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Asian Firms Divided on Insolvency Outlook Amid Ongoing Trade Challenges

Amid a fragmented B2B customer payment risk landscape, Asia’s corporate sector is concerned about cash flow and profitability


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 August 2025 – The 2025 edition of the Atradius Payment Practices Barometer survey for Asia reveals a nearly even split between businesses expecting stable payment behaviour from their customers and those foreseeing a deterioration in payment risk in the coming months.

The survey, conducted in the second half of Q2 2025 across China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, and Vietnam, highlights regional resilience amid rising financial vulnerabilities driven by global trade policy uncertainty, liquidity constraints, and worsening B2B payment behavior.

Late payments affect 44% of B2B credit sales, with bad debts averaging 5%—a seemingly modest figure that nonetheless significantly impacts profitability. Businesses cite customer liquidity issues, delays in customers’ payment processes, invoice disputes and supply chain disruptions as the top reasons for late payments.

The survey also found that three in five Asian companies (60%) have expanded trade credit offerings but kept payment terms steady to limit exposure to payment risks while maintaining customer loyalty and encouraging sales. Furthermore, the survey shows, 54% of all B2B sales are transacted on credit with 48-day average payment terms, highlighting the central role credit plays in financing trade across Asia. Bank loans, invoice financing and internal funds have served as the other key sources of funding over the past 12 months.

Looking ahead, the survey’s findings depict a region also divided on considerations such as inventory turnover and days sales outstanding (DSO) – the time taken to collect payments – but united in acknowledging and anticipating macro challenges, such as the influence of increased trade uncertainties, growing regulatory compliance burdens and the pressures to adopt sustainable practices to address environmental concerns.

At the same time, projections of sales and profitability across Asia remain cautiously optimistic as indicated by companies’ plans to manage payment risk. In this scenario, balancing the dual needs of liquidity and risk management will be pivotal for success in the months ahead, the survey concludes.

“The latest findings from our Payment Practices Barometer for Asia reveal critical insights into the operational challenges faced by businesses. Issues like increasing bad debts, trade policy uncertainties, compliance pressures, and sustainability initiatives are prominent. However, there is also cautious optimism as companies acknowledge these challenges and explore solutions,” stated Eric den Boogert, Managing Director of Atradius in Asia. “This includes adapting to market changes and ensuring optimal liquidity while effectively managing risk through strategies like outsourcing credit risk management to enhance traditional internal measures.”

The 2025 Atradius Payment Practices Barometer for Asia report can be found here.

Hashtag: #AtradiusAsia #PaymentPracticesBarometer #PaymentPractices #B2BFinance


The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Atradius

Atradius is a global provider of credit insurance, bond and surety, collections and information services, with a strategic presence in over 50 countries. The products offered by Atradius protect companies around the world against the default risks associated with selling goods and services on credit. Atradius is a member of GCO, one of the leading companies in the Spanish insurance sector and one of the largest credit insurers in the world. You can find more information online at

ARC Group Securities Adds Underwriting License, Strengthening Global Capital Markets Platform

NEW YORK, Aug. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ARC Group Securities LLC (“ARC Securities”), a wholly owned subsidiary of ARC Group, is pleased to announce that it has received approval from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) to operate as a registered underwriting broker-dealer in the United States. This milestone marks a significant step in ARC Securities’ ongoing expansion of its global capital markets capabilities and commitment to providing comprehensive solutions to growth-focused companies worldwide.

“This approval is a pivotal development for ARC Securities and our broader capital markets strategy,” said Ian Hanna, CEO at ARC Securities “Adding firm commitment underwriting to our broker-dealer license not only underscores our dedication to regulatory excellence and operational integrity but also positions us to better serve our clients seeking access to U.S. capital markets.”

A Strategic Gateway to U.S. Capital Markets

With the expanded broker-dealer license, ARC Securities can now directly engage in U.S. securities transactions, including acting as an underwriter for IPOs and other public offerings. This enhanced capability increases ARC Securities ability to deliver cross-border transaction expertise and tailored capital markets solutions across Asia, Europe, and other key markets.

“Our U.S. broker-dealer presence allows us to provide an integrated, end-to-end advisory and execution platform for clients with global ambitions,” said Ian Hanna added. “It reflects our strategic vision to bridge Asia and the West while upholding the highest standards of compliance and client service.”

