Business

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming business operations worldwide. A recent McKinsey study reveals that 35% of global businesses already deploy AI technologies. Industries such as healthcare, finance, and manufacturing reap significant benefits, while e-commerce leverages algorithms to personalise customer experiences. Experts forecast that by 2030, over 70% of businesses will integrate AI for data analysis, customer interactions, and process optimisation. However, AI implementation comes with hefty investments, making it unsuitable for every organisation. Choosing the...

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has nearly doubled the amount paid to individuals providing tip-offs about suspected tax evasion, disbursing almost £1 million (£978,256) in the 2023/24 financial year compared to £508,500 the previous year. The increase comes amid growing pressure to reduce the UK’s £39.8 billion tax gap—the difference between the tax that should be collected and what is actually received. According to data obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by accountancy firm...

Researchers at the University of Richmond in Virginia have discovered that rats can be trained to drive miniature cars and appear to enjoy the experience. The study, led by Professor Kelly Lambert, found that not only can rats learn to operate tiny vehicles, but they also exhibit signs of excitement and anticipation when given the opportunity to drive. In the initial 2019 study, rats were taught to steer a car made from a plastic cereal...

A growing scandal over mis-sold motor finance could leave lenders facing compensation bills of up to £30 billion, according to a warning from leading credit rating agency Moody’s. The estimate is the highest so far and raises concerns that the issue could mirror the payment protection insurance (PPI) debacle, which ultimately cost firms around £50 billion in redress. While major banks like Lloyds Banking Group, Barclays, and Santander UK may be able to absorb the...

UK inflation climbed to a six-month high in October, surpassing the Bank of England’s 2% target, driven primarily by increased household energy bills. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that the annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose to 2.3% last month, up from 1.7% in September—the highest rate since April. This figure exceeded both economists’ forecasts of 2.2% and the Bank of England’s projection of 2.1%. The rise was widely anticipated following Ofgem’s decision...

The Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle, has commissioned new research into the impact of social media and smartphone use on children, signalling that the UK may follow Australia’s lead in considering a social media ban for under-16s. Australia is pressing ahead with plans to prohibit social media access for all individuals under 16, regardless of parental consent. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declared earlier this month: “Social media is doing harm to our kids and I’m calling...

Jaguar is set to retire its renowned “growler” logo—the iconic teeth-baring big cat that has adorned its cars for decades—as part of a bold rebranding strategy aimed at attracting younger, wealthier, and more diverse customers. The move comes as the British luxury carmaker shifts its focus towards an all-electric future, with plans to launch three electric models in 2026. While the “leaper”—the emblematic jaguar in mid-flight—will remain, it will be updated with a more angular...

Sales of vintage teddy bears have surged dramatically as nostalgia grips the collectibles market ahead of the release of Paddington in Peru next month. Vintage Cash Cow, the UK’s leading marketplace for pre-loved treasures, has reported a remarkable increase in demand for classic Paddington Bear memorabilia. The company notes that sales of these cherished toys have experienced an unprecedented rise, with collectors and fans eager to own a piece of Paddington history. Mike Hinchcliffe, Head...

Luxury fashion brand Mulberry has announced a significant restructuring plan after reporting a 19% drop in group revenues to £56.1 million for the six months ending 28 September. Newly appointed CEO Andrea Baldo revealed that 85 roles—approximately a quarter of the company’s 350-strong workforce—have been cut as part of efforts to “rebuild the business” amid challenging market conditions. The job cuts predominantly affect staff at Mulberry’s London design headquarters and some office workers in Somerset....

When dreaming of log cabins, you’ll probably visualize a wonderful small cottage in the middle of the woods, within which you can relax while warming up with cocoa and connecting with the natural world around you. But hold off till you have the opportunity to meet them. It’s Eurodita, the specialists in converting wood across dreams. For over thirty years, Eurodita has been an unnoticed architect of luxurious havens, creating mobile log cabins, glulam log...