• SP Energy Networks invests £1.4bn in grid upgrade

    SP Energy Networks invests £1.4bn in Scotland’s energy infrastructure. The initiative is part of a £5.4bn programme boosting UK supply chains and green jobs, enhancing energy security and economic growth through strategic partnerships with predominantly UK-based suppliers.


  • Eon UK sales slump by £800m

    Eon’s UK arm reported an £800 million drop in turnover. The Coventry-based division’s sales fell to £2.5 billion for 2024, down from £3.3 billion the previous year, as lower wholesale commodity prices weighed on revenues. Pre-tax profit, however, edged up to £52 million due to a series of disposals.


  • Bosses lack confidence in challenging times

    Directors’ confidence has fallen sharply as tax rises bite. The latest Institute of Directors index shows sentiment dropping close to pandemic-era lows, as fresh payroll taxes and looming new regulations unsettle business leaders across the UK in the run-up to autumn.


  • Canada pauses digital tax to boost US talks

    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.


  • UK tightens steel import rules from July

    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.


  • UK corporate cyber-attacks surge as digital risks grow

    One in four UK firms faced a cyber-attack last year. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors warns outdated building technology is fuelling a wave of breaches, as new data shows businesses of all sizes are increasingly vulnerable — with owners urged to modernise defences and audit digital risks.


  • AI adoption squeezes UK entry-level job market

    UK entry-level roles have dropped by a third since 2022. Automation is accelerating across sectors, with graduate and junior roles squeezed hardest. New figures show retail listings are down 78%, while AI hiring trends are reshaping the wider UK job market.


  • FCA sets out new ‘targeted support’ advice model

    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.


  • Lotus reaffirms UK factory commitment

    Lotus has denied reports it will close its UK factory. The carmaker confirmed that production at its Hethel plant remains paused, but not closing, as officials moved to reassure workers and clarify media reports suggesting a US relocation.


  • UK M&A deals of the week: 28 June 2025

    Five new UK deals signal strong mid-cap appetite. Advent’s £3.8bn Spectris bid headlines a week of sponsor-driven takeovers and trade interest across tech, energy, and education. Deal flow remains weighted to the sub-£200m tier, with UK targets drawing both private equity and listed buyers.