Government borrowing in the UK surged last month, rising to £20.2 billion compared to the forecast of £17.9 billion by economists. This figure, reflecting higher-than-expected public sector spending and pay awards, underscores the ongoing fiscal pressures facing the Treasury. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) confirmed that April’s data represents the fourth-highest public sector borrowing […]

Jakob Stausholm, the Chief Executive Officer of Rio Tinto, has announced his decision to step down after less than five years at the helm of the global mining giant. The unexpected departure was confirmed by the Anglo-Australian firm, which has yet to provide a clear explanation for the move. Reports indicate that Stausholm will remain […]

A significant sell-off in global bond markets has gained momentum following the passing of President Trump’s sweeping tax bill through the US House of Representatives. The controversial legislation, which adds an estimated $3.8 trillion to America’s debt pile over the next decade, has sparked fresh concerns among investors about the country’s fiscal sustainability. The Republican-controlled […]

Chinese scientists have unveiled groundbreaking contact lenses that enable wearers to see in the dark, revolutionising the potential for wearable technology. These innovative lenses, which do not require bulky equipment like traditional night-vision goggles, utilise nanoparticles embedded in a flexible, transparent material to convert infrared light into visible colours such as red, blue and green. […]

Net migration to the UK has halved in the past year, demonstrating one of the most significant year-on-year reductions recorded in modern times. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the net migration figure fell from 866,000 in the previous year to 431,000. This major drop follows policy changes introduced by the Conservative government […]

Strava, the global exercise tracking platform, has seen its valuation soar to $2.2 billion following its acquisition of the London-based running app Runna. This marks the first time since November 2020 that the company has disclosed its worth. The valuation represents a significant leap from $1.5 billion during the height of the pandemic, when new […]

The UK government is reportedly exploring new legislation to erase nearly £1bn in debt accumulated by British Steel, a move aimed at making the company more attractive to prospective buyers. This decision follows the government’s recent takeover of the Scunthorpe steelworks, after Jingye Steel, the Chinese owner, announced its intention to close the plant within […]

Public sector workers in the UK are reacting strongly to the government’s latest pay rise announcements, with unions across various sectors threatening industrial action. Ministers have pledged above-inflation pay increases to over two million public sector employees, ranging from 3.6 per cent to nearly 6 per cent. This decision will reportedly cost more than £2 […]

Disney+ is poised to redefine the broadcasting landscape for women’s football by acquiring exclusive rights to the UEFA Women’s Champions League across multiple European territories, including the United Kingdom. The five-year agreement, which begins next season, will enable Disney+ to showcase every single match live. This development represents a significant milestone for the visibility and […]

BT has reported an increase in profits, with its latest financial results offering a glimpse of sustained revenue growth on the horizon. The telecoms giant announced a pre-tax profit of £1.3 billion for the year, an improvement from £1.2 billion in the previous period. Revenue, however, remained flat at roughly £20 billion, reflecting ongoing pressures […]

Ed Miliband’s push towards achieving net zero is jeopardising British jobs by fostering a dependency on Chinese manufacturing, Jo Bamford, heir to the JCB empire, has warned. The Wrightbus owner criticised the Government’s reliance on importing green energy equipment from the Far East and called for a more strategic focus on hydrogen to safeguard domestic […]

Energy powerhouse SSE has announced a dramatic £3bn reduction in its green energy spending plans, raising concerns over its ability to meet 2030 net zero targets. The company cited delays in planning processes and a challenging macroeconomic climate as key factors behind the decision. This move comes amidst shifting policies and significant hurdles in obtaining […]

The global economy may be facing a seismic shift as cracks begin to appear in Japan’s bond market, sparking fears for heavily indebted nations including the UK and the US. A recent lacklustre auction of Japanese 20-year bonds has sent long-term yields soaring to historic highs, putting pressure on markets already jittery over debt sustainability. […]

Phil White, one of the pivotal figures behind the rise of National Express, has made a return to the company, now rebranded as Mobico. At the age of 75, White steps back in as executive chairman during a period of substantial financial and structural challenges, including the company’s all-time low share price, mounting debt, and […]

