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Concerns arise over China’s proposed embassy near London’s financial hub. Senior figures in the City of London Corporation have expressed worries about China’s plan for a new embassy near sensitive data cables. The location is seen as potentially risky, prompting calls for caution in approving the site.
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Getty Images and Shutterstock merger faces UK competition probe. The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is set to conduct an in-depth investigation into the $3.7bn merger between Getty Images and Shutterstock due to concerns over potential competition reduction.
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Innovate UK launches a £1 million competition for AI breakthroughs. The Agentic AI Pioneers Prize supports AI systems with initiative and collaboration capabilities, aiming to enhance productivity across manufacturing, health, and creative industries, with up to four winners sharing the prize fund.
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Clean energy workforce to double by 2030 in the UK. The UK government forecasts 400,000 new clean-energy jobs by 2030, supported by £50 billion in private investment since 2024. A national strategy includes new training colleges and labour protections to ensure high-quality jobs.
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The UK government has unveiled the “Sterling 20” initiative. It brings together 20 of the country’s largest pension funds to channel capital into domestic infrastructure, affordable housing, and high-growth sectors including AI. The move marks a coordinated effort to boost long-term investment in the British economy.
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Shadow energy secretary criticises Labour’s net zero targets as harmful. Claire Coutinho argues that the UK’s climate targets exacerbate the cost of living crisis, increase electricity costs, and drive jobs overseas, worsening emissions. She calls for a careful approach to China’s role in the energy sector.
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UK fintech industry body criticises banking watchdog over regulation. Innovate Finance’s report criticises the Prudential Regulation Authority for excessive requirements on challenger banks, claiming they hinder competition and innovation, despite government pledges to support financial services growth.
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Legal & General plans £2bn UK investment to create jobs. The FTSE 100 company aims to invest in infrastructure and housing, creating approximately 24,000 jobs. The initiative aligns with government efforts to boost regional growth through pension fund investments.
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FTSE 100 faces worst session since April amid bank sell-off. Global equity markets were rattled by a sell-off in US regional banks, leading to significant losses in the UK’s FTSE 100. Barclays shares dropped sharply, contributing to the index’s worst day since April.
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This week’s M&A activity spanned industrials, logistics, infrastructure, and professional services. From a £1.3 billion carve-out in manufacturing to a landmark logistics portfolio transfer, the UK remained a focal point for global buyers refining strategy, scale, and sector exposure.