News

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has warned that 8 in 10 UK companies will be forced to reconsider their future strategies when the proposed increase in employers’ national insurance contributions takes effect, bringing a “powder keg of costs” for businesses. In a recent poll, 82 per cent of BCC-member companies said the higher tax burden will prompt them to revisit their operational plans, while 58 per cent expect a negative impact on recruitment and...

Heathrow has revealed a record 83.9 million passengers passed through its four terminals last year, a 6 per cent increase on the previous period, boosting its pre-tax profits by nearly a third to £917 million in 2024. The update arrives just weeks after Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed government support for a third runway, describing the project as “badly needed” to bolster Britain’s global connectivity. Thomas Woldbye, Heathrow’s chief executive, pledged that the airport would invest...

The British LGBT Awards has revealed its 2025 shortlist, putting a spotlight on the most influential business leaders and organisations that continue to champion inclusion and diversity across the UK and beyond. Scheduled for Friday 20 June 2025—during Pride Month—the ceremony in London will honour individuals and companies demonstrating a tangible commitment to LGBTQ+ representation and equality in the workplace. Major corporations and brands such as HSBC, OVO Energy, Google, Burberry, Channel 4 and Legal...

Apple’s decision to withdraw its most robust security feature for British users has ignited fresh debate about data privacy and government surveillance. Late last week, the tech giant announced it would be removing the opt-in Advanced Data Protection (ADP) from iCloud in the UK, rather than bow to a request from the Home Office for so-called “backdoor” access. Advanced Data Protection applies end-to-end encryption to iCloud backups, photos, notes and other content, meaning Apple itself...

Bitcoin’s post-election surge has lost its footing, dragging the benchmark cryptocurrency below $90,000 on Tuesday—its lowest level since 18 November. Over the course of the day, bitcoin fell by as much as 7.5 per cent before recouping some losses, ultimately trading around $86,481 by lunchtime in New York. Global investors have turned away from riskier assets amid signs of a US economic slowdown. President Trump reignited concerns with pledges to impose a 25 per cent...