
Ocado has put a timetable around its founder succession plan. Tim Steiner will remain chief executive until the start of FY2028 before moving into a founder role, as the automation group manages investor pressure and technology-market uncertainty.

Employers face higher dismissal risk as compensation rules change soon. The reforms increase pressure on redundancy planning, probation management, line-manager training, and employment documentation.

The debate over youth social media use is reaching businesses too. Dan Gee, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of MFM, argues that the UK under-16 social media ban exposes deeper questions about public trust and the long-term sustainability of engagement-driven business models.

UK boards are favouring proven chiefs under uncertainty and pressure. Heidrick & Struggles says the CEO route is narrowing, with finance backgrounds, international appointments, and later-career moves dominating.

Iris London has added senior operational depth to leadership team. The creative agency has appointed Ali Proctor-Walsh as head of operations and Vicci Whitlow as head of production.

Government outsourcing policy is shifting towards public interest tests now. Departments will need to examine whether major services should be brought in-house before renewing contracts, beginning with cleaning and security services.

Workforce travel overspend often hides inside fragmented booking processes. Roomex has launched a rate-comparison tool for UK customers, aiming to give travel bookers clearer accommodation pricing and conditions at the point of booking.

Competitiveness is being framed as a delivery problem. Dublin Chamber wants Budget 2027 to prioritise infrastructure, housing, R&D tax reform, skills, and simpler business compliance as Ireland faces geopolitical and domestic growth pressures.

Insurance innovation training is moving beyond the London market base. EDII will launch Digital Minds Embed North in Leeds this October with Markel as its partner.

Workspace control is challenging the aesthetics-led office design debate again. Research suggests employees perform better when workplace design gives them agency, choice, and practical support.