‘Bond market tantrum risks’: Gilt traders brace for Labour leftward pivot as Starmer future uncertain
Starling on hunt for new chair as Deloitte veteran bows out March 17, 2026 UK fintech Starling is on the hunt for a new chair following the news the firm’s current head would exit later this year. Starling said on Tuesday that David Sproul, the bank’s chair since October 2021, would step down once a successor is appointed. Sproul joined Starling after a near two-decade long career at Big [...]
Oaknorth delays net zero goal as US expansion fuels lending boom March 17, 2026 UK fintech Oaknorth has slapped a ten year delay on its ambition to be a net zero bank as the firm’s expansion across the Atlantic picked up pace. The small business lender said it expects to meet net zero commitments by 2045, as opposed to previous guidance of 2035 set four years ago. Oaknorth said [...]
Lidl owner Schwarz Group scores landmark Uefa partnership March 17, 2026 Uefa, European football’s governing body, has announced its first organisation-wide sponsorship deal with the parent company of discount retailer Lidl. Schwarz Group has become Uefa’s corporate strategic partner in an agreement that encompasses competition sponsorship, grassroots initiatives and recycling efforts. Lidl, already a partner of Uefa’s Europa League and Conference League as well as women’s [...]
2026 World Cup: Iran asks Fifa to move games from US to Mexico March 17, 2026 Iran has asked Fifa to move its 2026 World Cup games from the US to Mexico as the wrangling over the war-torn country’s participation continues. The Iranian embassy in Mexico posted a statement on social media saying that talks were ongoing over the possible solution after President Trump suggested that it may not be safe [...]
Is AI the future of work? March 17, 2026 Technology leaders say artificial intelligence (AI) is the future of work, but the reality for business leaders is more complicated. The world of work is clearly moving in this direction, as the government recently announced plans to offer free training to British adults on how to effectively use AI in their work. But researchers have [...]
Shadow bank collapse floods London with hundreds of luxury properties March 17, 2026 London’s super prime property market is set to be flooded with hundreds of luxury homes following the collapse of one of Britain’s biggest shadow banks. Mansions in Kensington, Belgravia, Knightsbridge and Mayfair are being put on sale by administrators for Market Financial Solutions (MFS), all of which were controlled by individuals with links to the [...]
Trustpilot shares rocket as profit soars past forecasts March 17, 2026 Shares in Trustpilot rocketed on Tuesday morning as the FTSE 250 firm posted profit that surged past market forecasts. The customer feedback platform delivered a near-tripling of pre-tax profit to £14.1m for 2025, which it put down to investment into AI. “We have seen a dramatic rise in the visibility of Trustpilot in AI models, [...]
Close Brothers to axe fifth of jobs after motor finance ‘wipeout’ warning March 17, 2026 Close Brothers has warned it will cull as much as a fifth of its headcount as the bank continued its aggressive cost-cutting strategy following mounting losses linked to the motor finance scandal. The FTSE 250 bank said it would axe a staggering 600 full-time roles by the end of the 2027 financial, which represents around [...]
Wickes profit doubles as DIY firm bets on solar March 17, 2026 Home improvement retailer Wickes has doubled its profit as the firm positions itself to become a leader in solar panel installation. The firm took revenue of £1.6bn, up six per cent, and pre-tax profit grew from £23m to £49m, in the year to December 2025. Wickes was promoted to the FTSE 250 last year, as [...]
The best short- haul breaks near London for a weekend trip March 17, 2026 Ah spring! That beautiful month when all the doom and gloom of the long winter finally lifts… unless you live in the UK, of course. With world politics dominating the news cycle and a cost-of-living crisis demolishing our pockets, escapism is at the forefront of all of our minds. Spring is also all about renewal, [...]