Simon Roberts chief executive of Sainsburys has issued a stark warning to Chancellor Rachel Reeves over the potential impact of increased costs in the supermarket sector. Writing ahead of the highly anticipated autumn budget Roberts stressed that heavier tax or regulatory burdens could directly drive price rises for British shoppers. The head of the UKs […]

Inflation in the United States reached 3 per cent in September, marking the first occasion this year it has done so and coming in below economists’ expectations. Annual consumer prices increased from 2.9 per cent in August, yet remained just beneath the forecasted 3.1 per cent figure. While inflation is now moving at its fastest […]

Merlin Entertainments, the owner of Alton Towers and Legoland Windsor, has suffered a fresh blow to its financial standing as Moody’s downgraded its credit rating further into junk territory. The leisure giant is struggling beneath a debt pile exceeding £4 billion, a burden heightened by persistently challenging trading conditions across its array of global attractions. […]

The UK economy may be poised for a positive shift as fresh economic data indicate a resurgence in both growth and confidence. Experts suggest that the climate is improving after the S&P Global UK composite flash purchasing managers’ index (PMI) climbed to 51.1 in October from 50.1 in September, marking a move above the crucial […]

The Very Group, the British retail powerhouse behind Littlewoods.com, has reported a staggering pre tax loss of £505.4 million for the year ending June. This marks a dramatic reversal from the previous year’s profit of £16.3 million and comes as the company’s owners, the Barclay family, move closer to relinquishing control of the business amid […]

Labour has suffered a remarkable blow in its traditional Welsh stronghold, losing the Caerphilly by-election after more than a century of dominance. Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, expressed his deep disappointment at the result, acknowledging the urgency for reflection and renewed effort within the party’s Welsh contingent. Starmer outlined the need for Labour to intensify […]

For Alfie, aged 24, the search for employment has at times felt fruitless. Job descriptions increasingly list a full driving licence as essential, even for positions with no clear expectation of travelling, a barrier Alfie cannot overcome while prescribed medication precludes him from driving. This is one among many obstacles he and an estimated half […]

When Pizza Hut launched its first UK restaurant over fifty years ago, it revolutionised the nation’s casual dining landscape. Before its arrival, the British high street was dominated by cafes, pubs and a handful of upmarket hotels. Pizza Express had paved the way eight years earlier, but both brands offered something refreshingly different—affordable, sit-down meals […]

Fresh warnings have emerged over the future of the North Sea oil and gas sector, as Labour’s approach to exploration licensing has sparked division and concern among politicians, industry bodies, and trade unions. The Commons Scottish Affairs Committee has demanded a more pragmatic policy, with concerns mounting that existing plans could accelerate catastrophic job losses […]

Pakistan International Airlines is preparing to resume direct flights to Britain for the first time in over five years, following the lifting of a ban imposed after a scandal surrounding fraudulent pilot licences. The initial Islamabad to Manchester service is set to take off on Saturday, signalling a potential expansion to up to six British […]

Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer, has been strongly cautioned against the possibility of raising income tax, a move that would not only break Labour’s recent manifesto pledge but could also stall the nascent signs of economic recovery. The Treasury is currently considering increasing income tax in the upcoming Budget, despite Labour’s promise in the […]

The National Health Service is poised for what health chiefs are describing as a radical reset, prioritising a digital-first approach to urgent and emergency care. As part of a three-year roadmap, patients will be increasingly encouraged to seek online guidance before attending Accident and Emergency departments, a shift aimed at addressing both record waiting times […]

Petrofac, one of the United Kingdom’s leading offshore oil and gas contractors, faces a critical juncture as it scrambles to secure its financial future. The Aberdeen-based company, employing 2,000 skilled UK workers and 8,000 worldwide, has entered crisis talks with its lenders after the loss of a key contract left it teetering on the edge […]

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is poised to halve the tax-free cash Isa allowance in next month’s Budget, marking a significant shift designed to motivate more UK savers to explore investment in shares. The Treasury is expected to lower the annual cash Isa limit from the current £20000 to around £10000 or just above, although the final […]

Petrofac is facing the gravest crisis in its two decade history after TenneT, the Dutch electricity grid operator, cancelled a €13 billion offshore wind contract. The termination of this major agreement has derailed the oil and energy services group’s advanced restructuring plan and left the company fighting for survival. The TenneT deal, awarded jointly to […]

