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UK employers now see recruitment delays as a critical business risk. New research shows hiring speed has overtaken economic instability as the leading concern for UK organisations entering 2026, driven by persistent shortages across specialist professional roles.
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SMEs back apprenticeships, but bureaucracy threatens youth hiring across Britain. New research shows strong employer appetite following the Autumn Budget, alongside growing concern that complex Government systems could limit uptake and slow job creation.
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UK retailers began 2026 with stronger sales momentum following January discounting. New industry data shows improved year-on-year growth, led by food and selective non-food categories, as shoppers delayed spending into the new year amid fragile confidence.
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NatWest plans major expansion of its UK Accelerator entrepreneur community. The bank aims to grow membership to 50,000 by 2026, a five-fold increase on its 2025 ambition, following a year in which participation exceeded the total supported across the previous decade combined.
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The UK regulator wants to reset perceptions of London market liquidity. Britain’s financial watchdog plans to publish comprehensive trading data for all London-listed shares, aiming to counter claims that the UK equity market lacks depth and activity.
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UK hiring pressures ease slightly as pay growth firms for starters. Recruiters reported a slower decline in permanent placements in January, alongside stronger starting salaries, suggesting early stabilisation in the labour market rather than a full recovery.
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Owl Labs has launched its Meeting Owl 5 Pro enterprise device. The new 360-degree video, audio, and collaboration system targets large organisations seeking flexible, secure hybrid meeting room deployments.
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NatWest plans to reach 50,000 people through expanded financial education. The UK bank will scale its Financial Foundations programme in 2026, delivering free workplace and community-based financial education sessions through employers, local organisations, and housing groups as part of its wider UK growth strategy.
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Glencore shares fall after merger talks with Rio Tinto collapse. The mining giant rejected Rio’s terms, citing undervaluation and executive role retention. Glencore emphasises its strong standalone prospects, particularly in copper, while Rio prioritises long-term shareholder value.
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Fractile co-founder reportedly exited amid scrutiny over Chinese academic links. The UK AI chip startup confirmed the departure of its former CTO following internal concerns over his educational background and affiliations. The move reflects growing national security sensitivities around AI, defence-linked research, and foreign influence in early-stage technology companies.