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This week’s UK M&A activity spanned food delivery, wealth management, energy, retail, and oilfield services. From DoorDash’s $3.9 billion takeover of Deliveroo to Lloyds reshaping its wealth strategy, the deals underscore how consolidation continues across UK consumer, financial, and industrial sectors.
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Google UK cut 400 jobs despite nearly £3bn in revenue. The company reduced headcount to 7,029 in 2024 while pre-tax profits rose above £400m. The cuts coincide with a £5bn UK investment plan, a new Waltham Cross data centre, and a £25bn lawsuit over online advertising practices.
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Tesco warns of challenges absorbing additional costs amid tax concerns. Tesco’s Ken Murphy expressed concerns over rising costs, including increased national insurance and packaging levies. Despite these challenges, Tesco has raised its profit forecast following a strong summer sales performance.
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Tesla delivers record vehicles despite European setbacks. The electric carmaker exported 497,099 vehicles in Q3 2025, driven by US tax incentives. However, European sales fell 43% year-on-year, with competition and limited models impacting growth.
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Inflation concerns rise as UK businesses plan price hikes. A Bank of England survey reveals businesses intend to increase prices significantly, with inflation expectations remaining high. Hiring intentions are the weakest since 2020, indicating economic caution.
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HM Treasury shifts decisively to cloud-based IT infrastructure. The department spent over £63.6m on cloud services in three years, eliminating on-premise systems entirely, reflecting a broader digital transformation agenda within public spending and tax policy.
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London’s global financial hub status declines in IPO ranking. London raised just £184m in IPOs this year, trailing behind other European markets. A shift towards US listings by UK firms exacerbates the issue.
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HSBC warns of compromised identity documents after data breach. The bank reassured customers that its systems remain unaffected, urging vigilance against potential fraud. Affected individuals receive a complimentary Experian Identity Plus subscription and can access a dedicated helpline until 8 October 2025.
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Tax hikes and wage pressures threaten UK jobs with automation. Rising costs are prompting UK firms to consider automation and offshoring, according to Hays. The financial strain, exacerbated by tax increases, is impacting the jobs market significantly.
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UK businesses face mounting cyber risk as AI bots surge. DataDome’s 2025 Global Bot Security Report finds only 1.77% of UK domains are fully protected against automated threats, well below Europe’s 2.52% average and the global figure of 2.8%. Experts warn systemic issues are leaving companies exposed.
