Australia’s small businesses are showing signs of a return to growth, with new data from OnDeck Australia revealing a sharp rise in borrowing for expansion rather than short-term survival.

OnDeck recorded a 42 per cent year-on-year increase in loan applications in the December quarter 2025, with 34 per cent of applicants seeking funding to expand their businesses, up from 23 per cent a year earlier.

The shift suggests a growing cohort of SMEs is looking beyond cash-flow management and investing in longer-term growth, despite ongoing cost pressures and elevated interest rates.

OnDeck CEO, Cameron Poolman said the data pointed to a shift in borrowing behaviour among SMEs.

“We’re seeing a clear shift from defensive borrowing to investment-led demand. That’s a meaningful change in sentiment after a prolonged period of caution,” Mr Poolman said.

The strongest lift in finance demand was seen in Western Australia, where loan applications doubled compared with the same period last year, while South Australia recorded the most dramatic change in intent, with the share of expansion-related applications jumping from 15.5 per cent to 37.2 per cent.

All states recorded growth in expansion-related applications, underscoring an improvement in sentiment across the country.

“Expansion” tops loan reasons

OnDeck’s data shows that business expansion is now the leading driver of funding demand, accounting for more than one-third of all applications in the December quarter, followed by equipment purchases, and inventory and stock.

Across the states, South Australia recorded the biggest shift toward growth-related funding, with the share of applications for expansion rising by 140 per cent year-on-year to 37.2 per cent. The lift was also significant in Western Australia (up 77.8 per cent), Victoria (up 77.2 per cent) and New South Wales (up 51.2 per cent).

Mr Poolman said the 42 per cent rise in the number of applications during the December quarter reflected a mix of seasonal working capital needs and a growing appetite for longer-term investment.

“Many emerging businesses are seeking working capital to get through the major trading periods, while more established businesses are investing to grow; particularly while incentives like the $20,000 Instant Asset Write-Off remain in place through to 30 June 2026”, he said.

Household spending fuels finance demand

Consumer activity is providing a tailwind for many businesses, with household spending up 6.3 per cent year-on-year in November, based on seasonally adjusted figures by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

“As confidence returns to households, it flows directly through to small businesses. That’s translating into higher demand for finance to fund expansion, manage cash flow and seize new opportunities,” Mr Poolman said.

“We see particularly strong demand from trades, retail and hospitality sectors, which are among the most exposed to consumer spending and seasonal trading cycles. These businesses often don’t have time to wait weeks for funding, which is part of the reason they seek out non-bank lenders.”

The increase in lending demand comes as new business formations accelerate. More than 1.3 million new Australian Business Numbers were registered in 2025, according to the Lawpath New Business Index, an increase of more than 39 per cent over the year.

Customer expectations are shifting at a pace sole traders can no longer ignore. Competition is fierce and consumers now value experiences as highly as the products or services they buy. Sole traders who treat customer experience as the foundation of their growth strategy are the ones building trust, securing repeat business and creating the kind of loyalty that drives sustainable success.

A strong customer experience does not happen by chance. It is built through thoughtful design, smart systems and a commitment to making every interaction count. When sole traders understand that experience sits at the heart of commercial momentum, every enquiry, follow-up and touchpoint becomes an opportunity to strengthen relationships that support long-term growth.

The building blocks of a winning customer experience

Communication sits at the centre of any strong customer experience. Customers want immediate clarity when they reach out and delays can soften interest or push them towards a competitor. When messages, enquiries and updates are managed through fragmented channels, response times slow and opportunities are missed. Sole traders who centralise their communication naturally create faster, more reliable interactions, directly improving conversion rates.

Personalisation is another powerful driver of customer satisfaction and growth. When a solo business remembers previous interactions, anticipates needs or sends thoughtful reminders, customers feel seen and valued. This level of attentiveness once required significant time and effort however the right digital tools now allow personalisation to happen at scale without adding pressure. The result is a customer journey that feels tailored rather than transactional.

Frictionless transactions also play a critical role in shaping perception. Long checkout processes, limited payment options or complicated invoicing create barriers customers no longer tolerate. A simple, secure and flexible payment experience reduces frustration and shortens the path from interest to purchase, encouraging customers to return with confidence.

