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UK businesses are being urged to tighten controls around their use of artificial intelligence in 2026, as legal experts warn that poorly governed AI systems are exposing companies to mounting legal, financial and reputational risks. From unclear ownership of AI-generated content to data protection breaches and misleading outputs, advisers say many organisations have adopted AI tools faster than they have put safeguards in place, leaving them vulnerable as regulation accelerates. Copyright and ownership disputes remain...

A bitter trademark dispute over the Beckham name has emerged as a key factor in the growing rift between the Beckhams and their son Brooklyn Beckham and his wife Nicola Peltz, underscoring how intellectual property law can collide with family relationships when a surname becomes a commercial asset. The row centres on control of the Beckham name, which has long been protected as a trademark across multiple commercial categories. While the dispute has played out...

Government borrowing fell sharply in December after a surge in income tax and national insurance receipts helped narrow the monthly deficit, offering short-term relief for the Treasury but little comfort over the longer-term health of the public finances. Figures published by the Office for National Statistics showed public sector borrowing fell to £11.6 billion in December, £7.1 billion lower than the same month a year earlier, a 38 per cent reduction. The improvement was driven...

The government is facing fresh calls to extend its business rates relief scheme for pubs to include hotels, as the accommodation sector grapples with sharp increases in taxes, wages and operating costs. The appeal has been made by leading audit, tax and business advisory firm Blick Rothenberg, which warned that hotels are under growing financial strain and risk job losses without targeted support. Darsh Shah, a partner at the firm, said ministers were planning to...

A Leeds-based technology start-up has raised £23 million to accelerate the commercial rollout of its light-powered computer chips, in a move that could strengthen the UK’s position in the global race to develop next-generation artificial intelligence hardware. Optalysys will use the funding to scale its photonic computing technology and expand operations into the United States. The investment round was led by Northern Gritstone, with backing from the UK government’s National Security Strategic Investment Fund. Optalysys...

Capital gains tax (CGT) receipts fell sharply last year, reinforcing concerns that higher taxes on investment gains are failing to deliver additional revenue while discouraging business activity. New figures published by HM Revenue and Customs show CGT receipts totalled £13.646 billion in 2025, down from £14.900 billion in 2024 — a decline of 8.4 per cent. Wealth managers said the fall suggests investors and business owners are increasingly deferring disposals in response to a tougher...