<![CDATA[EUROPEAN BUSINESS SERVICES ASSOCIATION - News]]>Sat, 13 Jun 2026 14:59:01 +0200Weebly<![CDATA[Fully-operational GBS team available for hire, after re-org, in Lodz]]>Thu, 11 Jun 2026 06:15:55 GMThttp://www.europeanbusinessservices.com/news/fully-operational-gbs-team-available-for-hire-after-re-org-in-lodzFrom LinkedIn post ( Joanna Milczewska).

If you’re planning to build an SSC in Europe, you’ve just been handed a shortcut most companies never get.
In Łódź, a fully operational, high-performing SSC team is about to hit the market.
Not because it failed.
Not because it underperformed.
Because of a global post-merger corporate decision to move operations elsewhere.

What’s becoming available is not a “talent pool”.
It’s a ready-to-go engine:
→ Finance, accounting, analytics
→ Proven SSC setup & scaling experience
→ People who already know how to work together
→ A culture that doesn’t need to be designed on slides

And here’s the part most strategies ignore:
You can spend 12–18 months building a team like this.
Or you can start with one.
If CoE / SSC / transformation is anywhere on your roadmap – this is a rare entry point.
Also, in the spirit of “six degrees of separation”: if it’s not for you, it’s probably for someone in your network.

Joanna Milczewska
]]><![CDATA[Venue announced: GBS AI & Automation Workshop, 8 September, Warsaw]]>Mon, 08 Jun 2026 03:46:32 GMThttp://www.europeanbusinessservices.com/news/venue-announced-gbs-ai-automation-workshop-8-september-warsawVarso46, the tallest skyscraper in Poland, and indeed the whole EU, will be the location for GBS AI & Automation Workshop, set for 8 September,  Warsaw.

Featuring 21 speakers from GBS Directors on GBS AI Case-studies, the focus is on granular insights into which AI tools, applications, and processes are delivering results. This peer-to-peer Workshop is designed for GBS Directors, Global Process Owners, Transformation Directors, and executives leading AI-initiatives inside GBSs.

We'll discuss the role of vendors and advisors - and swap insights into pricing.

Registration details are here - and GBS execs who choose to share their own experiences receive 300euro discount on the day.

The event is followed by evening Dinner and 1st annual European Enterprise AI Awards - and all GBS Presentations are automatically submitted for the Awards.


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]]><![CDATA[Rolls-Royce GCC – Kraków expansion phase]]>Sun, 07 Jun 2026 14:34:43 GMThttp://www.europeanbusinessservices.com/news/rolls-royce-gcc-krakow-expansion-phaseThe recently launched Rolls-Royce Global Capability Centre in Kraków continues recruiting across finance, procurement, HR and analytics functions, indicating the centre is still in active scale-up mode during Q2 2026.

]]><![CDATA[Canary in the AI coalmine? Uber cuts 23% in HR and workplace division]]>Thu, 04 Jun 2026 11:18:52 GMThttp://www.europeanbusinessservices.com/news/canary-in-the-coalmine-uber-layoffs-hr-and-workplace-division-cut-23Uber is cutting 23% of jobs in its People and Places division, which covers human resources, recruitment, workplace facilities, and culture, according to Bloomberg.
A company spokesperson confirmed the affected headcount falls well below 1% of Uber's global workforce of 34,000, though the company declined to provide a specific figure. Senior-level positions account for a large share of the roles being eliminated.

The restructuring comes three weeks after Jill Hazelbaker was promoted to president and chief corporate affairs officer, a role that added Uber's safety operations and the People and Places organization to her responsibilities. Writing to employees whose roles were affected, Hazelbaker described the structural problems she intends to fix, saying the organization had become "too complex and fragmented, with overlapping responsibilities, unclear ownership, and teams operating too far from the businesses and partners they support." Her stated goal, per CNBC, is to arrive at a "more connected, modern, operationally excellent organization."
In his own internal communication directed at company leadership, Dara Khosrowshahi offered his rationale, writing that "changes are necessary to maximize the effectiveness of the People team and the enormous potential ahead of us," CNBC reported.

