Melrose Industries, the Birmingham-based aerospace engineering giant, reported a remarkable 36% increase in pre-tax profits for 2024, reaching £438 million. The strong performance was driven by growth in both its engines and structures divisions, alongside a significant rise in demand for aftermarket services. Despite the robust financial results, the company’s shares dropped sharply by 17.2% […]

The multinational healthcare and insurance company Bupa has reported a staggering 72 per cent rise in profits, reaching £972 million for the year ending 31 December. This impressive growth coincided with a surge in its customer base, which expanded by 10.5 million to a total of 60.5 million customers. Group-wide revenue increased by 16 per […]

Reckitt Benckiser, the FTSE 100 consumer healthcare group behind well-known brands like Dettol and Strepsils, has issued a sales outlook that falls below City forecasts. The company, headquartered in Slough, is undergoing a complex restructuring as it shifts focus towards its high-growth, high-margin powerbrands. These include prominent names such as Durex, Gaviscon, and Mucinex. The […]

The owner of Ladbrokes and Sportingbet, Entain, has expressed confidence in meeting market expectations for 2025 following a strong performance in 2024. The company reported underlying adjusted earnings of £1.09 billion for the year ending December 31, 2024. Total net gaming revenues, excluding its US joint venture BetMGM, climbed by 7 per cent to £5.16 […]

China’s economic leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to achieving a five percent growth target for 2025, despite rising global trade tensions and scepticism from analysts. This ambitious goal, outlined during the National People’s Congress, follows a similar target set last year, which some experts believe was met only due to exceptional export figures. The annual […]

The Pepco Group is reportedly weighing the possible sale of Poundland as the discount chain battles significant challenges in the UK’s increasingly difficult retail environment. Poundland, which generates 30 per cent of Pepco’s total revenue, has seen a decline in performance, prompting the company to evaluate its strategic options for the business. This comes as […]

The Chief Executive of ITV, Dame Carolyn McCall, has indicated that the company will keep “all options open” while it considers the future of its production arm. Speaking amid speculation about a potential separation of ITV’s production and broadcasting businesses, McCall emphasised the benefits of the current structure. She noted that ITV Studios’ in-house labels […]

Admiral has reported a significant surge in annual profits, driven by a strategic decision to lower UK motor insurance premiums after an industry-wide price hike. The FTSE 100 company has seen remarkable growth in customer numbers and total revenues, a testament to its pricing strategy and market agility. The insurer recorded a 15 per cent […]

European government bond markets experienced renewed turbulence yesterday as Germany announced a €500 billion investment fund while loosening its strict fiscal borrowing rules. The yield on Germany’s benchmark ten-year government bond, known as the “bund,” surged by as much as 13 basis points to 2.93 per cent. This followed a steep 31 basis points rise […]

Chinese researchers have made a groundbreaking leap forward in the field of quantum computing, unveiling a new prototype superconducting quantum computer that could usher in a transformative era in processing power. Developed by scientists at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), the quantum processor is reported to operate at a speed quadrillions […]

The £3.6 billion takeover of the Royal Mail’s parent company, International Distribution Services, by Czech tycoon Daniel Kretinsky has hit delays due to political upheaval in Romania. The acquisition, involving EP Group, required final regulatory approval in Romania, but a crisis involving the country’s postponed presidential elections has disrupted the process. Shareholders had been advised […]

European financial markets have surged following Germany’s decision to suspend its strict “debt brake” rule, enabling a historic increase in defence and infrastructure spending. This paradigm shift has also driven a sharp rise in German government bond yields, with the interest rate on 30-year bonds jumping 25 basis points to 3.08% – the largest single-day […]

Corrinne Durber, a gardener from Gloucestershire, has won a decisive high court victory against Paddy Power, compelling the gambling company to pay her jackpot prize of £1,076,867.57. The dispute arose after the betting giant initially awarded her only £20,265.14, claiming she had won a ‘daily jackpot’ rather than the advertised ‘monster jackpot’. Durber’s win came […]

The UK government has revealed a comprehensive set of proposals aimed at reshaping the North Sea’s energy future, prioritising a shift away from oil and gas exploration towards cleaner energy sources. The announcement confirms a ban on new oil and gas drilling licences, aligning with the nation’s commitment to reach net zero carbon emissions by […]

