign forms part of the government’s four-stage National Fuel Security Plan, announced after a national cabinet meeting in late March. It encourages motorists to drive less where possible, switch to public transport or active travel, maintain proper tyre pressure, remove unnecessary roof racks and avoid aggressive acceleration. The ads will appear on television, online platforms, radio and outdoor billboards over the coming weeks.

The initiative comes as Brent crude hovers near or above $100 per barrel following President Donald Trump’s announcement of a U.S. naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday. The narrow waterway, which normally carries about one-fifth of global oil supplies, has seen severely restricted traffic since Iran limited movements in early March in response to U.S. and Israeli strikes. Even after a fragile ceasefire took effect around April 8, full restoration of flows could take months due to damaged infrastructure and lingering tensions.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended the spending, saying the campaign provides practical advice to households facing higher petrol and diesel prices. “We’re not lecturing people — we’re giving them simple steps that can make a real difference in stretching supplies,” Albanese told reporters ahead of a four-day trip to Asia to secure additional fuel imports. He noted the government had already halved fuel excise until the end of June and paused some road user charges for trucks to ease cost-of-living pressures.

Opposition politicians and some motorists quickly criticized the $20 million outlay as wasteful taxpayer-funded propaganda. Coalition senators accused the Albanese government of treating Australians like children while failing to address root causes of the supply crunch. Social media reactions ranged from mockery — with users joking about “inflating your tyres to save the economy” — to anger over the perceived lack of tangible relief at the pump. One viral post questioned why the money wasn’t used to subsidize fuel directly or accelerate domestic refining capacity.

Transport industry groups offered mixed responses. The Australian Trucking Association welcomed efforts to preserve diesel for freight but warned that reduced consumer driving alone would not solve shortages affecting supply chains. Farmers in regional areas expressed frustration, noting that many have no viable alternative to personal vehicles for essential travel. Urban commuters in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, where public transport options exist, may find the advice more practical, though rising fares have drawn their own complaints.

The campaign highlights specific behaviours backed by government research. Maintaining correct tyre pressure can improve fuel efficiency by up to 3%, while removing excess weight and avoiding idling are among low-cost measures promoted. The government also encourages combining trips, carpooling and using apps to find the cheapest fuel. Officials estimate that widespread adoption could save millions of litres annually, helping redirect supplies to critical sectors.

This is not the first time Australia has turned to public appeals during energy crunches. Similar conservation messages appeared during past global oil shocks, though the current situation — triggered by geopolitical conflict rather than purely market forces — has created unique challenges. Panic buying in early March exacerbated local shortages, prompting temporary measures such as relaxed fuel quality standards to release nearly 100 million extra litres per month.

Economists warn that sustained high fuel prices will feed into broader inflation, particularly through higher transport and grocery costs. Diesel, vital for agriculture and freight, has seen particularly sharp increases, threatening to push up food prices in coming months. The Reserve Bank of Australia is closely monitoring the situation as it weighs future interest rate decisions.

The government’s four-stage National Fuel Security Plan includes preparation, keeping Australia moving, securing supplies and long-term resilience. Stage two focuses on demand management and public communication — the role the new campaign is designed to fill. Albanese’s upcoming trip to key Asian partners aims to diversify import sources and fast-track alternative shipping routes bypassing disrupted Gulf flows.

Critics argue the $20 million could have been better spent on expanding fuel reserves, incentivizing electric vehicle uptake or investing in domestic refining upgrades. Some regional MPs called for targeted support for rural communities where alternatives to driving are limited. Consumer advocates questioned the effectiveness of advertising when many households are already cutting back due to price pain at the bowser.

Supporters counter that clear public messaging can shift behaviours at scale and build community resilience during crises. Similar conservation campaigns in other countries during past energy shortages have shown modest but measurable reductions in demand. The government insists the spend represents value by empowering individuals to contribute to national efforts.

As the campaign launches nationwide, motorists will encounter the “Every Little Bit Helps” slogan across media. Early feedback suggests a divide between urban residents open to the advice and regional drivers feeling unfairly targeted. Fuel retailers report continued high demand despite the appeals, with some stations implementing informal rationing or extended hours to manage queues.

The broader context remains fluid. While the U.S.-Iran ceasefire provided temporary market relief, Trump’s blockade announcement has reignited volatility. Full normalization of Hormuz traffic, if it occurs, could still take months, keeping global prices elevated and forcing Australia — a net fuel importer despite its resource wealth — to navigate tight supplies.

For ordinary Australians, the campaign arrives amid cost-of-living strains already stretched by housing, groceries and energy bills. Whether practical tips on tyre pressure and smoother driving will resonate or simply fuel resentment remains to be seen. The government hopes the message lands as helpful guidance rather than finger-wagging.

As Monday’s trading on the ASX showed mixed energy sector responses to oil movements, households face the daily reality of higher pump prices. The $20 million campaign represents one tool in a broader toolkit that includes diplomatic efforts, tax relief and supply diversification. Its success will ultimately be measured not in advertising reach but in whether collective small actions help ease pressure on Australia’s fuel security during an uncertain period.

