Britain’s two largest steelmakers have warned that President Donald Trump’s tariffs are already causing a decline in business from American customers, with further economic damage expected in the months ahead. Tata Steel, which operates from Port Talbot, and British Steel, which runs the Scunthorpe steelworks, say the 25% tariff on British steel and aluminium exports to the US has “spooked customers” and is forcing them to seek alternative suppliers. In a hearing before MPs on...
Angelos Frangopoulos says Ofcom investigation is part of a political campaign against free speech The chief executive of GB News has accused far-left activists of waging a “coordinated political campaign” against the channel after Ofcom launched another investigation into its programming. Angelos Frangopoulos said GB News was facing an “orchestrated attack” by pressure groups seeking to silence the broadcaster, which styles itself as a challenger to mainstream media. The controversy centres on an episode of...
The UK government’s decision to integrate artificial intelligence into public sector operations has raised concerns over potential job losses, particularly within the civil service. However, leading software consultancy Scott Logic has argued that the adoption of AI will drive efficiency and open up new opportunities rather than eliminate roles. The civil service workforce has expanded significantly in recent years, now exceeding 540,000 employees. Much of this growth has been attributed to the creation of taskforces...
81% of customers prefer a personalised experience with 62% of businesses claiming that personalisation has led to improved customer retention. Download rates of customized electronic devices keep increasing because users and businesses want personalized solutions and supply chain management tools that fit their unique requirements. Companies use Configure Price Quote (CPQ) software to automate their product configuration work while also guaranteeing precise pricing and errorless quote generation. The following article will introduce CPQ software benefits...
Jonathan Reynolds will urge Donald Trump’s administration to exempt British steel from punitive tariffs as he embarks on high-stakes trade negotiations in Washington. On Tuesday, the Business Secretary will become the first UK minister to hold direct talks with the new Trump administration, aiming to secure crucial exemptions from the US president’s global tariff regime. Mr Reynolds is set to meet Howard Lutnick, the US Commerce Secretary, and Jamieson Greer, the US Trade Representative, to...
In today’s fast-paced, digitally-driven world, consumer expectations have evolved significantly. With the rise of the internet, smartphones, and other technological advancements, consumers now demand convenience, speed, and personalised experiences. To meet these growing expectations and stay competitive, businesses across various sectors are adopting new technologies. From artificial intelligence (AI) and automation to data analytics and customer relationship management (CRM) systems, companies are utilising a wide range of tools to enhance their services and improve customer...
The pound has surged to a four-month high against the US dollar as concerns over Donald Trump’s escalating trade war spark fears of an American recession. Sterling edged up by 0.1% on Tuesday, surpassing the $1.30 threshold for the first time since November, as the US president’s hardline stance on tariffs unnerved global markets. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent fuelled uncertainty over the weekend, cautioning that there were “no guarantees” the United States could avoid...
Kemi Badenoch has always prided herself on being the straight-talking, no-nonsense politician, unafraid to ruffle feathers and say the supposedly unsayable. A darling of the right, a would-be Thatcher 2.0, she has spent her political career carving out an image of economic pragmatism wrapped in a distinctly ideological package. Whilst her delivery is far from the ‘Iron Lady’, her latest move—seemingly pandering to Reform voters by stepping back from the UK’s Net Zero commitments—feels less...
The world of banking and payments is evolving rapidly, with embedded finance and Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) reshaping how businesses interact with financial services. Barry O’Sullivan, Head of Banking and Payments Infrastructure at OpenPayd, recently spoke with Payments Consulting Network about the challenges businesses face in accessing banking services and how OpenPayd is providing a seamless solution. O’Sullivan explained how businesses today require more than just a bank account—they need financial infrastructure that integrates directly into their...
A new study has revealed growing dissatisfaction with workplace policies and financial support for parents, with many employees feeling let down by both their employers and government schemes. The Beyond the Birth Rate report by Fertility Family highlights the impact of employment conditions on family planning, as the UK birth rate has fallen by 26.9% over the past 15 years. The research suggests that financial insecurity, rigid working structures, and inadequate parental leave are discouraging...