Sales of Tesla vehicles in the United Kingdom rose significantly last month, showcasing the enduring popularity of the electric carmaker despite ongoing controversies surrounding its CEO, Elon Musk. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), nearly 4,000 Tesla vehicles were sold in the UK in February, marking a 20.7 per cent increase […]

Britain’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has decided to drop its investigation into Microsoft’s $13 billion stake in OpenAI. The regulator concluded that Microsoft does not hold the degree of control over the artificial intelligence firm sufficient to merit additional scrutiny. This marks the end of a case opened in December 2023 which sought to […]

Quilter, one of the UK’s leading wealth management firms, has allocated £76 million to cover compensation costs for clients who paid for financial advice they did not receive. The FTSE 250 company revealed the provision in its annual results and confirmed this step was necessary following an ongoing review into its advisory services from 2018 […]

Adidas has reduced its profit forecast for 2025 amidst signs of slowing growth, as the German sportswear giant navigates a challenging economic landscape. The company now expects operating profits to range between €1.7 billion and €1.8 billion, falling below analysts’ estimates of €2.1 billion. This follows a period of strong growth driven by its retro […]

International investors have significantly reduced their holdings of UK government debt at the outset of the year, marking the steepest decline in two years. Data from the Bank of England reveals that foreign bondholders cut their net holdings by £22.3 billion in January. This retreat highlights fiscal nerves within bond markets and raises questions concerning […]

The Barclay family’s retail empire, The Very Group, has suffered another financial blow as its credit rating was pushed deeper into junk status by Fitch Ratings. The company, which carries debts exceeding £2 billion, has now been downgraded from B-minus to CCC-plus. This reflects a significant risk of default on its loans, raising serious concerns […]

The Bank of England’s governor, Andrew Bailey, has warned of substantial risks to the UK economy and the global economy stemming from President Trump’s aggressive trade policies. Speaking to MPs on the Treasury select committee, Bailey highlighted that the imposition of punitive tariffs by the United States could significantly impact economic growth and reduce the […]

The United Kingdom is preparing to submit a formal bid to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2035, marking a significant moment for British football. England will collaborate with Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland to organise the tournament, a move that could solidify Britain’s reputation as a major player in global football. This follows […]

Consumers in the United States have been urged to prepare for increased prices following the implementation of new tariffs by former president Donald Trump. On Monday, a 25 per cent duty was imposed on exports from Mexico and Canada, in addition to increased tariffs on Chinese goods. Economists and industry leaders warn that these measures […]

Taiwan’s government has pledged to retain its most advanced semiconductor technology onshore, following the announcement of a significant $100 billion (£79 billion) deal between Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) and Donald Trump. The agreement, which includes building five state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in the United States, has drawn scrutiny over its potential implications for Taiwan’s national […]

CK Hutchison Holdings, a Hong Kong-based logistics giant, has announced the sale of a majority stake in Panama Ports Company to investors, including US financial powerhouse BlackRock. The deal, valued at nearly $23 billion, hands over control of the ports of Balboa and Cristóbal, two vital hubs in Panama, until 2047. The transaction forms part […]

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has denounced Donald Trump’s decision to impose new tariffs on Canadian goods as a “dumb” trade war and accused the former US president of aiming to destabilise Canada’s economy. Speaking in Ottawa, Trudeau contended that the ultimate goal of the US administration’s aggressive trade policies was to undermine Canadian sovereignty […]

Rachel Reeves has announced plans to prioritise UK companies and jobs in the government’s commitment to significantly increase defence spending. Speaking to the manufacturing trade body Make UK, the chancellor outlined how the defence budget would act as a catalyst for economic growth, particularly in the country’s “left behind” industrial towns. The government has pledged […]

Arab nations have collectively endorsed a £42bn ($53bn) reconstruction initiative focused on rebuilding Gaza under the future administration of the Palestinian Authority (PA). This ambitious plan was unveiled during an Arab League summit in Cairo and is seen as a strategic alternative to controversial proposals previously floated by Donald Trump. The project, which emphasises emergency […]

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, announced a comprehensive €800 billion plan to bolster Europe’s defence capabilities and address urgent military requirements for Ukraine. The “ReArm Europe” initiative, unveiled at the Commission’s headquarters in Brussels, includes a set of measures aimed at increasing defence expenditure, pooling resources, and reducing fragmentation across the […]