Proactive engagement extends the relationship beyond the point of sale. Regular and relevant communication keeps solo operators front of mind even when customers are not actively buying. Timely updates, seasonal suggestions and helpful insights reinforce expertise and maintain interest. Over time, this builds preference and loyalty in ways that directly influence growth.

Reputation remains one of the most influential forces in customer decision-making. Reviews shape perceptions long before a customer reaches out. Sole traders who actively request, respond to and learn from feedback build credibility that attracts new customers. A well-managed reputation becomes a competitive asset because it reflects real experiences shared by real people.

Common customer experience pitfalls to avoid

Even the most capable sole traders can fall into patterns that hinder customer satisfaction and slow growth. Slow response times are among the most common issues and can create frustration before a relationship even begins. Customers often interpret delays as a lack of organisation or reliability, which undermines trust.

A lack of follow-up is another frequent misstep. When customers feel forgotten, the opportunity for repeat business weakens. Consistent, timely follow-ups demonstrate professionalism and show that the relationship matters.

Overlooking feedback can also be costly. Every review or comment offers insight into customer expectations. Ignoring these signals suggests their experience does not matter, while acknowledging feedback builds goodwill and shows a commitment to improvement.

Inconsistency across branding, communication and service further erodes confidence. When the experience varies from one interaction to the next, customers struggle to understand what your solo business stands for. Consistency creates familiarity and the reliability people look for when deciding who to return to.

Turning customer experience into a competitive advantage

Sole traders often assume exceptional customer experience requires larger teams or bigger budgets. In reality, a thoughtful approach supported by the right technology allows solo operators to deliver service that feels seamless, personal and dependable. When customer experience is prioritised, it becomes a powerful catalyst for growth, helping sole traders win more enquiries, reduce churn and generate stronger referrals.

The sole traders who thrive in the years ahead will be those who understand a simple truth. Growth follows the experiences you create. Customers remember how easy you made things, how quickly you responded and how valued they felt at every stage. Investing in a well-designed customer journey today builds loyalty, advocacy and momentum that competitors struggle to match.

Contributed by Elise Balsillie, Head of Thryv Australia and New Zealand

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is encouraging small businesses to start 2026 strong to avoid compliance actions.

ATO Assistant Commissioner Angela Allen said the new calendar year is the perfect time for small businesses to reset their habits to set themselves up for success.

‘Every year we see small businesses run into avoidable issues because they haven’t kept accurate records, reported all their income or managed their cash flow effectively,’ Ms Allen said.

Seeking advice from a registered tax practitioner is one of the most effective ways to avoid common errors and navigate areas of complexity. 

‘Part of the $27.2 billion small business income tax gap is driven by mistakes, so it’s important to be aware of the ATO’s small business focus areas and if you’re unsure seek support early.’ 

‘Taking just a few small practical steps now can make a huge difference, whether it’s putting funds aside to cover GST and PAYG withholding, staying on top of ATO debts or setting calendar reminders for lodgment due dates.’ 

Stay on top of ATO debts

The ATO is urging small businesses to stay on top of their tax debts or risk firmer recovery actions as it accelerates efforts to collect more than $50 billion in unpaid tax. 

Small business tax debts continue to grow and the ATO is urging business owners to act now to avoid pressure down the track. 

‘It’s about setting your business up for success and if for some reason you can’t pay in full or on time, our number one tip is to not stick your head in the sand. Engage with us or your registered tax practitioner early to discuss your options,’ Ms Allen said. 

‘The ATO is not a bank or a cheap source of finance. Deliberately delaying tax payments to fund your business creates an unfair advantage over the many small businesses that are doing the right thing and paying on time.’

Separate accounts for separate obligations

Cash flow remains one of the biggest pressure points for small businesses, with owners scrambling at business activity statement (BAS) time because funds for GST or pay as you go (PAYG) withholding haven’t been set aside. 

‘Keeping separate bank accounts for these obligations makes it easier to meet your commitments and avoid unexpected shortfalls,’ Ms Allen said. 

‘Don’t be tempted to dip into GST you’ve collected, or PAYG withholding collected on behalf of your employees, as a way to bolster your cash flow.’

‘While using these amounts to fund your business may feel like a short-term fix, it creates much bigger problems down the track and makes it harder to recover when your obligations are due.’

