-
British Business Bank is increasing life sciences fund commitments significantly. It has agreed £135m across two Advent vehicles spanning early-stage development and later growth, taking commitments to specialist life sciences funds above £745m.
-
Christian Aid has launched a climate resilience investment fund today. The vehicle aims to build £20m by 2030 and provide patient finance to locally owned businesses addressing climate adaptation in vulnerable emerging markets.
-
UK businesses reported weaker turnover as labour costs remained elevated. ONS data shows more companies experienced declining August sales, while input costs, energy concerns, and expected price rises continue to shape operating conditions.
-
The FCA has refreshed Consumer Duty priorities across financial services. Updated supervisory work covers fair value, customer understanding, investments, insurance, and retail banking as the regulator seeks greater reliance on outcomes rather than additional prescriptive rules.
-
Northern Ireland’s investment fund has passed £100m in total investment. Seventy-five transactions across 64 businesses have combined more than £44m of fund capital with over £62m of additional private-sector finance.
-
Amaiz has launched local-network payments across ninety-six international markets today. The service targets SMEs paying overseas suppliers and contractors, offering an alternative to relying exclusively on SWIFT for routine cross-border transactions.
-
A £190m charging scheme has entered formal subsidy scrutiny today. The proposed government programme would fund electricity-network upgrades at motorway service areas where connection costs are constraining open-access electric vehicle charging.
-
Energy supplier service improved modestly before another difficult winter period. Citizens Advice recorded shorter call waits and a higher median rating, although performance remains uneven and millions of households are worried about meeting energy costs.
-
AI use is reshaping workloads across Britain’s hybrid workplaces rapidly. Owl Labs found 57% of workers face higher output expectations from AI, while stress, employee monitoring, and concern over job security remain prominent.
-
Vistry is shrinking operations after a £661m first-half statutory loss. The housebuilder will halve its operating regions, reduce its land bank, and target lower volumes as chief executive Adam Daniels seeks tighter cash control and more consistent execution.