In the end, officials say every litre saved today helps keep essential services running tomorrow. Whether the public embraces the call to “use less where possible” will test both individual habits and the government’s ability to communicate effectively in a time of global energy strain.

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — Zayed International Airport (AUH) in Abu Dhabi remained open Monday with limited commercial flights operating under managed corridors, even as fresh uncertainty from the U.S. naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz raised concerns about longer-term aviation disruptions in the Gulf. Travelers checking whether “Abu Dhabi airport closed today” received a nuanced answer: the facility is not fully shut but continues to function at significantly reduced capacity more than six weeks after the Iran conflict first triggered widespread airspace restrictions across the region.

As of April 13, 2026, Etihad Airways — the primary carrier at Abu Dhabi’s main gateway — was running approximately 80-85 daily departures to around 80 destinations, representing roughly 60% of pre-conflict levels. The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) confirmed UAE airspace remains open with controlled entry and exit points, allowing cautious resumption of passenger, cargo and repatriation flights. However, schedules stay fluid, with many routes subject to last-minute changes or cancellations due to ongoing security assessments.

The airport has not experienced a full closure since early March, when initial U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran prompted temporary airspace shutdowns and mass flight suspensions. Brief precautionary closures occurred in subsequent weeks, including after reported drone incidents near Dubai, but operations have gradually recovered through phased reopenings coordinated with the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Center. Terminal access remains restricted to passengers with confirmed tickets, and authorities continue to advise against traveling to the airport without airline confirmation.

Etihad has maintained a limited commercial schedule since early March, prioritizing essential routes to Asia, Europe, Africa, North America and Australia while adding incremental services as conditions allow. The airline has waived change fees for affected bookings and offered rebooking or refund options for tickets issued before late February. Other carriers, including some European and Asian airlines, have resumed select flights but with reduced frequencies or rerouted paths avoiding high-risk airspace.

The broader context stems from the Iran conflict that erupted in late February 2026. Missile and drone exchanges, combined with Iranian restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz, forced multiple temporary airspace closures across the Gulf. Abu Dhabi and neighboring Dubai International (DXB) bore the brunt, with thousands of flights cancelled or diverted in the opening weeks. Even after a fragile two-week ceasefire took effect around April 8, full normalization has proved elusive. President Donald Trump’s Sunday announcement of a U.S. naval blockade targeting Iranian ports has reignited volatility, though it has not yet triggered new airspace closures in the UAE.

Aviation experts note that jet fuel supplies could face pressure if Hormuz disruptions persist, with some airport operators warning of potential systemic shortages within weeks. Abu Dhabi Airports has not reported fuel constraints so far, but contingency planning includes diversified sourcing and conservation measures. Passenger numbers at Zayed International remain well below the record growth seen in 2025, when the airport handled over 33 million travelers annually before the crisis.

For stranded or affected passengers, the situation has improved since the darkest days of early March but remains challenging. Repatriation and exceptional flights helped clear backlogs, yet many long-haul routes still operate on limited rotations. Travelers are urged to check flight status directly with airlines, monitor the Abu Dhabi Airports website and GCAA advisories, and avoid heading to the terminal without explicit confirmation. Rebooking flexibility remains in place for most carriers through at least mid-May.

The economic ripple effects extend beyond aviation. Abu Dhabi, a key global transit hub, has seen reduced connectivity impact business travel, tourism and logistics. The emirate’s diversification efforts, including tourism and non-oil sectors, have faced headwinds, though government support for airlines and airports has helped maintain core operations. Similar challenges affect neighboring hubs in Dubai, Sharjah and Doha, where schedules also remain constrained.

International reactions vary. Some governments have issued updated travel advisories urging caution for non-essential trips to the UAE, while others note improved stability since the ceasefire. Embassies recommend checking real-time flight information and having contingency plans, including alternative routing through less-affected airports or overland options where feasible.

Inside the terminal, operations reflect heightened security protocols. Enhanced screening, restricted access and real-time coordination with military and civil authorities help maintain safety. Staff continue assisting passengers with rebookings, accommodations and information, though frustration remains high among those facing repeated delays or cancellations.

Looking ahead, full recovery depends on de-escalation in the Iran conflict and stabilization of regional airspace. The current two-week ceasefire window expires around April 22, adding urgency to diplomatic efforts. Should the Hormuz blockade lead to renewed tensions or fuel supply strains, further disruptions cannot be ruled out. Airlines and airports continue scenario planning for both optimistic reopening and prolonged caution.

For now, Zayed International Airport answers the question “Is Abu Dhabi airport closed today?” with a qualified no. It is open and handling flights — but not business as usual. Passengers are experiencing a new normal of managed, reduced-capacity operations in one of the world’s busiest aviation regions.

The situation serves as a reminder of how quickly geopolitical events can ground dreams of travel. While resilience has been shown through phased recoveries and coordinated responses, the shadow of the Iran conflict continues to loom over Gulf skies. Travelers planning journeys involving Abu Dhabi are advised to build flexibility into their plans and stay informed through official channels as developments unfold rapidly.

As Monday progressed with no immediate new closures reported, the airport’s lights remained on and runways active — a symbol of cautious continuity amid uncertainty in a strategically vital part of the world.