Good records, good business 

The ATO continues to see instances where income is omitted from tax returns, particularly from businesses that accept cash payments or have inconsistent record keeping practices. 

‘Accurate, consistent and complete record keeping isn’t just a good idea – it’s a requirement,’ Ms Allen said. 

If you’re still using the ‘shoebox’ method to keep your records, it’s well and truly time to go digital. If you’re a sole trader the ATO app has a range of features like myDeductions, tax withheld calculator and the business performance check tool. 

Small businesses should also take advantage of the ATO’s online services, where they can check their lodgment status and keep tabs on outstanding debts. 

Prepare for Payday Super 

With Payday Super requiring businesses to pay employees their super guarantee each payday from 1 July 2026, the ATO is urging small businesses to plan ahead. 

‘Review your payroll systems and super processes and get ready to pay super guarantee more frequently,’ Ms Allen said.  

What’s on the ATO’s radar 

The ATO encourages small businesses and their tax practitioner to stay across the small business compliance focus areas, which are updated quarterly and published on the ATO’s website. 

‘It’s all about being transparent about the compliance risks on our radar so small businesses can continue to get it right in 2026. And, where we see deliberate non-compliance including shadow economy behaviours we will take firmer action.’ 

Seek support early

Successful small businesses have support from someone who understands their business, such as a registered tax practitioner.

‘If you need help keeping on top of your ATO obligations you may wish to engage a registered tax practitioner but ensure they are registered with the Tax Practitioners Board,’ Ms Allen said. 

‘Getting your tax advice from a friend on the weekend is not a good plan and neither is relying on social media for guidance.’ 

Closing up shop?

For business owners who have closed their business or are considering winding down in 2026, the ATO has detailed information on the next steps to take including cancelling ABNs, lodging final tax returns and BAS, and meeting payroll and super obligations for the last time.

‘If you decide it’s time to move on, closing your business the right way helps avoid future compliance issues,’ Ms Allen said.

Creative ideas don’t always arrive fully formed — often, they take shape through exploration, trial and error, and refinement. That’s why we designed Adobe Firefly as an all-in-one creative AI studio where creators can work with the industry’s leading AI models and powerful creative tools, all in one place, to move from idea to finished work.

Today, we’re giving you the freedom and flexibility to go deeper in your creative exploration with unlimited image and video generations. Firefly subscribers can now create unlimited generations with industry-leading image models, including Google Nano Banana Pro, GPT Image Generation, Runway Gen-4 Image, as well as Adobe’s commercially safe Firefly image and video models.

Unlimited generations for continuous creative exploration

It’s been exciting to see how generative AI has become an essential part of your creative toolkit. Eighty-six percent of creators use creative AI in their daily workflows. And you’re not just using it — you’re honing your craft. The average Firefly prompt length doubled in 2025 — showing how creators are engaging more conversationally with creative AI and proving that prompting itself is becoming a core creative skill.

With unlimited image and video generations, it’s easier to stay in your flow — so you can explore new ideas and creative directions as they emerge, play with different variations, styles, and approaches across models, and refine a concept as many times as it takes to get it right.

Unlimited generations are available on firefly.adobe.com, in Firefly Boards — Adobe’s collaborative, AI-powered ideation surface — and in the Firefly mobile app on iOS and Android, giving you different places to explore ideas and refine work as it takes shape.

Turn unlimited generations into meaningful creative output with Firefly’s best-in-class tools, bringing your creative vision to life across any medium.

• Develop and align ideas in Firefly Boards, where you and your team can bring inspiration, references, and generated assets into one shared space to iterate quickly, gather feedback, and move concepts forward together.
• Edit sequences with Firefly video editor, the browser-based assembly space for generative storytelling
• Continue to refine by adding sound effects or fully-licensed music tracks
• Edit your images with Prompt to Edit — simply describe your changes in plain language, such as adding or removing objects, swapping backgrounds, or refining details instantly

From idea to finished creation — without breaking your flow

What makes Adobe Firefly different isn’t just unlimited generations — it’s also what you can do with your creations after you generate them.

