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Meta buys Manus in a landmark AI agency deal worth over $2bn. The Singapore-based startup’s general-purpose agent technology could redefine how AI works — but success depends on whether Meta can turn autonomy into measurable business value.
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Ofcom contacts xAI over Grok’s image-generation capabilities. The UK regulator is investigating claims that the AI tool can create sexualised images of children and non-consensual explicit images of women, potentially breaching the UK’s Online Safety Act.
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Claire’s and TOFS face administration, risking 2,500 jobs. Both retailers, owned by Modella Capital, are entering insolvency proceedings due to unprofitable trading conditions. Administration will impact 1,355 Claire’s and 1,220 TOFS employees.
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China introduces a new climate disclosure standard for companies. The trial standard aligns with IFRS climate reporting and supports China’s green goals. Initially voluntary, it aims for eventual mandatory disclosure, enhancing transparency and guiding capital to low-carbon projects.
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Senior lawyer hiring surged in City law firms in 2025. Employment rose above 5% as London firms hired 668 partners, a 21% increase. US firms led the trend, focusing on private capital teams, with high demand expected to continue.
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UK ranks lowest in G7 for investment despite government plans. Total investment is 18.6% of GDP, trailing other G7 nations. Labour aims to boost public spending, but private investment may not follow, citing weak business confidence.
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Nvidia finalised its $5 billion acquisition of Intel stock under a September agreement. The 214 million-share purchase marks a deepening alliance between two of the world’s most influential chipmakers. The transaction strengthens Intel’s financial footing while aligning the pair on future chip design and AI development.
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Relocation requests are rising among Israel’s high-tech employees. A new report shows that more than half of multinational tech companies operating in Israel have seen an increase in staff seeking moves overseas, reflecting wider unease amid conflict and shifting confidence in the country’s innovation economy.
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China’s ByteDance is preparing to spend $22.7 billion on AI infrastructure in 2026. The TikTok owner’s planned investment underscores Beijing’s determination to stay competitive in artificial intelligence amid US export controls and intensifying Western capital commitments.
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SSEN Transmission secures £1bn loan for Scottish grid upgrades. The £1bn green loan, backed by an £800m UK National Wealth Fund guarantee, will finance four major transmission projects in northern Scotland, supporting 3,400 jobs and enhancing energy security.