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Pizza Hut will close 68 restaurants across the United Kingdom. The move follows the collapse of its UK franchise operator, placing around 1,210 jobs at risk. Parent company Yum! Brands will acquire part of the estate through a pre-pack deal designed to keep selected sites operating under direct control.
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UK government borrowing has exceeded forecasts by billions of pounds. Higher-than-expected interest costs and inflation-linked spending have tightened fiscal head-room for Chancellor Rachel Reeves ahead of the November Budget, leaving limited room to rebuild the Treasury’s buffer.
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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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IMO delays adoption of global net-zero shipping framework. The International Maritime Organization’s decision to postpone the net-zero framework creates uncertainty in shipping decarbonisation efforts. Industry leaders, including Maersk, express disappointment as progress stalls on crucial climate measures….
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UK unveils plan targeting 400,000 clean energy jobs by 2030. The Clean Energy Jobs Plan aims to meet rising demand in the green sector with initiatives for recruitment and training, prioritising occupations like electricians and welders, and ensuring competitive pay and conditions….
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Return secures €300 million to expand European energy storage. The investment from Dutch pension fund manager APG aims to enhance Return’s battery energy storage platform, supporting the clean energy transition by efficiently managing renewable energy across Europe….
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Apollo appoints ex-Nike CSO Jaycee Pribulsky as Chief Sustainability Officer. Pribulsky will lead Apollo’s sustainability strategy, focusing on risk management and long-term value creation. She succeeds Dave Stangis, who will transition to a senior advisor role in 2026….
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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.