Firefly connects your creative exploration directly to Adobe’s professional-grade tools, so you can move from ideas to finished work without starting over. Generate in Firefly, refine with precise controls, and finish with even more power and precision in Creative Cloud apps like Photoshop and Premiere to refine the result and make it truly production ready.

What to create right now

To spark ideas for how to make the most of unlimited creation with Firefly, here are a few fun ways you can bring seasonal moments to life:

Create Valentine editorials with Firefly Boards

Check out our Valentine’s Day–themed Firefly Boards presets that make it easy to jump into styles and trends. Just go to the “Presets” tab and choose the Valentine’s Day preset (Sweet Treats or Tarot & Lipstick), add images and hit “Generate.” You’ll see your variations and can start refining your ideas directly on the board. Here’s a tutorial to get you started.

Make throwback Valentine’s cards (elementary-school style!): Remember handing out cards to everyone in class? Using Google’s Nano Banana Pro model in Adobe Firefly, recreate that charm by designing playful, nostalgic Valentine’s cards for friends and family — then refine colors, fonts, and illustrations until they feel perfectly personal. Click here to try it now.

Turn you and your bestie into claymation characters: Celebrate Valentine’s by transforming photos of you and your pal into adorable claymation-style characters—complete with hearts, candy, or cozy Valentine’s vibes. Experiment with different looks until you land on a style that feels just right. Upload a reference image and try it now.

Create a romance movie poster or book cover: Turn your friendship or love story into a full-blown, rom-com moment. Generate multiple poster concepts, tweak the mood and typography, and refine the details until it looks like it belongs on a marquee. Upload a reference image of you and your friend or crush and try it now.

Transform your photo into a Lunar New Year paper-cut design: Using Google’s Nano Banana Pro model, reinterpret photos or ideas as contemporary paper-cut graphics — exploring symmetry, symbolic motifs, and bold, high-contrast shapes. Upload a reference image and try it now.

Square has announces its partnership with Prefecture 48, a multi-venue Japanese dining destination redefining premium hospitality in Sydney’s CBD. Built around precision and craft, Prefecture 48 partnered with Square to reduce operational friction and give teams more time to focus on what matters most: the guest experience.

Prefecture 48 brings together six distinct venues under one roof, from contemporary kaiseki at Garaku and chef-led dining at Five, to the sushi experience at Omakase, robata-focused Ibushi, the Whisky Thief bar and patisserie Dear Florence. Each venue operates with its own service style and pace while contributing to a single, immersive journey. Delivering that journey at scale requires technology that can handle complexity quietly in the background, without demanding attention from staff during service.

“We’ve always envisioned ourselves to be a one-stop for multiple destinations,” says Prefecture 48 Brand Director Cindy Tseng. “Square is a perfect integration into this concept because it allows our guests to move freely between venues with only one bill at the end of the night. To us, that is a big win.”

“Prefecture 48 represents the kind of sophisticated, full-service hospitality Square is built to support,” said Colin Birney, Head of Business Development at Square. “Running an operation of this calibre demands technology that can handle complexity without getting in the way. Square is designed to give teams time back to focus on craft, service and the guest experience.”

At Prefecture 48, the ability to handle complexity without disruption is delivered through Square for Restaurants, combined with Square Register, Square Terminal and Square Handheld, which connect the entire precinct through a single system. Orders, payments and menus flow through one platform, supporting everything from tasting menus and omakase service to bar tabs and dessert-only visits. By simplifying complex operations, Square frees teams to stay present on the floor and in the kitchen.

“I can detail that particular item description within literally 60 seconds,” says Prefecture 48 IT Manager Phil Chan. “That flexibility is critical for a venue like ours, where menus change frequently and accuracy during service matters.”

For front-of-house teams, that reclaimed time translates directly into better hospitality. “Square allows our front-of-house team to spend a lot more time with our guests instead of fussing over behind the scenes,” says Tseng.

In the kitchen, clarity and precision are essential. Head Chef Hiroshi Manaka highlights the importance of clean docketing and clear notes to support multi-course menus and dietary requirements, enabling his team to focus on craft, consistency and timing during service.

Beyond service, Square’s real-time insights give Prefecture 48 visibility across all venues, helping the group make informed decisions while protecting the creative and cultural vision behind the precinct.