President Trump’s decision to impose sweeping tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico, and China has brought an end to weeks of speculation over his trade policies. The introduction of these levies represents the most significant rise in protectionist measures by the United States in over half a century. Average tariffs in the country have now […]

Saudi Aramco has announced a significant decline in dividends for 2025, marking almost a 30 per cent reduction from the $124 billion distributed last year to a total of $85.4 billion. This drop comes as the oil giant reported a 12 per cent fall in net income, from $121.3 billion in 2023 to $106.2 billion […]

Deutsche Bank has sounded the alarm on the potential decline of the US dollar’s long-held safe haven status. Recent developments in global markets suggest cracks are beginning to show in the currency’s historically strong position. According to George Saravelos, the global head of FX research at Deutsche Bank, the early signs of this shift have […]

Abrdn, the investment giant previously known as Standard Life Aberdeen, has announced it will revert to a simplified version of its former branding, renaming itself Aberdeen Group. This move marks an end to the three-year experiment with the ‘disemvowelled’ name that was widely derided since its introduction in 2021. Jason Windsor, who became CEO in […]

Smith & Nephew, one of the world’s oldest and largest medical technology firms, has indicated it may consider a major structural overhaul of its orthopaedics division following years of sluggish performance. The move comes amidst growing pressure from activist investor Cevian Capital, which recently increased its stake in the FTSE 100-listed company to 7.5 per […]

Greggs, Britain’s largest bakery chain, has seen its shares tumble by 11.5 per cent to a two-year low of £18.42, as the company reported a continued slowdown in sales growth. In the first nine weeks of this financial year, like-for-like sales at company-managed shops rose by just 1.7 per cent, a stark contrast to the […]

The owner of Boots, one of the UK’s most recognisable high street chemists, is on the verge of being taken private in a deal valued at $10 billion. Walgreens Boots Alliance, the US-listed parent company of Boots, is said to be in advanced talks with the New York-based private equity firm Sycamore Partners. According to […]

American stock markets have suffered significant losses, erasing all the gains made since President Trump’s second-term inauguration in January. Investor concerns over the wide-reaching economic consequences of a fresh wave of tariffs have triggered a sharp sell-off across major indices. On Tuesday, the S&P 500 index dropped by 71.57 points, a 1.2 per cent loss […]

Soaring crime levels are costing the UK economy a staggering £250 billion annually, according to a report by the centre-right think tank, Policy Exchange. The report attributes this alarming economic burden to years of austerity measures that have severely undermined the police, judiciary, and prison systems. Backed by former Chancellor and Home Secretary Sajid Javid, […]

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world’s leading contract chipmaker, has unveiled plans to invest $100 billion in semiconductor manufacturing across the United States. The announcement was made alongside President Donald Trump, marking a significant boost to America’s domestic technology production capabilities. The new investment will fund the construction of five advanced fabrication plants, strengthening […]

European carmakers have been granted a two-year extension to meet emissions targets for 2025, according to the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen. The move, described as offering the industry “breathing space,” allows companies to offset excess sales of polluting vehicles in 2025 by selling more zero-emission cars by 2027. This measure, however, does […]

Prada, the Milan-based luxury fashion house, is in advanced discussions to acquire Versace, an iconic Italian brand currently owned by US-based Capri Holdings. The reported deal is expected to reach up to €1.5 billion and could bring Versace back under Italian ownership after several years under foreign investment. Sources suggest that the acquisition could be […]

Prudential is poised to bolster its strategic pivot to Asia by announcing plans to buy back over $1 billion worth of London-traded shares. The buyback comes in the wake of the insurer’s partial exit from its Indian asset management joint venture, ICICI Prudential Asset Management. Analysts anticipate that this move aligns with its long-term intention […]

Europe is facing a critical challenge as it falls behind the United States and Asia in the rollout of 5G infrastructure, according to Vodafone’s Chief Executive, Margherita Della Valle. Speaking earlier this week, Della Valle described the continent as a “laggard” in digital connectivity, citing risks to economic growth and increasing dependence on other regions […]

RIT Capital Partners, one of the London Stock Exchange’s most prominent investment trusts, has revealed a significant £26 million investment in SpaceX, marking a noteworthy addition to its portfolio. The announcement was made as part of the trust’s annual results, showing its valuation of the stake at £26.4 million as of the end of 2024. […]