Airbus, Leonardo, and Thales have agreed to merge their satellite divisions, forging a powerful European joint venture with the explicit aim of taking on Elon Musk’s SpaceX. After months of negotiations, these leading aerospace groups will bring together a workforce of 25,000, projecting annual revenues of €6.5 billion based on 2024 figures. Headquartered in Toulouse, […]

Synthesia, the London-based artificial intelligence video start-up renowned for its hyper-realistic content, has declined a takeover approach from US software giant Adobe worth a reported three billion dollars. The company, known for its work creating a multilingual digital version of David Beckham, was engaged in discussions with Adobe earlier in the year, but both parties […]

The London stock market’s leading index soared to a new record as the FTSE 100 climbed 63.57 points or 0.7 percent to 9578.57 on Thursday This milestone surpasses its previous peak set earlier in October and highlights the ongoing influence of global commodities and geopolitical tensions on UK equities This latest rally has been largely […]

British vehicle manufacturing slumped dramatically in September after a damaging cyberattack forced Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), the nation’s largest automotive employer, to halt production for five weeks. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), only 54,319 vehicles, including cars, vans and lorries, left UK assembly lines last month—a drop of 35.9 per […]

Take a stroll into your local newsagent and the rising cost of food will hit you squarely in the wallet. A 360g bar of Dairy Milk now commands a price of around £5, representing a 25 percent increase since September 2023. The once humble chocolate bar is becoming a benchmark for wider food price inflation […]

The modern motorcar depends on a complex network of thousands of electronic components, but the current disruption to just one key element—a microchip—threatens to stall production lines across Europe. Volkswagen, one of Germany’s automotive titans, has issued warnings to staff about anticipated manufacturing interruptions due to an acute shortage of Chinese-manufactured microchips. The alarm, however, […]

Lloyds Bank has stated it will contest the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) expansive plans for an £11bn car finance compensation scheme, after the mounting cost of the scandal significantly hit its quarterly profits. William Chalmers, Lloyds’ chief financial officer, labelled the FCA’s proposal to pay millions of drivers £700 each as “disproportionate”, warning that the […]

China has issued a firm warning that it may withdraw future investments in the United Kingdom if Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer moves to halt a proposed £1.5 billion wind turbine manufacturing facility in Scotland. Tensions have steadily escalated between Beijing and London, as ministers weigh the national security implications of Ming Yang Smart Energy […]

The Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, has directly linked the failure to meet his ambitious housebuilding targets to the ongoing effects of Brexit, as the capital grapples with a sharp downturn in construction activity. In response to this crisis, Khan has secured a £300 million emergency funding package from the Government, aimed at reviving […]

Apple faces a significant setback in the United Kingdom after losing a major class action lawsuit concerning its App Store commissions. On Thursday, the Competition Appeal Tribunal in London found that Apple abused its market dominance by imposing excessive charges on its App Store, potentially resulting in a £1.5 billion compensation payout to consumers. The […]

The ongoing dispute between junior doctors and the government has reached a critical juncture as resident doctors—formerly known as junior doctors—have confirmed a five-day walkout over pay and job security concerns. The British Medical Association (BMA) declared that the strike will take place from 14 to 19 November, a period that coincides with the NHS […]

Britain faces a bleak fiscal outlook unless urgent action is taken to rein in welfare expenditures, according to a warning from the world’s largest bank ahead of the November Budget. JP Morgan has advised Chancellor Rachel Reeves to confront escalating costs tied to the rapidly increasing numbers of pensioners and workless young people, describing repeated […]

Heineken has reported falling beer demand in key global markets, attributing a challenging third quarter to more moderate consumption habits in Europe and America as well as volatile trading conditions. The Dutch brewing giant, which counts Birra Moretti and Amstel among its brands, saw global third-quarter revenue dip by 0.3 per cent to €8.7 billion, […]

The Trump administration is actively considering the introduction of significant restrictions on the export of goods to China, if they incorporate or are manufactured with United States software. This dramatic proposal is a response to China’s broadening restrictions on rare earth exports—a market Beijing currently dominates and a lifeline for global technological manufacturing. The scope […]