Expanding Global Reach and Deepening Expertise

ARC Group, the parent, is renowned for its leadership in cross-border M&A, IPO advisory, SPAC transactions, and strategic consulting. With offices across major financial hubs, the Group has advised on more than $10 billion in transactions, empowering companies to achieve transformative growth and access new investor bases.

The establishment of ARC Securities  as a U.S.-registered broker-dealer with underwriting capabilities underscores ARC Group’s ongoing commitment to creating shareholder value, expanding global reach, and delivering best-in-class financial solutions tailored to the dynamic needs of growth companies.

For more information on ARC Group, please visit: www.arc-group.com

About ARC Group Securities LLC

ARC Group Securities LLC is a FINRA-registered broker-dealer headquartered in San Francisco and a wholly owned subsidiary of ARC Group. The firm specializes in providing comprehensive capital markets and investment banking services to emerging growth and mid-market companies globally, with a focus on bridging Asia and Western markets.

About ARC Group

ARC Group is a global investment bank and management consultancy firm dedicated to supporting companies through cross-border financial advisory, M&A, IPOs, SPAC transactions, financing, and consulting services. Headquartered in Hong Kong, ARC Group has offices across Mainland China, the United States, Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, uniquely positioning it to deliver integrated solutions across multiple jurisdictions.

 

 

Brain Navi Biotechnology’s NaoTrac performs first surgeries in Spain

Brain Navi has officially landed in Spain!

TAIPEI, Aug. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Such an achievement has been made possible through the first of many collaborations with our valued partner, Palex Healthcare. This milestone has been reached not only thanks to Palex’s solid reputation and deep experience in the Spanish medical market, but also due to the trust and commitment of their team. Brain Navi CEO Jerry Chen stated, “Brain Navi is proud to work alongside a partner that shares our vision of surgical innovation and desire to improve the well-being of patients continuously.

Brain Navi’s CEO, Jerry Chen, and his team participated in the SENEC congress alongside Palex. Special thanks to Carles Calaf, Eulàlia Llopis Martí, and Estela Llopart for their involvement and support throughout the event.
Brain Navi’s CEO, Jerry Chen, and his team participated in the SENEC congress alongside Palex. Special thanks to Carles Calaf, Eulàlia Llopis Martí, and Estela Llopart for their involvement and support throughout the event.

At this year’s SENEC Congress, Spain’s leading annual event hosted by the Spanish Society of Neurosurgery, which gathers experts from across the country to share the latest scientific advances and clinical innovations in the field, Spanish neurosurgeons had the opportunity to witness NaoTrac, Brain Navi’s neurosurgical navigation robot, in action. Alongside Palex, Brain Navi showcased its technology throughout the event. Surgeons from all around Spain expressed strong interest in NaoTrac’s capabilities and potential applications in their hospitals. “Spain holds great promise as a hub for neurosurgical innovation,” said Carles Calaf, Director of the Neurosciences Business Unit at Palex Healthcare. “At SENEC, we witnessed firsthand how strongly surgeons responded to the need for more intelligent, AI-powered tools in the OR. This aligns with our belief that technology like NaoTrac can genuinely enhance surgical precision and support clinical teams in delivering better outcomes. With Brain Navi as our partner, we are confident this is only the beginning of helping more hospitals — and more patients — across Spain.”

Just one week after the congress, the first NaoTrac system was installed in a Spanish hospital, where neurosurgeons, supported by Brain Navi and Palex teams, performed the country’s first surgeries using the NaoTrac. The surgeons were highly impressed by NaoTrac’s precision and intuitive design, highlighting its user-friendliness and value as a powerful asset in the Operating Room.

“At Palex, our mission is to bring cutting-edge medical technology closer to those who need it most,” said Eulàlia Llopis, General Manager of the Hospital Area at Palex. “Collaborating with Brain Navi reflects our commitment to supporting clinicians with solutions that truly make a difference — in precision, efficiency, and above all, patient care.”

For Brain Navi, this marks a major milestone in our global expansion, reinforcing the mission to improve patient outcomes through advanced medical technologies and to empower surgical teams with the best tools available.

Energea reveals modernized travel tech collection with elevated design details


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 August 2025 – Energea has debuted its highly anticipated tech collection, perfect for travel and everyday use, now available in Gunmetal, Cobalt, and Champagne. Leading the charge is the MagDuo Arc, which recently clinched the Best Product award in the Mobile Products category at Channel Summit META.