The partnership reflects Square’s continued evolution as a hospitality platform built for complexity, not compromise. From neighbourhood venues to some of the most ambitious dining destinations in the country, Square is designed to give operators time back to focus on what matters most.

Three-quarters of Australian small businesses expect stronger results in 2026, according to new data from Shopify. The survey of 500+ local business owners and senior decision-makers explored the business outlook, priorities and technology adoption of Australian small business retailers, with key findings including:

• Business outlook:
  • 31% of Australian SMBs are much more optimistic about their performance in 2026 and another 44% are somewhat more optimistic, while only 4% expressed negative sentiment about the year ahead.
  • The top two priorities of SMBs in 2026: Revenue growth (32%), improving profitability and cash flow (31%), followed by retaining and growing existing customers (28%), and improving customer experience and support (25%).
• Where retailers are investing:
  • Strengthening security, privacy, and data protection (36%) and supporting international selling capabilities (32%) are top of mind for SMBs when it comes to the tools to prioritise, alongside using AI and automation for efficiency and content creation (31%).
    • Many also emphasise connecting in-store and online systems (28%) and improving site/app speed and uptime (27%). 
  • When it comes to emerging technologies, Australian SMBs are prioritising customer-facing tools and sales-driving capabilities: One-click checkout (36%) and retail media networks (35%) are seen as essential to compete, alongside creator commerce (32%) and next-day delivery promise (31%). 
• AI and tech adoption: 
  • Two-in-five local SMBs are in the early majority when it comes to adopting new tech, with many adopting technology once its value is proven. 
  • However, a significant portion (33%) are early adopters, testing and implementing tools ahead of peers. Only a small minority wait until solutions are mainstream (19%) or adopt only when necessary (6%).
  • When it comes to AI, 78% of Australian SMBs report using ChatGPT or another generative AI tool in the past 12 months, while 20% have not used AI, and 2% are unsure. 
  • The most common AI use cases include creating marketing content (37%), generating product content (34%), and analysing data or generating reports (33%). 
• Community impact:).
  • Nearly three-quarters of SMBs expect to increase their community involvement over the next year, with 33% planning a significant increase and 41% anticipating a moderate rise. 
  • The key ways SMBs support their local communities:
    • Offering affordable access to goods or services (39%) 
    • Providing local jobs (36%)
    • Purchasing from local suppliers (31%) 
    • Providing training and mentorship for local workers and entrepreneurs (29%) – the highest rate among the markets surveyed (US 18%; Canada 22%; UK 16%; Germany 22%)

Methodology: The survey was conducted from November 18th to 29th, 2025 among 513 Australian business owners and senior decision-makers. Businesses included in the study are ones that focus on selling products, and have at least part of their sales conducted online. 

Sony Electronics Inc. will debut 16 improved BRAVIA Professional Displays – the BZ-P Series – comprised of the BZ40P flagship models, BZ35P enhanced options, and BZ30P core offerings.

Ranging in size from 43-inches to 85-inches and featuring a Deep Black Non-Glare technology, the 4K HDR portfolio is suited for a range of uses in corporate, higher education, retail, and transportation spaces. The thinner options offer crisp imagery and exceptional visibility – even in bright environments.

With a newly updated design, improved installation flexibility, enhanced operability, mindful sustainability, and lower power consumption, the new lineup incorporates a combination of powerful hardware and software capabilities.

“The encouraging feedback to our BRAVIA Professional Displays featuring Sony’s unique Deep Black Non-Glare technology inspired us to innovate further to expand our customers’ creative vision and potential,” said Michael Bell, Head of Home Entertainment, Sony Australia. “We’re proud to provide the pro A/V industry with a choice between 16 revamped displays that strengthen our overall portfolio and combine the most valuable traits inherent to Sony integrated display technology – including pristine image quality, strong visibility, robust integration abilities, and longevity – with an added focus on incorporating the benefits of both hardware and software.”

BZ-P Series Picture Quality & Visibility

The BZ40P, BZ35P, and BZ30P BRAVIA Professional Displays all feature Sony’s impressive AI-powered XR signal processing for accurately depicting images, text, and details with realism and vibrancy and offer brightness between 400-700 cd/m². The full BZ-P Series lineup features a standout Deep Black Non-Glare technology, offering a premium 47%^[1] or standard 25% anti-glare, which combined with a wide viewing angle, mitigates glare and reflection, and provides high contrast for a true-to-life picture, even in bright, direct light-filled spaces.

