The billionaire owners of Bet365 are reportedly exploring the sale of their gambling enterprise for a valuation of £9 billion. Founded by Denise and John Coates in 2000, the group has initiated discussions with American banks and advisers regarding either a full sale, the divestment of a business stake, or even a potential initial public […]

The Labour government is pressing forward with a controversial planning and infrastructure bill aimed at expediting housing development in a bid to meet its ambitious target of delivering 1.5 million new homes by 2029. Central to this initiative is the proposal to ease regulations, allowing developers to build on previously protected green spaces, significantly altering […]

Profits at Lloyds Banking Group took a hit as the high street bank allocated more funds than anticipated to cover potential bad debts stemming from the economic fallout of Donald Trump’s trade policies. The group, which operates brands such as Lloyds Bank, Halifax, and Bank of Scotland, reported a 4% rise in net income to […]

Banks within the City of London have been accused of pouring astronomical sums into fossil fuel projects, despite the accelerating urgency of the climate crisis. According to a recent study, nine London-based banks, including HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds, and NatWest, have funnelled more than £75 billion into companies developing so-called “carbon bombs” between 2016 and 2023. […]

British factories experienced their sharpest decline in export orders for five years last month, as Donald Trump’s international tariff policies disrupted global trade flows. UK manufacturers reported a significant downturn in both output and new orders during April, attributed to mounting economic and trade uncertainties. Many factories were left with no choice but to reduce […]

McDonald’s has reported its steepest quarterly decline in US same-store sales since the pandemic, as the impact of geopolitical tensions and a weakening American economy takes its toll on consumer confidence. The fast-food giant revealed a 3.6 per cent drop in US same-store sales for the first quarter of 2025, marking its most significant fall […]

Harrods, the iconic luxury department store, has fallen victim to a cyber-attack, becoming the latest retailer in the UK to face such challenges. This comes just days after Marks & Spencer and the Co-op also experienced major disruptions caused by hacking attempts targeting their operations. The retailer confirmed that it had detected unauthorised attempts to […]

The United States has reportedly approached China to initiate discussions surrounding the 145% tariffs imposed under the Trump administration. According to sources cited on Yuyuan Tantian, a Chinese state media-affiliated social media platform, American officials have been actively reaching out through various channels to open a dialogue on the contentious issue. Key figures such as […]

Persimmon, one of the UK’s largest housebuilders, has reported strong demand for new homes despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainties. The company revealed that it has not seen any material impact from global trade wars or heightened macroeconomic challenges on its supply chains or sales activity. The firm, founded in 1972 and listed on the London Stock […]

Aston Martin Lagonda has decided to scale back its exports to the United States as it keeps a close eye on the effects of American tariffs on luxury vehicle demand. The carmaker, known for its high-performance sports cars, has taken a cautious approach in response to the evolving situation under the current trade policies. The […]

Three out of five British companies have reported that increasing and volatile energy costs are severely hampering their growth strategies. A recent survey conducted by EY, the professional services firm, revealed that the escalating prices are weighing heavily on profitability and competitiveness for businesses across the UK. The International Energy Agency recently highlighted that Britain’s […]

The chief executive of the London Stock Exchange, Dame Julia Hoggett, has suggested that President Trump’s recent executive order banning Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives could provide London with an advantage in attracting global companies for their stock listings. This development comes as the US takes a significant step to restrict DEI practices in […]

The major international airlines of continental Europe are experiencing a significant drop in demand for travel to the United States. Lufthansa and Air France-KLM have both cited stricter enforcement of border controls as a key factor discouraging travellers. This slowdown comes during the early months of Donald Trump’s second presidential term, which has triggered broader […]

Business confidence has climbed to its highest point since before the October budget, largely driven by a delay in US reciprocal tariffs. According to the Institute of Directors’ latest economic confidence index, sentiment among business leaders rose to -51 in April, a significant improvement from -58 the previous month. This marks the most optimistic report […]

The Co-op has become the latest major British retailer to fall victim to a cyberattack, following a similar disruption at Marks & Spencer. Operating over 2,300 food shops and 800 funeral homes, the Co-op was forced to shut parts of its IT systems after detecting attempts to gain unauthorised access. Despite this, all stores, including […]

Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, has exceeded analysts’ expectations with its first-quarter revenue results, driven by the increasing integration of artificial intelligence into its advertising tools. The tech giant reported $42.31 billion in revenue, surpassing the anticipated $41.40 billion. This surge demonstrates the robust appeal of its platforms for advertisers […]

Microsoft has surpassed Wall Street’s quarterly expectations, driven by robust demand for its cloud computing services. The tech giant reported a 13 per cent increase in overall revenue year-on-year, reaching 70.1 billion . Net income rose by 18 per cent to. Revenue from Microsoft’s Azure cloud computing platform showed notable growth, rising by 33 per […]

Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur and head of Tesla, has announced plans to reduce his involvement with the United States government’s Department of Government Efficiency (DoGE). After months of spearheading policies on workplace efficiency, Musk will now concentrate more on his electric vehicle company following a significant decline in Tesla’s profits. Speaking to reporters, Susie […]

Families earning an annual household income of £100,000 are finding themselves worse off than couples working full time on the national minimum wage if they send two children to private school, a new report has revealed. The financial strain has been exacerbated by the introduction of VAT on school fees, making private education increasingly unattainable […]

England is set to undergo a significant shift in its housing sector, as almost all new properties will soon require solar panels to be installed by law. The mandate, expected to come into effect by 2027, is part of the government’s ambitious plans to reduce carbon emissions and decarbonise the electricity grid by 2030. This […]

Ukraine and the United States have finalised a highly anticipated agreement to establish a joint minerals deal, marking a new chapter in their economic cooperation. This partnership is being hailed as a major step forward in securing Ukraine’s sovereignty, bolstering its economy, and ensuring continued support in its defence against Russia. The deal, described as […]

British athleisure brand Gymshark has reported a drop in profits for the financial year ending July 2024, as the company’s investments in new retail locations and the looming threat of tariffs in the United States squeeze its operations. Pre-tax profits fell from £13.1 million to £11.9 million, marking a rare setback in the company’s otherwise […]

Donald Trump’s administration has reportedly relegated a potential UK-US trade deal to a lower priority, casting doubt over Britain’s ambitions to finalise such an agreement within weeks. Sources familiar with the negotiations have indicated that the United States has divided trade discussions with over a dozen nations into three phases. The UK, according to US […]

HSBC, the London-based bank with deep roots in Asia, has cautioned that US-China trade tensions are already taking a toll on global trade volumes. The bank, which is the world’s largest trade financier, revealed that the imposition of tariffs has hampered transactions on the US-China trade corridor, with certain sectors not benefiting from waivers or […]

The chief executive of Mobico Group, the parent company of National Express, has stepped down amidst a financial crisis that has seen the company report staggering losses of £793 million. Ignacio Garat, who had been at the helm since 2020, left the company by mutual agreement. The announcement came shortly after Mobico revealed its withdrawal […]

Carlsberg, the Danish brewer founded in 1847, has reported a 2.3 per cent decline in organic volumes for the first quarter of the year. The drop, which is deeper than the 1.7 per cent expected by analysts, has been attributed to subdued consumer spending, the impact of US tariffs, and heightened macroeconomic volatility. Jacob Aarup-Andersen, […]

Britain’s largest venture capital trust, Octopus Titan, has reported a loss of £147.6 million for 2024, bringing its cumulative losses over the past three years to more than £600 million. The trust, which focuses on investing in high-risk UK start-ups, acknowledged widespread dissatisfaction among its 20,000 shareholders, many of whom are high-net-worth individuals. The trust […]

BP has announced a sharp reduction in its spending plans following a halving of profits for the first quarter of the year. The company’s strategy chief, Giulia Chierchia, has revealed plans to step down amidst intensified pressure from activist investor Elliott Management. The energy giant reported a subdued profit of $1.38 billion for the first […]

A recent cyberattack has caused massive disruption to Marks & Spencer’s operations, with a group known as “Scattered Spider” allegedly behind the breach. Reports suggest the teenage hacking group gained entry into M&S systems earlier in the year, employing sophisticated techniques to compromise the retail giant’s IT network. The attack, which first surfaced publicly last […]

Starbucks has reported a sharper-than-expected fall in global comparable sales, raising concerns over the success of its turnaround strategy. The coffee giant revealed a 1% decline in same-store sales during the second quarter, exceeding analysts’ projected 0.3% drop. Despite a 2% increase in net revenues to $8.8 billion—meeting market expectations—net income took a significant hit, […]