Power meets versatility. The full range of Energea tech gear in Gunmetal, Cobalt and Champagne.
Power meets versatility. The full range of Energea tech gear in Gunmetal, Cobalt and Champagne.

For the curious, driven, and constantly on the move, these offerings are as versatile and nimble as the journeys they’re made for, combining function with style. Refined, bold, and elegant finishes guarantee each product looks as sleek as it performs. Whether in transit or touching down, they fit the modern nomad’s life in motion.

At the forefront is MagDuo Arc, a 2-in-1 wireless charger with an 85cm retractable cable and zinc alloy housing. It delivers fast wireless charging of up to 15W (Android), 7.5W (iPhone), and 2.5W (Apple Watch), and includes a built-in kickstand for hands-free use. MagDuo Arc sets the tone for Energea’s renewed push into travel-friendly tech, ushering in a fresh wave of thoughtful and innovative offerings.

Complementing it is TravelWorld Edge 65, a slimline wall charger sporting a 90˚ flat profile that plugs flush against surfaces and fits easily into tight corners. Measuring 13mm thick, it’s small but mighty, delivering up to 65W output to power laptops and phones in 150 countries. GaNSmart technology makes it 40% smaller than most chargers in its class.

Next up is TravelGo Adapter 45: a pocket-friendly, powerful travel adapter designed to charge power-intensive devices like MacBook Air and tablets. Its secure pin-lock system prevents pins from sliding back, improving electrical contact and safety, while dual USB-C ports (25W and 20W) enable dual devices to be charged simultaneously. Intelligent power identification adjusts the charging current for each device to ensure safe, synchronous charging.

Meanwhile, wireless charger AluMag Trio powers three devices concurrently (iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods) using Qi2 technology. Its sleek aluminum chassis offers premium durability and enhanced heat dissipation for optimal temperature control. Unfolding instantly, it supports iPhone’s StandBy mode and Apple Watch’s Nightstand mode for overnight or bedside charging as a smart display.

Lastly, the ComPac Arc 45 power bank takes on travel demands as a 10,000mAh charger featuring a 70cm retractable cable, informative digital display, and durable braided lanyard. Empowering hands-free convenience, it easily clips to backpacks and carry-ons. Its PD45W max output is able to power MacBook Air, tablets, and phones, all packed into a rounded-edge module smaller than a soda can.

Energea redefines the charging experience with tech gear that not only solves everyday hassles while on the go or during travels, but also complements the user’s style. The brand believes that great products balance functionality and aesthetics, providing solutions that work seamlessly and impress with stylish appeal.

From slim wall chargers to versatile wireless chargers and compact power banks, Energea’s Travel Series is built for life on the move. In Gunmetal, Cobalt, and Champagne, the collection reflects Energea’s bold new design direction and delivers power and polish for the traveler of today.

Discover the full range on Energea now.

Follow Energea on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube for the latest updates and travel tech innovations today.
Hashtag: #Energea #WirelessCharging #Technology

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Energea

Dedicated to designing products of enhanced functionality, refined aesthetics, and versatility, Energea defies the perception that tech accessories are purely practical and uninspired. With an established presence across Asia, Middle East, Europe and South Africa, Energea advances in delivering not only top-tier power solutions but also streamlined electronics on a global scale.

HistoIndex Marks Another Step Forward with FibroSIGHT™ Plus: Introducing AI-based Quantitative Analysis in Fibrosis Assessment

SINGAPORE, Aug. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — HistoIndex, a pioneering leader in digital pathology solutions for chronic liver disease, has announced the launch of FibroSIGHT™ Plus, its second Laboratory Developed Test (LDT) available in the United States. Building on the foundation of FibroSIGHT™[1], which debuted just months earlier, FibroSIGHT™ Plus introduces an additional feature of automated quantitative analysis of fibrosis – a key advancement that enables more consistent and precise characterization at diagnosis and tracking of fibrosis in patients with Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatohepatitis (MASH). “We’re thrilled to deliver another advancement in MASH diagnostics, bridging our experience and capabilities in clinical trials all the way to clinical use.”, said Yukti Choudhury, Chief Development Officer at HistoIndex.

At the core of FibroSIGHT™ Plus is qFibrosis®, HistoIndex’s proprietary AI-driven algorithm. By leveraging stain-free Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) imaging of MASH liver biopsies, qFibrosis® automatically quantifies multiple fibrosis-related collagen architectural and morphological features detected by SHG in various spatial zones of a liver biopsy and translates them into a single value or stage for fibrosis[2]. The result is fibrosis expressed on a continuous scale, rather than in discrete categories. This allows more detailed insights into the disease severity and offers clinicians a sensitive tool with which to better characterize individual patients at diagnosis and to monitor subtle changes in their disease over time.

