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Heriot-Watt University launches a global Professional Academy. The online platform offers more than 50 stackable, university-credited courses designed to help professionals upskill rapidly while building towards postgraduate qualifications. Courses span business, psychology, sustainability, and specialist sectors, with content co-developed alongside leading industry partners.
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BT’s CEO urges Chancellor against raising business costs further. Allison Kirkby warns that the telecoms industry already faces high government-imposed costs, urging stability in regulatory and fiscal policy to ensure returns on investment in critical infrastructure.
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UK employees want flexibility at work, rejecting rigid office rules. A new report from Owl Labs shows 86% demand flexible hours, with a four-day week and work-to-rule tactics becoming mainstream. The findings highlight the growing expectation for autonomy, fluid schedules, and supportive technology.
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Britain will ease high-skilled worker visas to attract global talent. UK finance minister Rachel Reeves said the plan would counter new U.S. restrictions, with potential cuts to fees under review as London courts displaced workers.
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Amazon to close all 19 UK Amazon Fresh stores. The move endangers around 250 jobs as the company shifts focus to online sales and expands its Whole Foods brand. A consultation with employees has been initiated, with some roles possibly redeployed.
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Vodafone franchisees warned of mental health impacts four years ago. A 2020 survey revealed franchisees experienced stress and anxiety after commission cuts, leading to a £120 million High Court case alleging unjust enrichment by Vodafone.
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Nvidia will invest $100 billion in OpenAI. The two companies announced a letter of intent for Nvidia to provide hardware and capital as OpenAI builds 10 gigawatts of AI data centres. The agreement marks a major escalation in the AI arms race, with first deployments expected in 2026.
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Zilch secures £30m loan facility, favouring debt over equity. The London fintech, based in Victoria, has agreed a £30m facility with US Bank. This follows a £100m debt facility with Deutsche Bank last year and £20m Series D funding in 2023.
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Economists propose tax shifts to boost UK revenue by £6bn. The Resolution Foundation suggests reducing national insurance and increasing income tax to raise £6bn, helping Chancellor Reeves counteract higher borrowing costs and expected growth downgrades.
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NatWest plans to sell pension provider Cushon after two years. The bank has engaged advisers for the sale and is in discussions with potential buyers. This move follows a strategic shift under CEO Paul Thwaite, focusing on large-scale acquisitions.