AstraZeneca, the FTSE 100 pharmaceutical giant, has reaffirmed its full-year forecasts despite posting mixed first-quarter results and grappling with potential headwinds in major markets. The company reported a 10 per cent increase in total revenue, reaching $13.6 billion, driven by strong double-digit growth in cancer treatments and biopharmaceuticals. However, this result fell slightly short of […]

Amazon’s plans to display additional tariff charges resulting from the US trade war with China have been swiftly abandoned following pressure from the White House. Reports emerged that the retail giant intended to highlight these costs alongside product prices, a move that prompted swift backlash from former US President Donald Trump and his team. Earlier […]

Sir Tony Blair, the former Prime Minister, has urged a radical rethinking of net-zero climate policies, warning they are destined for failure without substantial adjustments. Speaking days before the local elections, Blair criticised what he described as “irrational” measures, stating that voters are being forced to endure lifestyle changes and financial sacrifices, which ultimately yield […]

Plus500 has reported a significant financial lift in the wake of heightened market volatility triggered by the return of President Trump to the White House. The financial betting company, which specialises in contracts-for-difference (CFDs) and derivatives, experienced a 13 per cent rise in revenues in the first quarter of the year to $205.8 million. Adjusted […]

The French media conglomerate Banijay Group, known for producing acclaimed shows such as Peaky Blinders and Grantchester, is reportedly exploring a potential takeover of ITV. Discussions have allegedly been initiated for either a full acquisition of the company or specifically its studio production arm, ITV Studios. The move comes amid ongoing speculation about a possible […]

Hotel giant Marriott International has announced plans to acquire the Citizen M hotel chain as part of its expansion into the “affordable luxury” market. The deal, valued at $355 million, will see Marriott add Citizen M’s brand and intellectual property to its broad portfolio, which already includes prestigious names like Ritz-Carlton and Sheraton. The acquisition […]

IBM, one of the world’s leading technology companies, has announced plans to invest $150 billion in domestic manufacturing within the United States over the next five years. The company’s significant commitment highlights a growing trend among tech giants to prioritise investments in their home countries amidst shifting global trade dynamics. The funds will include $30 […]

A groundbreaking urine test for prostate cancer is being hailed as a significantly more accurate alternative to the current PSA blood tests. Scientists believe this development could pave the way for routine prostate cancer screening in the UK, akin to the breast cancer screening programme already in place for women. Prostate cancer remains the most […]

Parisian cafés and bistros are reportedly swapping premium wines with cheaper alternatives, deceiving customers and damaging the esteemed reputation of French wine. According to an investigation by Le Parisien, unsuspecting tourists are frequently served inferior wines at the price of premium vintages, particularly in establishments catering to visitors. Sommeliers involved in the probe revealed startling […]

Rachel Reeves’s ambitious £100 billion investment initiative, aimed at bolstering public infrastructure and economic growth, is facing criticism for being insufficient to meet the pressing needs of the UK’s public services. According to the Resolution Foundation, much of this funding will be consumed by reversing planned cuts, leaving limited resources to address other critical projects. […]

Britain is set to ruffle feathers in Washington as it moves towards formalising a shared geopolitical framework with the European Union, potentially jeopardising its hopes for a US trade agreement. The UK’s alignment with Brussels on key issues such as Ukraine, climate change, and free trade is seen as a marked shift in foreign policy […]

The government has announced plans to expand the current sugar tax to include pre-packaged milkshakes and lattes, marking a significant shift in its strategy to tackle obesity and improve public health. The levy, which previously focused on high-sugar fizzy drinks, will now target hundreds of additional products, including popular brands and supermarket offerings. This decision […]

In a recent report, the brokerage forecasts a moderate rise of 10–15% from current price levels, aligning with where the market has hovered for much of 2025. The global aluminum market is expected to remain broadly balanced over the next decade. Bernstein estimates that demand will grow at an annual rate of 2.1% through 2040, […]

A British nuclear fusion company, First Light Fusion, has experienced a substantial 60 per cent reduction in its valuation following the decision to abandon its plans for building a prototype fusion reactor. The Oxford-based firm saw its price tag slashed by one of its key backers, IP Group, dropping from £236 million last year to […]