Eurostar has announced a €2 billion investment in 50 new double-decker high-speed trains, manufactured by Alstom in France, with services earmarked to begin arriving at London St Pancras as early as 2031. The new Avelia Horizon trains—dubbed Eurostar Celestia—will mark the first appearance of double-decker passenger trains in both Britain and the Channel Tunnel, setting […]

An Oxford railway branch line is poised to reopen to passenger traffic after lying dormant for over six decades, marking a critical step in a £155 million government-backed infrastructure initiative designed to propel the region towards becoming Europe’s Silicon Valley. The project aligns closely with the expansion ambitions of the Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford, […]

Barclays has faced a fresh setback after the collapse of US subprime lender Tricolor resulted in a £110 million impairment, casting a shadow over its latest quarterly results. The FTSE 100 bank revealed this blow as it disclosed that its total exposure to the burgeoning private credit markets now stands at approximately £20 billion, intensifying […]

Tesla has reported record revenue in the third quarter, driven by a significant rush from buyers in the United States aiming to take advantage of expiring electric vehicle tax credits. However, profits for the quarter failed to meet analysts’ forecasts as the electric car maker contended with mounting costs and market headwinds. Profit per share […]

BP and its Japanese partner Jera have announced a halt to the Beacon Wind offshore project off the coast of Massachusetts, effectively withdrawing from the US offshore wind sector for the foreseeable future. The decision, which will see all US-based staff for the Jera Nex BP joint venture made redundant, underscores intensifying political headwinds for […]

Britain’s national security is under fresh scrutiny following stark warnings from Nikhil Rathi, head of the Financial Conduct Authority, who highlighted critical vulnerabilities stemming from the country’s failure to prioritise finance within its defence strategy. Addressing City leaders at Mansion House, Rathi contended that the United Kingdom is ill prepared for the evolving nature of […]

The UK government’s borrowing costs have hit an 11 month low, offering Chancellor Rachel Reeves a welcome windfall just weeks before the autumn budget. Yields on 10 year government bonds, often viewed as the benchmark for official debt servicing costs, fell to 4.38 per cent this week. This marks the lowest rate since December 2024, […]

Amazon’s recent global cloud outage has highlighted the extent of the UK government’s dependence on Amazon Web Services AWS and the growing risks to continuity of public services. The disruption left thousands of companies in limbo and put a spotlight on the 17 billion pound reliance that the state holds with the US tech giant […]

Construction activity across the United Kingdom’s commercial property sector has dropped to its lowest point in over a decade, as surging costs and widespread economic uncertainty weigh on the market. According to new data from CoStar, overall construction for offices, retail spaces and warehouses fell by 21% to 5.85 million square metres in the third […]

Andrew Bailey, governor of the Bank of England, has voiced deep concern over the striking similarities between recent developments in US private credit markets and the conditions that preceded the 2008 financial crisis. Addressing a House of Lords committee, Bailey highlighted the collapse of two leveraged US firms—First Brands and Tricolor—questioning whether these failures were […]

Speculation over possible government cuts to the tax-free lump sum allowance has sent shockwaves through Britain’s pension sector, with industry leaders warning against rumour-fuelled withdrawals and urging the Chancellor to provide urgent clarification. Pensions UK, which advocates for retirement schemes representing over 30 million savers, addressed an open letter to Rachel Reeves, calling for clear […]

Coca-Cola HBC has unveiled plans to acquire a 75 per cent controlling stake in Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA), marking a transformative move in the global soft drinks sector. The deal, valued at 2.6 billion US dollars or approximately 2.1 billion pounds, assigns CCBA an enterprise valuation of 3.4 billion dollars and will see the London-listed […]

Shawbrook, the specialist lender rooted in Essex, is preparing to make a significant return to the London Stock Exchange, targeting a valuation of up to £2 billion through its initial public offering. The move is tipped to be the most substantial listing in the City this year and signals renewed momentum in the capital’s IPO […]

Unilever’s plan to demerge its €15 billion ice cream division has been pushed back due to the ongoing shutdown of the US federal government. The global consumer goods group had expected to spin off its highly profitable ice cream business — which includes beloved brands such as Magnum, Ben & Jerry’s, and Viennetta — by […]