JD Sports has warned that elevated US tariffs could lead to higher prices for American consumers, as the sportswear giant struggles to navigate a challenging global market. The FTSE 100 retailer, which generates approximately 40% of its revenue in the United States, reported an 11.8% decline in pre-tax profits, dropping to £715 million for the […]

Bloomberg, a key financial data platform used by traders worldwide, experienced a significant system blackout on Wednesday, disrupting market transactions and delaying a major UK debt auction. The Terminal system, which plays a central role on trading desks in both the City of London and Wall Street, was affected for around four hours, leaving financial […]

Inflation in the UK surged to its highest level in more than a year last month, driven by sharp increases in household bills, according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). In April, inflation climbed to 3.5 per cent annually, up from 2.6 per cent in March and marking the steepest level since […]

The London office market is experiencing unprecedented rental growth as a severe shortage of prime workspace drives prices to record levels. Developers and landlords report that demand for best-in-class offices continues to soar, with limited new developments unable to meet this rising need. Great Portland Estates (GPE), a key player in London’s commercial property market, […]

Harvey Nichols, the historic British luxury retailer, has announced plans to discontinue its food and hamper divisions as part of an ambitious strategy to return to profitability. The decision is expected to put around 70 jobs at risk, with the changes aimed at repositioning the brand as a leading destination for high-end fashion, beauty, and […]

Sir Jony Ive, the creative force behind Apple’s iconic design rebirth, has struck a landmark agreement with OpenAI, the artificial intelligence leader behind ChatGPT. The deal, valued at a staggering $6.5 billion (£4.8 billion), will see Ive’s latest start-up, io, merge with OpenAI in a bid to reshape technology through cutting-edge hardware and forward-thinking innovation. […]

Marks & Spencer has revealed that the recent cyberattack on its systems will cost the company £300 million, dealing a heavy blow to its bottom line and shareholder confidence. The attack, which took place over the Easter weekend, has caused ongoing disruption, particularly to online sales and supply chain operations, with normal functionality not expected […]

The world is facing a significant shortfall in copper supplies needed for the transition to low-carbon energy systems, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). Projections indicate that global copper supply may fall 30% short of demand by 2035 unless urgent action is taken. Copper, a fundamental material in all modern electrical energy systems, is […]

US export controls on high-tech microchips have unintentionally propelled Chinese technological advancement, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang revealed during a keynote speech at the Computex technology forum in Taipei. The billionaire executive lamented the impact of restrictive trade measures, describing them as counterproductive policies that have energised China’s innovation ecosystem. Huang noted that while the US […]

The Trump administration has overturned its decision to halt the construction of the Empire Wind offshore wind farm near New York. This decision brings relief to the renewable energy sector, which has faced increased regulatory and financial challenges in recent years. Equinor, the Norwegian state-owned energy company leading the project, has confirmed the resumption of […]

The climate crisis has escalated the cost of commodities and aggravated global famine, highlighting the urgent need for decisive action on greenhouse gas emissions. According to Simon Stiell, the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), addressing emissions at scale is crucial not only for environmental purposes but also to […]

The catering group SSP, which operates popular brands such as Upper Crust and Caffè Ritazza in airports and railway stations, has announced a significant cost-cutting initiative alongside the postponement of its planned initial public offering (IPO) of its Indian joint venture. The decision has been attributed to a “heightened level of uncertainty” in some of […]

Vodafone has pledged a return to profit growth as it prepares to finalise its highly anticipated £16.5 billion merger with Three in the UK. The telecoms giant announced that its German business is poised for a turnaround, projecting adjusted earnings between €11 billion and €11.3 billion for the current financial year. This figure marks an […]

The Bank of England’s chief economist, Huw Pill, has raised concerns that cutting interest rates too soon might sustain inflation at higher levels for longer. Speaking at a Barclays event, Pill revealed he voted against a recent rate cut at the latest Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, citing ongoing risks to the economic outlook. The […]

One of the last remaining biodiesel plants in the United Kingdom is at risk of closure due to the ongoing pressure of subsidised imports from the United States. Greenergy, which operates out of Immingham Docks in Lincolnshire and is owned by commodities trader Trafigura, announced it has temporarily ceased operations at the site while undergoing […]