Chinese fast-fashion giant Shein has implemented substantial price increases for its American customers in response to Donald Trump’s heightened tariff policies. The online retailer, known for its low-cost offerings, has raised the prices of certain products by as much as 377 per cent. Items popular with US shoppers, including makeup and women’s clothing, have seen […]

Former US President Donald Trump has ignited significant geopolitical discussions following his demands for American military and commercial vessels to be granted free passage through the strategic Panama and Suez canals. His controversial statements, which also called for swift governmental action, have drawn a sharp response from officials managing these critical maritime routes. Trump claimed […]

Independent breweries in the UK are facing mounting challenges as large brewing corporations and some pub chains restrict access to local markets. A recent study by the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (Siba) reveals that about 60% of pubs within a forty-mile radius of small brewers are now inaccessible to them. This worrying trend […]

The UK government has announced a critical lifeline for British Steel’s Scunthorpe plant, following the delivery of a 55,000-tonne shipment of coking coal from Australia. The coal, which landed at the Immingham bulk terminal on the Humber River over the weekend, is vital to powering Scunthorpe’s two blast furnaces, ensuring continued steel production for months […]

At the heart of Amsterdam, nestled on the picturesque Haarlemmerdijk, is ‘t Zonnetje, a tea shop steeped in history. Founded in 1642 and run by Marie-Louise Velder since 1999, this shop has become a symbol of Amsterdam’s rich heritage. From its mahogany shelves stacked with loose-leaf tea to its vintage tea tins and charming old […]

The homelessness crisis in England is reaching unprecedented levels, with over 100,000 households currently living in temporary accommodation. Local authorities, forced to rely on private landlords and hotels to house those in need, are paying exorbitant costs – often double the market rate. This systemic issue is not only straining council budgets but creating a […]

AAB, a prominent mid-market accountancy firm, has been placed on the market with a hefty £250 million price tag. August Equity, the private equity owner of AAB, has enlisted investment bankers from William Blair to oversee the sale process. According to informed sources, the move comes as deal activity in the accounting sector continues to […]

The once-thriving Chinese investment in Bordeaux vineyards has entered a challenging phase. What began as a love affair with French wine and the prestige of owning vineyards in the renowned region has now turned into a period of stagnation and financial strain. Over the past decade, more than 170 vineyards in Bordeaux were acquired by […]

Alvarez & Marsal, the New York-based professional services giant, has placed its potential value at up to $18 billion in a private presentation to its partners. The valuation, revealed during an internal meeting led by chief executive Bryan Marsal, comes amidst increasing global interest in consultancy firms by investors. Marsal, speaking at a corporate away […]

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Chief Executive, Nikhil Rathi, has introduced a series of reforms aimed at making it simpler for companies to raise capital on the London Stock Exchange (LSE). These changes form part of a broader strategy to enhance the competitiveness of London’s financial markets and align with the UK Chancellor’s pro-growth agenda. […]

Recent findings have revealed Qatar’s extensive investments in the United Kingdom, which now stand at an extraordinary £100 billion. Over two decades, the Gulf state has acquired a variety of British assets, significantly influencing the nation’s economy. From luxury hotels to infrastructure, the scale and diversity of Qatar’s investments are remarkable. The Qatar Investment Authority […]

The Weston family, the billionaire force behind retail giants Primark and Fortnum & Mason, has distributed approximately £32 million in dividend payments, demonstrating remarkable resilience in their diverse portfolio despite challenging market conditions. Wittington Investments, the family’s investment vehicle, disbursed £154 million for the year ending 14 September, surpassing the previous year’s £128 million payout. […]

Stock markets worldwide experienced significant gains Wednesday following Donald Trump’s announcement that tariffs on Chinese goods would be reduced “substantially”. The former US president’s remarks, coupled with his commitment not to dismiss Federal Reserve Chair Jay Powell, sparked a notable surge in investor confidence. The positive sentiment initiated on Wall Street, where the S&P 500 […]

In a landmark ruling that signals the European Union’s strengthening grip on big tech regulation, Apple and Meta have been hit with substantial fines totalling €700m for breaching the bloc’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). The European Commission levied a €500m penalty against Apple for its restrictive practices concerning app distribution. The tech giant’s policy of […]