The soaring costs of managing bottlenecks in Britain’s electricity transmission network have reached alarming levels, with consumers bearing the brunt of these inefficiencies. In the first two months of 2025, the cost of mitigating grid constraints surged by 60 per cent, hitting over £250 million. This increase reflects the challenges posed by the rapid expansion […]

Gas prices in Britain and Europe have risen sharply following the breakdown of talks between President Trump and President Zelensky, casting doubt on the possibility of a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia. The failed discussions have quashed earlier hopes that Russian gas supplies could return to the market, easing pressure after a harsh winter. […]

The value of British and European defence stocks soared as markets reacted to a commitment from European leaders to increase defence spending in light of the Russian threat in Ukraine and elsewhere. Following meetings over the weekend between European leaders and President Zelensky, investors rushed to buy shares in defence companies, resulting in sharp market […]

Bitcoin has faced its largest monthly decline since June 2022, entering a technical bear market as market optimism around cryptocurrencies waned during February. The leading cryptocurrency dropped 17.5% last month, closing at approximately £67,010 ($84,252). This marked an 11th worst month for Bitcoin over the past decade, with the price sinking to a three-month low […]

Sharing tastes and smells remotely has long posed a challenge for scientists, but a breakthrough device, dubbed “e-Taste,” may pave the way for a new era in virtual experiences. Developed by a team of US-based researchers, this innovative technology aims to replicate the flavours of food and drink for remote sharing through a combination of […]

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is currently navigating a period of turbulence amid a proposed restructuring plan by former President Donald Trump. The upheaval follows the resignation of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, who stepped down last month after a five-year tenure marked by financial challenges and attempts at reform. Concerns have escalated over the […]

Firefly Aerospace, a US-based space technology company, has successfully achieved a moon landing, securing its place in history as the second private business to conquer this feat. The mission, known as Blue Ghost Mission 1, touched down upright on the lunar surface at 8:34 GMT near Mons Latreille, situated within the Mare Crisium volcanic region […]

The removal of the UK banker bonus cap has propelled pay levels at Barclays and HSBC to record highs, with some of the largest payouts seen since reporting rules were introduced in 2014. Figures reveal that the highest-earning bankers at these institutions have received significant increases, topping historical records for both banks. HSBC disclosed that […]

From Sunday, rail passengers in England and Wales will face a significant rise in the cost of travel, with fares increasing by 4.6%. Additionally, the cost of most railcards, commonly used by students, families, and pensioners, will rise by £5. These price hikes come at a time when passengers are already grappling with delays and […]

Old Oak Common in west London, once overlooked and underdeveloped, is now on course for a dramatic economic and development transformation. According to a study by consultancy Arcadis, commissioned by HS2, the construction of the HS2 mega-station is projected to deliver a £10 billion economic boost to the area over the next decade. The ongoing […]

Dario Amodei, the chief executive of Anthropic, has boldly predicted that superintelligence—AI that surpasses human capability across most fields—could arrive as early as next year. This technological leap, akin to the industrial revolution, may alter the foundations of economies, industries, and societal structures across the globe. As Amodei frames it, the arrival of such AI […]

The backbone of Northern Rail’s fleet, comprising hundreds of Class 15X trains, is reportedly suffering from corrosion issues, raising fresh challenges for Britain’s second-largest passenger operator. An internal investigation has highlighted concerns about the state of these trains, many of which are over 40 years old. These ageing vehicles are not scheduled for replacement until […]

BP is under fresh pressure from activist investor Elliott Management to abandon its renewable energy ventures entirely and refocus on oil and gas. The hedge fund, which is believed to hold a stake in BP worth approximately £3.5 billion, has expressed dissatisfaction with the company’s partial shift away from green investments. Last week, BP announced […]

WH Smith’s iconic high street presence, a staple of British towns for over two centuries, is nearing its end as the retailer prepares to sell its struggling high street business. The sale, which is being overseen by Greenhill investment bankers, will see the WH Smith name likely phased out, as the chain focuses on its […]

Copper, a cornerstone of human civilisation, has played a crucial role in advancing modernity. Essential for industrial machinery, electrical wiring, and plumbing, this metal is now more vital than ever due to its efficiency in conducting electricity and its anti-corrosion properties. With the demand for copper set to soar as renewable energy systems and electric […]

