A chronic shortage of skilled workers is putting the UK government’s pledge to build 1.5 million new homes by 2029 at serious risk, according to new research by skills development body City & Guilds. The report reveals that 76% of construction businesses are struggling to hire the skilled labour they need, with 84% citing a “critical skills shortage” across the ...
All 17 companies that took part in the latest UK trial of a four-day working week have opted to continue with the model or a variation of it, after seeing benefits in staff wellbeing, mental health and productivity. The six-month trial, organised by the 4 Day Week Foundation and monitored by researchers at Boston College in the US, involved nearly ...
UK government bond markets steadied on Thursday morning after Keir Starmer publicly reaffirmed his support for Chancellor Rachel Reeves, easing investor concerns over fiscal stability in the wake of rising borrowing costs. The rally comes after a sharp sell-off in UK gilts earlier this week, which saw yields on long-dated bonds surge amid speculation that a change in chancellor might ...
Frasers Group, the retail empire controlled by Mike Ashley, has secured a new financing package worth up to £3.5 billion, significantly strengthening its financial firepower for future acquisitions and growth initiatives. The group announced today that it has replaced its existing £1.65 billion loan facilities with a £3 billion term loan and revolving credit facility, provided by a syndicate of ...
UK-based custom furniture brand Roomix has secured £850,000 in fresh investment to accelerate its growth and reimagine how families furnish their homes. The funding round brings the startup’s total raised to over £1 million since its 2022 launch. Founded by Shona Chalmers and Mark Apter, Roomix aims to make bespoke furniture more accessible to modern families. The company connects customers ...
Across the globe, countries are waking up to the potential of advanced technology. From the EU’s pioneering AI Act to various tech conferences – such as the Global AI Summit, set to be held in Canada later this year – nations are coming together under the commitment to reap the benefits of digital transformation, while seeking to mitigate risks. But ...
The World Players Super League (WPSL), a pioneering golf league that brings together amateur golfers from around the world to compete in a single, global competition, has generated significant interest from investors. With a current valuation of £50 billion, the global golf market is expected to continue growing, driven by increasing demand for golf-related experiences and merchandise. The WPSL, an ...
Neutronic, the nootropics drink brand founded by Chris Williamson and James Smith, has raised $3.7 million in its first external funding round, valuing the company at $20 million just 18 months after its launch. The round attracted a high-profile group of investors, including fitness entrepreneur Kayla Itsines and Grenade founder Alan Barratt, as Neutonic looks to capitalise on booming demand ...
Santander has announced a £2.65 billion all-cash deal to acquire TSB from Spanish rival Sabadell, marking another significant move in the wave of UK banking consolidation. The takeover, which is expected to complete in the first quarter of 2026 subject to regulatory approval, will see Santander absorb TSB’s five-million-strong customer base and expand its UK footprint further. The acquisition price ...
The UK is on pace for its busiest year of takeovers since 2021, with £74 billion in bids tabled for British companies in the first six months of 2025, according to new research from broker Peel Hunt. The surge is being fuelled by both domestic consolidation and aggressive moves by overseas private equity, particularly from the United States. Peel Hunt’s ...