
Aston Martin creditors are threatening action over contested financing arrangements. Bondholders argue that elements of a £550 million package and proposed brand-rights transaction could weaken their existing protections.

UK vacancies fell while employer demand for AI skills surged. Indeed recorded an 11% decline in postings this year, alongside record technology requirements and the weakest graduate market since 2020.

Sovereign AI has backed British chip developer OLIX with equity. The investment forms part of a nine-figure fundraising round supporting specialist processors for cheaper and less energy-intensive AI inference.

Clarkson delivered record interim results as shipping disruption lifted demand. Revenue increased by 39%, while underlying pre-tax profit rose 56% amid longer trade routes, stronger markets, and geopolitical volatility.

Apple has again challenged Britain’s encrypted cloud data access demand. The tribunal case renews the dispute over whether government access can coexist with end-to-end encryption and secure international technology services.

EY warns prolonged Hormuz disruption could push Britain into recession. Its downside model shows GDP contracting by 0.2% in 2027 and inflation potentially reaching 6.4% this year.

UK manufacturing expanded again, but July growth lost momentum markedly. The PMI fell to a four-month low as employment stagnated, inventories declined, and geopolitical disruption complicated operating decisions.

Shell is selling European renewable assets to TotalEnergies this year. The portfolio spans four countries as Shell redirects capital towards trading, flexible generation, and customer energy services.

EasyJet has aligned rival takeover deadlines ahead of Friday’s decision. Apollo and Castlelake must formalise their approaches or withdraw, bringing the airline’s £5.7 billion ownership contest to its next stage.

England’s Capital Grants budget is rapidly approaching full allocation now. Defra says 75% of the enlarged £225 million fund has been committed, narrowing the application window for environmental and resilience projects.