Investment firm FitzWalter Capital has submitted a twelfth takeover bid for Auction Technology Group, valuing the company at £491 million. This latest bid comes after a series of rejected offers in recent months, raising questions about the effectiveness of the group’s management. The recent offer of 400p per share represents a 48 per cent premium […]

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Paramounts recent move to acquire Warner Bros Discovery marks a significant moment in the entertainment landscape, signalling increased competition within the streaming sector and traditional media industry. The stakes are high, as the entity seeks to propel itself into a stronger position amid fierce rivalry. In a dramatic shift, Paramount made headlines with its unsolicited […]

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Retail investors have demonstrated impressive timing in the stock market, according to a comprehensive analysis of share purchases and sales over the past year. The findings contradict the long-held belief that individual investors consistently struggle to navigate market fluctuations. The report, conducted by Winterflood Securities, reveals that retail investors made astute decisions during significant market […]

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As inflation continues to soar and global economic instability becomes increasingly prevalent, the appeal of gold as a reliable investment is gaining traction once more. A recent analysis highlights the historical purchasing power of gold, specifically in terms of its value in acquiring luxury dining experiences, such as those at the illustrious Savoy Grill in […]

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Michael OLeary, the chief executive of Ryanair, has come under fire from Elon Musk following the airline’s refusal to implement Starlink satellite internet on its fleet. OLeary, known for his forthright communication style, justified the decision by asserting that the installation of Starlink would incur significant operational costs. The absence of complimentary internet service on […]

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Soho House has successfully secured the necessary funding to complete a substantial takeover deal valued at $1.8 billion. The London-based company, which has faced challenging economic conditions since its listing, received new financing commitments from various backers. This includes $200 million in funding that will enable it to finalize the acquisition led by a consortium […]

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The Governor of the Bank of England, Andrew Bailey, has urged global institutions such as central banks to take a stand against populist movements that threaten financial stability. In a recent speech addressed to economists and central bankers, Bailey emphasised the importance of regaining public trust in multilateral institutions. Bailey described the rise of populism […]

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Donald Trump has once again taken the reins of the White House, advocating for an aggressive approach to oil production. His rallying cry of “drill baby drill” highlights his commitment to expanding the country’s energy resources and boosting production levels. The implications of this strategy are multifaceted. As Trump pursues policies favouring the oil sector, […]

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In a significant shift for its user base, ChatGPT has announced the introduction of advertisements, marking the first time this feature will be implemented for free users. This move comes as the platform faces financial pressures, having reportedly lost billions in revenue. The decision to display advertisements will affect users who opt not to subscribe […]

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In a recent development, a wind farm project backed by BP has been cancelled, leaving the future of a second project uncertain following the failure to secure government contracts in the latest renewables subsidy round led by Ed Miliband. This turn of events has sparked significant discussions regarding the government’s commitment to green energy. Sir […]

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Britain’s largest homeware retailer, Dunelm, is contending with increasing competition and a challenging consumer environment. The latest reports indicate that aggressive discounting by rivals and softer demand for furniture are having a detrimental effect on its profits, leading to a significant drop in share prices. In a recent statement, Dunelm disclosed that it expects profits […]

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Taylor Wimpey has announced a forecast for lower profit margins as the housebuilder grapples with increasing costs and sluggish demand for flats from first-time buyers. In a strategic shift, the company opted to sell several blocks of flats in London at discounted prices to investors, as it faced difficulties in attracting owner-occupiers. This decision is […]

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Schroders, the prominent fund management group, has announced that its adjusted operating profits for 2025 are expected to exceed City forecasts by 15 per cent, reaching at least £745 million. This impressive performance comes as the firm has secured £11 billion in net new business over the past year, a significant indicator that its turnaround […]

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Block, previously known as Square, is positioned to enhance its presence in the digital payments landscape, despite notable stock market fluctuations. Under the stewardship of Jack Dorsey, the company has diversified its offerings, creating platforms designed to facilitate broader access to financial services. The firm, which has grown to be valued at approximately £40 billion, […]

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Asda is witnessing a bond and loan sell-off as investors grow increasingly disillusioned with the supermarket’s turnaround strategy. This comes in the wake of the company reporting the bleakest festive performance among major UK supermarkets, raising concerns about its financial stability. Sales figures reveal a significant decline, with Asda experiencing a 6.5 per cent drop […]

