Business

Google has unveiled plans to invest an additional £5 billion in the UK over the next two years, in a move it says will help expand the country’s artificial intelligence economy, create thousands of jobs and accelerate breakthroughs in science and technology. The announcement coincides with the state visit of US President Donald Trump, during which major technology and energy deals are expected to dominate the agenda. The investment will include significant spending on Google’s...

Britain’s labour market showed fresh signs of cooling in August as payroll employment fell again and the pace of wage growth slowed, according to official figures. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the number of people on payrolls dropped by 8,000 to 30.3 million in August, following a revised fall of 6,000 in July. Over the past 12 months, payrolls have contracted by 127,000. The unemployment rate held steady at 4.7% in the three...

Nory, the AI-native restaurant management startup, has raised $37 million in Series B funding to accelerate the rollout of its platform, which helps hospitality businesses cut costs, streamline operations, and improve profitability. The round, led by Swedish investor Kinnevik, brings Nory’s total funding to $63 million. Existing backers including Accel also participated, underscoring investor confidence in the company’s vision and growth trajectory. The announcement comes at a pivotal moment for the UK’s hospitality sector, which...

The United States and China have reached a breakthrough agreement on TikTok’s future, paving the way for the video-sharing app to transfer into US-controlled ownership after years of political wrangling. US trade representative Jamieson Greer confirmed on Monday that negotiators had struck a framework deal with Beijing following high-level talks in Madrid. Treasury secretary Scott Bessent said the commercial terms had been finalised between “two private parties”, but declined to disclose details, adding only that...

BGC Group has raised a record $14 million (£11.2m) during its annual BGC Charity Day, the highest total in the event’s 21-year history. Since its inception in 2005, in memory of 658 BGC colleagues and 61 Eurobrokers employees who died in the 9/11 attacks, the event has generated more than $234 million globally. Every year, 100% of revenues and broker commissions from a single day’s trading are donated directly to charity. Star power boosts giving...

Helena Morrissey is one of the City’s most recognisable figures. Appointed chief executive of Newton Investment Management at 35, she more than doubled assets under management over the following 15 years. Now chair of Fidelis and of the Eton College endowment, the investor and campaigner joined Wilfred Frost on The Master Investor Podcast. In a conversation that ranged from gilt markets to free speech, she offered a brisk diagnosis of the UK’s competitiveness—and some clear...

Employers face significant challenges when handling sexual allegation disputes, impacting both reputation and legal standing. Implementing clear policies and swift response mechanisms are essential steps in reducing liability and maintaining a safe workplace. Collaborating with legal experts ensures compliance and protects corporate interests. Addressing sexual allegation disputes effectively is crucial for maintaining a safe and respectful work environment. Employers must navigate these sensitive situations with tact and efficiency to protect both their employees and the...

A new player in football talent management has entered the game. M+C Saatchi Football, co-founded by former England and Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp, officially launched today with a mission to redefine the future of player representation. The agency, a joint venture between Redknapp, M&C Saatchi Talent Group, and sports lawyer Udo Onwere of leading London law firm Bray & Krais, promises a holistic approach that champions the person behind the player. Its long-term vision is...

From adaptable sustainable fashion to creative date-night planning, a new wave of women-led ventures has been given a major boost after the Built By Her, Backed By Us campaign raised £100,000 to support female founders across Britain. The joint initiative by Crowdfunder and lifestyle platform Muddy Stilettos set out to champion women entrepreneurs with grassroots fundraising, mentoring, and promotional support. Alongside the community-driven funding effort, the campaign offered a £10,000 prize package for one standout...

Nominations have opened for the 2026 Non-Executive Director (NED) Awards, organised by investment bank Peel Hunt, with next year’s ceremony marking the 20th anniversary of the prestigious event. Founded in 2006, the NED Awards were established to celebrate the achievements of non-executive directors who play a critical role in guiding businesses through periods of growth, uncertainty and transformation. With global conflicts, shifting trade policies, Trump-era tariffs and a Labour government facing economic challenges, boards have...