Quantifying multiple collagen parameters with qFibrosis®
Quantifying multiple collagen parameters with qFibrosis®

“Having worked with HistoIndex for many years, I have witnessed firsthand the value that Second Harmonic Generation imaging brings to fibrosis assessment in MASH clinical trials, with highly sensitive and consistent detection and quantification of fibrosis in liver biopsies. Automated solutions like FibroSIGHT™ Plus represent the future of liver pathology. The ability to detect incremental changes in fibrosis with this level of precision is exactly what we need to guide earlier and more targeted interventions in MASH,” said Dr. Naim Alkhouri, MD, Chief Academic Officer at Summit Clinical Research and the Director of the Steatotic Liver Disease Program at the Clinical Research Institute of Ohio.

Unlike conventional pathology methods, which are prone to variability in staining and interpretation, FibroSIGHT™ Plus delivers a standardized and objective measurement across the entire biopsy specimen. By removing subjectivity and inter-reader variability, as well as offering granular measurements at single-fiber resolution on the entire spectrum of fibrosis in MASH, the FibroSIGHT™ Plus test enhances confidence in fibrosis assessment and supports more personalized and data-driven treatment decisions.

“When benchmarked against reference fibrosis stages from expert pathologists’ consensus, HistoIndex’s qFibrosis® aligns closely, and demonstrates greater consistency than traditional histology. This level of reproducibility is essential in clinical practice and represents an important step toward replacing subjective scoring with reliable, quantitative metrics.” added Dr. Mazen Noureddin, MD, MHSc, Professor of Medicine, Transplant Hepatologist at Houston Methodist Hospital and a Co-Chairman of the Board Summit and Pinnacle Clinical Research.

FibroSIGHT™ Plus marks another advancement in HistoIndex’s efforts to integrate its digital pathology solutions into routine patient care. With more innovations underway, HistoIndex continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in improving outcomes for patients with MASH.

About MASH

Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatohepatitis (MASH) is a progressive form of Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) characterized by steatosis, ballooning degeneration and inflammation, which can lead to fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis, liver failure and an increased risk of liver cancer. Pathologist assessment of liver biopsy remains the gold standard for diagnosing and assessing the severity of MASH. Histological categorial scoring systems are often used as surrogate endpoints to evaluate drug efficacy in MASH clinical trials. These endpoints are limited in capturing the complex and heterogeneous nature of the disease. As a result, there is a growing need for more accurate and reliable tools, such as AI-based digital pathology solutions, to improve the assessment of treatment response and disease severity in MASH.

About HistoIndex

Founded in 2010, HistoIndex pioneers in stain-free, fully automated imaging solutions for visualizing and quantifying fibrosis in biological tissues. By combining cutting-edge biophotonic technology with AI-based analysis, HistoIndex provides innovative tools to improve the assessment of fibrosis changes and drug efficacy. HistoIndex’s breakthrough digital pathology solutions are currently used in accelerating clinical research, expediting pharmaceutical drug development, and transforming medical standards.

References:

  1. https://histoindex.com/fibrosight/
  2. https://histoindex.com/qfibrosis/

 

Hugel launches botulinum toxin Letybo in Malaysia

– The company strengthens brand experience for local medical professionals through academic events and hands-on workshops

– It will solidify the market position of premium toxin products through Malaysian partner Venusys Medical

SEOUL, South Korea, Aug. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hugel Inc., a leading global medical aesthetics company chaired by Suk Cha, has officially launched its botulinum toxin product Letybo in Malaysia – an emerging market for medical aesthetics in Southeast Asia.

The company’s Malaysian partner Venusys Medical Sdn Bhd introduced Letybo at the Aesthetic Medicine & Surgery Conference & Exhibition (AMSC), the largest medical aesthetics conference in Malaysia, held from August 6 to 7.

Konstantin Frank, a key opinion leader for Letybo in Europe, delivered a presentation at the event, highlighting the precise treatment outcomes of botulinum toxin procedures and sharing clinical strategies to enhance procedural results.

A brand launch event and hands-on workshop followed on August 8 at The Zenith Hotel Kuantan, with around 100 local medical professionals in attendance. The workshop served as a training program focused on botulinum toxin injection techniques that integrate anatomical understanding with clinical expertise.

