Global
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Burberry plans to cut nearly 18% of its global workforce, with 1,700 jobs at risk, as part of a £100m cost-saving drive following a £66m loss and falling sales in China. Read more: Burberry to cut 1,700 jobs in global savings drive amid luxury slowdown
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The UK’s competition watchdog has begun an investigation into insurance giant Aviva’s proposed £3.7bn acquisition of Direct Line. The Competition and Markets Authority said it had commenced its phase one inquiry to establish whether the deal would result in a “realistic prospect of a substantial lessening of competition.” The CMA has invited comment on the…
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Business groups warn that the UK’s new immigration reforms could harm economic growth unless backed by urgent investment in domestic skills and training systems. Read more: Business leaders warn immigration reforms could undermine growth without urgent training reform
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Sustainable infrastructure investor Actis has announced the close of fundraising for its second Actis Long Life Infrastructure Fund (ALLIF2), securing commitments totalling $1.7 billion. The fund will target brownfield investments across sectors including renewable energy, electricity transmission, district cooling, toll roads, and digital infrastructure, with a particular focus on high-growth markets outside of Western economies.…
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Japanese climate technology firm Asuene has announced its acquisition of US-based carbon management and accounting platform nZero, marking a strategic expansion into the North American greentech and corporate sustainability space. Founded in Tokyo in 2019, Asuene provides tools and consultancy services to support corporations in achieving their net zero targets. These include greenhouse gas (GHG)…
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The UK government’s recently unveiled immigration white paper has triggered cautious optimism across the tech sector, as policymakers aim to reverse a talent bottleneck that many say has long stifled innovation and growth. As part of a broader industrial strategy targeting sectors like AI, quantum, and green tech, the paper outlines steps to widen access…
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UK wage growth slowed to 5.6% while unemployment rose to 4.5%, as businesses braced for tax increases and a higher minimum wage, according to latest ONS data. Read more: UK wage growth slows as unemployment edges up ahead of tax and wage hikes
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A 90-day trade truce between the US and China has calmed global markets — with Europe among the immediate beneficiaries.
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Negotiators from India and the European Union have restarted talks on a long-stalled free trade deal, aiming for progress in 2025.
