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Royal Bank of Scotland will launch IP-backed loans in 2026, following new legislation enabling lenders to accept intellectual property as collateral. The move is designed to unlock growth finance for Scotland’s technology and innovation sectors, helping high-growth businesses access capital without relying on physical assets.
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Jaguar Land Rover’s production pause has disrupted the UK automotive supply chain. Directors seeking emergency funding are being urged to check their exposure to personal guarantees, as rising finance pressures put smaller suppliers at risk.
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UK steel sector faces unprecedented crisis amid EU tariff hike. The European Union’s decision to double tariffs on steel imports threatens the UK steel industry, which exported 78% of its steel to the EU last year. Industry leaders warn of severe impacts on domestic production.
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British International Investment commits $60 million to Southeast Asia. The investment supports the Green Investment Partnership under Singapore’s FAST-P framework, aiming to address Southeast Asia’s $210 billion annual climate infrastructure gap through blended finance, focusing on renewables and decarbonisation projects.
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This week’s UK M&A activity spanned food delivery, wealth management, energy, retail, and oilfield services. From DoorDash’s $3.9 billion takeover of Deliveroo to Lloyds reshaping its wealth strategy, the deals underscore how consolidation continues across UK consumer, financial, and industrial sectors.
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Google UK cut 400 jobs despite nearly £3bn in revenue. The company reduced headcount to 7,029 in 2024 while pre-tax profits rose above £400m. The cuts coincide with a £5bn UK investment plan, a new Waltham Cross data centre, and a £25bn lawsuit over online advertising practices.
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Tesco warns of challenges absorbing additional costs amid tax concerns. Tesco’s Ken Murphy expressed concerns over rising costs, including increased national insurance and packaging levies. Despite these challenges, Tesco has raised its profit forecast following a strong summer sales performance.
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Tesla delivers record vehicles despite European setbacks. The electric carmaker exported 497,099 vehicles in Q3 2025, driven by US tax incentives. However, European sales fell 43% year-on-year, with competition and limited models impacting growth.
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Inflation concerns rise as UK businesses plan price hikes. A Bank of England survey reveals businesses intend to increase prices significantly, with inflation expectations remaining high. Hiring intentions are the weakest since 2020, indicating economic caution.
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HM Treasury shifts decisively to cloud-based IT infrastructure. The department spent over £63.6m on cloud services in three years, eliminating on-premise systems entirely, reflecting a broader digital transformation agenda within public spending and tax policy.