Despite the broader industry trend of linking headcount reductions to artificial intelligence investment, Bloomberg reports that Uber's spokesperson explicitly ruled out AI as a factor in these particular cuts. Rather than sweeping reductions, the company has favored a narrower approach to cost management, and job listings remain active for over 800 positions, among them roles supporting the commercialization of robotaxi services.

Source: Yahoo Finance

]]><![CDATA[Bulgaria in the digital economy: Turning advantages into leadership]]>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 06:14:19 GMThttp://www.europeanbusinessservices.com/news/bulgaria-in-the-digital-economy-turning-advantages-into-leadershipThe Association for Innovation, Business Services and Technology (AIBEST) is an independent industry organisation dedicated to positioning Bulgaria as a leader in knowledge-intensive products, services and solutions, as well as a global destination for highly educated talent. The association unites companies across all areas of the modern business services industry – BPO, ITO, R&D centres and SSCs (shared service centres).

Yordan Ginev is the Chairman of AIBEST and Managing Director of DIGITALL Bulgaria. With more than 15 years of experience in the technology sector, he is a leading advocate for education reform, innovation and sustainable growth in Bulgaria and the wider region.



What role does AIBEST play in building a future-ready digital economy?
Our role is to be the voice and partner of the industry in its dialogue with the government and the education system. Оver the past fifteen years, Bulgaria has transformed into a hub for high-tech solutions with global reach. In 2023, 817 companies in the BPO, ITO, and R&D sectors operated in Bulgaria, employing more than 104,000 people. This makes the industry one of the strategic drivers of the national economy. AIBEST’s mission is to ensure the sector continues to grow sustainably —with higher added value, more innovation, and a stable contribution to GDP.

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Which digital advantages give Bulgaria competitiveness, and which areas still lag behind?

Our greatest strength lies in people — highly skilled professionals with both linguistic and technological expertise. Bulgaria is increasingly recognised for quality rather than low cost. We are a proven technology destination with a successful track record of more than 20 years. Our geographic location, along with numerous examples of successful international and Bulgarian companies, provides a strong foundation. Bulgaria’s Euro-Atlantic orientation, reinforced by its recent achievements — full membership in Schengen and entry into the Eurozone in 2026 — further strengthens this position.

Yet we face critical weaknesses: the talent shortage is deepened by demographic decline and by the fact that only 2% of adults take part in lifelong learning programmes, compared with an EU average of 11%. Investment in R&D stands at just 0.28% of GDP (vs. the EU average of 0.72%), while support for the private sector amounts to only 0.011% of GDP, compared with 0.204% across the EU. These gaps restrict our potential for innovation and technology transfer.

Has the surge in digitalisation been a short-term effect of the pandemic, or is it now a long-term priority?

The pandemic was a catalyst, but digitalisation has now become a structural priority. Operational revenues grew by 10.8% in 2023 — slower than the record 16.9% growth in 2022, yet still a double-digit increase. This highlights the sector’s resilience. Companies are shifting from efficiency-driven outsourcing to innovation-driven solutions. Digital transformation is no longer optional — it is essential for every industry.

Is local supply sufficient to meet the demand? Are services aimed more at domestic or international markets?

The majority of the sector’s capacity is still export-oriented, serving international clients. However, we are seeing growing domestic demand – particularly in banking, telecommunications and retail. This is a positive sign, as digitalising Bulgarian businesses and institutions creates internal momentum and accelerates economic transformation.

Is digitalisation still constrained by a shortage of talent, and which skills will be most important?

Yes, this remains the most serious challenge. The skills in greatest demand are artificial intelligence, data analytics, cloud technologies and cyber security. At DIGITALL, for example, we invested more than EUR 1 million in 2024 into AI development and staff training. Other AIBEST members also operate internal academies and education partnerships. Yet without a national strategy and comprehensive education reform, the talent shortage will remain a systemic risk.

Which policy changes and investments are most critical to further Bulgaria’s digital growth?

Firstly, a predictable tax and regulatory environment. Secondly, investments in infrastructure – 5G, cloud services and green energy to secure the sector’s capacity. Thirdly, regional development. Currently, 70% of companies are concentrated in Sofia, while cities such as Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas and Ruse have talent and universities but lack targeted incentives for technological investment. With the right policies, we can establish regional hubs and broaden the industry beyond the capital.

