
UK services data has turned cautious after months of resilience. The latest PMI shows output, new work, hiring, and confidence weakening as companies confront soft demand and persistent cost pressure.

NAKIVO has reported steady first-quarter growth across global markets worldwide. MSP numbers rose 18% year on year, while total revenue increased 4% during Q1 2026.

Edify has secured fresh backing to scale hospitality operations software. Calculus invested £2.5m as part of a £3m round for the AI platform, which serves brands including Pret A Manger, Dunkin’ Donuts, WatchHouse, and Yolk Brands.

The UK is accelerating efforts to implement its India agreement. Ministers say the free trade deal will slash tariffs and support a trading relationship already worth £48bn.

The UK net zero economy has passed a new threshold. New analysis says it generated £105bn in gross value added last year and supported 1.1 million jobs.

Haiilo is expanding Manchester as its fastest-growing regional UK office. The employee experience platform has increased headcount more than sixfold since 2024, alongside UK ARR growth of 55% and a 60% rise in customer numbers.

UK growth forecasts now point to weaker investment and hiring. The BCC expects GDP to rise by 0.9% in 2026, with business investment falling 2.2% and inflation peaking at 3.8% by year-end.

More UK founders are incorporating businesses outside traditional office hours. New 1st Formations analysis found 31.6% of registrations in 2023–25 took place between 5pm and 9am, with lunchbreak incorporations also visible.

May’s US dealmaking was shaped by infrastructure, AI, and scale. The largest transactions showed strategic buyers paying for assets tied to power demand, housing capacity, industrial controls, corporate travel, and healthcare pipelines.

May’s UK dealmaking showed buyers paying for control and scale. Vodafone, EQT, Ingredion, E.ON, and JD.com shaped a month in which strategic infrastructure, public-market valuations, energy resilience, food ingredients, and retail platforms all drew serious takeover attention.