Shares in Playtech plummeted by more than twenty per cent following revelations that the London-listed gaming technology firm commissioned Black Cube, a controversial intelligence agency once engaged by Harvey Weinstein, to investigate its industry rival, Evolution. Evolution, a Swedish casino software provider, claimed it recently uncovered evidence that a Playtech subsidiary paid over £1.8 million […]

The British government has been confronted with a swelling fiscal deficit, prompting renewed debate over the direction of tax and spending policy under Chancellor Rachel Reeves. According to the latest data, government borrowing in the six months to September reached £99.8 billion—£7.2 billion higher than projected by the Office for Budget Responsibility. This figure marks […]

JP Morgan has unveiled its new global headquarters, a sixty storey skyscraper at 270 Park Avenue, New York, at a reported cost of three billion dollars. Designed by Lord Foster, the JP Morgan Chase Tower promises what its maker describes as “an unparalleled range of venues and leisure activities” for the ten thousand bankers who […]

Netflix is reportedly weighing a bid for Warner Bros Discovery after the famed entertainment conglomerate signalled its willingness to entertain takeover approaches. The streaming powerhouse finds itself vying with the likes of Comcast, the US owner of Sky, in what could develop into a highly competitive auction for one of Hollywood’s most storied portfolios. A […]

News Corp chief executive Robert Thomson has issued a stark warning to artificial intelligence companies that undervalue original content. Speaking at The Times Tech Summit, Thomson criticised leading technology firms for failing to invest sufficiently in the quality content their algorithms rely upon. Thomson argued that the data fuelling AI development is as crucial as […]

Contentious demands from the British Government for so-called backdoor access to iPhone data have drawn strong criticism from European regulators, intensifying scrutiny over the integrity and security of personal digital communications. The European Data Protection Board (EDPB), comprising privacy watchdogs from 27 EU states and neighbouring nations, has issued a warning that any weakening of […]

The powerful Novo Nordisk Foundation, the largest shareholder in pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk, has executed a dramatic boardroom takeover after a sharp disagreement about the company’s strategic direction. The move, which saw chairman Helge Lund and six independent directors ousted, signals the Foundation’s determination to steer Novo through turbulent times and restore its former dominance […]

Britain now boasts one of the highest minimum wages globally, outpaced only by Luxembourg, Iceland and the Netherlands. Workers aged over 21 in the UK earn £12.21 per hour, the equivalent of £25,396 a year. This figure eclipses the minimum wage rates in economic rivals including Germany, France, Spain, America, Canada, Japan, Australia, and New […]

BAE Systems, the blue-chip defence group and FTSE 100 constituent, has secured acquisition of the former GlaxoSmithKline manufacturing plant in Ulverston, Cumbria. This deal ends a protracted period of uncertainty about the future use of the 96-acre site, following GSK’s decision to wind down production at the ageing pharmaceutical facility over the summer. The Ulverston […]

Supreme, the London-listed consumer goods company renowned for Typhoo Tea, has secured the UK and European operations of SlimFast in a deal valued at £20.1 million. This acquisition, from Irish nutrition group Glanbia, sees Supreme take stewardship of one of the most established names in the diet-shakes field. The transaction highlights Supreme’s ambition to broaden […]

Tens of millions of pounds have been lost by unsuspecting investors following the collapse of the 79th Group, now suspected to be one of the largest Ponzi schemes in British history. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) had alerted law enforcement to concerns about the company as early as eight months prior to its collapse, yet […]

Early on Monday, a large-scale technical failure at Amazon Web Services (AWS) sent shockwaves through the digital world, as hundreds of websites and apps crashed across the globe. The disruption originated at AWS’s US-East-1 region in Northern Virginia, paralysing digital services for gaming, social media, banking and government entities, including prominent platforms such as Snapchat, […]

Pizza Hut is set to shutter 68 restaurants across the United Kingdom following the collapse of its franchise owner, DC London Pie, into administration. The move is poised to put up to 1,200 jobs at risk, marking a significant blow to the UK hospitality sector. This development comes just nine months after US private equity […]

The Dutch government has seized control of leading semiconductor manufacturer Nexperia from its Chinese parent company, sparking a heated stand-off between The Hague and Beijing over national security and operational autonomy. Last week, the Dutch authorities removed the Chinese leadership from Nexperia’s Netherlands headquarters in response to mounting pressure from Washington. The US had threatened […]

