
Merck cancels £1bn London drug centre, impacting UK growth. The pharmaceutical giant will lay off 127 employees, citing an unfavourable UK investment climate. This follows AstraZeneca’s similar decision, highlighting industry frustration with current government policies.

UK fintech activity remains robust despite investment decline in 2025. The first half of 2025 saw significant acquisitions and partnerships in UK fintech, though investment fell by five per cent. Threats from emerging financial hubs continue to challenge the sector.

The Online Safety Act faces significant evasion challenges. Nearly one-third of UK consumers bypass adult content checks, while VPN usage soars. Despite public support for age verification, concerns about censorship and the act’s effectiveness persist.

Planet Mark appoints Avital Johanan as Managing Director. She succeeds founder Steve Malkin and will lead the sustainability certification provider’s focus on supply chain management, crucial for businesses aiming for carbon reduction and net zero targets….

Nitricity secures $50 million to expand organic fertilizer production. The cleantech firm aims to scale its low-emission nitrogen fertilizer technology, addressing global greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing agricultural sustainability. The investment supports expansion in the US and Europe….

ServiceNow and Socialsuite launch combined sustainability and risk solution. The collaboration aims to enhance ESG compliance using AI and software, integrating sustainability and risk management capabilities to meet evolving regulatory requirements effectively….

West Ham United extends partnership with cybersecurity firm Salus. The renewed multi-year agreement with Salus will enhance West Ham United’s cybersecurity measures, ensuring protection against evolving threats while increasing the firm’s branding visibility at the club’s facilities….

Anglo American and Teck agree to a $53 billion merger. London-listed Anglo American will merge with Canada’s Teck Resources to form Anglo Teck, aiming to capitalise on copper demand while promising synergies. The move drew mixed reactions in the UK amid concern over the new entity’s Canadian base.

Starmer forms a “budget board” to mend business relations. The board will meet weekly to coordinate growth policies before the Autumn Budget on 26 November. It aims to maintain strong ties with business leaders and the City.

The Supreme Court will decide if Trump overreached on tariffs. The justices will hear the fast-tracked case in November, with up to $1 trillion in duties at stake. The ruling could redefine trade powers and reshape the balance between Congress and the presidency.