
Britain’s steelmakers regain EU tariff-free access for Category 17. From 1 August, UK producers can export up to 27,000 tonnes of structural steel to Europe each quarter, restoring trade volumes and offering vital certainty for the sector after years of Brexit-linked restrictions.

US tariffs are reshaping the UK’s trading relationship with America. British businesses face a 10% baseline tariff on most exports, with new sector-specific quotas and compliance hurdles fundamentally altering access to the world’s largest market.

A new transatlantic trade era begins with a 15% tariff. European business leaders face lasting uncertainty as the US and EU strike a high-stakes deal that averts a full trade war but cements tariffs at levels unseen in nearly a century.

US state officials warn investment firms against ESG integration. State treasurers and financial officers from 21 US states have cautioned major investment firms against incorporating sustainability and climate considerations into their strategies, expressing concerns about the erosion of traditional fiduciary duty….

Planted Solar secures $12 million to enhance solar project deployment. The California-based firm aims to accelerate solar development with its integrated software and hardware platform, reducing costs and land use. The funding will enhance digital solutions and expand international market presence….

Greenvolt secures €150 million investment from KKR for growth. The capital will support Greenvolt’s expansion, focusing on large-scale battery storage. The transaction, occurring in two phases, aligns with KKR’s acquisition strategy to enhance Greenvolt’s utility-scale capabilities….

Barclays reports £500 million in sustainable finance revenues. The bank’s sustainability presentation outlines progress towards its net zero goals, with significant achievements in emissions reduction across various sectors, although challenges remain in automotive and aviation….

The British pound is experiencing its sharpest monthly fall. Sterling has fallen 3.6% against the US dollar in July, pressured by UK economic challenges and changing global sentiment, marking its worst monthly performance since September 2023. Analysts expect continued pressure due to fiscal concerns.

Unilever’s sales rose 3.4% amid challenging profit figures. The FTSE 100 firm reported a 3.2% drop in turnover to €30.1bn, citing disposal costs and currency impacts. Ice cream led growth ahead of its spinout, while cash flow and earnings fell.

A sweeping set of late-payment laws will soon apply to UK corporates. New 45-day payment caps and multi-million-pound fines for repeat offenders are now set to reshape supplier relationships and boardroom behaviour, amid calls for greater corporate accountability and overdue relief for small businesses.