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Shareholders of the Finsbury Growth and Income Trust have expressed overwhelming support for manager Nick Train, despite a recent history of underperformance. During the annual meeting held at the Guildhall in the City of London, a remarkable 97.2 per cent voted in favour of retaining Train’s management approach, which has been described as “lonely” but […]

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The world’s largest investment manager achieved a remarkable financial performance in the fourth quarter, significantly surpassing profit estimates. This surge in earnings was propelled by a rally in financial markets, which bolstered fee income and lifted assets under management to a record high of 14 trillion dollars. BlackRock reported a net income of 2.2 billion […]

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Germany’s EnBW has announced its decision to withdraw from the offshore wind projects Morgan and Mona in the Irish Sea. This decision comes in the wake of difficulties in securing subsidy contracts from the government following a recent auction. The two projects, which were expected to deliver a combined capacity of 3 gigawatts, saw BP […]

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Weightloss medications are poised to profoundly impact the operational expenses of airlines in the United States, potentially leading to savings of hundreds of millions of pounds annually. Analysts from Jefferies, a distinguished investment bank, have noted that a decrease in passenger weight could result in lighter aircraft, thereby lowering fuel consumption. Airlines have consistently sought […]

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Goldman Sachs has achieved a remarkable milestone, breaking Wall Street’s record for equities trading revenue in the final quarter of 2025. This surge in revenue can be attributed to volatile markets, which facilitated a stock market rally during this period. The investment bank reported equities trading revenues of £4.3 billion, a 25 per cent increase […]

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Remote workers are encountering new threats to their employment due to a leading US technology company unveiling a more advanced artificial intelligence application. This innovation is set to automate numerous office tasks, raising concerns among academics regarding job security. The impact of this AI technology is expected to be significant, with experts warning that it […]

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Elon Musk’s Starlink has made significant strides in the UK broadband market, now offering services at prices lower than those of BT. This move follows recent price cuts aimed at making Starlink’s satellite-based internet more accessible to consumers. As of June last year, Starlink boasted around 110,000 customers in the UK, indicating a growing interest […]

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Goldman Sachs is reportedly turning its attention towards the burgeoning world of gambling via prediction markets. David Solomon, the chief executive of the bank, recently revealed that he has been meeting with leaders of key prediction markets to better understand the potential opportunities available. These markets, which allow individuals to wager on the outcomes of […]

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Asda has announced plans to put more than 150 jobs at risk of redundancy, following a significant decline in trading during the Christmas period. The supermarket’s market share in Britain has reached a new low, raising concerns about its future viability. The retail giant, under the leadership of chair Allan Leighton, has struggled to regain […]

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Rachel Reeves’s ambitious £45 billion rail initiative for the north of England has faced significant scrutiny. A leading economist has branded the projected growth figures underpinning the plan as implausible. This critique raises questions about the feasibility of such a considerable investment. The Northern Growth Strategy aims to modernise and expand rail infrastructure, enhancing connectivity […]

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Vistry Holdings, Britain’s second-largest housebuilder, reported a decrease in home completions while managing to increase its profits. The company completed 15,700 homes last year, reflecting a 9 per cent drop from the 17,225 homes constructed in 2024. This reduction can be attributed to challenges faced by cash-strapped housing associations and a subdued sales market, particularly […]

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The smartphone industry is undergoing a significant transformation as demand for memory chips surges due to the ongoing artificial intelligence boom. Carl Pei, the founder and chief executive of Nothing, a UK smartphone maker, has highlighted this unprecedented demand as a crucial factor driving up component costs. Pei asserts that the era of affordable silicon […]

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Tension has arisen within the family behind Russell and Bromley, as shareholders are divided on the potential sale of the struggling footwear chain. Some favour a sale to Next, while others advocate for a deal with a private equity firm that has pledged to preserve both stores and jobs. The Bromley family is at a […]

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Alan Taylor, a member of the Bank of England’s monetary policy committee, has stated that inflation in the UK will decline and stabilise at the target rate of 2 per cent in the coming months. This prediction is influenced by the influx of cheaper imported goods from China following recent trade shifts. According to Taylor, […]

