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NHS organisations remain divided over the value of Palantir’s platform. Information requests reveal concerns about adoption, although NHS England reports substantial deployment and benefits at participating trusts.
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Small business rates relief may expand following the October Budget. Reports suggest a higher threshold could exempt approximately 75,000 additional properties, although ministers have not confirmed the measure.
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Barclays faces another restructuring charge as its efficiency programme continues. The reported £125m UK expense remains unconfirmed ahead of quarterly results, which investors expect to show strong profitability.
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Condé Nast’s British business reported sharply lower underlying annual profits. UK revenue declined while international sales increased, with restructuring expenditure also rising during the financial year.
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Ministers are considering further changes to apprenticeship funding for employers. The proposal could increase the contribution required for older apprentices, beyond restrictions that already took effect in August.
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Nearly £1bn remains exposed across collapsed high-risk mini-bond investment schemes. An investigation highlights unresolved investor losses, intermediary commissions and questions about regulatory protections.
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Microsoft’s withdrawal highlights electricity constraints on Britain’s AI infrastructure ambitions. Nscale’s planned Essex facility faces uncertainty over its power connection, leaving the developer to examine alternatives.
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The Government has signalled potential intervention in Sky’s ITV acquisition. The proposed transaction, worth up to £1.6bn, excludes ITV Studios; ministers have not issued a formal intervention notice or blocked the deal.
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The CIPD has requested more time for workplace access reforms. Its 14 October letter asks ministers to delay the proposed start from 30 October to 1 January; no change to the Government’s published timetable has been announced.
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Oxford biotechnology company OMass has secured significant new investment funding. The $310m Series C round will support clinical development of an endocrine drug candidate and early clinical work on an immunology programme.