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Franchise protections are facing renewed scrutiny after Adrian Howe’s death. His family is calling for Adrian’s law after concerns over risk in brand-led franchise agreements.
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Chinese EV imports are testing the UK’s transition strategy. Stellantis has warned that the ZEV mandate is creating commercial strain as lower-cost rivals gain ground.
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Big Tech oversight is moving back onto the policy agenda. Former CMA chair Marcus Bokkerink has urged tougher action as platform power grows across search, advertising, cloud, app stores, and AI discovery.
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Marketers remain trapped between execution pressure and strategic ambition today. Optimizely research finds 74% of UK marketers say the industry is stuck in survival mode.
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Agency pay transparency is becoming a test of workplace trust. Neverland’s Equal for Equals pledge asks UK agencies to make pay structures, progression, and challenge routes clearer.
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Tesco is widening rapid grocery delivery through marketplace partnerships now. The supermarket is adding Deliveroo and Uber Eats while extending Clubcard prices and points to app-based customers.
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Workplace AI is changing where employees take everyday questions first. MyIQ research suggests routine queries now go to AI tools before colleagues, affecting informal learning and spontaneous collaboration.
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Extreme heat is now carrying measurable economic costs for employers. June’s heatwave reportedly caused 24 million lost working hours and £1.15bn in UK economic damage and health impacts.
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TikTok Shop is testing alcohol sales under tighter customer checks. The UK pilot uses account, checkout, and delivery-stage age verification for approved licensed retailers.
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YouTube is bringing shopping through creators deeper into UK retail. Boots, Debenhams, Etsy, M&S, Next, and Wayfair are among the early partners for its Shopping Affiliate programme.