Category: News

Britain’s entrepreneurial spirit remains strong, with 84 new companies launched every hour in the first half of 2025, according to fresh analysis from SME lender iwoca.

Alphabet has joined the $3 trillion club after strong AI growth and a favourable antitrust ruling sent shares to record highs. The Google parent now sits alongside Apple, Microsoft and Nvidia in the world’s most valuable firms.

Jaguar Land Rover’s factories could remain shut until November after a cyberattack forced the carmaker to halt production. Suppliers warn of insolvency risks as thousands of workers remain on standby.

ONS figures show UK jobs growth slowing with payrolls down 8,000 in August and wage growth easing to 4.8%, adding to signs of a cooling labour market as the Bank of England weighs interest rates.

Elon Musk has bought $1bn in Tesla shares, his first open-market purchase since 2020, as the board prepares a shareholder vote on a record $1tn pay package tied to ambitious growth targets.

Washington and Beijing have reached a framework agreement to transfer TikTok to US-controlled ownership, ending years of security disputes. The deal awaits approval from Donald Trump and Xi Jinping.

New research suggests a third of UK companies are using “bossware” surveillance tools to monitor workers’ online activity, prompting concerns from managers about privacy, trust and workplace culture.

Rightmove data shows UK house prices have fallen 0.1% year-on-year, the first decline since January 2024, as record stock levels force sellers to cut asking prices.

The Treasury is reviewing plans to scrap landfill tax exemptions after a backlash from housebuilders and manufacturers, with bosses warning bills could soar from £4m to £100m. Officials now say reforms may be delayed by up to 12 months.

Advisory firm Global Counsel is selling Peter Mandelson’s multimillion-pound stake after his dismissal as US ambassador and renewed scrutiny over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

Barclays CEO CS Venkatakrishnan has warned the UK government to limit public sector pay rises and avoid further tax increases on banks as chancellor Rachel Reeves seeks to plug a budget shortfall.

Octopus Energy has signed a deal with Chinese turbine maker Ming Yang Smart Energy to develop 6GW of wind farms, but Conservatives warn the move poses “unacceptable” risks to UK energy security.

Sotheby’s reported losses of $248m in 2024 as art market demand slumped and severance costs surged, despite only 24 staff departures. Revenues fell 18% to $813m.