The UK car market has reached a significant milestone, with new car registrations surpassing one million in the first half of 2024, the first time this has happened since before the pandemic in 2019. This resurgence includes a notable rise in the market share of electric vehicles. However, sales of plug-in hybrids and petrol hybrids […]
Sustainable Ventures, Europe’s leading climate tech hub, has committed nearly a quarter (23%) of its investments to entirely female founders, a figure 12 times higher than the global industry average of 1.8% for female-founded teams in Europe in 2023. This significant milestone was disclosed as Sustainable Ventures celebrated its 50th investment. Notably, two-thirds (65%) of […]
Pressure on household finances has eased as shop price inflation slows to 0.2% and petrol costs drop for the second consecutive month Britain’s next government is set to benefit from reduced pressure on household finances following a slowdown in shop inflation and a drop in fuel prices. However, many families still find costs “too expensive.” […]
Northvolt, Europe’s leading battery maker, is contemplating scaling back its ambitious expansion plans following significant setbacks at its gigafactory in Sweden. The company has launched a strategic review which may delay new factory projects in Canada, Germany, and Sweden. The Swedish company, which aims to reduce European dependency on Chinese battery supplies, has faced a […]
Unions, politicians, and business leaders in Northern Ireland are expressing significant concerns over the economic impact following major developments with two of the region’s leading employers. Airbus has agreed to acquire parts of Spirit AeroSystems’ operations in Belfast, a move that has stirred fears regarding job security for many employees. This transition is part of […]
Nurseries and garden centres in Britain and Europe are raising alarms over the inefficiencies of new post-Brexit border posts, which are causing delays, damage, and significant extra costs for plant importers. The Horticultural Trade Association (HTA), representing 1,400 UK garden retailers and growers, along with several European trade bodies, has penned an open letter urging […]
The head of the world’s most valuable pharmaceutical company has criticised the UK’s planning system, claiming it deters investment. Dave Ricks, CEO of Eli Lilly, an obesity drug manufacturer, has said that the current planning processes in the UK are a significant barrier to building factories quickly, unlike in the US and Ireland. Ricks revealed […]
Vast salt caverns designed for hydrogen storage are set to be excavated beneath Britain’s largest former naval base, Portland Harbour in Dorset, as part of a strategic plan to bolster the country’s energy security. The project involves creating 19 caverns, each the size of St Paul’s Cathedral, which will store enough hydrogen to fuel a […]
A staggering 23 million people in Britain have been found to possess low levels of financial literacy, according to a recent survey conducted by Opinium for the investment group Abrdn. This finding underscores the widespread difficulty many Britons face in making basic financial decisions regarding savings and investments. The survey, which included 3,000 adults, revealed […]
The UK’s looming general election brings a key fiscal debate into the spotlight: Can the next government truly bridge the £40bn ‘tax gap’? Both Labour and the Conservatives claim they can narrow the gap—the difference between expected tax revenues and actual collections—primarily by targeting tax avoidance. However, experts question whether this approach will suffice. Currently, […]