Ian Stuart, the chief executive of HSBC UK, has revealed that the bank faces relentless cyber-attacks, making cybersecurity its largest expenditure. He informed MPs during a Treasury select committee hearing that the bank invests hundreds of millions of pounds to safeguard its systems against hackers, as the risk of cybercrime continues to escalate. During his […]

Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has reaffirmed his commitment to remain at the helm of Tesla as chief executive for at least the next five years. Speaking at the Qatar Economic Forum, Musk addressed investor concerns about his ongoing focus on the electric vehicle giant amidst waning sales figures in Europe and criticism over his controversial […]

Drugmaker Regeneron Pharmaceuticals has announced plans to acquire 23andMe Holding for $256 million through a bankruptcy auction. The purchase, set to conclude in the third quarter of the year, comes as 23andMe struggles with declining demand for its genetic testing kits and the fallout from a significant 2023 data breach that compromised genetic data for […]

France’s prestigious mineral water industry has been thrust into the spotlight following a damning report by the French Senate. At the centre of the controversy lies Perrier, the iconic fizzy water brand long recognised as “the champagne of table waters”. The report revealed that Nestlé Waters, which owns Perrier along with the Vittel brand, had […]

A landmark agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union has been billed as a significant economic turning point, expected to add £9 billion to the UK economy while reducing food costs for consumers. The deal removes cumbersome checks on food exports, unlocking new market potential for British producers. Reached after late-night negotiations, the […]

Luxury retailers and fashion houses are renewing calls for the reintroduction of tax-free shopping for international tourists as transatlantic trade faces increased pressure from US tariffs. Leading UK trade bodies have expressed concerns that the removal of the VAT exemption for visitors has damaged the competitiveness of British businesses while also diminishing the UK’s appeal […]

Diageo, the drinks giant behind iconic brands such as Guinness and Johnnie Walker, has revealed a $500 million cost-cutting initiative to mitigate the financial impact of newly imposed US tariffs. These 10 per cent levies on UK and European imports, introduced by former President Trump, are expected to cost the company $150 million annually under […]

Unilever has announced an £80 million investment to develop an in-house fragrance facility at its historic Port Sunlight site in the northwest of England. This initiative is part of a broader £300 million plan to enhance research and development infrastructure, set to unfold over the next two years in the United Kingdom. The new facility […]

Creditors of Thames Water are reportedly preparing to write off approximately £6 billion of its debt as the American private equity firm KKR advances its bid to take control of the troubled utility company. This debt reduction, amounting to one-third of Thames Water’s obligations, forms part of proposals aimed at lowering the company’s debt-to-asset-value ratio […]

City regulators are examining potential changes to the UK’s ring-fencing rules, which were introduced to safeguard consumer deposits by separating retail banking from riskier investment operations. The Bank of England’s Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) is reviewing the regulatory framework after criticism from senior banking executives regarding its effectiveness and operational inefficiency. Implemented in 2019, the […]

Ryanair, Europe’s largest budget airline, has recorded unprecedented passenger growth, carrying over 200 million customers in the financial year ending March 2025. This represents a 9 per cent increase from the 183 million passengers it reported the previous year. The impressive milestone was achieved despite a challenging market environment, including delayed deliveries of its highly […]

The yield on 30-year US government bonds, often referred to as treasuries, surged to 5.03% on Monday, reaching its highest level since November 2023. The increase follows a contentious vote where the House Budget Committee narrowly approved a $3.8 trillion tax cut package proposed by former President Trump. The move has significantly rattled financial markets. […]

Energy costs for UK households are projected to fall by seven per cent from this July, with the average annual bill dropping to £1,720, according to the latest forecast from Cornwall Insight. The adjustment follows decreases in wholesale gas prices, attributed to factors such as recent tariff policies in the United States and milder weather […]

Revolut, the fintech giant based in London, has announced plans to invest more than €1 billion in France over the next three years. This significant expansion will establish Paris as its head office for operations across Western Europe, further enhancing the French capital’s standing as a leading financial hub. The move comes with the creation […]

