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Civil engineering supplier Wrekin grows despite downturn in UK construction. The Lichfield-based manufacturer reported a 12% increase in turnover during 2025, supported by infrastructure contracts and productivity gains across its workforce, even as UK housebuilding fell roughly 8% amid high interest rates and inflation.
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Research commissioned by Alliance Manchester Business School finds 73% of UK senior decision-makers say their roles have become more complex since 2020, with artificial intelligence, cybersecurity risks, economic conditions, regulation, and shifting workplace expectations all contributing to the growing demands placed on leaders.
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Interest rate hike possible if energy prices stay high. Economists warn that sustained high energy prices could lead to a Bank of England interest rate increase, affecting inflation and growth projections. This would challenge the government’s economic strategies and fiscal policies.
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The European Commission unveils Industrial Accelerator Act proposal. The proposal introduces EU-made and low-carbon requirements to boost key sectors, aiming to save over 30 million tonnes of CO2 emissions and generate significant economic benefits across several industries.
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Payroll mistakes are pushing UK workers towards financial instability and job moves. New research suggests many employees are already struggling with pay errors, just as HMRC prepares major payroll rule changes in April 2026 that could further increase complexity for employers.
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February’s US dealmaking was defined by conviction rather than volume. A $110bn media merger, a $34.5bn cable consolidation, and major transactions in banking, medtech, and payments infrastructure revealed a market pursuing scale — with regulators, financing, and integration now central to execution.
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Revolut Business launches its Titan corporate card for UK businesses. The £65+VAT per-user monthly card pairs premium travel perks — including lounge access, 10GB global data, and £4,000 in subscriptions — with real-time expense tracking, automated receipt matching, and 1:1 RevPoints for business spend.
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Europe’s February M&A rewarded scarcity, scale, and defensive cashflows. Italy’s MPS pursued Mediobanca in a €16bn tie-up. InPost drew a €7.8bn offer as buyers chased large last-mile platforms. Blackstone and EQT agreed to buy Urbaser for $6.6bn, Germany took a TenneT stake, and Henkel moved for coatings group Stahl.
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February’s UK dealmakers chased scale, stability, and strategic scarcity again. Engie’s £10.5bn agreement for UK Power Networks led the month, while Nuveen’s £9.9bn purchase of Schroders underscored pressure for asset-management scale. NatWest bought Evelyn Partners, nexfibre consolidated fibre via Substantial, and Brookfield-backed Radiant merged with London’s Ori in late February.
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Goldman’s chief says Iran war risks need time to price. David Solomon told a Sydney summit the initial reaction was “benign”, as oil rose and equities fell. Investors are watching for sustained energy disruption and inflation spillovers.