Listed retailer THG has firmly rejected a significant takeover offer for its MyProtein brand, valuing the nutrition business between £400 million and £600 million. The bid, originating from former board member Iain McDonald’s investment vehicle Selkirk, was dismissed as fundamentally undervaluing the business and its growth potential. The proposal, described by THG as “wholly unsolicited, […]

Consumer goods giant Reckitt Benckiser has signalled potential delays in its planned divestment of homecare brands, citing challenging market conditions amid weaker-than-anticipated first-quarter performance. The company’s chief executive, Kris Licht, acknowledged the increasingly complex environment for executing transactions in the current market landscape. The FTSE 100 company reported net revenues of £3.68 billion, representing a […]

Tesla chief executive Elon Musk has announced plans to reduce his involvement in the Trump administration following a significant decline in the electric carmaker’s profits and sales, which analysts attribute to public backlash against his political activities. The billionaire entrepreneur revealed he would decrease his time at the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) to merely […]

The British government’s borrowing has surpassed official forecasts by £14.6 billion in the last financial year, pointing towards potential tax increases or spending reductions under Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ leadership. The Office for National Statistics reports borrowing reached £151.9 billion in the year to March, marking a £20.7 billion increase from the previous year. This figure […]

In a significant move towards modernising cancer diagnostics, the NHS has announced a £2.4 million investment in groundbreaking blood test technology capable of detecting 12 different types of cancer. The innovative test, developed by British startup Xgenera in collaboration with the University of Southampton, utilises artificial intelligence to analyse microRNA fragments from tumours. The trial, […]

The UK commerfcial property market has reached a pivotal moment as vacancy rates decrease for the first time since the pandemic began, signalling a potential revival in the commercial property sector. Data from CoStar reveals that office vacancy rates have dropped to 8.6% at March’s end, down from 8.7% at the beginning of 2025. The […]

The British pound sterling advanced to a seven-month peak against the US dollar today, while gold prices surged beyond $3,500 per ounce amidst growing market uncertainty triggered by President Trump’s criticism of the Federal Reserve. Sterling climbed above $1.34 before settling at $1.338, marking its most sustained rally against the greenback since 1971. The pound […]

British motorists are poised to receive automatic compensation payments following the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) announcement of a comprehensive redress scheme addressing the motor finance mis-selling scandal. The regulatory body is orchestrating an industry-wide compensation initiative that will require banks to proactively identify and reimburse affected customers. The scheme’s distinctive feature lies in its automatic […]

Sir Keir Starmer is on the brink of securing a landmark trade agreement with the European Union, potentially opening doors for British arms manufacturers to access a €150 billion European defence fund. The deal represents a significant shift in post-Brexit relations, though it comes with notable concessions in fishing rights. The forthcoming arrangement would enable […]

Global consumer goods giant Unilever is set to revolutionise the £35 billion cleaning products market with its innovative probiotic-powered cleaning spray, Cif Infinite Clean. The groundbreaking product, which harnesses beneficial bacteria to combat dirt and grime, continues its cleaning action for several days after application. The launch marks a strategic move by Unilever to strengthen […]

The British nuclear industry faces a pivotal moment as leading developer GE Hitachi urges the government to outline plans for 20 small modular reactors (SMRs), positioning the UK as a potential manufacturing hub for this emerging technology. GE Hitachi, a frontrunner in the government’s £20 billion nuclear funding competition, emphasises the critical relationship between manufacturing […]

The chief executive of British digital bank Zopa suggests London’s stock market could benefit from mounting political instability in the United States. Jaidev Janardana, who leads the £1 billion-valued fintech unicorn, indicates that American political uncertainty might enhance London’s appeal for companies considering public listings. Speaking candidly about Zopa’s own listing plans, Janardana expressed reservations […]

Britain’s largest pub operator, Stonegate, has reported narrowing losses and projects a return to profitable growth in 2025, marking a significant turning point for the hospitality giant. The company, which manages 4,370 venues across the UK, posted a pre-tax loss of £214 million for the 53-week period ending 29 September, an improvement from the previous […]

A remarkable surge in mortgage completions marked March’s property market activity, with a 50 percent increase representing the highest jump in over three years. The spike was particularly pronounced among first-time buyers, who witnessed a substantial 70 percent rise in completions compared to February, according to Barclays lending data analysis. The rush to complete property […]

