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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.
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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.
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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.
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Alibaba launches competition for UK and European SMEs. The Co-Create Pitch awards offer a £750,000 prize for innovative products, with shortlisted companies pitching at events in Las Vegas and London. The competition aims to support SMEs’ digital sourcing and product development.
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New Companies House rules will impact small UK businesses. Small firms must disclose financial data and use commercial software, raising concerns about costs and competitiveness. The government aims to enhance corporate transparency, but critics fear unintended consequences for the sector.
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UK businesses urged against further tax hikes amid financial strain. Prime Minister Keir Starmer thanked businesses for handling the £23 billion national insurance increase but faced calls from industry leaders to avoid additional tax rises, citing unsustainable financial pressures.
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The UK set to lose more millionaires than any country. A report indicates 16,500 millionaires will exit Britain by 2025. This trend highlights concerns over the UK’s economic competitiveness and tax environment, potentially impacting the nation’s wealth retention and economic health.
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Big Four firms cut graduate roles due to AI automation. Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC have reduced graduate recruitment by up to a third, driven by AI adoption and cost-cutting measures, impacting the traditional entry-level job market.
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The UK government initiates consultations to standardise climate transition plans. New reporting standards aim to enhance investor confidence and transparency, driving billions in private clean energy investment while positioning the UK as a leader in transition finance and global competitiveness.
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UK executives face record stress levels. New Icertis research shows tariffs, regulatory shifts, and the scramble to keep pace with AI are placing UK C-suites under mounting pressure — with nearly 90% expecting tariffs to dent the bottom line, and four in five struggling to assess AI investment impact.