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Lloyds Banking Group appoints Ajneet Jassey as its new London ambassador. The bank has named the senior legal executive to focus on housing delivery, business growth, and technology engagement across the capital.
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One million people missed the self-assessment tax deadline. HMRC reported 27,456 taxpayers filed in the final hour before the deadline. Those who missed it face an automatic £100 penalty, with additional penalties for continued non-compliance.
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Infosecurity Europe has unveiled a new Cyber Startup Programme. The initiative will debut at the 2026 event in London, combining a dedicated startup zone, founder-focused conference content, and a live pitching competition aimed at supporting early-stage cybersecurity businesses.
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Starling’s IPO plans face uncertainty amid regulatory frustrations. The digital bank’s billionaire backer is reconsidering a London listing due to slow regulatory reforms, raising concerns of a potential New York IPO instead.
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Midlands angel network Minerva refocuses to connect growth-stage start-ups and investors. Marking its 30th anniversary, the University of Warwick-linked network is tightening its remit to support companies raising up to £500,000, with a renewed emphasis on hands-on angel involvement and deeper founder-investor collaboration.
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January’s UK M&A signalled confidence, but buyers stayed disciplined overall. A £7.7bn approach for Beazley set the tone, while EQT’s Coller deal and Accenture’s Faculty acquisition underscored private markets’ pull. Healthcare remained strategic, and take-private logic persisted. For leaders, readiness, clarity, and integration discipline mattered more than bravado this month.
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UK manufacturers reduce US exports due to tariff uncertainties. A survey reveals that 20% of factories have already reduced exports, with 16% planning to follow. Despite this, the US remains a key market, though manufacturers are shifting towards local sourcing.
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UK leaders link agentic AI adoption to reviving economic productivity growth. A House of Lords summit has called for wider deployment of agentic artificial intelligence to support small businesses and lift productivity, as the UK economy continues to show limited momentum following a subdued second half of 2025.
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Gateshead-based Thrift Energy Group has transitioned to employee ownership status. The retrofit specialist becomes one of the UK’s largest employee-owned businesses in its sector, as founder Derek Campbell steps back from day-to-day leadership following more than four decades in the industry.
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A new platform aims to expand women’s access to capital. Scottish entrepreneur Veenoo Sharma has unveiled a global initiative designed to increase women’s access to investment, influence, and policy networks, with its first public launch held at the Houses of Parliament earlier this month.