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 how do you integrate emerging technology, such as AI, into the business of government? And...
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 for mindful alternatives to traditional energy drinks and coffee. Launched in November 2023 by podcast...
Amazon’s use of warehouse robots has surged to more than one million, putting them on par with the number of human workers and signalling a pivotal shift in the ecommerce giant’s operations towards AI-driven automation. The milestone, first reported by the Wall Street Journal, marks a turning point in Amazon’s warehouse operations, where automation now supports roughly three-quarters of all deliveries. The company has long emphasised that its robots work “alongside humans”, helping to reduce...
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 extension of the European Players Super League (EPSL), has already attracted a substantial following, with...
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 analysis highlights that takeover activity is being driven by a mix of public-to-private deals and...
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 comfortably exceeds the £1.7 billion that Sabadell paid to acquire TSB in 2015, and comes...
High street health and beauty giant Superdrug has shrugged off rising tax burdens and wage costs to expand its workforce by more than 600 roles and post a jump in pre-tax profits. In newly filed accounts for the year ending 2024, Superdrug reported a pre-tax profit of £136.8 million, up from £111.6 million the year before. The performance came despite what the company described as “pressure” on its margins due to government-imposed hikes in the...
Royal Mail has today launched a new £1 million apprenticeship levy gifting fund to help small businesses across the UK tackle skills shortages and unlock growth opportunities. The initiative, announced alongside the publication of a new report by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and Royal Mail, follows in-depth research which found that a quarter of small firms are struggling to recruit skilled workers — a major barrier to their expansion. The report, titled Small...
Greggs has warned that full-year profits will come in below last year’s level, after scorching June temperatures dented footfall and overall sales — sending the high street bakery’s shares tumbling by over 13 per cent in early Wednesday trading. The sausage roll maker told investors that total sales in the first half of the year rose 6.9 per cent to £1.3 billion, while like-for-like sales edged up by just 2.6 per cent. But the firm...
Eventwise, the end-to-end budgeting platform built for event professionals, has raised £525,000 in a funding round led by Fuel Ventures. The raise, completed on 30th June, marks a major milestone for the fast-growing startup as it scales its platform and infrastructure to meet increasing demand across the events sector. Designed to replace outdated spreadsheets and fragmented systems, Eventwise provides event teams with a single, intuitive platform to manage complex budgets. The tool streamlines financial planning,...
