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Sovereign AI has backed British chip developer OLIX with equity. The investment forms part of a nine-figure fundraising round supporting specialist processors for cheaper and less energy-intensive AI inference.
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Clarkson delivered record interim results as shipping disruption lifted demand. Revenue increased by 39%, while underlying pre-tax profit rose 56% amid longer trade routes, stronger markets, and geopolitical volatility.
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Apple has again challenged Britain’s encrypted cloud data access demand. The tribunal case renews the dispute over whether government access can coexist with end-to-end encryption and secure international technology services.
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EY warns prolonged Hormuz disruption could push Britain into recession. Its downside model shows GDP contracting by 0.2% in 2027 and inflation potentially reaching 6.4% this year.
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UK manufacturing expanded again, but July growth lost momentum markedly. The PMI fell to a four-month low as employment stagnated, inventories declined, and geopolitical disruption complicated operating decisions.
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Shell is selling European renewable assets to TotalEnergies this year. The portfolio spans four countries as Shell redirects capital towards trading, flexible generation, and customer energy services.
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EasyJet has aligned rival takeover deadlines ahead of Friday’s decision. Apollo and Castlelake must formalise their approaches or withdraw, bringing the airline’s £5.7 billion ownership contest to its next stage.
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England’s Capital Grants budget is rapidly approaching full allocation now. Defra says 75% of the enlarged £225 million fund has been committed, narrowing the application window for environmental and resilience projects.
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UK business confidence reached a four-month high during July’s survey. Economic optimism rose sharply, although companies’ expectations for their own trading performance remained unchanged and several regions and sectors continued to report weaker sentiment.
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New levy rules are changing apprenticeship costs for employers nationwide. Account top-ups have ended, new funds expire after 12 months, and levy-paying organisations face higher contributions for eligible over-25 training once balances are exhausted.