Marks & Spencer is set to release its annual financial results this Wednesday, as both investors and consumers closely monitor any updates on the impact of the recent cyber-attack. The retailer’s IT systems were compromised over the Easter weekend, forcing the UK’s largest clothing chain to halt online operations. The incident has affected product availability […]

Slot machine firms are increasingly targeting some of the UK’s most economically deprived areas, channelling profits to billionaire-owned corporations overseas and Wall Street funds, a recent investigation has revealed. Over a third of the 1,452 adult gaming centres (AGCs) reviewed by analysts are located in neighbourhoods among the poorest 10% of British communities. More than […]

Negotiations between the UK and the European Union on resetting their relationship have reached a critical juncture, with both sides racing to finalise an agreement. Key sticking points, including long-term access to British waters for EU fishing vessels and youth mobility schemes, are dominating discussions ahead of a crucial summit in London. UK Prime Minister […]

Poundland, the discount retailer known for its ultra-low prices, is on the brink of being sold for the symbolic price of £1. Gordon Brothers, a US-based turnaround investor, has emerged as the frontrunner to acquire the struggling chain, according to sources close to the matter. The sale comes at a challenging time for Poundland as […]

Marks & Spencer (M&S) and the Co-op continue to face repercussions from major cyberattacks, leaving their supply chains strained and small businesses struggling to cope. The impact of these breaches has gone beyond empty supermarket shelves, demonstrating the wider fallout on suppliers both locally and globally. Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones, founder of The Black Farmer, is one […]

Aston Martin has raised concerns over the UK government’s failure to provide state backing for small-volume manufacturers, claiming this leaves the company at a distinct competitive disadvantage compared to its Italian rivals Ferrari and Lamborghini. Adrian Hallmark, chief executive of Aston Martin, addressed the issue in a letter to Jonathan Reynolds, the business secretary. He […]

The £1.7 billion takeover scramble for Assura, Britain’s prominent primary healthcare property firm, has taken a heated turn. Major UK shareholders have openly rejected an acquisition attempt led by US private equity giant KKR, urging the board to instead explore a merger with its London-listed rival, Primary Health Properties (PHP). These shareholders argue that a […]

Bournemouth railway station, once celebrated in 1885 for revolutionising seaside accessibility, is now taking centre stage again in Britain’s transport history. On Thursday, the transport secretary, Heidi Alexander, revealed the first Great British Railways (GBR)-branded train, marking the beginning of Labour’s ambitious renationalisation programme. This initiative aims to transfer ten train lines, including South Western […]

The first clinical trial investigating whether psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms, could treat Parkinson’s disease has yielded promising early-stage results. Scientists have described the findings as both exciting and unexpected, with participants reporting significant improvements in mood, cognition, and motor function. The study involved 12 patients diagnosed with mild to moderate Parkinson’s […]

One of the largest healthcare organisations in the United States, United Health Group, is now the subject of a criminal investigation by the US Department of Justice. The investigation, overseen by the justice department’s healthcare division, reportedly focuses on the company’s Medicare Advantage business practices. While the exact accusations remain unclear, the inquiry has been […]

The government is on the cusp of fully reprivatising NatWest, with the taxpayers’ shareholding in the bank now reduced to less than 1 per cent. This latest step marks the near-conclusion of a process that began a decade ago following the bank’s £45.5 billion state bailout during the 2008-09 financial crisis. The bailout, which left […]

Interest from American buyers in UK property has surged to an eight-year high, with Edinburgh overtaking London as the most popular destination. Scotland now accounts for 28 per cent of inquiries from US-based buyers, compared with 26 per cent for Greater London. Edinburgh leads as the city of choice, with other popular destinations including prime […]

BT is set to establish an independent international division as part of its broader shift to prioritise its UK-focused operations. The move, which will impact more than 8,000 employees, aims to enhance the company’s focus on its core domestic market. Allison Kirkby, who took over as BT’s Chief Executive last year, has made clear her […]

