
UK inflation rose to 3.6 % in June. Headline inflation surprised at 3.6 % in June, the highest since January, as fuel and food prices edged higher and economists’ forecasts were left behind. Core CPI and goods inflation also picked up, complicating the outlook for Bank of England rate cuts.

UK launches a Transition Finance Pilot to boost green finance. The initiative aims to remove regulatory barriers hindering companies from reducing carbon emissions, potentially attracting up to £200 billion in investment and reinforcing the UK’s leadership in green finance.

UK government halts plans for a Green Taxonomy framework. The decision follows a consultation indicating limited support for the taxonomy, with only 45% of respondents expressing a positive view, suggesting a preference for other sustainable finance policies….

The European Commission’s regulatory changes prompt strategic business thinking. The Omnibus proposals delay sustainability reporting deadlines, offering companies time to refine strategies and improve infrastructure, while stakeholders must use disclosed information wisely to make informed decisions….

Shell, Accenture, and Amex GBT enhance their SAF platform. The Avelia platform, initially launched in 2022, now includes multiple fuel suppliers, aiming to expand sustainable aviation fuel adoption. Over 57 companies have joined, contributing to significant CO2 reduction….

Microsoft and Novata collaborate to enhance sustainability data solutions. The partnership aims to co-develop AI tools for SMEs, including Microsoft suppliers, to simplify sustainability reporting and data management, leveraging Microsoft Azure AI Foundry and Microsoft Fabric technologies….

One in six UK workers struggles to pay monthly bills. A study by the Work Foundation reveals ongoing financial challenges despite cooling inflation and rising wages, with nearly half of workers having minimal disposable income and many turning to second jobs.

EU delays new sustainability reporting requirements for large companies. The European Commission has modified the European Sustainability Reporting Standards to postpone additional reporting obligations for major firms, aiming to reduce regulatory burdens as part of its Omnibus I package….

HSBC exits UN-backed Net-Zero Banking Alliance, sparking concerns. The bank reaffirms its 2050 net zero goal despite leaving the group, drawing criticism from sustainability investors who question its climate commitment following recent strategic changes….

US-backed buyers led five major UK M&A deals this week. Boardroom shifts, valuation gaps, and sector-specific drivers shaped property, industrials, and tech transactions, with most deal value remaining in the mid-market.