Author: Business Enquirer
Fresh data from December 2025 has intensified concerns about the trajectory of Europe’s largest economy, with Germany’s manufacturing sector contracting for a second consecutive month. The decline has raised questions about whether weakness in German industry could spill over into wider eurozone growth as the region enters 2026. The latest purchasing managers’ index (PMI) figures indicate that manufacturing output and new orders have both fallen, signalling a deeper slowdown in one of Germany’s most critical economic pillars. Export demand has softened, production has eased and industrial sentiment has cooled — creating a drag that contrasts sharply with the stronger performance…
China has unveiled a fresh package of policies designed to attract foreign investment, strengthen international business confidence and advance the country’s long-term strategy of high-level opening-up. The measures reflect Beijing’s commitment to stabilising economic growth and expanding collaboration with global partners as the world navigates shifting trade dynamics and emerging technological trends. The announcement outlines concrete steps to support foreign enterprises operating in China, improve the business environment and broaden market access across key sectors. These initiatives come at a time when multinational companies are reassessing global supply chains and exploring new opportunities in advanced manufacturing, digital industries and green…
flydubai has entered a strategic technology partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to accelerate its digital transformation and drive the next chapter of innovation. The collaboration is designed to enhance operational efficiency, deliver richer passenger experiences and support the airline’s long-term growth as it continues to expand both its network and service offerings. The agreement comes as airlines worldwide invest heavily in cloud computing, data analytics and machine learning to become more agile in a highly competitive marketplace. For flydubai, embracing advanced technologies is central to its ambition to modernise key systems and unlock new opportunities in customer service, operational…
At a time when businesses are grappling with the practical realities of artificial intelligence, automation and data sovereignty, a quieter but far more consequential shift is taking shape beneath the surface. Connected machines are no longer simply feeding dashboards or optimising processes. They are beginning to act, decide and transact. This evolution marks the emergence of what many now describe as the economy of things, a new digital paradigm in which machines participate as economic actors rather than passive tools. At the centre of this shift sits Pairpoint by Vodafone, a platform designed to give connected devices the attributes they…
Make 2026 a year to remember with a collection of extraordinary travel experiences designed for those who seek adventure, indulgence and unforgettable moments. From bespoke journeys through the Swiss Alps to curated vineyard tours and breathtaking ocean escapes, these five luxury experiences offer a perfect balance of culture, comfort and discovery. Tailor-Made Swiss Tours Discover Switzerland through the eyes of local experts with itineraries crafted entirely around your interests. Whether you prefer panoramic Alpine rail journeys, private mountain guides, lakeside towns or secluded luxury chalets, tailor-made tours allow you to explore at your own pace. Expect seamless planning, insider access…
PATRIZIA has strengthened its position in Europe’s evolving energy infrastructure sector after securing €351 million in refinancing for one of Germany’s most significant underground gas storage facilities. The refinancing represents a major vote of confidence in the long-term importance of flexible energy storage, particularly as Europe accelerates its transition toward renewable power and more resilient energy systems. The financing package supports an asset that plays a vital role in stabilising Germany’s energy network. Underground gas storage sites act as strategic buffers, balancing supply and demand during periods of volatility, seasonal fluctuation or unexpected disruption. With the continent reshaping its energy…
At Thales’ Glasgow site, more than a century of engineering heritage meets the future of armoured warfare. In this interview, Iain Carrie, Deputy Director, Land Optronics at Thales, shares how the company’s long-standing philosophy of enabling crews to see first and act first continues to shape the design of modern combat systems. From the precision optronics developed for the British Army’s Boxer and Challenger 3 programmes to the integration of AI through DigitalCrew, the discussion explores how technology is being used to shorten decision cycles, enhance situational awareness and improve survivability on the battlefield. Drawing on deep expertise rooted in…
Welcome to the December/January Edition of Business Enquirer Magazine, Issue 144 As we close one year and enter the next, industries across the world continue to move forward with purpose, innovation and resilience. The pace of change shows no sign of slowing, and the organisations shaping tomorrow are those investing in people, technology and long-term strength today. This edition highlights the companies and leaders pushing that progress forward, each contributing to a smarter, more connected and more ambitious global future. We open with Capital Limited, a remarkable success story in mining services. From beginning with two rigs at Tanzania’s Kabanga…
Rheinmetall UK is investing at an unprecedented scale to strengthen Britain’s sovereign defence capability, industrial resilience, and technological edge. From the £200 million Gun Hall facility in Telford to advanced AI-driven autonomy, next-generation uncrewed systems, and delivery of platforms like Challenger 3, Boxer, and logistic vehicles, the company is directly aligned with the UK Ministry of Defence’s Strategic Defence Review 2025 priorities. Through a deliberate strategy of bringing intellectual property, manufacturing, and high-value jobs into the UK, Rheinmetall UK is enabling a force structure built around the 20-40-40 vision and an “always-on” production capacity for critical equipment and munitions. Partnerships…
When organisations the size of PepsiCo make the decision to overhaul the systems that sit at the heart of their operations, the implications are far reaching. For a business defined by its global reach, complex supply chains and some of the most recognisable consumer brands in the world, digital transformation cannot be reduced to a technology upgrade. It is a statement of intent about how the organisation wants to operate, compete and grow in the decades ahead. That philosophy defines PepsiCo’s global S/4HANA transformation programme and framed Business Enquirer Magazine’s interview with Krita Kataria, Transformation Director at PepsiCo. Calm, candid…