Business investment in the United Kingdom has surged at the fastest pace in two years, defying earlier concerns that increased payroll taxes would dampen private sector expenditure. Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed a 5.9 per cent rise in business investment between January and March. This marks a sharp rebound from the […]

The largest cryptocurrency exchange in the United States, Coinbase, has revealed that a recent cyber-attack targeting a “small subset” of its customers could cost the company between $180 million and $400 million. The attack, which occurred earlier this month, involved hackers obtaining account data such as names, addresses, and email addresses. Although login credentials and […]

Walmart, the global retail giant, has announced it will begin increasing prices this month in response to rising tariff costs, a move that signals a challenging period ahead for consumers. Shoppers in the United States are expected to notice the change in prices by the end of May, with effects becoming more prominent in June, […]

A group of influential MPs has called on the government to delay controversial plans to change inheritance tax rules for farmers, allowing more time for consultation and better policy formulation. The proposed changes, which aim to bring farms and other agricultural properties into inheritance tax rules, have sparked widespread protests and concern among the farming […]

Wealthy individuals across Britain may be dodging more tax than previously estimated, as revealed by a new report from the National Audit Office (NAO). The findings come amidst a dramatic 75% drop in penalties issued to the super-rich in the financial year ending March 2024. This revelation has led to calls for increased government action […]

The UK government plans to intervene to block Thames Water’s executives from receiving substantial bonuses tied to a £3 billion emergency loan, according to informed sources. The decision arises as the country’s largest water provider fights financial insolvency amidst rising customer bills, pollution incidents, and ballooning debt. Thames Water recently revealed that senior managerial staff […]

A record number of households in Britain have been unable to pay their energy bills via direct debit, as per new data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Figures from April reveal that over 2.7% of direct debit payments for electricity and gas failed due to insufficient funds. This marks the highest default rate […]

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has opened an investigation into Aviva’s £3.7 billion acquisition of rival insurer Direct Line. This significant move could reshape the UK’s insurance sector, combining the operations of two of the largest players in the market. The scrutiny by the CMA will determine the deal’s potential effects on competition within […]

The Bank of London, a relatively new entrant to the UK financial market, is facing significant challenges as it comes under investigation by UK regulators. The Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA), part of the Bank of England, has launched an inquiry into potential breaches that occurred before the bank changed ownership in 2024. The findings could […]

Denmark, a nation renowned for its renewable energy achievements, is revisiting its 40-year ban on nuclear power as it explores the potential of new reactor technologies. The Danish government recently announced plans to evaluate the benefits of small modular reactors (SMRs), which represent a significant departure from traditional, large-scale nuclear reactors. This development signals a […]

The UK government is set to introduce a 15% cap on foreign state ownership of British newspapers, potentially ending a protracted two-year uncertainty over the ownership of The Daily and Sunday Telegraph. The announcement, expected from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, comes through a new statutory instrument intended to safeguard the independence of […]

Stefan Bomhard, Chief Executive of Imperial Brands, has announced his decision to retire in a move that has unsettled investors and resulted in a significant drop in the company’s share price. Imperial, one of the UK’s leading tobacco manufacturers, saw its shares tumble 7.3 per cent, wiping £1.5 billion off its market value. This surprise […]

Compass Group, the FTSE 100 contract catering giant, has reported a rise in profits for the first half of the financial year, citing strong revenue growth and a surge in demand for outsourced catering services across its global markets. Profit before tax increased to $1.28 billion for the six months ending in March, up from […]

GSK, one of the UK’s leading pharmaceutical companies, has committed up to $2 billion to acquire a promising new liver disease drug from Boston Pharmaceuticals. The latest acquisition aims to bolster GSK’s biopharma pipeline as it targets group revenues of over £40 billion by 2031. The drug, efimosfermin, is set to enter late-stage clinical trials […]

Europe’s largest travel operator, Tui, has reported a drop in summer bookings alongside a widening loss for the first quarter of the year. The company, headquartered in Germany, recorded an underlying loss before interest and tax of €206.8 million for the three months to the end of March, compared to a €188.7 million loss over […]