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Shell and Exxon Mobil have announced the cancellation of a planned sale of $500 million worth of North Sea natural gas assets to Viaro Energy. This decision comes after the companies discovered that the conditions required to complete the sale were not met. The deal would have involved the transfer of 11 gas fields, as […]

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BP has recently informed its shareholders that the company is preparing to account for write-downs amounting to 5 billion dollars on its green energy initiatives. This decision coincides with a strategic shift back to oil and gas operations, presenting a significant pivot in BP’s business focus. In a trading update for the fourth quarter, BP […]

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The UK government’s recent announcement concerning the introduction of a per-mile tax on electric vehicles (EVs) has raised significant concerns among potential carbuyers. This new charge, set to commence in 2028, stands at three pence per mile travelled, contradicting prior government efforts to increase the adoption of electric vehicles. The decision may deter many individuals […]

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Pearson, the leading education publisher, has recently encountered significant issues following the loss of an American student examination contract. Concerns regarding the company’s future performance are mounting, as analysts express doubts about its ability to navigate a shifting educational landscape. The withdrawal of the New Jersey assessment contract is projected to impact Pearson’s performance in […]

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The recent auction for offshore wind subsidies has generated significant interest, particularly as RWE emerged as the largest winner, securing five out of six contracts. However, the timeline for these projects to commence operation has come under scrutiny, with indications that several may not meet the anticipated 2030 clean power target. The anticipated onset of […]

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Economic markets reacted with relief following the recent thaw in relations between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. This optimistic sentiment stems from their meeting last October, where both leaders appeared to seek common ground after a prolonged period of economic tension. In April, Trump is expected to visit Beijing, aiming to officially reset ties between […]

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CocaCola has decided to abandon its plans to sell Costa Coffee after potential bidders were unable to meet the stipulated price of £2 billion. The decision comes amid increased competition from lower-cost rivals on high streets across the UK, which has placed further pressure on Costa’s market positioning. Despite ongoing interest from various parties, none […]

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The Japanese stock market has surged to an all-time high as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi prepares to call a snap election in early February. This unprecedented rise reflects growing investor confidence in her economic policies, which are reminiscent of the strategies employed by Margaret Thatcher during her time in office. The Takaichi administration, often referred […]

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Asda has made significant adjustments to its sick pay disciplinary policy after facing considerable pressure from trade unions. This decision marks a departure from the retailer’s initial plans to implement stricter disciplinary measures against employees who take sick days. The supermarket chain publicly acknowledged the concerns raised by union representatives and stated that it had […]

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Almost 30000 properties in Tunbridge Wells have been left without water following significant failures from South East Water, prompting concerns from one of the supplier’s largest shareholders. This situation has underscored the growing frustrations among residents and stakeholders alike, as a reliable water supply is essential for everyday life and local business operations. The shareholder […]

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Retail sales in the United Kingdom have shown a year-on-year increase of 1.2 per cent, according to recent figures from the British Retail Consortium. Despite this growth, consumers remain cautious, with households prioritising spending due to ongoing economic pressures. The rise in sales has been attributed primarily to an uptick in food spending during the […]

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The market valuation of Alphabet, the parent company of Google, has reached a historic milestone of four trillion dollars. This significant achievement follows Apple’s recent announcement regarding its integration of technology from Alphabet’s Gemini chatbot into various products. Apple has identified Gemini as the most capable foundation for its voice-activated personal assistant, Siri. This collaboration […]

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The chief executive of Premier Inn owner Whitbread, Dominic Paul, has issued a stark warning regarding the potential ramifications of proposed changes to business rates. He emphasised that these adjustments could significantly hinder investment and hiring across the hospitality sector. Paul highlighted that despite Whitbread previously anticipating a cost impact of up to £50 million […]

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Raspberry Pi, the Cambridge-based micro-computer manufacturer, is signalling potential constraints in the upcoming year as demand for its preferred chips skyrockets amidst a burgeoning need for artificial intelligence infrastructure. Despite outperforming profit forecasts, the company has reported that increased costs of essential components are becoming a significant concern. The rapid escalation in chip prices has […]

