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ONS plans a 2027 transition to new transformed labour data. The existing Labour Force Survey will remain the headline source while the replacement system undergoes further testing and readiness reviews.
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Bellway delivered more homes despite weaker demand and rising costs. Completions increased 10.8%, but the forward order book fell as higher mortgage rates and affordability pressures weighed on reservations.
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UK foreign exchange trading reached another record in April 2026. Average daily turnover climbed to $4.609tn, with swaps, spot trading, and options all recording increases from the previous Bank of England survey.
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Funding Circle has secured fresh institutional capital for UK SMEs. Castlelake has committed up to £500m over two years, expanding the platform’s lending capacity and adding another major institutional investor to its funding base.
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Ofcom has opened a compliance investigation into Zayo Group UK. The regulator is examining whether information supplied under a statutory request connected to telecoms-security duties was complete, accurate, and provided within the required timeframe.
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Plus500 lifted first-half revenue while increasing shareholder returns again materially. Revenue rose 12% to $462.9m, customer income reached a five-year high, and the group announced another $182.5m of dividends and share buybacks.
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Five fintechs have joined the FCA’s specialist Scale-up Unit programme. ClearScore, Modulr, Teya, Urban Jungle, and Zilch will receive tailored regulatory support as the regulator increases its focus on governance and controls during rapid growth.
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Sumitomo has taken a third of Gwynt Glas offshore wind. The Japanese group’s first floating-wind investment gives it an equal stake alongside EDF power solutions and ESB in the proposed 1.5GW Celtic Sea project.
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Drought now covers more than seven-tenths of England’s total area. Agriculture, water supplies, navigation, and businesses face increasing pressure after exceptionally dry conditions, with more than 27 million people already subject to water-use restrictions.
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Nichols is buying VITHIT to broaden its drinks portfolio significantly. The €75m cash-funded acquisition adds a profitable functional-drinks brand with UK, Irish, and international distribution, and is expected to enhance earnings immediately.