The UK parcel delivery provider Evri has announced a significant merger with DHL eCommerce UK, a move set to create one of the largest delivery companies in the country. The combined entity will have the capacity to handle over one billion parcels and an equal number of letters annually. This marks Evri’s debut in the […]

Burberry, the British luxury fashion house, has announced plans to cut up to 1,700 jobs, representing nearly 18 per cent of its global workforce. The cuts will primarily impact head office roles, including its London headquarters, and staff rotas, alongside the elimination of the night shift at its Castleford factory in West Yorkshire. The decision […]

A major new entertainment arena is being proposed for London, with the aim of bolstering the city’s cultural and economic appeal. Tim Leiweke, chief executive of Oak View Group, has expressed plans for another large-scale venue, following his success in transforming the Millennium Dome into The O2, which is now considered the most successful arena […]

The founders of Lindsell Train, one of Britain’s prominent fund management firms, received £23 million in dividends last year despite declining profits and significant client withdrawals. Michael Lindsell and Nick Train, who are celebrated for their stock-picking prowess, have faced mounting pressure in recent years due to underperformance in some of their key funds. Recent […]

Marks & Spencer is poised to file an insurance claim of up to £100 million following a recent cyberattack that severely disrupted its operations. The retailer’s main insurance policy, facilitated by Allianz, is set to cover an initial £10 million of its losses, with further payouts possible. Beazley, a specialist insurer in cyberattack coverage, is […]

US inflation fell unexpectedly in April, coinciding with President Trump’s announcement of significant reductions in tariffs, marking what he described as “liberation day.” The annual rate of price growth dropped to 2.3 per cent, down from 2.4 per cent in March. This is the lowest inflation rate recorded since February 2021, providing some relief for […]

Co-op supermarkets across the UK are grappling with severe product shortages following a large-scale cyberattack that has disrupted its supply chain. The attack targeted critical ordering and logistics systems, leaving shelves noticeably bare, particularly of fruit and vegetables. Effects of the attack have been confirmed at 2,500 stores, with some areas experiencing worse shortages than […]

President Trump has announced a historic arms deal with Saudi Arabia valued at $142 billion, the largest defence agreement ever signed. This high-profile transaction cements the strategic partnership between the United States and the Gulf kingdom, further advancing economic and military ties at a time of evolving geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The agreement […]

Wage growth in the UK dropped to its lowest point since November, while the unemployment rate edged higher over the first quarter of the year. According to data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), pay growth in the three months to March slowed to 5.6 per cent, a slight decline from 5.9 per […]

The popular second-hand marketplace Vinted has recorded a remarkable financial performance, tripling its profits to €95.4 million (£80.3 million) in 2024. This growth, up from €33.4 million the previous year, reflects the company’s ongoing success in expanding its platform across multiple categories and markets. Vinted’s revenue has also witnessed a significant increase, rising by 36 […]

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has recorded its highest profit levels in a decade, buoyed by preparations for a new wave of electric vehicle production. The Indian-owned automotive group, part of Tata Motors, posted pre-tax profits of £875 million for the last quarter of its financial year, up from £661 million in the same period last […]

Marston’s, the Wolverhampton-based pub chain, has announced a return to profit in the first half of its financial year. The company reported pre-tax profits of £19.5 million for the 26 weeks ending 29 March, a significant improvement from the £26.9 million loss recorded in the same period last year. Chief Executive Justin Platt attributed the […]

US technology firms have announced significant deals in the Middle East as former president Donald Trump proclaimed $600 billion in commitments from Saudi Arabia to American artificial intelligence companies during his tour of the Gulf states. Among the most high-profile agreements was a deal signed by Nvidia, which will supply hundreds of thousands of cutting-edge […]

The UK’s environment secretary has firmly reiterated that the nation will not accept chlorine-washed chicken or hormone-fed beef, practices that are currently prohibited in both the UK and EU. This statement came during a meeting held in London with the US agriculture secretary, Brooke Rollins, who indicated that these methods may no longer be critical […]

The British luxury carmaker Bentley has reported a complete halt in its US sales as customers await clarity on lower tariffs promised under a recent UK-US trade deal. The deal agreed last week has set a 10% tariff on 100,000 car exports to the US, a significant reduction from the 25% levy currently imposed on […]