Britain’s discount retail sector faces mounting challenges as the cost-of-living crisis shows signs of easing, marking a significant shift in consumer behaviour that has rattled major players in the market. B&M, once a stalwart of the discount retail landscape, issued a profit warning this week alongside the unexpected resignation of chief executive Alex Russo. The […]

A wave of IT failures struck major UK banks on Friday, leaving thousands of customers unable to access their accounts on payday. The disruption affected customers of TSB, Nationwide, First Direct and Lloyds Banking Group, including its Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland brands. The timing of these outages proved particularly problematic as they coincided […]

In a strategic move that marks the end of an era, Microsoft has announced the permanent discontinuation of Skype, effective 5 May 2025. The pioneering internet calling service, which revolutionised cross-border communications and became a verb in its own right, will cease operations after more than two decades of service. The tech giant’s decision to […]

House prices have marked their sixth consecutive monthly increase, driven by prospective homeowners rushing to complete purchases ahead of impending stamp duty modifications. The latest data from Nationwide reveals the average UK home price climbed 0.4 per cent in February, reaching £270,493. The monthly increase surpassed economists’ predictions of 0.2 per cent, pushing property values […]

Education publishing giant Pearson has unveiled a £350 million share buyback programme alongside robust full-year results, demonstrating the successful integration of artificial intelligence across its product range. The FTSE 100 company reported a 10% increase in adjusted operating profits to £600 million for the year ending 31 December, while underlying sales grew 3% to reach […]

A significant NHS property owner has suspended the construction of new medical facilities across the UK until governmental authorities agree to increase rental rates to economically sustainable levels. Primary Health Properties (PHP), which manages a portfolio exceeding 500 medical centres throughout the UK and Ireland, will complete only two remaining projects in West Sussex and […]

In a significant shift in British banking ownership, the UK government has relinquished its position as the primary shareholder in NatWest, marking a pivotal moment in the bank’s post-financial crisis journey. The Treasury’s stake has dropped to 5.93 per cent, falling behind BlackRock’s 6.4 per cent holding for the first time since the £45.5 billion […]

A monumental error at one of America’s largest investment banks has raised fresh concerns over operational controls, as Citigroup accidentally credited a client’s account with $81 trillion instead of the intended $280 transfer. The colossal mistake, classified as a “near miss” incident, occurred in April when two payment officials failed to spot the error before […]

The Bank of England’s approach to interest rate cuts could fluctuate dramatically between a very gradual or swift pace as it navigates significant economic uncertainties, according to Deputy Governor Sir Dave Ramsden. Speaking in South Africa, the monetary policy committee member highlighted the complex challenges facing ratesetters as they analyse the impacts of tariffs, fiscal […]

The tech giant Microsoft has launched a scathing criticism of Britain’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), asserting that the watchdog made a “fundamental mistake” by failing to consider artificial intelligence’s impact on the cloud computing market. The controversy stems from the CMA’s January investigation, which concluded that Microsoft was leveraging its dominant software position to […]

IAG, the parent company of British Airways, has unveiled plans to return €1.435 billion to shareholders following an exceptional Christmas trading quarter where profits nearly doubled to €1 billion. The announcement marks a remarkable turnaround for the FTSE 100 aviation giant, which has emerged from the pandemic’s financial turbulence to achieve record revenues. The group’s […]

Ocado Group has announced plans to cut more than 500 research and development positions globally as the company pivots towards artificial intelligence solutions amid mounting financial pressures. The FTSE 250 company’s shares plummeted by 18 per cent following the revelation of continued annual losses and conservative growth projections. The online retail and technology group reported […]

A staggering £340 billion artificial intelligence investment boom, spearheaded by tech giants, could surpass the economic output of Greece and Egypt combined, yet economists are sounding alarm bells about potential market instability. Deutsche Bank analysts have drawn sobering parallels with historical investment cycles dating back to the 18th century, suggesting the AI transformation of the […]

Rolls-Royce, the British aerospace giant, has demonstrated a remarkable financial turnaround by announcing a £1 billion share buyback programme and reinstating dividend payments, marking a decisive recovery from its pandemic-era struggles. The company’s shares surged nearly 15% following the announcement, reflecting robust investor confidence in its revitalisation strategy. Under the stewardship of Chief Executive Tufan […]