ConclusionBulgaria has all the prerequisites to become a leader in Southeast Europe. Yet to remain firmly on the technological map, decisive steps are required – greater investment in education, incentives for R&D and a clear national vision. Digitalisation 4.0 is not simply a trend: it is an opportunity to build an economy with high added value and global recognition.

]]><![CDATA[Albania's Ikons expands its IT recruitment services to Hungary]]>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 06:12:16 GMThttp://www.europeanbusinessservices.com/news/albanias-ikons-expands-its-it-recruitment-services-to-hungaryAlbania-based IT talent, services, and solutions provider Ikons said it is expanding its European presence to Hungary.The Hungarian unit will offer specialised recruitment in IT, contractor and staffing solutions, and outsourcing, Ikons said last week (27 May 2026).

The company, which is mainly owned by Albanian energy-to-consultancy group Blessed Investment, is already present in 11 markets in Europe and the U.S., according to its website. In Southeast Europe, Ikons has offices in Albania, Kosovo, and Serbia.


]]><![CDATA[Romanian digital-automation group IT Genetics in next acquistion]]>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 06:08:04 GMThttp://www.europeanbusinessservices.com/news/romanian-digital-automation-group-it-genetics-in-next-acquistion
The recently listed tech group specializing in digital automation and operational efficiency solutions for businesses, IT Genetics (BVB: ITG), announced on Thursday, May 28, the full acquisition of Scale Expert, a Romanian company active in weighing solutions and systems dedicated to the retail, logistics, and distribution segments.
The transaction marks the first acquisition completed by IT Genetics following its listing on the AeRO market of the Bucharest Stock Exchange. The company aims to accelerate the development of its weighing solutions division and expand its presence in this segment both in Romania and across the international markets where the Group is already active. 

“Scale Expert brings solid expertise in a specialized segment, as well as a client portfolio that complements our commercial directions very well. We see significant potential for integrating these solutions into the projects developed by the Group for clients in retail, logistics, and industry, as well as opportunities for expansion into the international markets where IT Genetics is already present,” stated Liviu Sima, co-founder of IT Genetics.

Scale Expert has been operating on the Romanian market for more than 20 years and serves more than 4,000 clients. The team develops solutions and services dedicated to the weighing and commercial automation segment, addressing the needs of companies operating in retail, logistics, distribution, and other industries with complex operations.

“We are thrilled to become part of the IT Genetics ecosystem and contribute to the development of a company with a long-term vision. The complementary experience of the two companies and the expertise of our teams will enable the development of higher value-added projects for our clients,” stated Judit Dobrescu, General Manager of Scale Expert.
In 2025, Scale Expert generated revenues of approximately RON 8 million. Scale Expert will continue to operate under its current management team, according to the company press release.

]]><![CDATA[Tesco Technology expands in Krakow, will hire 500.]]>Thu, 28 May 2026 10:39:08 GMThttp://www.europeanbusinessservices.com/news/tesco-technology-rozwija-sie-w-krakowie-i-planuje-zwiekszyc-zatrudnienie-do-500-specjalistowTesco Technology, a part of the Tesco Group that creates technological solutions for international markets, is expanding in Krakow.

The company has moved to a new headquarters in the Unity Center complex, where it occupies five floors and announces an increase in employment to 500 specialists.

The strategic strengthening of the branch is also supported by the decision of the Tesco Group's Booker brand, which is building its engineering expertise in Krakow.

The Tesco Technology Krakow hub has been developing systematically since 2018. In recent years, the company has steadily increased its workforce, and currently 350 specialists are working here.

"Our growth in Krakow and plans to expand our team confirm the strategic role that Polish engineers play for Tesco. "The opening of the new office is a clear signal that we have long-term plans for Krakow, and the Tesco Group's leading position offers candidates what is most valuable today: stability and career development prospects," said Guus Dekker, CTO of Tesco Technology.

Tesco Technology in Krakow is also implementing projects utilizing AI solutions on a large scale. An example is the introduction of the clothing brand F&F to e-commerce. Using advanced algorithms to automatically describe and categorize products, engineers efficiently digitized thousands of items. This implementation significantly improved internal processes and generated £4.2 million in online sales. Such a large scale of operations in the dynamically growing retail tech sector means enormous career opportunities. For specialists, it offers the opportunity to work on solutions that impact the Tesco Group's operations and the everyday lives of consumers.

