Middle market leaders now understand the possibilities associated with AI, and are starting to see AI as an alternative to simply hiring more people writes Pitcher Partners Adelaide partner Chris Hanna.

Not long ago, labour costs were the elephant in every boardroom. Rising wages, shrinking talent pools – it was the same story in nearly every conversation.

But the conversation is changing fast.

Labour costs have quietly slipped down the list of things keeping middle market leaders awake at night, according to the latest Business Radar survey from Pitcher Partners.

While labour costs remain a significant focus, inflation and increased operating costs are the leading negative influences on business confidence, the survey revealed.

The labour market is more settled than it was in 2023 and 2024, but artificial intelligence is also changing the way leaders........

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