Britain’s economic outlook appears increasingly challenging as Chancellor Rachel Reeves prepares to deliver her spring statement on 26 March. The Office for Budget Responsibility’s (OBR) forthcoming forecasts are expected to paint a sobering picture of the UK’s fiscal position, potentially forcing the Treasury to consider significant policy adjustments. The Chancellor’s £9.9 billion fiscal headroom from […]

Political tension is mounting as RedBird IMI, the AbuDhabi-backed venture currently embroiled in The Telegraph ownership controversy, sets its sights on ITV’s production division. The move has sparked significant concern among British MPs, particularly as the fund continues to struggle with its unresolved Telegraph situation. The investment group, which receives substantial funding from Sheikh Mansour […]

Tesla’s European operations have encountered a significant setback as sales plummeted 45% to 9,945 units in January compared to the previous year, despite a flourishing electric vehicle market across the continent. The dramatic decline comes amid mounting scrutiny of Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s controversial public persona and political alignments. His visible support for President Trump […]

British energy giant BP has entered into a significant agreement with the Iraqi government to redevelop four substantial oil and gasfields in the northern region of Kirkuk. The landmark deal, potentially worth $25 billion over its lifespan, emerges as BP prepares to distance itself from renewable energy targets established under former leadership. The strategic partnership […]

A groundbreaking minerals agreement between Ukraine and the United States is poised for signing this Friday, with Ukrainian President Zelensky expected to travel to Washington for the ceremony. The deal emerges amid mounting pressure from the Trump administration seeking compensation for billions in wartime aid provided under the Biden presidency. President Trump, speaking from the […]

Berkshire Hathaway’s chairman Warren Buffett has staunchly defended the organisation’s unprecedented $334.2 billion cash holdings whilst reaffirming the company’s unwavering commitment to equity investments in his yearly shareholder letter. The 94-year-old investment virtuoso, often referred to as the Sage of Omaha, addressed mounting speculation regarding the conglomerate’s substantial cash reserves, which have swelled due to […]

Britain’s largest nuclear waste facility, Sellafield, is grappling with significant financial constraints after receiving £2.8bn in funding for the upcoming financial year. The allocation, whilst substantial, falls markedly short of the site’s operational requirements, according to chief executive Euan Hutton. Internal projections had indicated a minimum requirement of £3.1bn to meet planned activities, considering rising […]

A groundbreaking development in British aerospace engineering is poised to transform the aviation sector as Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV) advances its plans to manufacture the world’s largest aircraft. The Bedford-based company’s flagship creation, the Airlander 10, measuring an impressive 98 metres in length, represents a significant leap forward in sustainable air transport. The innovative aircraft, […]

Conservative Party donor and billionaire Lord Spencer of Alresford has strengthened his position as the largest shareholder in Chapel Down Group, England’s premier winemaker, amidst declining share performance since its market debut. The former Icap founder, who serves as a non-executive director, acquired an additional 450,000 shares through his investment vehicle IPGL, pushing his total […]

In a strategic move following Jack Ma’s recent reconciliation with President Xi, Alibaba has unveiled plans to invest more than $50 billion in artificial intelligence and cloud computing infrastructure. The Chinese e-commerce behemoth will allocate 380 billion yuan (£41.5 billion) over the next three years to strengthen its position in these cutting-edge technologies. The announcement […]

In a significant move that has sent ripples through the corporate world, Starbucks has revealed plans to lay off 1,100 corporate employees whilst closing hundreds of vacant positions. This restructuring initiative, announced on Monday, marks the most extensive reduction in the company’s history. Chief Executive Officer Brian Niccol, who received £96 million in his initial […]

More than 80 per cent of commercial properties across England face becoming unlettable by 2030 without substantial investment, as landlords issue stark warnings about the government’s “unrealistic” sustainability targets for the sector. The proposed regulations, stemming from a 2021 consultation, would mandate all commercial properties to achieve an energy performance certificate (EPC) rating of A […]

The Dutch postal operator PostNL, backed by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky, has declared its business model “no longer sustainable” amidst declining performance and rejected pleas for state financial support. The company, grappling with dwindling mail volumes and rising parcel costs, recently had its €68 million support request denied by the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs. […]

