Operations
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Canada suspends its digital services tax to revive US talks. The tax aimed at US tech giants faced criticism from President Trump, who halted negotiations and threatened tariffs. Talks are set to resume, targeting a new trade deal by 21 July.
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UK introduces new steel safeguard measures from July 2025. The UK government has announced strengthened steel import safeguards, reducing quota liberalisation and implementing caps to protect domestic producers from redirected foreign imports in response to US tariffs.
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The FCA has proposed a major reform to investment guidance. A new ‘targeted support’ category would let firms give low-cost prompts to consumers without breaching advice rules, aiming to address a gap that leaves millions without affordable help.
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New Companies House rules will impact small UK businesses. Small firms must disclose financial data and use commercial software, raising concerns about costs and competitiveness. The government aims to enhance corporate transparency, but critics fear unintended consequences for the sector.
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UK businesses urged against further tax hikes amid financial strain. Prime Minister Keir Starmer thanked businesses for handling the £23 billion national insurance increase but faced calls from industry leaders to avoid additional tax rises, citing unsustainable financial pressures.
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The UK set to lose more millionaires than any country. A report indicates 16,500 millionaires will exit Britain by 2025. This trend highlights concerns over the UK’s economic competitiveness and tax environment, potentially impacting the nation’s wealth retention and economic health.
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UK executives face record stress levels. New Icertis research shows tariffs, regulatory shifts, and the scramble to keep pace with AI are placing UK C-suites under mounting pressure — with nearly 90% expecting tariffs to dent the bottom line, and four in five struggling to assess AI investment impact.
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Europe’s AI future hinges on grid speed. A new report warns that poor electricity grid planning could result in 13-year connection delays for data centres, pushing billions in investment away from the continent’s traditional tech hubs and towards more agile markets in southern and central Europe.
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UK and India agree major trade deal. The agreement will cut tariffs, boost trade by £25.5bn, and open up key sectors. Ministers say the deal will benefit whisky, cars, and services — though ratification and investment talks are still ongoing.
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Federal Reserve pauses again amid economic pressure. The US central bank held its benchmark rate steady for a fourth time, as policymakers warned of inflationary pressure from rising tariffs and signalled a slower path to future rate cuts.