• UK corporate cyber-attacks surge as digital risks grow

    One in four UK firms faced a cyber-attack last year. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors warns outdated building technology is fuelling a wave of breaches, as new data shows businesses of all sizes are increasingly vulnerable — with owners urged to modernise defences and audit digital risks.


  • AI adoption squeezes UK entry-level job market

    UK entry-level roles have dropped by a third since 2022. Automation is accelerating across sectors, with graduate and junior roles squeezed hardest. New figures show retail listings are down 78%, while AI hiring trends are reshaping the wider UK job market.


  • FCA sets out new ‘targeted support’ advice model

    The FCA has proposed a major reform to investment guidance. A new ‘targeted support’ category would let firms give low-cost prompts to consumers without breaching advice rules, aiming to address a gap that leaves millions without affordable help.


  • Lotus reaffirms UK factory commitment

    Lotus has denied reports it will close its UK factory. The carmaker confirmed that production at its Hethel plant remains paused, but not closing, as officials moved to reassure workers and clarify media reports suggesting a US relocation.


  • UK M&A deals of the week: 28 June 2025

    Five new UK deals signal strong mid-cap appetite. Advent’s £3.8bn Spectris bid headlines a week of sponsor-driven takeovers and trade interest across tech, energy, and education. Deal flow remains weighted to the sub-£200m tier, with UK targets drawing both private equity and listed buyers.


  • Alibaba opens competition for UK, EU SMEs

    Alibaba launches competition for UK and European SMEs. The Co-Create Pitch awards offer a £750,000 prize for innovative products, with shortlisted companies pitching at events in Las Vegas and London. The competition aims to support SMEs’ digital sourcing and product development.


  • SMEs alarmed by Companies House rule

    New Companies House rules will impact small UK businesses. Small firms must disclose financial data and use commercial software, raising concerns about costs and competitiveness. The government aims to enhance corporate transparency, but critics fear unintended consequences for the sector.


  • Starmer thanks businesses for bearing brunt of tax

    UK businesses urged against further tax hikes amid financial strain. Prime Minister Keir Starmer thanked businesses for handling the £23 billion national insurance increase but faced calls from industry leaders to avoid additional tax rises, citing unsustainable financial pressures.


  • EIS becomes first cloud-native insurer to secure AI ethics certification

    EIS achieves ISO 42001 certification for AI governance leadership. The cloud-native insurance platform provider is the first in its category to receive the new global standard for AI management systems, reinforcing its commitment to ethical, accountable AI deployment in the insurance sector.


  • UK set to lose most millionaires in 2025

    The UK set to lose more millionaires than any country. A report indicates 16,500 millionaires will exit Britain by 2025. This trend highlights concerns over the UK’s economic competitiveness and tax environment, potentially impacting the nation’s wealth retention and economic health.