Venusys Medical, headquartered in Malaysia and operating across Malaysia and Singapore, is a distributor of medical aesthetic products and a long-standing partner of various global brands.

“We will continue to offer customized training programs for local medical professionals in Malaysia through our strategic collaboration with Venusys Medical,” a Hugel official said. “We aim to enhance the customer experience of our premium toxin brand and accelerate its market penetration to solidify our position in the region.”

About Hugel
Established in 2001, Hugel is a global leader in medical aesthetics, specializing in the production of injectables for skin rejuvenation, including botulinum toxin, hyaluronic acid fillers, and skin boosters, as well as absorbable sutures and cosmetic products. As the market leader in injectable aesthetics in South Korea, Hugel is the only South Korean company with regulatory approvals in the world’s three largest botulinum toxin markets: the US, China, and Europe. With a proven track record of safety and quality, Hugel is deeply committed to advancing the industry through robust medical affairs, comprehensive training programs, and dynamic industry forums. Over the past 20 years, the company has built a presence in approximately 70 countries and operates nine global subsidiaries across the US, Australia, Canada, Taiwan, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand. Leveraging strong industry momentum, Hugel is well-positioned for continued growth and market expansion worldwide.

Contact:
Jihyun Kim, Manager of the PR Team, Hugel
jihyun.kim@hugel-inc.com 

SERVO ANNOUNCES CEO APPOINTMENT

Hire Signals Bold New Phase for Australia’s Leading Film & TV Production Services Company

SYDNEY, Aug. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — SERVO, Australia’s leading dedicated end-to-end film production services company, today announced Sam Pantos as Chief Executive Officer. Leveraging his extensive production finance and operations expertise, Sam will drive the next phase of strategic growth for the firm. 

Sam brings proven leadership experience from major film and television institutions, most recently serving as Director of Operations for NEOM Media Industries, where he expanded Saudi Arabia’s screen capacity and oversaw the delivery of the region’s first purpose-built studio facility. Previously, he held senior executive roles at Sony Pictures Television’s Playmaker Media and Endemol Australia, having begun his career at Fox Studios Australia (now Disney Studios Australia) 25 years ago.

SERVO co-founder, Jon Kuyper, said, “With competitive incentives, world-class crews, top-tier facilities, stunning locations, and a ‘can do’ attitude, Australia is fast becoming one of the world’s most dynamic production hubs. The strong response from international studios and local crews confirms SERVO’s role in complementing Australia’s seasoned industry professionals, and we’ve been kept busy by the growing demand for our specialised services.”

Dean Hood, another of the company co-founders, added, “To support this growth, we’re thrilled to welcome Sam as Chief Executive Officer. His experience in global and Australian film and TV, financial expertise, and leadership will ensure we continue delivering exceptional service and strengthen our position as the premier one-stop-shop for producers in Australia.”

“SERVO enables global studios to unlock Australia’s unmatched value by removing complexity and delivering a vast range of services. I’m honoured to be entrusted by the board to lead such a remarkable team and continue the exciting journey back home,” said Pantos.

SERVO began operations in Australia in January, 2023, and has rapidly become an essential production services partner to several global film and television studios choosing to make Australia home for their productions. The company has worked with major international studios including Amazon MGM Studios, Apple Original Films, Miramax and Paramount Pictures, capitalizing on Australia’s competitive PDV; Location and Producer Offset to provide production services capturing over A$1 billion in Qualifying Australian Production Expenditure (QAPE). Services include incentive financing for independent productions and developing a Net Cost model that has significantly increased the volume of international PDV projects coming into Australia.

SERVO provided production services for Ron Howard’s Eden, set to release in the U.S. on August 22. The film was shot in 2023 at Village Roadshow Studios and several locations in Queensland, Australia. The production generated approximately AUD26.5 million to the Queensland economy and supported more than 300 local jobs. SERVO’s end-to-end production services involved production planning, budgeting, crew hire, accounting, incentive management and project problem solving throughout the project’s lifecycle in Australia. The company provided services for Liam Neeson’s action thriller Ice Road: Vengeance, shot in Walhalla in Victoria, Australia, and Shane Black’s big-budget crime film Play Dirty for Amazon MGM Studios, co-starring Mark Wahlberg and LaKeith Stanfield.