Fairfax & Favour, the quintessentially British equestrian-inspired footwear brand, is making significant strides in the American market following royal endorsement from Zara Tindall. The Norfolk-based company has reported impressive organic growth in the US, with plans to double its revenue contribution from 10 to 20 per cent within three years. The luxury retailer, which achieved […]

British Steel, a cornerstone of the UK’s industrial heritage, is at a critical juncture as it navigates a complex landscape of financial instability, environmental imperatives, and geopolitical challenges. The company, which operates the last remaining blast furnaces in the UK capable of producing virgin steel, has faced significant turbulence in recent years. Ownership changes, mounting […]

The United States’ recent tariff policies, implemented as part of a broader protectionist agenda, have significantly reshaped the global trade landscape. As of April 2025, the U.S. has enacted sweeping tariffs, including a baseline 10% tariff on nearly all imports, with targeted rates reaching as high as 145% for specific countries such as China. These […]

The global oil market in 2025 is poised to navigate a complex interplay of supply dynamics, demand fluctuations, and geopolitical uncertainties. As of April 2025, Brent crude prices are hovering around $74 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude is trading near $70 per barrel, reflecting a delicate balance between supply risks and weakening […]

The £1 trillion-a-year luxury goods industry is facing unprecedented challenges as sales slump across major markets. Recent figures from industry giant LVMH reveal a concerning pattern, with fashion and leather goods revenue dropping 5% in the first quarter of 2025 – marking the third consecutive quarterly decline outside pandemic conditions. The ripple effects are being […]

British defence manufacturing is poised for a significant transformation as BAE Systems announces plans to dramatically increase domestic explosives production, reducing dependence on American and French ammunition supplies. The strategic initiative involves deploying shipping containers across multiple UK locations to manufacture RDX explosives, essential components in 155mm rounds for British Army artillery. BAE Systems’ innovative […]

Beijing confronts a pivotal choice regarding its massive US treasury holdings amidst escalating trade tensions with Washington. The world’s second-largest economy must weigh the risks of economic turmoil against accepting substantial losses on its $700 billion investment in US government bonds. The situation has intensified following President Trump’s implementation of a 145 per cent tariff […]

As of April 2025, Bitcoin continues to dominate discussions in the financial and cryptocurrency sectors, with its price movements and adoption trends capturing global attention. The cryptocurrency market is at a pivotal juncture, shaped by a confluence of factors such as institutional adoption, regulatory developments, technological advancements, and the aftermath of the 2024 halving event. […]

The European Union’s unprecedented €750 billion NextGenerationEU programme, launched amid the depths of the Covid-19 pandemic, has reached a critical juncture as member states race against an August 2026 deadline to claim remaining funds. Italy, the largest beneficiary, still has €47 billion in grants to secure from its total €194.4 billion allocation. Under Mario Draghi’s […]

Global logistics powerhouse DHL is set to suspend certain US-bound deliveries from Monday amid mounting pressures from Donald Trump’s trade policies, which have dramatically increased regulatory burdens on exporters. The German courier giant revealed in a customer communication that it faces significant delays on US shipments due to recent White House policy amendments. The temporary […]

Private clinics delivering NHS cataract surgery are under intense scrutiny amid allegations of artificially inflated costs, unnecessary operations, and questionable financial incentives offered to high-street optometrists. The Department of Health and Social Care has launched a comprehensive investigation following revelations of serious concerns among NHS England officials regarding financial practices and patient safety. The NHS […]

James McMaster, the 42-year-old chief executive of nutritional food company Huel, embodies the organisation’s ethos of health-conscious living and nutritional innovation. His morning routine, which includes monitoring sleep patterns and practising bone-strengthening exercises, reflects the company’s mission to revolutionise eating habits. The British success story, now valued at £420 million, has witnessed remarkable growth with […]

Major private equity firms are positioning themselves for a potential acquisition of one of Britain’s largest private school operators, as current owners prepare for a sale that could reach £5 billion in value. Swiss investment group Jacobs Holding has enlisted Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley to investigate strategic options, including a possible sale or stock […]

The US administration has unveiled plans to impose significant tariffs on Chinese vessels entering American ports, marking a substantial escalation in the ongoing trade dispute between the world’s two largest economies. The measures, set to take effect in six months, will require all Chinese-built and owned vessels to pay fees calculated on the net tonnage […]