Rachel Reeves’ recent address at the IMF in Washington signalled a notable shift in the Government’s narrative about Britain’s economic woes. Instead of continuing to lay responsibility at the feet of previous Conservative administrations, the Chancellor has turned her sights on Brexit, declaring that the UK’s departure from the European Union has compounded the nation’s […]

The European Union’s success in sharply curbing unauthorised migration stands in stark contrast to Britain’s struggle to contain record inflows of small boats and asylum seekers. New data show that only 112000 people crossed illegally into Europe in the first eight months of this year a drop of 21 per cent on 2024 and a […]

Britain is more dependent than ever on imported electricity as new data reveals a record 16 per cent of energy consumed during the first nine months of this year was supplied by neighbours such as France via undersea interconnectors. This increase from 15.6 per cent the previous year poses a significant challenge to Ed Miliband’s […]

The US car loan market has shifted dramatically from being one of the most secure avenues of consumer credit to one of the most precarious. Recent data reveal a staggering 50 percent increase in delinquencies over the last fifteen years, pushing car loans into the centre of financial risk. Even more unsettling, subprime borrowers—households with […]

A bionic eye implant has delivered unprecedented results for sufferers of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), reigniting hope for hundreds of thousands facing blindness. Developed by Science Corporation, the Prima system leverages a wafer-thin wireless microchip, offering a genuine step-change in artificial vision. The sophisticated device, measuring just 2mm by 2mm, is inserted under the retina. […]

Eighteen miles off the Norfolk coast, last week marked a pivotal moment in Britain’s energy transition. The Valaris 72 oil rig, typically associated with petroleum exploration, was instead drilling the first carbon dioxide appraisal well in UK waters. Far from searching for hydrocarbons, this project is seeking to establish safe long-term storage deep beneath the […]

Labour is facing mounting pressure to block the takeover of Thames Water by Hong Kong-based CK Infrastructure CKI as concern intensifies over placing one of Britain’s most vital utilities in foreign hands. On Sunday, senior Conservative MPs sounded the alarm at the prospect of CKI acquiring Thames Water which supplies 16 million customers across London […]

Soaring debt, simmering social unrest and persistently high inflation—these are no longer the trademarks of developing economies alone. Britain, once the G7’s financial poster child, is now grappling with the sort of instability more often associated with emerging markets. Two decades ago, the UK’s debt was the envy of its peers, inflation was in check, […]

For over fifty years National Express has been synonymous with intercity coach travel across Britain a household brand and a fixture of the British transport scene. Its iconic status was even immortalised by The Divine Comedy in their 1999 hit National Express capturing the essence of all walks of life aboard their coaches. That era […]

Betfred, one of the United Kingdom’s largest betting shop operators, has issued a stark warning that it could shutter its entire estate of 1,300 shops if the Treasury pushes forward with proposed increases to gambling taxes in the forthcoming budget. The move threatens close to 7,000 jobs across the country and could mark the demise […]

BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, is set to launch its inaugural bitcoin exchange traded product in Britain this Monday. This move will enable sophisticated retail investors in the UK to gain exposure to bitcoin’s performance without the complexities of acquiring the cryptocurrency directly. For the first time, investors will be able to purchase units […]

Saltend Chemicals Park, located on the outskirts of Hull, has long stood as a testament to Britain’s industrial heritage. Once a thriving centre for the production of chemicals, fertilisers, and plastics, many of its plants have closed in recent years, reflecting the shifting sands of global industry. Yet, hope was rekindled when plans emerged to […]

UK inflation has surged to its highest level in nearly two years, fuelling concerns over both household finances and the Bank of England’s path for interest rates. Figures to be released by the Office for National Statistics are forecast to show inflation climbing to 4 per cent in September, up from 3.8 per cent a […]

HM Treasury’s ambitious projection of a £34 billion boost in tax revenue now faces fresh scrutiny, as latest analysis suggests a major exodus of high-net-worth individuals following the abolition of the non dom tax status in April. The new measures, overseen by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, sought to capture overseas income and wealth that previously remained […]