Installation Flexibility

The BZ-P Series of displays are thoughtfully redesigned with installation and integration in mind. The thin, lightweight new lineup features a universal chassis and even, narrow, and uniform bezels with an imbued logo for flawless portrait orientation and videowall setup options. Additionally, new to the BZ-P Series are center Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) mounting holes that allow for easy installation. The lineup’s 75 and 85-inch models also include in-chassis handles for assistance in transport. Furthermore, when used with Sony’s Device Management Platform (DMP), display provisioning can be done quickly and at scale.

Convenient Usability

Sony’s latest displays have been enhanced to ensure more operational efficiency and compatibility optimised for professional users. The lineup uses a System on a Chip (SoC) architecture that removes the need for an additional set-top box for digital signage and features a new user interface and setup program. Additionally, native integration between the new BZ Series and Sony’s powerful and intuitive Remote Management System (RMS) solutions^[2] gives users total control over cloud-based provisioning, control, monitoring and maintenance. Sony also collaborates and conducts compatibility testing with major CMS solution providers worldwide, making it easier than ever to integrate preferred solutions.

Proven Reliability

Sony’s display lineup remains a durable and reliable choice tested to meet exacting demands. Featuring IP5X-compliant dust resistance (BZ40P and BZ35P models only), the BZ-P Series accommodates the demands of use in transportation, retail, and industrial environments, as well as warehouses.

Energy Efficient and Environmentally Conscious

The BZ-P Series offers a substantial reduction in power consumption. The displays’ new high efficiency optical system and XR processor–based AI backlight control deliver up to about 31% lower power consumption than the BZL series (when comparing the FW55BZ40L and FW55BZ40P). Another important distinction to support energy efficiency on a global scale are the models’ Energy Star and pending EPEAT certifications. The new models also increase the use of SORPLAS™, Sony’s unique recycled plastic material, to a maximum of 43%^[3] to reduce environmental impact and further align with the company’s long-term sustainability goals. Additionally, the display’s usage can be tracked and managed through its internal ECO Dashboard to provide visibility into the impact of using certain settings and help contribute to a reduced total cost of ownership.

BZ-P Model Overview

BZ40P – Flagship: Four models ranging in size from 55 to 85-inches, featuring Deep Black Non-Glare Premium technology that accommodates 47% anti-glare and supports 700 nits of brightness, along with an IP5X-compliant dust resistance.

• FW-85BZ40P
• FW-75BZ40P
• FW-65BZ40P
• FW-55BZ40P

BZ35P – Enhanced: Six models sized from 43 to 85-inches, featuring Deep Black Non-Glare Standard technology and offering 500 nits, as well as IP5X dust resistance.

• FW-85BZ35P
• FW-75BZ35P
• FW-65BZ35P
• FW-55BZ35P
• FW-50BZ35P
• FW-43BZ35P

BZ30P – Core: Six models in 43 to 85-inch sizes, incorporating Deep Black Non-Glare Standard technology and providing 400 nits of brightness.

• FW-85BZ30P
• FW-75BZ30P
• FW-65BZ30P
• FW-55BZ30P
• FW-50BZ30P
• FW-43BZ30P

The new BZ-P Series complements Sony’s existing lineup of BRAVIA Professional Displays, highlighted by the 98-inch BZ53L Series, 32-inch BZ30J Series, and EZ20L Series.

In Australia the new BZ40P, BZ35P and BZ30P series will be available from July 2026 (selected models June 2026) through authorised Sony Professional Dealers.

For more information, please visit https://pro.sony/en_AU/products/professional-displays/product-line-up  

New research from Teletrac Navman, a leading connected mobility platform and a Vontier company, has found that 84% of fleets cite driver exoneration as a leading reason for deploying safety technology, with 53% of fleets that suffered accidents in the past 12 months successfully able to exonerate a driver. 

