Gig economy stories

AI is fuelling a boom in solo UK “Founder + AI” ventures as entrepreneurs favour lean, automated operations over hiring staff.

Outsized rolls out pre-built independent consulting squads for ANZ banks, targeting AUD $200,000-AUD $2 million transformation projects.

Gumtree taps ShipStation for first integrated delivery push as it shifts from local classifieds to a fully transactional UK marketplace.

Vinted sellers risk surprise HMRC tax bills as booming side hustles push more Britons over the £1,000 self-assessment threshold.

ClickMechanic named Growing Business of the Year after 40%+ annual growth and directing over GBP £100 million to UK independent mechanics.

UK freelancers over 50 are embracing AI and upskilling weekly, as many plan to extend their careers well beyond traditional retirement ages.

Cybersecurity teams face digital border taxes, AI-first clouds, agentic AI threats and the end of VPNs as 2026 reshapes digital risk.

AI and digital skills are now essential in UK law firms, transforming recruitment as firms seek talent to navigate technology-driven legal services.

AI is reshaping the job market, creating new roles and skills while shifting human labour towards innovation and human-AI collaboration across industries.

Flexible and remote work enable Australians to manage side hustles alongside their jobs, boosting incomes amid soaring living costs without harming main job performance.

New Zealand’s Supreme Court has ruled that Uber drivers are employees, enabling thousands to claim full employment rights and backdated pay.

Mastercard partners with Thunes to enable near-instant payouts to stablecoin wallets via Mastercard Move, enhancing global digital payment options.

By 2026, AI will revolutionise banking and insurance, with over half of younger adults using generative AI for financial advice, says Forrester report.

YY Group will use Obita’s stablecoin platform to enhance cross-border payments for its global gig workforce, boosting speed, security and inclusion.

SoloSecure certification launches to help freelancers defend against rising cyber threats, safeguarding their businesses and clients in the growing gig economy.

Ecommpay won the Special Judges Award at the Financial Services Forum 2025 for its innovative Payouts via Hosted Payment Page solution enhancing secure payments globally.

Zoho's ANZ customer base grows 20% with new AI-powered solutions including Zoho Solo and Zoho for Nonprofits, boosting regional impact and innovation.

INSHUR raises USD $35m from Trinity Capital to boost US expansion and develop AI-driven insurance for autonomous vehicle and on-demand mobility markets.

Generative AI is ushering in a creative renaissance, making filmmaking and art accessible to all and sparking new forms of collaborative storytelling.

Uber shifted NZD $200 million offshore through intercompany fees, causing New Zealand to lose an estimated NZD $56 million in tax revenue, a report claims.