Prominent property developers have called on the UK government to overhaul taxes they argue are undermining the viability of new construction projects. This mounting pressure arrives amid a sharp decline in the number of homes built for rent, a sector seen as vital for addressing Britain’s housing shortage. The British Property Federation, representing the country’s […]

Starling Bank, the fast-rising UK digital bank, has taken significant steps towards a potential initial public offering by restructuring its corporate framework. Updated filings at Companies House reveal the creation of a new holding company to own its banking business, alongside an intermediate holding company. This move addresses Bank of England regulations on financial security […]

Sir Tony Blair has called for the United Kingdom’s highest rate of income tax to be cut below 40 per cent, placing him in direct opposition to Sir Keir Starmer and Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves. As the government prepares for another round of tax hikes in the forthcoming Budget, the former Labour Prime Minister argues […]

Andrew Bailey, governor of the Bank of England, has delivered his strongest warning yet regarding the economic fallout from Brexit, stating that the repercussions on the UK economy will remain negative for the foreseeable future. Addressing fellow central bankers in Washington DC, Bailey emphasised his role as a public official to convey facts rather than […]

At the heart of the Tibetan Himalayas, the Yarlung Tsangpo River carves a path through the world’s deepest canyon system, culminating in a dramatic horseshoe-shaped bend known as the Great Bend. Once regarded as a sacred site by Tibetan Buddhists, this remote stretch is now the focus of China’s drive for energy supremacy. Here, the […]

The recent stock market rout that rocked the United States and Europe has been driven by a potent mix of uncertainty and fear. What began with the collapse of two car parts suppliers, both burdened by multibillion-pound debts in the private credit market, quickly escalated amid allegations of fraud and the discovery of irredeemably bad […]

The North Sea oil and gas sector stands at a crossroads following the publication of the latest North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) Reserves and Resources Report. The report reveals that potential reserves in the region have again surged, with preliminary evidence indicating up to 15.8 billion barrels of oil and gas could be recoverable from […]

Saudi Arabia has intensified its ambitions in the technology sector by investing more than $1bn (£744m) into Magic Leap, a Florida-based firm developing mixed reality headsets designed to compete with Apple’s Vision Pro and Meta’s Quest. The kingdom’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has been a consistent backer, injecting a further $205m into Magic Leap in […]

Morgan Stanley has posted stellar third quarter results, decisively outpacing its rivals with a sharp rise in profits and revenues during a surge in US dealmaking activity. The Wall Street giant reported net income of $4.6 billion, a 45 per cent leap over the same period last year, and achieved total quarterly revenues of $18.2 […]

Royal Mail has once again found itself in the regulatory spotlight after Ofcom handed the postal giant a hefty £21 million fine for persistently failing to meet delivery targets. The penalty, the largest Royal Mail has received to date and one of the most significant in Ofcom’s history, underscores the scale of customer discontent over […]

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves has signalled a pivotal shift in UK economic policy ahead of the crucial autumn budget, expected to feature targeted tax increases for the country’s highest earners. Speaking from Washington at the International Monetary Fund’s annual meetings, Reeves made it clear there would be “no return to austerity” while reinforcing […]

The City of London is set for a major shake-up as UK regulators loosen bonus rules for bankers, aiming to fortify the Square Mile’s standing amongst the world’s top financial hubs. Under new reforms announced by the Bank of England’s Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the time top financiers must […]

The Chinese government’s latest announcement on rare earth export regulations has jolted Western business and policymakers, revealing a dramatic new stage in Beijing’s ongoing economic strategy. Through a quiet decree, China’s Ministry of Commerce has secured extensive control over the global distribution and use of critical materials—metals and minerals essential to industries ranging from car […]

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is facing sharp scrutiny from the House of Lords over its proposed £11 billion compensation scheme for mis-sold motor finance. Senior FCA executives, including chief executive Nikhil Rathi, were grilled by peers on the scheme’s construction, clarity, and the extended time frame for eligible claims, with transactions dating back as […]

The battle over the future of Britain’s North Sea oil and gas industry has reignited as Equinor renews its push to develop the massive Rosebank oil field north-west of the Shetland Islands. The state-owned Norwegian energy giant has resubmitted its application to begin production on what is regarded as the UK’s largest untapped oil resource, […]