The ‘Mobilizing the Future of Fleets: 2026 Risk and Exoneration Edition’ uncovered that a third (34%) of fleets reported being impacted by fraudulent motor claims. 77% of respondents also agreed that increasing litigation and legal costs are now a global concern, made evident by the rise of fleet insurance premiums (Risk Strategies1), with umbrella liability coverage increasing from 10% to 30%, and auto liability from 10% to 20%. 

“The role of telematics is evolving and taking on a more strategic purpose in fleet organizations, moving solely from a tool used for cost control and improvements, to an extremely powerful, proactive risk prevention and management solution,” said Alain Samaha, Chief Executive Officer, Teletrac Navman.  

“A high percentage of fleet safety incidents are caused by third parties and other external factors, and video telematics is now the most powerful tool to provideirrefutable, contextual evidence that protects people, preserves reputations, and stabilizes margins.”  

Teletrac Navman’s research found that modern fleets are also taking a considered and layered approach to risk management, with 56% utilizing five or more technologies and 74% partnering telematics with dashcams – this combination providing fleets with the full context around driving events, combining performance metrics, video evidence and location data to create a complete, defensible picture when incidents occur, and for meaningful, proactive driver training. 

Accordingly, since implementing safety technology 85% of fleets have reported being able to counter the general rise in insurance premiums, with 65% recording premium decreases. Nearly three-quarters (70%) of respondents reported that combining cameras with telematics data drastically reduced the time needed to process accident claims, indicating that integrated evidence is transforming disputes into clear outcomes. 

“This is a moment for fleet leaders to make a positive, strategic shift,” added Samaha. “Treat safety tech as a long‑term asset: invest in platforms that scale, embed evidence into everyday workflows and fraud protection, and use outcomes to renegotiate insurance and drive operational change. Do this, and safety becomes a competitive differentiator – not just a line on a budget, but a foundation for resilience and growth.” 

Jabra, a global leader in professional audio and video solutions, today announces the launch of the Evolve3 series, the next generation of its market-leading headset lineup. Building on the success of Evolve and Evolve2, this latest evolution introduces a boomless mic design with class-leading comfort and portability, future-ready voice access for AI and real-time adaptive noise cancellation. It’s engineered to be the first true cross-over headset, built to meet the needs of today’s hybrid professionals and designed for day-to-day personal use.  

The Evolve3 85 (over-the-ear) and Evolve3 75 (on-the-ear) offer professional-grade voice clarity and all-day comfort in a modern, contemporary and Danish design. Whether switching between meetings, concentrating on complex projects or using voice to activate AI tools, Evolve3 is built to match the pace and flexibility of modern work. 

Poor sound quality remains a top concern for today’s professionals, with 99 percent of knowledge workers reporting that bad audio impacts online meetings and call quality ranking as the number one pain point in headset use.2 Despite this, only 20% are using an enterprise grade headset and rely on other solutions, with 46 percent still bringing consumer headsets to work, which often lack the clarity, comfort and compatibility needed for professional communication3. There is a preference for consumer headset design, and Evolve3 is intended to meet this challenge with a cross-over experience that delivers professional grade performance paired with matching consumer expectations on design. For the first time, users will sound professional but look smart, regardless of wearing it for prolonged time in the office, being on calls in an airport, listening to media on a flight, taking meetings while commuting in traffic or any other situation where you need a headset. Evolve3 delivers clear speech in any environment, even outdoors, which is a significant step up in performance from the previous Jabra Evolve2 85 and 75 boom arm products.

Distraction-free conversations in any environment

Evolve3 features Jabra ClearVoice, a combination of deep neural network (DNN) technology and Jabra’s multi-mic algorithms. Inspired by how the human brain filters noise in a crowded room and leaning on technology from GN’s group-wide capabilities, the DNN model processes layers of sound data to distinguish the user’s voice from surrounding noise without the need for a visible boom arm. This means you can now always be heard clearly on a call with all background noise blocked. This AI-driven approach works with the hardware to enable discreet mic placement while maintaining high level clarity. 

Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) responds in real time to both your environment and how the headset fits. Unlike most headsets, the ANC on Evolve3 85 and 75 continues to block out distractions even during calls, not just between them. Whether in a meeting or listening to music, Jabra Evolve3 helps users stay in the zone with fewer interruptions. 