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Fortnum & Mason has reported a robust performance, highlighting resilience in a challenging retail environment. The UK’s oldest department store experienced a sales increase of 5 per cent, reaching £239 million for the year ending in July. Even amidst economic pressures, pre-tax profit surged by 61 per cent to £15 million. This significant growth follows […]

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A federal court has granted permission for Orsted, the Danish renewable energy firm, to resume construction on its nearly finished Revolution Wind project off the coast of Rhode Island. This decision follows the Trump administration’s suspension of its lease for the project, citing national security concerns. The injunction issued by the court allows the company […]

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The World Bank has revised its growth forecast for the United States, projecting a 2.2 per cent increase for this year. This revision marks a 0.6 percentage point rise, reflecting a more optimistic outlook amid ongoing tariff concerns. Analysts suggest that the impact of President Trump’s tariffs has been less severe than initially anticipated. The […]

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Political parties in the UK should ensure that their election manifestos undergo thorough scrutiny by an independent body, suggesting that such a move would prevent over-promising on tax and spending commitments. This assertion was made by Richard Hughes, the former chairman of the Office for Budget Responsibility, during his testimony before the House of Lords […]

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Games Workshop has implemented a ban on the use of artificial intelligence in its design processes. This decision follows a period of robust financial performance, with profits surpassing expectations in a record first half. The company’s cautious approach aims to protect the unique human creativity that has made its Warhammer range highly popular among enthusiasts. […]

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Recent market assessments have raised concerns regarding the sustainability of Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s newly established fiscal buffer. Originally set at £22 billion, projections suggest that as much as £14 billion could potentially be eroded due to a series of recent government Uturns and diminishing net migration. The fiscal headroom represents the surplus tax revenue generated […]

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Heathrow Airport has regained its position as Europe’s busiest airport, a feat achieved in the wake of a significant post-Covid travel surge. However, this accolade comes with a notable downside, as the airport has also been identified as the region’s primary source of flight delays. Recent statistics reveal that nearly 80 per cent of flights […]

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Britain has reportedly become as unappealing for investment as Venezuela due to Labour’s stringent net zero policies impacting the oil industry. A senior figure from the North Sea oil sector has expressed grave concerns over the implications of these regulations on future investments. The current political climate surrounding the energy sector has led to doubts […]

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>Elon Musk’s platform X recently ceased operations of its artificial intelligence chatbot, which was reportedly undressing women in images. This decision came after officials in the United Kingdom threatened to impose a ban on the site due to concerns surrounding the bot’s activities. The controversy illustrates ongoing tensions between tech companies and regulatory bodies, particularly […]

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The BBC has been surpassed by YouTube for the first time, signalling a significant shift in the media landscape of Britain. This development marks the end of nearly a century of dominance held by the BBC in the realm of entertainment. For decades, the British Broadcasting Corporation has been synonymous with quality programming and reliable […]

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JP Morgan Chase has issued a warning that President Trump’s proposal to implement a ten per cent cap on credit card interest rates could significantly disrupt the business model of the United States’ largest bank, ultimately harming consumers. The proposal seeks to address rising cost-of-living pressures ahead of the midterm elections. Currently, the average credit […]

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A shortage of high-end office buildings is compelling companies to lease older, lower-quality spaces, as experts anticipate a complete lack of prime properties available for rent in London’s Square Mile by 2028. A post-pandemic shift in priorities has inflated demand for premium office spaces, while the supply remains constrained. Data from CoStar, a property analytics […]

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The current state of the UK labour market marks a stark contrast to the post-pandemic boom experienced in 2022. Businesses, which at one point sought to hire 1.3 million individuals, now face a decline in job vacancies, which have dropped by 44 per cent from their peak. Unemployment rates have risen to approximately 5.1 per […]

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Simon Carter, the Chief Executive of British Land, a prominent player in the FTSE 100 real estate investment trust sector, is poised to transition to a new role with P3 Logistic Parks. This pan-European logistics firm, backed by Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund GIC, has its headquarters in Prague; however, Carter will continue to reside in […]

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South East Water is under increasing scrutiny as households across 14 postcodes have been informed that their water supplies may not be restored until Tuesday at the earliest. This situation comes as the company faces its second major shortage in just a few months. The ongoing issues have led to calls for the resignation of […]

