Northern Ireland bus manufacturer Wrightbus is set to supply up to 1,000 zero-emission buses across the UK as it embarks on a significant expansion programme, increasing production by 40% and creating 1,000 new jobs over the next two years. The Ballymena-based firm also revealed plans to invest £5 million in developing the UK’s first long-distance hydrogen coach, capable of travelling ...
The UK economy recorded stronger-than-expected growth of 0.5% in February, offering a welcome boost to business confidence and easing immediate fears that President Trump’s global tariff policy would constrain British output. Figures released on Friday by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed broad-based expansion across services, production and construction. The result far outpaced economists’ forecasts of 0.1% growth, and ...
London’s iconic Bond Street has reclaimed its position as Europe’s most expensive shopping street, thanks to a sharp rise in demand for prime retail space among global luxury brands. According to new research from Savills, prime headline rents on Bond Street surged 20% in 2023, reaching £13,162 per square metre — overtaking Milan’s Via Monte Napoleone, which stood at £12,872 ...
The Conservative Party has launched the next phase of its Policy Renewal Programme, with a renewed focus on business. Speaking today, Andrew Griffith MP, the Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Trade, unveiled plans for what he calls the biggest review and engagement process with British businesses in a generation. Drawing on his background as a former FTSE100 CFO, ...
Former Conservative cabinet minister Penny Mordaunt has come under fire after accepting a paid consultancy role with British American Tobacco (BAT), one of the world’s largest tobacco firms — a move described by critics as incompatible with public health responsibilities. Mordaunt, who previously held ministerial roles in health, work, and disability, is now advising BAT’s newly formed Tobacco Harm Reduction ...
The UK economy is evolving, with new industries continuously emerging as technological advancements, changing consumer behaviours, and environmental concerns shape the landscape. For businesses looking to stay competitive and ahead of the curve, it’s essential to identify which sectors are poised for growth. Green Energy and Sustainability With the increasing urgency to address climate change, the green energy and sustainability ...
Buying a home is likely one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, and navigating the Irish property market comes with its own unique challenges and rewards. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, relocating to Ireland, or simply moving to a new area within the country, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about securing your ...
Manchester United legend Eric Cantona has launched a scathing attack on Sir Jim Ratcliffe, accusing the club’s minority owner of “trying to destroy everything” that makes the club special — including ignoring Cantona’s personal offer to help rebuild it. Speaking at a fan event for FC United of Manchester — the breakaway club formed in 2005 by disillusioned supporters protesting ...
Gas boiler installations in the UK outpaced heat pump fittings by more than 15 to one last year, highlighting how far the country still has to go in meeting its clean energy targets. According to new research by the Resolution Foundation, the uptake of low-carbon alternatives is well off track — with poorer households particularly shut out of the transition. ...
Royal Mail is trialling a high-tech, solar-powered postbox equipped with a barcode scanner and a larger hatch designed to accept parcels — in what it calls the biggest transformation to postbox design in more than 175 years. Dubbed the “postbox of the future”, the new design reflects the growing shift in the postal sector as parcel volumes soar and letter ...