Designed for both work and pleasure

Unlike traditional professional headsets, Jabra Evolve3 85 and Jabra Evolve3 75 offer a minimalist design that fits the flexibility of modern work scenarios as well as most user’s wish for a clean, every-day look. This makes Evolve3 a true cross-over headset from professional to leisure use. The Evolve3 85 is an over-the-ear headset designed for immersive focus, while the Evolve3 75 offers an on-the-ear fit for lighter wear with greater environmental awareness. Both models are the most compact and lightweight design in their class, setting new standards for comfort and portability. 

Voice-ready for the future of work

Evolve3 supports voice interaction through seamless and accurate access to AI, enabling professionals to use voice input in mobile and screen-free scenarios. Powered by Jabra ClearVoice, this system uses AI-driven deep learning technology trained on more than 60 million real-world sentences to isolate speech from background noise with high accuracy. In real-world environments, it delivers AI-ready performance capturing 96% of words accurately across tested environments (99% in open office)4, even without a visible boom-arm. This helps users with AI prompts, to complete tasks, issue commands or dictate messages on the go. Voice input is up to three times faster than typing, making it a practical option for staying productive in mobile or screen-free situations5.

Smart, secure and scalable

The Evolve3 series is certified for major UC platforms, includes a pre-paired Bluetooth adapter for instant and secure connectivity and supports Bluetooth Native for connection directly to devices. With the Jabra Plus Management software, IT teams can manage devices remotely, push firmware updates and configure settings through a central dashboard. End-users benefit from the new Jabra Plus mobile app with customisation options like equaliser controls, wind noise reduction and quick firmware updates from their smartphone. A desktop version of the Jabra Plus app will be available later in 2026.

Both headsets also feature replaceable batteries for extended product life, in compliance with repair legislation. With up to 25 hours of calls and 120 hours of music,1 wireless charging and fast charging that provides up to 10 hours of power in just 10 minutes, the Evolve3 series is designed to keep professionals connected and powered throughout the day.

Calum MacDougall, President at Jabra says, “In today’s hybrid world your work and life converge into one and with Evolve3 we deliver a real step-change in user experience of a professional headset. This series brings together industry-leading voice technology, a design you want to wear and seamless integration with the tools and platforms you rely on every day both professionally and personally.”

Key Features shared across both Evolve3 85 and Evolve3 75

• Boomless design with Jabra ClearVoice, powered by deep neural network (DNN) technology for professional-grade voice clarity
• Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation that adjusts in real-time to environment
• Spatial Sound for more natural, and less fatiguing call experiences
• Fast-charge support that delivers up to 10 hours of power in just 10 minutes by cable. Wireless charging also available. 
• Voice input for accurate access to AI workflows and tools
• AI-readiness and screen-free productivity
• Tuned for high-fidelity music with the LC3 audio codec
• Certified for leading virtual meeting platforms (UC-certified variants)
• Secure Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity with pre-paired adapter included
• Centralised device management through Jabra Plus Management
• Customisation and control via the Jabra Plus mobile and desktop (later in 2026) app
• Replaceable batteries to extend product life and support battery recycling
• Designed with sustainability in mind incl. recycled and bio-circular materials, replaceable parts (batteries and ear cushions) and certified to TCO generation 10

Jabra Evolve3 85 (Over-the-Ear) Key Features

• Over-ear design for maximum immersion and noise isolation
• Ideal for professionals needing full focus in louder environments
• Extended battery life for 25 hours of call time or 120 hours of listening to entertainment (with ANC/busylight off) and 10-minute fast charge for 10 hours of use
• 35% slimmer and 23% lighter than Jabra Evolve2 85
• Foldable and portable with compact storage case

Jabra Evolve3 75 (On-the-Ear) Key Features

• On-ear design for lighter, more breathable wear
• Great for hybrid workers who want greater situational awareness
• 22 hours of call time or 110 hours of listening to entertainment (with ANC/busylight off) and a 10-minute fast charge for 10 hours of use
• More compact and travel-friendly for everyday mobility

Availability

• Jabra Evolve3 85 will be available from March 1, 2026. (MSRP $979 AUD)
• Jabra Evolve3 75 will be available from March 1, 2026. (MSRP $719 AUD)
• Warm Grey colour variant will be available in select markets from April 2026

For more information, visit www.jabra.com/evolve3