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Iran has initiated an internet shutdown following widespread anti-regime protests across various cities. This drastic measure has raised concerns about the government’s control over communication channels and the implications for civil society. The shutdown has not only affected domestic communication but has also revealed potential influences on foreign political landscapes. Pro-independence accounts advocating for Scottish […]

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Rachel Reeves’s proposed tax increases have raised significant concerns within the leisure and hospitality sector, with industry leaders warning that up to 540 pubs could be forced to close within the year if urgent measures are not taken. The rise in taxes is claimed to create unsustainable pressure on businesses that are already struggling to […]

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Paramount Pictures is taking legal action against Warner Bros Pictures in a move aimed at reviving its £80 billion hostile takeover bid for the Hollywood studio. On 12 January 2026, it was reported that Paramount’s David Ellison has stated the studio is seeking disclosure of essential information that he claims has not been shared with […]

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A group of doctors at the University of Cambridge is pioneering a novel blood test designed to diagnose prostate cancer with increased precision. This advancement could potentially pave the way for a national screening programme, addressing a critical gap in healthcare. Prostate cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men across the UK, contributing […]

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Donald Trump has pledged to impose limits on credit card interest rates during his potential second term as President. This proposed policy has raised concerns among leading financial institutions. Financial experts have cautioned that such a crackdown could have significant adverse effects on millions of low-income Americans. They argue that restricting credit card interest rates […]

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Britain faces the potential of significant financial penalties under a proposed EU plan if a future government opts to withdraw from a planned reset deal with the European Union, informally referred to as the “Farage clause.” This clause aims to ensure that any government, including one led by Nigel Farage’s Reform or the Conservative party, […]

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>A British company that has successfully conducted 7,000 repairs on water leaks without costly excavations is poised to tackle mains pipes next. Origin Tech, known for its innovative non-disruptive leak detection and repair technology called Find and Fix, has applied for a new patent for addressing mains leakages. The company anticipates fast-track approval for the […]

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The rising costs of business are driving UK manufacturers toward an investment tipping point, according to a survey conducted by Make UK, the manufacturing organisation. Nearly 90 per cent of the executives surveyed expect their employment costs to increase this year, with 66 per cent also anticipating a spike in energy costs. Major concerns have […]

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Mike Ashley’s private investment vehicle has reported a substantial pre-tax loss of £7.2 million, reflecting a write-down related to its stake in a property development firm. The losses are primarily attributed to Mash Holdings’ investment in Strawberry Place Newcastle Limited, which is facing removal from Companies House. Ashley, who is well-known for developing the Frasers […]

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The UK jobs market has shown signs of stagnation, as recent figures indicate a decline in both permanent and temporary positions. The latest survey, conducted by KPMG and the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, reveals a notable drop in job placements, with December marking a four-month low for permanent staff appointments. The report suggests that uncertainty […]

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Polling conducted by Apella reveals a striking discontent among older Britons regarding the current economic landscape. Many aged between 56 and 64 express a compelling desire for radical changes, asserting that the economic system is fundamentally broken. According to the survey, 45 per cent of respondents in this age group agree with the sentiment that […]

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Discontent is growing among Members of Parliament regarding the British government’s progress on the establishment of Great British Railways, a key component of Labour’s transportation policy. Eighteen months into its tenure, pressing questions about the initiative remain unanswered. During a recent session of the Commons Transport Select Committee, MPs expressed frustration over the vague responses […]

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Speculation surrounding a potential merger between GlaxoSmithKline and AstraZeneca has gained traction as GSK’s leadership undergoes a transition. Analysts recently suggested that the appointment of Luke Miels as GSK’s new chief executive could reignite discussions about a merger with AstraZeneca, particularly given Miels’ close relationship with AstraZeneca’s current CEO, Pascal Soriot. The topic often resurfaces […]

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Shares in Games Workshop, the company behind popular games such as Warhammer 40000, have witnessed substantial growth, rising almost 34 times in value over the past decade. This surge has positioned the retailer as a heavyweight in the gaming sector, with shares currently hovering near a record high. The firm, founded in 1975, began its […]

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Experts at Cornwall Insight have warned that the UK government is on course to miss its target for decarbonising the power sector by as much as a decade. The goal, set by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, aims for 95 per cent clean-power generation by the end of this decade. Current projections suggest Britain will only […]