SERVO’s founders and board members – Dean Hood, Jon Kuyper, Genevieve Hofmeyr, Marvin Saven and Jamie Hilton – will provide long term strategic vision for the company, and remain closely involved in various aspects of the business. Pantos joins a high-functioning executive team that includes Mel Chryssochoides, William Creamer, Julie Stewart and Michael Pontin. SERVO operates offices in Sydney, Melbourne and the Gold Coast, and will open a new office in Western Australia when Perth Studios begins operations, welcoming offshore production to WA.

www.servo.com.au

Confidence Holds, but Change is Inevitable: ANZ Construction Leaders Rethink Operation to stay Competitive

The fourth annual Kennards Hire Construction Confidence Check research shows industry leaders remain optimistic about growth but are proceeding with measured caution amid ongoing challenges.

SYDNEY, Aug. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Kennards Hire, Australia’s largest family-owned equipment hire company, released findings from its latest Construction Confidence Check, revealing that confidence in the industry remains high across both Australia and New Zealand – even as rising costs, productivity challenges, and global pressures reshape day-to-day operations.

The findings point to a sector in transformation, one that’s moving away from fixed-cost models and toward more flexible, sustainable, and circular ways of working to meet shifting expectations and maintain momentum.

Now in its fourth year in Australia – and expanding to include New Zealand for the first time – the 2025 report surveyed over 600 senior decision-makers from mid to large construction businesses. Nine in ten leaders (91%) expressed confidence in the industry’s performance over the next five years. However, it comes as no surprise that economic pressures remain top of mind, as almost all (99%) respondents are either actively implementing or exploring cost-saving strategies to maintain their competitive edge.

“We’re seeing an industry that’s optimistic, but also realistic,” said Tom Kimber, a General Manager of Sales at Kennards Hire. “Construction leaders understand that sustained growth requires transformation. While confidence in the industry remains high, so does the pressure to optimise – whether through cost reduction, tackling productivity challenges, or future-proofing their business operations. Across the board, we’re seeing a clear shift toward smarter and more agile ways of working”.

Delays and Inefficiencies Draining Industry Resources

Confidence may be high, but operational inefficiencies are still dragging down project delivery and profitability. Among ANZ business decision-makers who reported experiencing cost impacts from delays or reduced productivity, one in three estimate that these challenges affect an average of 15.5% of a typical construction project’s total cost.

Other key contributors include:

  • Lack of quality or available materials (38%)
  • Time wasted managing multiple suppliers and project managers (36%)
  • Lack of specialist project management expertise (35%)
  • Lack of skilled labour to complete specific work tasks (35%)
  • Outdated equipment (33%)

These pain points are further amplified by global pressures, with 92% of ANZ construction leaders saying they’ve been impacted by tariffs, shipping delays, and shifting trade regulations in the past year.

The Shift Towards Smarter, Circular Solutions

Under mounting pressure to deliver faster, leaner and more sustainable outcomes, the construction industry is moving away from traditional ownership-heavy models. In its place, more agile, circular, and on-demand approaches are emerging with businesses prioritising efficiency, flexibility, and long-term sustainability.

According to the 2025 report, the top priorities for ANZ decision-makers over the next 12 months include:

  • Investing in technology (60%) to improve project visibility, planning, and delivery
  • Outsourcing specialist expertise (51%) to fill capability gaps and reduce coordination overhead
  • Hiring or renting equipment (36%) to boost flexibility and avoid idle assets

“The shift towards on-demand and circular models, like equipment hire is no longer just about cutting costs,” said Kimber. It’s a strategic response to growing demands for speed, adaptability and sustainability.

“For many businesses, owning equipment simply doesn’t make sense when project timelines are tight, labour is stretched, and the pace of change is accelerating. We’re also seeing a rise in outsourcing for specialist expertise – not just to fill skill gaps, but to reduce friction and keep projects moving. These operational shifts are helping businesses stay resilient in an increasingly complex environment.”

Sustainability and Workforce Strategy Take Centre Stage

As regulatory and market pressures intensify, construction firms across ANZ are increasingly embedding sustainability and workforce development into the core of how they operate. Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) priorities are gaining momentum:

  • 59% said they would prioritise Green Building Council Australia and New Zealand Green Building Council certifications to validate sustainability credentials within their top 5 ESG factors they are prioritising or investing in.
  • While 49% are prioritising or investing in eco-friendly tools and carbon offsetting strategies, and another 48% are shifting to sustainable building materials within their top 5 ESG factors

At the same time, workforce transformation is emerging as a critical growth lever. In a competitive labour market, long-term value is overtaking short-term perks. To attract and retain talent, ANZ decision-makers identified the following as their top 3 priority:

  • Training and development programs for acquisition of new skills (65%)
  • Improved work-life balance through flexible scheduling (65%)
  • Career advancement opportunities within the industry (57%)

These dual priorities, sustainability and talent – are shaping a more resilient, future-focused construction industry.