Britain is poised to record the highest inflation rate among major world economies this year, according to the International Monetary Fund’s latest annual economic outlook. The IMF’s report puts the average rate for UK consumer prices at 3.4 per cent for 2025, a notable rise from 2.5 per cent the previous year and significantly above […]

Plans have advanced for the UK’s largest solar farm to date, bringing together renewable energy ambitions and mounting local opposition. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has given the green light to the Tillbridge Solar farm near Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, a project that will occupy the equivalent of 2,000 football pitches’ worth of prized agricultural land. This development, […]

The International Monetary Fund has issued a stark warning to investors and policymakers about mounting vulnerabilities in the global financial system. Its twice-yearly financial stability report highlights significant complacency in the markets despite elevated government debt, volatile asset valuations, and heightened trade tensions. According to the IMF, markets have recently priced in ambitious productivity gains […]

British living standards are on track to record the slowest improvement among G7 nations, according to the latest International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecast. In a significant setback for Sir Keir Starmer’s pledge to boost living conditions across the UK, the IMF’s analysis suggests real per capita growth will reach a modest 0.5 percent in 2026. […]

Oura, the Finnish-founded maker of health tracking smart rings, has achieved a remarkable new valuation of $11 billion following its latest investment round. The company successfully raised $900 million, with Fidelity at the helm of the fundraising. Other contributors included Iconiq, Whale Rock and Atreides, reflecting widespread confidence in Oura’s plans for accelerated innovation and […]

EasyJet has emerged as a focus of intense merger speculation after its low market valuation drew the attention of potential bidders, sparking fresh interest across the aviation and investment sectors. Reports surfaced suggesting that Mediterranean Shipping Company MSC, the world’s largest shipping container operator, had instructed an investment fund to weigh a possible takeover bid. […]

AstraZeneca, the United Kingdom’s most valuable publicly listed company, has secured the backing of leading shareholder advisory groups for its proposal to achieve a direct listing on the New York Stock Exchange. The move is billed as a strategic step to “harmonise” the company’s share listing structure across the London Stock Exchange, Stockholm, and New […]

The British government has secured the backing of over a dozen European nations in its drive to reform the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), aiming to address obstacles in the current framework which have impeded deportations related to asylum cases. Recent discussions in Copenhagen saw representatives from sixteen countries—including Austria, Belgium, Italy, Poland, France, […]

Greenpeace is poised to take the Crown Estate, which finances the royal household, to court, alleging that it is inflating the price of wind power by capitalising on its exclusive hold over the seabed around England and Wales. The campaigners accuse the estate of devising a system that has dramatically heightened profits for itself and, […]

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is facing mounting pressure to introduce a one-off wealth tax as she seeks to address a significant black hole in the government’s finances while upholding Labour’s manifesto pledges. With the freshly received forecast from the Office for Budget Responsibility indicating a £20 billion to £30 billion deficit, leading economists and the Institute […]

The online message board 4chan has stirred international controversy by refusing to pay a £20000 fine imposed by Ofcom under the United Kingdom’s new Online Safety Act. This marks the first penalty issued beneath the legislation, designed to tackle illegal content and protect young users from harm on digital platforms. Ofcom initially investigated 4chan in […]

Vodafone has suffered a significant network outage, disrupting services for hundreds of thousands of users across the United Kingdom. Mobile, broadband, and landline customers found themselves without signal after issues began around 2.50pm on Monday, with over 130000 complaints recorded by Downdetector, a platform monitoring network disruption. The company confirmed a major technical fault impacting […]

Allwyn, the operator of the UK’s National Lottery, has announced a landmark €16bn (£13.8bn) merger with its Greek subsidiary OPAP, marking a major step in reshaping the global gambling landscape. This ambitious deal will see Allwyn and OPAP merge their operations, creating the world’s second-largest listed gambling business. The move underscores the dynamic expansion strategy […]

The Dutch government has taken the highly unusual step of seizing control of a Chineseowned microchip manufacturer, Nexperia, to protect European semiconductor supplies. On Sunday, officials invoked emergency powers under the Goods Availability Act and took charge of Nexperia, which is owned by China’s Wingtech, citing threats to “European economic security”. Nexperia, whose global workforce […]