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Sir Keir Starmer has expressed strong condemnation regarding the proliferation of explicit deepfakes on the social media platform X. He described this phenomenon as both disgusting and unlawful. Starmer’s remarks reflect growing concerns over the impact of manipulated content on online platforms, particularly in relation to privacy and personal dignity. The Labour leader’s call for […]

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In recent developments, shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick has established a significant benchmark for British migration policy. His proposals surpass those of both the Labour Party and Reform UK, highlighting a potential shift in the political landscape regarding immigration strategies. The contemporary discourse on immigration is not solely confined to policy matters; it has implications […]

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Marks and Spencer is embroiled in a new legal dispute following accusations of copying a nutritionist’s health snacks, known as “brain bombs.” The controversy stems from claims made by Dorota Cloke, a nutritionist and health coach, who registered her trademark for these snacks in 2022. The allegation raises critical questions about intellectual property rights within […]

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Rolls-Royce is poised to invest £3 billion in the development of a narrowbody Ultrafan demonstrator. This ambitious undertaking reflects the company’s commitment to advancing aerospace technology in an increasingly competitive market. Sitting before a large prototype jet engine, a German minister recently signed a cooperation agreement with top executives from Rolls-Royce. This collaboration is expected […]

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Preliminary discussions between Rio Tinto and Glencore have confirmed what many market observers anticipated: a potential combination that would create the world’s largest mining company, valued at approximately £154 billion. The proposed merger, driven primarily by copper assets, would position the combined entity behind only AstraZeneca and HSBC within the FTSE 100. The strategic rationale […]

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The European Union has secured provisional approval for a comprehensive trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc, comprising Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, marking the culmination of negotiations spanning more than two decades. The pact faces considerable internal opposition despite receiving backing from a qualified majority of member state ambassadors. The agreement establishes a free trade […]

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Hornby, the heritage model railway and toy manufacturer, faces an increasingly precarious financial position as widening losses, escalating debt burdens, and external market disruptions converge to threaten the company’s operational stability. The toy group has entered substantive discussions with its controlling shareholder, Phoenix Asset Management, regarding potential restructuring of loan repayment schedules, signalling management’s acknowledgement […]

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The John Lewis Partnership’s supermarket chain Waitrose has demonstrated renewed commercial vigour following a challenging period marked by pandemic disruption and intense competitive pressure. The retailer’s sales grew 5.5 per cent during the four weeks ending December 27, according to market research firm NielsenIQ, representing a substantial improvement on the prior year’s 2.7 per cent […]

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Britain’s sole remaining military helicopter manufacturing facility stands on the brink of permanent closure, with the Italian defence contractor Leonardo issuing a stark ultimatum to Westminster. The company requires a definitive response on a critical £1 billion contract by the end of March 2026, according to industry sources familiar with the negotiations. The Westland factory […]

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Europe’s largest economy finds itself in a critical condition, with Germany’s economic performance stagnating since 2022 when Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine. The nation has managed to reduce its dependence on Russian energy supplies, yet now confronts unemployment approaching three million and significant losses across key manufacturing sectors, particularly in automotive production, as trade […]

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Merit Holdings, a Northumberland-based offsite construction company, has entered administration following the accumulation of £17.4 million in outstanding liabilities to subcontractors and suppliers. The collapse has resulted in the immediate redundancy of all 284 employees, whilst administrators Interpath have indicated that unsecured creditors face minimal prospects of recovering outstanding invoices. The administration presents a particularly […]

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Two prominent high street retailers have entered administration, placing approximately 2,550 positions and nearly 300 stores at risk. The developments mark another significant setback for Britain’s struggling retail sector, which continues to face mounting pressures from deteriorating consumer confidence and escalating operational costs. Claire’s, the US-based accessories retailer that established its UK presence in 1997, […]

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OpenAI has formally expanded its healthcare operations through the introduction of OpenAI for Healthcare, a suite of tools designed for hospitals, health systems and developers operating within clinical environments. The development represents a strategic pivot from experimental applications towards enterprise deployment in one of the most heavily regulated sectors of the global economy. The new […]

