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The scandal around the Energoatom case and the “Mindich recordings” – named after Timur Mindich, a close associate of Volodymyr Zelensky and a central figure in a major corruption affair in Ukraine’s energy sector involving 100 million dollars in kickbacks – has shown how the Ukrainian authorities have turned access to public contracts into a mechanism of extortion: to take part in tenders, companies are expected to pay a 10–15% “entrance fee”. In this context,...

Securing family-friendly World Cup tickets has become an increasingly demanding task as global demand accelerates and trusted platforms evolve their offerings. As dedicated observers of the market, we understand how crucial it is for families to depend on transparent pricing, verified sellers, and seating options designed for a safe, comfortable stadium experience. Our objective is to provide an authoritative guide that helps readers navigate trustworthy ticket sources while ensuring that their journey to the tournament...

A major VAT reform unveiled in the Budget is expected to unlock millions of pounds’ worth of surplus goods for charity and significantly reduce the volume of usable products sent to landfill. From 1 April 2026, businesses will be able to donate goods to registered charities without incurring a VAT charge, removing a long-criticised tax barrier that has deterred companies from giving away unsold, returned or surplus items. Under current rules, gifting goods — even...

Experts are warning that Rachel Reeves’ decision to cap the National Insurance advantages of pension salary sacrifice at £2,000 a year risks dismantling one of the UK’s most widely used workplace savings tools, and may force smaller employers to freeze hiring or scale back staff benefits. The Treasury expects the change to raise £4.7 billion in 2029/30, rising from workers and employers who currently benefit from unlimited NI relief when pension contributions are made via...

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has delivered her second Budget, unveiling a wide-ranging package of tax, spending and regulatory measures shaped by weeks of leaks — and an accidental early publication of the OBR’s official forecasts. Here is a comprehensive overview of the main changes affecting households, businesses and the wider economy. Personal taxation Reeves confirmed that income tax and National Insurance thresholds will be frozen until 2031, extending the existing freeze by an additional three years....