-
Labour faces calls to impose VAT on private healthcare. Former Labour leader Lord Kinnock suggests this could generate over £2 billion annually in funding for the NHS, amid growing pressure on the government to address fiscal shortfalls.
-
The European Commission launches a consultation on Circular Economy Act. The initiative aims to reduce resource dependence, enhance competitiveness, and address environmental impacts, focusing on creating a single market for secondary raw materials by 2026….
-
LoopUp’s strategic pivot is a masterclass in modern business resilience. Steve Flavell led the company through disruption, delisting, and reinvention, turning a near-collapse into a new growth story. As cloud communications gets smarter, LoopUp’s challenge now is to match operational excellence with innovation in a rapidly shifting market.
-
UK green energy tariffs decline sharply amid cost of living crisis. Green energy deals have dropped from 85% to 18% of the market due to rising costs, with consumers prioritising affordability over sustainability. Suppliers now focus on balancing green credentials with consumer expectations.
-
New powers for the Small Business Commissioner aim to tackle late payments. The average UK SME is owed more than £20,000, according to FSB data. Chronic late payment is now a defining risk, amplifying the impact of high costs, inflation, and energy prices for small businesses.
-
Metlen Energy & Metals makes its City debut in London today. The €6.7 billion group, previously Mytilineos, is now trading on the London Stock Exchange after a rare high‑value listing. The move delivers a morale boost for the City as new floats and capital raises remain at multi‑decade lows.
-
A fifth rate cut looks likely despite persistent inflation signals. With the labour market cooling and GDP contracting, the Bank appears ready to resume easing. Our read: a divided MPC will vote for a 25bps cut, with caution in its tone but confidence in direction.
-
Helion begins construction of its first fusion power plant. The plant, located in Malaga, Washington, aims to supply Microsoft with carbon-free energy by 2028, marking a significant step toward commercial fusion power and supporting Microsoft’s sustainability goals….
-
EFRAG revises sustainability reporting standards, simplifying requirements significantly. The European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) has released revised drafts of the European Sustainability Reporting Standards, cutting reporting datapoints by 68% to reduce the burden on companies under the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive….
-
Barclays exits the Net-Zero Banking Alliance amid global shifts. Barclays’ departure from the UN-backed coalition follows similar exits by major banks globally, amid political pressure. Despite leaving, Barclays maintains its net-zero commitment and sustainable finance goals….