"Specialists at the Krakow center are implementing projects of critical importance, including logistics and customer service. One of these innovative areas is warehouse robotics. Engineers are creating control systems for robots that transport products between individual warehouse zones. These proprietary solutions enable process automation and a significant reduction in order completion time, which directly translates into operational efficiency for the entire network. At the same time, we are developing advanced AI-based solutions, which, for example, allow us to shorten the time it takes to introduce new products to online sales from several days to just a few seconds," adds Roland Płaszowski, Head of Software Development & Site Lead at the Tesco Technology hub in Krakow.

]]><![CDATA[Romania-based Connections hits 36% gross margin on back of AI and emerging technologies]]>Tue, 19 May 2026 08:05:00 GMThttp://www.europeanbusinessservices.com/news/romania-based-connections-hits-36-gross-margin-on-back-of-ai-and-emerging-technologiesConnections (BVB: CC) closed the first quarter of 2026 with a net profit of RON 7.89 million, approximately 10 times higher than in the same period last year, and a gross margin of 36%, compared to 7% in Q1 2025. These are the first results that fully reflect the company’s new business model, following the completion of the Service Delivery division sale.Revenue grew by 33%, reaching RON 25.8 million, driven primarily by the Software Public segment and recurring activities. Gross profit rose from RON 1.33 million to RON 9.37 million (+601%), while net profit reached RON 7.89 million, up 901% versus Q1 2025. At the same time, operating expenses declined by 8% despite revenue growth, a clear sign that cost structure optimisation has taken effect.

Gross margin advanced from 7% to 36% year-on-year, reflecting operational optimisation and a shift in the business line mix.

”The 901% increase in net profit validates the strategic planning and execution of Connections and lays the foundations for a robust structure through the 2026–2030 cycle. We continue toward the objectives we have set: consolidating the Software segment, developing recurring activities and increasing operational efficiency, with an increasingly clear investment in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. We are growing year on year but not in isolation. We are part of a Romania that has the potential to become a relevant digital hub, for the region and, further, for a Europe that is building its digital sovereignty. We have the talent, the experience in complex projects, and the companies that know how to deliver. Connections wants to be part of this journey, with responsibility and creativity, project by project, solution by solution,” said Bogdan Florea, Co-CEO & Founder

”Q1 2026 is the first quarter where the numbers truly reflect the business we have built: no margin dilution from low value-added activities, no noise in the figures. We are significantly more profitable and more focused. The external context supports this direction. Digitalisation is accelerating, European regulations like NIS2, AI Act, Cyber Resilience Act are reshaping market rules, and emerging technologies are creating concrete opportunities for companies that know how to capture them. Connections is well positioned to grow in this environment, through its expertise in delivering highly complex projects with real impact in the public and private sectors,” said Radu Marcu, Co-CEO.



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]]><![CDATA[Romanian tech group IT Genetics to start trading on Bucharest Stock Exchange]]>Tue, 19 May 2026 07:59:26 GMThttp://www.europeanbusinessservices.com/news/romanian-tech-group-it-genetics-to-start-trading-on-bucharest-stock-exchangeThe shares of IT Genetics, a Romanian technology company specialized in digital automation and operational efficiency solutions for businesses, will start trading on the AeRO market of the Bucharest Stock Exchange on May 20 under the ticker symbol ITG. 
The listing marks a new stage in the group’s development and follows the private placement carried out by the company in December 2025, through which it raised RON 5.2 million from investors to support its development plans and international expansion.

“In recent years, we have built a regional technology ecosystem with international operations and solutions developed for key industries such as retail, logistics, manufacturing, and e-commerce. Entering the capital market provides us with access to the instruments needed to accelerate the Group’s development, while maintaining operational discipline, transparency, and the creation of long-term value for shareholders,” said Liviu Sima and Ștefan Axinte, co-founders of IT Genetics.
The capital raised through the private placement completed at the end of last year was aimed at supporting the development of the group’s international operations, expanding the industrial automation and robotics segment, as well as accelerating investments in products and operational infrastructure. 

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