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Lloyds is retiring Halifax after 173 years on high streets. The rebrand simplifies the group’s retail architecture but raises questions about customer trust, heritage, and branch identity.
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Mastercard says skill-based holidays are reshaping British travel spending priorities. Its European survey found nearly half of Britons plan to learn something new while away, creating fresh opportunities for local tourism SMEs.
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Optimizely research shows AI is adding work for marketing teams. Its global survey found widespread editing, fact-checking, off-brand output, and a sharp gap between executive expectations and operational reality.
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Internationally exposed companies remain more confident than their domestic peers. Lloyds’ latest Business Barometer shows overall confidence falling, even as hiring intentions improve and overseas-facing businesses report stronger demand.
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UK scrutiny could slow one of media’s largest takeover deals. Ministers are considering whether to intervene in Paramount Skydance’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery on public-interest grounds.
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Late payment reforms could redraw cash-flow discipline across supply chains. The Small Business Commissioner is preparing for stronger enforcement powers as proposed legislation advances through Parliament.
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Securonix appoints Toby Weiss to lead its AI security push. The former Fiery chief executive will oversee the company’s next phase as SOCs move from alert management towards AI-powered execution.
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Europe’s AI progress is accelerating, but adoption remains unevenly distributed. Accenture’s AI Progress Barometer shows large companies closing the gap with North America while smaller European businesses fall further behind.
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Consumers are wary of AI shopping agents handling money online. ACI Worldwide research found 60% of UK consumers would stop using an AI shopping agent after one mistake.
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CBI warns private sector momentum is weakening across sectors again. The latest Growth Indicator shows expectations at their weakest since September 2022, with services, distribution, and manufacturing all under pressure.