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The Public and Commercial Services Union has postponed its strike ballot at the Department for Work and Pensions following a formal challenge from the department regarding alleged inaccuracies in the ballot notice. The ballot, originally scheduled to commence on Monday, has been rescheduled to 19 January. The union’s DWP group served formal notice of its […]

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India has formally rejected assertions by US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick that bilateral trade negotiations stalled due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s failure to contact President Donald Trump. The dispute has emerged against a backdrop of substantial tariff increases and mounting tensions between the two nations. In August, the Trump administration imposed 50% tariffs on […]

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River Island has announced the closure of 32 retail locations across the United Kingdom as part of a comprehensive restructuring programme, following financial results that revealed a pre-tax loss of £32.3 million and a 19 per cent decline in sales. The fashion retailer, which currently operates 200 stores and employs more than 5,000 staff members, […]

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Amazon has obtained regulatory clearance from the Civil Aviation Authority to launch Britain’s first commercial drone delivery service in Darlington, County Durham. The approval represents a significant milestone in the retail giant’s decade-long pursuit of autonomous aerial logistics, a strategic initiative championed by founder Jeff Bezos since the early 2010s. The CAA’s decision follows modifications […]

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Leading Chinese artificial intelligence executives have expressed stark scepticism about their country’s ability to catch up with American AI firms, warning that the technology gap may be widening despite recent successful public market debuts for Chinese AI start-ups. The candid assessments came during a panel discussion at the AGI-Next summit in Beijing on Saturday, where […]

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The UK legal sector is preparing for significantly stricter anti-money laundering enforcement as the Financial Conduct Authority assumes regulatory control from nine separate supervisory bodies. This consolidation represents a watershed moment for the profession, with industry experts warning that penalties will become considerably more severe under the FCA’s tenure. The government has tasked the FCA […]

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Royal Dutch Shell’s fourth quarter 2025 trading update has prompted questions from City analysts regarding the sustainability of its 3.5 billion dollar quarterly share buyback programme, following a performance that fell short of market expectations. Deutsche Bank and RBC Capital Markets have both characterised the update as underwhelming, citing a combination of operational stability undermined […]

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The United Kingdom has implemented a comprehensive ban on junk food advertising before 9pm on television and a total prohibition across all online platforms, marking a pivotal moment in the government’s strategy to combat childhood obesity. The Advertising Standards Authority will enforce the regulations, which prohibit 13 categories of high fat, sugar and salt products […]

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Pulsar Helium Inc has reported a significant development at its Topaz Project in Minnesota, with shares rising 7% to 57 pence in early Friday trading following the announcement of a high-pressure gas encounter at the Jetstream 5 appraisal well. The London-listed helium exploration company disclosed that the new gas zone was intersected at approximately 2,857 […]

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Equinor has committed approximately 10 billion dollars in contractual agreements with suppliers as the Norwegian energy major seeks to maintain elevated oil and gas production levels across its offshore Norwegian operations. The company announced on Thursday that it has executed 12 framework agreements with seven supplier firms covering maintenance and modification work at offshore installations […]

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India’s largest refiner has indicated potential interest in resuming Venezuelan crude purchases, contingent upon approval from Washington for sales to non-US buyers. This development follows recent political changes in Venezuela and reflects broader shifts in global oil trade dynamics. Reliance Industries confirmed on Thursday that it would evaluate Venezuelan crude acquisitions if permitted for non-US […]

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Oil prices extended their advance during early Asian trading on Friday, building upon sharp gains recorded in the previous session as markets increasingly factored in geopolitical risks spanning multiple critical producing regions and shipping corridors. West Texas Intermediate traded at approximately 58.27 dollars per barrel at the time of writing, representing a gain of 0.85 […]

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Saudi Arabia’s recent decision to reduce official selling prices has generated substantial additional demand from Asian refiners, with buyers excluding China ordering an extra 9 million barrels of Saudi crude for February loadings. The pricing cuts represent the most aggressive reduction in more than five years as the kingdom adjusts its commercial strategy amid shifting […]

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Gold and silver markets may experience downward pressure in the coming weeks as major institutional investors adjust their holdings to reflect changes in widely tracked commodity indices. The annual rebalancing exercise, scheduled to take place between 9 and 15 January, could generate significant selling flows in precious metals whilst simultaneously directing capital towards energy commodities, […]

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