Microsoft has announced plans to lay off approximately 3% of its global workforce, equating to around 6,000 employees. The tech giant, based in Redmond, Washington, employed 228,000 full-time staff as of June last year. These cuts mark Microsoft’s largest reduction in workforce since early 2023, when it shed 10,000 jobs during an industry-wide scaling back […]

Nissan, the Japanese carmaker, is set to undergo major restructuring, announcing the closure of seven factories worldwide and a reduction of 20,000 jobs. The company faces a steep £3.4bn loss and plans to consolidate from 17 factories to 10 by 2027, in a bid to combat declining sales in the US and China. The restructuring […]

New York’s renowned Diamond District was bustling last month, but the focus of conversation was not on diamonds. Instead, gold has emerged as the key asset on everyone’s mind. Years of economic uncertainty driven by Covid, geopolitical conflicts such as the Ukraine war, and lingering trade tensions initiated during Donald Trump’s presidency have dramatically revived […]

The government has admitted to mishandling the closure of a crucial post-Brexit farming subsidy scheme, leaving 3,000 farmers in England unable to access promised funds. This revelation has sparked significant anger within the farming community, particularly after a sudden pause in payments left many land managers uncertain about their financial futures. The Sustainable Farming Incentive […]

Fossil fuel reserves in the North Sea are depleting at an accelerated pace, leading to inevitable job losses across the sector. A new report suggests that a permanent windfall tax on oil and gas producers could generate enough revenue to fund a transition towards green jobs and renewable energy projects. By redirecting this financial support, […]

UK employment levels have reached their lowest point in over a decade, driven by a combination of rising labour costs and global uncertainties. The most recent data from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) shows a sharp decline in hiring intentions among employers, marking the weakest levels outside the pandemic since 2014. Private […]

IG Group, Britain’s longstanding spread-betting firm, has announced that it expects to meet or slightly exceed the higher end of financial forecasts for its annual revenues and profits. This comes amid the sharp market volatility following Donald Trump’s re-election and subsequent economic policies. The company revealed that elevated turbulence across various asset classes during the […]

President Donald Trump has issued an executive order aimed at tackling high drug prices in the United States, sparking concern and volatility across the global pharmaceutical industry. The announcement marks a renewed attempt to align America’s drug prices with those of other developed nations, intensifying pressure on multinational companies. During a White House press conference, […]

The UK government’s proposed immigration reforms have sparked warnings from leading business organisations, who argue the changes could harm the economy if not accompanied by a significant overhaul of skills training. These reforms, championed by Sir Keir Starmer, aim to substantially reduce migration to the UK. However, businesses have raised concerns about the potential negative […]

Megan Greene, a member of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), has suggested that a global trade war, driven by tariffs introduced by former US President Donald Trump, could help reduce inflation in the United Kingdom. Speaking at the Bank of England Watchers’ Conference, Greene explained her decision to vote for a 0.25 […]

Thames Water, Britain’s largest privatised water utility, is grappling with a financial and regulatory crisis. With a debt of £20 billion, a poor track record on pollution, leakage, and customer service, and no shareholders following the withdrawal of key investors, serious questions surround its ability to survive. On Tuesday, Sir Adrian Montague, the company’s chairman, […]

Seventeen of the UK’s largest pension providers have committed to invest £25 billion into domestic assets following government pressure to bolster the national economy. The initiative, which forms part of a new voluntary agreement, requires these defined-contribution schemes to allocate no less than 10 per cent of their default funds into private markets by the […]

Global stock markets surged on news that the United States and China have agreed to temporarily reduce trade tariffs, creating a 90-day negotiation period to seek a long-term resolution. This unexpected shift in trade policy sparked strong gains across major indices, with investors viewing it as a positive step towards stabilising global economic growth. Germany’s […]

American tariffs imposed on the UK are unlikely to cause significant disruption to the British economy, according to Huw Pill, the chief economist at the Bank of England. Despite a recent trade agreement with Washington that altered certain tariff structures, the overall impact is expected to have minimal influence on inflation and economic growth. The […]