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Republicans raise alarm over US vulnerability to mass drone strikes after Israel-Iran conflict

A group of House Republicans is demanding to know how the U.S. is ready to protect its own domestic assets in the event of a potential attack on the homeland. ‘We write to inquire with the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) about the current state of drone attack countermeasures for our military installations, government buildings, embassies, and consulates, both domestic and abroad,’ the GOP lawmakers wrote in a...

UK Export Finance unveils new tools to boost SME global trade

UK Export Finance (UKEF) has announced new measures to support small businesses across the UK in expanding their global trade operations, delivering on key commitments set out in the government’s new Trade Strategy. As the government’s export credit agency, UKEF is enhancing its suite of trade finance and insurance products to make international trade more accessible, efficient and secure – particularly for smaller businesses. Among the key announcements today: • The Small Exporter Builder: A...

Manchester businessman cleared of hacking charges in ICO case

A Manchester entrepreneur has been cleared of computer hacking after a private prosecution brought by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). Craig Cornick, who runs several companies in the legal and financial services sectors, was found not guilty by a unanimous jury at Bolton Crown Court of conspiring to access computer systems without authority. The allegations related to historic incidents said to have taken place between 2014 and 2017 at a previous business, and centred on...

Winners announced at Isle of Man Innovation Challenge 2025

Four standout teams have been crowned winners of the Isle of Man Innovation Challenge 2025, following a global competition showcasing cutting-edge solutions in cleantech, data and AI, fintech, and sustainability. Now in its third year, the Innovation Challenge attracted over 100 entrants from more than 20 countries, with 14 finalists selected to take part in an intensive 12-week programme. During the process, participants received hands-on support from Isle of Man regulators, government agencies, investors and...

Automakers want US to move faster on self-driving car rules

WASHINGTON – Major automakers want Congress and the Trump administration to move faster to make it easier to deploy autonomous vehicles without human controls as new robotaxi tests expand. Congress has been divided for years about whether to pass legislation to address deployment hurdles, while the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has not moved quickly to rewrite safety rules or allow exemptions for up to 2,500 vehicles without human controls annually and ease other hurdles. “The auto...

UK SMEs must strengthen cybersecurity as geopolitical threats escalate, warns Espria

UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are being urged to bolster their cyber defences amid a growing wave of politically motivated attacks, as global tensions and conflicts intensify the threat landscape. The warning comes after a recent Sky News investigation revealed an increase in cyberattacks linked to the Iran conflict, with businesses across multiple sectors increasingly being targeted. Speaking at the NATO Summit this week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called on UK companies of...

SMEs cautiously optimistic despite trade fears and AI talent gap, says Vistage

UK and Irish SME leaders are showing signs of cautious optimism despite mounting challenges in international trade, AI adoption and leadership burnout, according to the latest Vistage CEO Confidence Index. The Index, which tracks sentiment among small and mid-sized business leaders, rose modestly to 89.5 from 87.5 in the first quarter. While resilience remains a defining trait of the sector, the survey of business leaders paints a complex picture: over half (55%) expect higher sales...

Alibaba launches £750,000 pitch competition for UK and European SMEs

Alibaba has launched a £750,000 innovation competition aimed at small and medium-sized businesses in the UK and across Europe, as part of its drive to support digital entrepreneurship and global trade. The Co-Create Pitch Awards, which were previously open only to international participants outside Europe, will now invite UK and EU-based SMEs to showcase their product ideas in a contest judged on innovation, market potential and feasibility. Entrants are encouraged to submit 30-second videos on...

Padel club boom sees 3,200 venues built in 2024 as global popularity accelerates

Padel continues its meteoric rise, with more than 3,200 new clubs built globally in 2024 – the equivalent of one opening every two and a half hours – according to the newly released 2025 Global Padel Report by Playtomic and PwC. Over 7,000 new courts were added last year, cementing padel’s place as one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide. The report identifies Europe as the sport’s dominant force, but highlights growing momentum in North America,...

Sweet or taxable? M&S strawberry sandwich sparks new VAT debate

Marks & Spencer’s new strawberry and cream sandwich has captured attention on social media — but now it’s caught the eye of tax experts, too. Marketed as a sweet take on the viral Japanese strawberry sando, M&S’s half-sandwich — part of its meal deal range — is prompting questions over whether it should be classified as a standard sandwich (zero-rated for VAT) or as a confectionery item (subject to 20 per cent VAT). Wrapped in...