In a significant strategic move, National Grid has finalised the sale of its American renewable energy assets to Canadian private equity firm Brookfield Asset Management for $1.735 billion. The transaction encompasses solar arrays, onshore wind farms, and battery storage facilities across the United States. The divestment arrives nine months after National Grid’s £7 billion rights […]

The technology investment giant Prosus has struck a landmark €4.1 billion deal to acquire Just Eat Takeaway, marking a significant consolidation in the European food delivery sector. The cash offer of €20.30 per share represents a substantial 63% premium to Just Eat’s closing price last Friday. Prosus, majority-owned by South African conglomerate Naspers, aims to […]

In a landmark announcement, Apple has unveiled plans to inject $500 billion into the US economy over the next four years, marking what the tech giant describes as its ‘largest-ever spend commitment’. The ambitious programme includes the creation of 20,000 new American jobs, predominantly in research and development sectors. The substantial investment package encompasses various […]

In a significant development for the healthcare technology sector, Apple’s AirPods Pro 2, have received approval to function as clinical-grade hearing aids in the UK market. This breakthrough comes following a strategic software update and regulatory amendments, positioning the tech giant to disrupt the traditional hearing aid industry. The innovative solution allows users to conduct […]

The UK government is poised to implement stringent measures requiring foreign graduates to secure graduate-level positions or face deportation, marking a significant shift in immigration policy aimed at reducing record-high migration figures. Current regulations permit overseas students to remain in the UK for up to two years post-graduation, regardless of employment status. The forthcoming white […]

Britain’s reliance on Norwegian electricity imports has become increasingly precarious as political tensions mount over power exports in the Nordic nation. The critical 450-mile interconnector linking British and Norwegian power grids, once celebrated as a triumph of cross-border cooperation, now sits at the centre of a heated domestic dispute threatening Norway’s energy export policies. Recent […]

In a surprising shift within the travel industry, Generation Z is spearheading a remarkable return to high street travel agents, citing digital booking fatigue as a primary driver. Sebastian Ebel, TUI’s chief executive, reveals that younger consumers are increasingly favouring face-to-face interactions over time-consuming digital bookings through apps and websites. The phenomenon marks a significant […]

Recent official figures reveal a concerning trend in Britain’s unemployment landscape, with fewer benefit claimants facing sanctions despite growing joblessness rates. Data shows 117,000 of 2.1 million Universal Credit claimants had their payments reduced in November 2024, marking a significant decrease from 137,000 sanctions the previous year. The effective sanctions rate has dropped to 5.5 […]

A costly government venture to create a £3.5 billion rival to Disneyland on the Thames Estuary has resulted in a £5 million loss for British taxpayers. The Future Fund, a £1.1 billion initiative championed by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, has seen its entire investment vanish following the liquidation of the ambitious theme park project. The […]

The traditional landscape of Westminster has transformed in recent months, with tractors and wellington-clad farmers replacing the usual sight of black cabs and suited professionals. The agricultural community’s mounting frustration is set to culminate in fresh protests this Tuesday, coinciding with the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) annual conference in London. The catalyst for this unrest […]

In a significant development for Scotland’s industrial sector, Labour leader Keir Starmer has unveiled a £200 million funding package aimed at rejuvenating the Grangemouth oil refinery site. The investment, sourced from the national wealth fund, is expected to attract up to £600 million in private sector capital. The announcement comes amidst mounting pressure from trade […]

The global energy landscape stands poised for a significant transformation as prospects of peace between Russia and Ukraine emerge, potentially reshaping market dynamics in favour of US interests. The anticipated deal, brokered by Donald Trump, signals a complex realignment of international energy trade patterns. European nations, still grappling with the economic aftermath of Russia’s invasion […]

In a devastating blow to the cryptocurrency sector, Dubai-based exchange Bybit has experienced what experts are calling the largest digital theft in history, with hackers successfully absconding with £1.2 billion worth of Ethereum tokens. The unprecedented breach occurred during a routine transfer between the platform’s cold and warm wallets, where cybercriminals exploited security protocols to […]

In a strategic move to mend strained relations with the farming community, the Labour government has unveiled ambitious plans to transform public sector food procurement. The initiative, spearheaded by Environment Secretary Steve Reed, aims to mandate that hospitals, schools, and prisons source at least 50% of their food from farms maintaining the highest welfare standards. […]