Major delivery companies have issued stark warnings about the potential consequences of closing a tax loophole that currently allows Chinese e-commerce giants to ship low-value goods to Britain without customs duty. The proposed changes could result in significant price increases and delivery delays for UK consumers. Royal Mail, DHL Express and Evri have cautioned the […]

Rising shipping disruption triggered by the new tarrifs imposed are poised to drive higher retail prices and reduced product choice for UK shoppers, industry leaders have cautioned. Brandon Fried, executive director of the Airforwarders Association, emphasised that inconsistent tariff policies have created substantial uncertainty in retailers’ planning cycles, forcing widespread shipment rerouting. The ripple effects […]

European airline passengers are increasingly turning away from US summer travel, with booking data revealing a concerning 12.8 per cent decline for the peak months of June, July and August. The downturn, observed before President Trump’s tariff implementation, marks a significant shift from January’s positive booking patterns. Research conducted by aviation analytics firm Cirium highlighted […]

In a significant development for British immigration policy, Labour’s proposals to establish overseas “return hubs” for rejected asylum seekers have received crucial endorsement from the United Nations’ refugee agency, marking a substantial shift in the UK’s approach to managing irregular migration. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper’s discussions with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) last […]

The ongoing refuse collection crisis in Birmingham has reached a critical point as the Labour-controlled council maintains its position against striking bin workers. The dispute, now in its sixth week, has resulted in approximately 22,000 tonnes of waste accumulating on city streets. The central issue revolves around the waste recycling and collection officer (WRCO) role, […]

Two of China’s largest fast-fashion retailers have announced imminent price increases for their US customers as they grapple with Donald Trump’s substantial tariff implementations. Both Temu and Shein will face the impact of new import levies, pushing taxes up to 145% on Chinese goods. The crucial “de minimis” exemption, which previously allowed duty-free imports for […]

British ministers are actively engaging with pharmaceutical companies regarding potential US tariffs, prompting calls for an emergency taskforce to safeguard medicine supplies. The UK government is working diligently to maintain tariff exemptions for British drugmakers through prospective trade negotiations, as the industry exports approximately £7bn worth of goods to the US annually. The pharmaceutical sector, […]

The chief executive of WH Smith has suggested that Donald Trump’s tariff disputes could potentially lead to price reductions rather than inflation for UK retailers, as East Asian suppliers actively seek alternatives to the US market. Carl Cowling, at the helm of the retail giant, maintains there is little logic supporting inflationary concerns. His perspective […]

Former fund manager Neil Woodford is set to make a controversial return to the investment world with the launch of a subscription-based service, six years after the spectacular collapse of his flagship fund. The new venture, dubbed W4.0, represents a significant departure from traditional investment vehicles. The platform will operate as a ‘community service’ where […]

The European Central Bank has cut borrowing costs across the 20-member euro area for the third time this year, reducing its main interest rate to 2.25% amidst growing concerns over economic slowdown and the impact of Donald Trump’s tariffs. The Frankfurt-based institution implemented a quarter-point reduction in its benchmark deposit rate on Thursday, aligning with […]

The UK delivery landscape witnessed a significant shift today as Polish parcel locker specialist InPost announced its acquisition of British courier company Yodel in a £106m deal, establishing the third-largest independent delivery network serving British online retailers. InPost, which pioneered its first locker system in Kraków during 2009, aims to merge its extensive drop-off and […]

The British division of global coffee giant Starbucks has reported paying no corporation tax for the fiscal year 2024, despite generating sales of £525.6 million. The company’s UK retail operations posted a £35 million loss after transferring £40 million in royalty and licence fees to its parent organisation. The disappointing performance comes amid what the […]

The Chinese Embassy has launched a scathing attack on UK politicians, accusing them of “arrogance, ignorance and a twisted mindset” amid escalating tensions over the British Steel crisis. The diplomatic row erupted following criticism of Jingye, the Chinese owner of British Steel, after its threatened closure of blast furnaces at the Scunthorpe facility. Beijing’s representatives […]

The AA’s chief executive has indicated there remains work to be done before any potential sale, despite the motoring organisation reporting its fourth consecutive year of growth. Jakob Pfaudler shared that private equity investors were “pleased with the progress” as financial year 2025 results revealed a 12% surge in revenue to £1.45 billion, alongside a […]