Notes to the editor:
The findings from the 2025 Kennards Hire Construction Confidence Check are the result of a survey conducted by YouGov from 10 – 13 June 2025. The sample comprised of 608 senior business leaders/ decision makers from construction businesses with 20+ employees in Australia (n=403) and New Zealand (n=205)

About Kennards Hire – Australia
Kennards Hire is an Australian family-owned and operated company that has been in the hire industry for more than 75 years, with over 215 sites and branches across Australia and New Zealand. Since 1948, its product range extends from general hire equipment for the home renovator and professional tradesperson to specialist equipment and heavy machinery used on some of the largest civil infrastructure and commercial construction projects in two countries. Proud member of the Family Business Association, Member of Hire & Rental Industry Australia and Hire Industry Association New Zealand and Premium Partner of Sydney Football Club. kennards.com.au

APPENDIX 1. Key Findings Australia: 2025 Kennards Hire Construction Confidence Check Survey

Stability / Confidence

  • Over four in five (89%) Australian decision-makers surveyed are confident in the Australian construction industry’s growth and performance over the next five years, with almost half (44%) are very confident of the strong growth.

Macro issues

  • Among Australian decision-makers who reported experiencing cost impacts from delays or reduced productivity, the key contributors are:
  1. Time wasted managing multiple suppliers and project managers (41%)
  2. Lack of quality or available materials (39%)
  3. Lack of specialist project management expertise (38%)
  4. Lack of skilled labour to complete specific work tasks (35%)
  5. Outdated equipment (35%)
  • 91% of Australian construction leaders saying they’ve been impacted by tariffs, shipping delays, and shifting trade regulations in the past year.
  • In the next 12 months, the top priorities from Australian decision markers in construction include:
    • Investing in technology (56%) to improve project visibility, planning, and delivery
    • Outsourcing specialist expertise (53%) to fill capability gaps and reduce coordination overhead
    • Hiring more skilled labour (46%) to boost productivity

Productivity

  • Among Australian business decision-makers who reported experiencing cost impacts from delays or reduced productivity, one in three (32%) estimates that these issues affect an average of 15.5% of a typical construction project’s total cost.
  • Despite an overall positive outlook of Australian decision-makers surveyed, almost all (99%) say that their businesses are currently exercising caution by implementing or exploring cost-saving measure such as:
    • Investing in technology for better project management, improved efficiency and operation (42%)
    • Actively looking for competitive pricing of materials and services (40%)
    • Workforce training to enhance productivity and reduce mistakes (40%)
    • Focusing on increasing the quality of workmanship to reduce rework and warranty issues (38%)
    • Focusing on faster project completion to minimise labour and operational costs (39%)
    • Investing in innovative equipment to improve efficiency (34%).
  • Australian decision-makers are more likely than New Zealander decision-makers to cite workforce training to enhance productivity and reduce mistakes (40% compared to 30%) and focusing on faster project completion to minimise labour and operational costs (39% compared to 29%) as cost-saving measures their businesses are taking or exploring.
  • Australian decision-makers are more likely than their New Zealander counterparts to cite time spent on managing multiple suppliers and project managers (39% compared to 28%) as a factor leading to additional costs.

Workforce & Careers

  • Australian decision makers have identified below as the top 5 priorities to attract more individuals to pursue career in construction:
    • Training and development programs for acquisition of new skills (70%)
    • Improved work-life balance through flexible scheduling (62%)
    • Career advancement opportunities within the industry (59%)
    • Competitive salaries and benefits packages (45%)
    • Diversity and inclusion initiatives to widen the talent pool (33%)

ESG

  • Across the board, Australian decision-makers are embedding ESG deeper into their operations, the key priorities cited are:
    • Meeting mandatory ESG reporting requirements (12%)
    • Having project sites accredited and certified by Green Building Council of Australia (11%)
    • Getting to net zero/ Increase carbon offsetting (11%)
    • Waste management/ material recycling (10%)
    • Using “green equipment” or eco-friendly tools (8%)