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Ofgem raises energy price cap by 2% for October-December. Despite a decline in wholesale prices, typical household energy costs will rise to £1,755 annually. The increase is less than 2024’s inflation-adjusted figure and £625 below the 2023 peak.
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Blackstone to acquire Shermco for $1.6 billion. Shermco, a Texas-based electrical services provider, will be acquired by Blackstone, enhancing its focus on energy transition and electrification opportunities. The acquisition is part of Blackstone’s ongoing strategy in this sector….
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Nearly 70% of UK businesses support mandatory sustainability reporting. A survey of 150 senior sustainability leaders indicates strong backing for mandatory disclosure, with 69% in favour. However, regulatory uncertainty and manual reporting remain significant challenges for many firms.
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Asda partners with Lloyds for sustainability-linked finance scheme. The initiative offers UK suppliers improved financing rates based on sustainability performance, assessed by EcoVadis. It aims to enhance Asda’s supply chain resilience and align with its ESG goals.
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Broadcasting, biotech, and wealth management dominated U.S. M&A this week. Nexstar’s $6.2 billion bid for Tegna led the headlines, while Honeywell added utility platforms, XOMA Royalty expanded in oncology, and wealth managers pursued consolidation. Mubadala’s take-private of CI Financial added sovereign weight to a diverse week of deals.
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UK M&A activity spanned semiconductors, fintech, property, advisory, and aerospace. Five key transactions defined this week, led by Haylo Labs’ security-approved purchase of Plessey, alongside Starling’s acquisition of Ember and Leonard Curtis’s stake sale to Pollen Street Capital, highlighting national-interest sectors and private capital momentum.
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UK banks close over a third of branches in five years. Traditional banks have significantly reduced their physical presence, citing increased digital banking adoption. This trend is driven by changing customer preferences, though it has raised concerns about access to cash services.
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The Youth Guarantee trailblazer scheme has been extended by £45m. Ministers say the latest ONS figures — nearly one million young people classified as NEET — underscore the urgency. The extension supports eight regional pilots delivering personalised interventions, though critics warn that stronger action is still needed.
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Eurozone businesses show growth as UK company confidence remains fragile. Fresh data reveals continental factories and services gaining pace, while UK surveys highlight costs, labour pressures, and deep uncertainty. But why is Europe moving forward while Britain struggles to find momentum?
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New trade deal imposes 15% cap on most EU exports. The United States and European Union have signed a tariff framework capping most duties at 15%, exempting select sectors and outlining reciprocal measures in energy, agriculture and investment. The provisional pact leaves several disputes unresolved, with legislative steps still pending.