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Consumer borrowing accelerated in August while mortgage approvals weakened further. Bank of England data show faster credit-card and personal borrowing alongside softer housing activity and stronger corporate financing.
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HICL is investing £68m in Scandinavian rail freight operator Hector. The 42% stake will become its first “Enhancer” investment, adding greater operating-growth exposure to the London-listed infrastructure company’s revised portfolio strategy.
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CVC has withdrawn from the race to acquire Bodycote formally. Veritas Capital’s recommended 940p-per-share cash proposal is now the live transaction, although shareholder approval and the remaining scheme conditions are still required.
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Sainsbury’s Money has launched loans powered by NatWest Boxed technology. Savings follow in October as the retailer tests a partner-led financial services model after completing its withdrawal from standalone banking.
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Foreign investors committed nearly £10bn to UK growth companies recently. Barclays and Beauhurst research shows AI accounting for a large share of cross-border activity as capital becomes increasingly concentrated around larger technology funding rounds.
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UK takeover activity has generated more than £1bn in fees. Advisory income has risen alongside roughly £100bn of listed-company deals, while the pipeline of new London flotations remains comparatively subdued.
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Nubank talks put Monzo ownership and London listing in focus. Preliminary discussions reported by Sky News could value the UK digital bank at between £8bn and £10bn, although no transaction has been agreed.
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Employers are being urged to review pay disparities more carefully. Holmes Mackillop says the recent Next appeal shows legitimate market pressures can justify differences, but employers still need evidence where discrepancies disadvantage one group.
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Poundland’s owner is considering separate sales for Dealz and Poundland. Gordon Brothers is testing buyer interest after initially exploring a combined disposal, potentially separating the Irish operation from the larger UK discount chain.
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UK corporate tax receipts passed £100bn in the latest year. HMRC recorded £100.4bn across corporate taxes, with stronger financial-sector receipts offsetting falling energy levies and a small number of large companies accounting for most liabilities.