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The UK’s competition watchdog has begun an investigation into insurance giant Aviva’s proposed £3.7bn acquisition of Direct Line. The Competition and Markets Authority said it had commenced its phase one inquiry to establish whether the deal would result in a “realistic prospect of a substantial lessening of competition.” The CMA has invited comment on the…
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Business groups warn that the UK’s new immigration reforms could harm economic growth unless backed by urgent investment in domestic skills and training systems. Read more: Business leaders warn immigration reforms could undermine growth without urgent training reform
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The UK government’s recently unveiled immigration white paper has triggered cautious optimism across the tech sector, as policymakers aim to reverse a talent bottleneck that many say has long stifled innovation and growth. As part of a broader industrial strategy targeting sectors like AI, quantum, and green tech, the paper outlines steps to widen access…
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With confidence at record lows, managers face rising costs, shrinking headcounts, and a renewed focus on workforce planning.
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UK wage growth slowed to 5.6% while unemployment rose to 4.5%, as businesses braced for tax increases and a higher minimum wage, according to latest ONS data. Read more: UK wage growth slows as unemployment edges up ahead of tax and wage hikes
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Apple is considering raising prices for its next iPhone lineup, with increases likely tied top new features and design changes, rather than ongoing US-China trade tensions. The current lineup ranges from $799 to $1,199. Yet analysts believe the newest model, Pro Max, could hit $1,900 if its pricing reflects upgrades and tariff costs. The Wall…
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A new government-backed Lilac review reveals that systemic barriers faced by disabled business owners could be costing the UK economy up to £230 billion annually. Read more: Barriers faced by disabled entrepreneurs cost UK economy £230bn, report warns
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Heathrow Airport reported an increase in transatlantic passenger traffic in April despite President Donald Trump’s policy changes sparking a sharp downturn in US tourism. Some 1.8m passengers travelled between North America and the UK’s busiest hub over the month, up 5.5 per cent year-on-year. Heathrow also said year-to-date traffic to and from New York’s JFK…
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Santander rebuffed an £11bn bid for its UK retail banking division from Natwest earlier this year because it was was too low. The two lenders are no longer in negotiations, according to people familliar with the matter cited by the Financial Times, despite consistent speculation about the fate of the Spanish financial juggernaut’s UK business.…
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Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey has urged renewed efforts to restore trade relations with the European Union.