UK’s net zero drive singled out in Trump attacks Energy The UK’s net zero policies were singled out in President Trump’s long tirade against European energy struggles at the World Economic Forum in Davos. President Trump described the UK economy’s struggles in stark terms, suggesting that the Labour government had disregarded “one of the greatest reserves in the world” at the North Sea. In his [...]
Small businesses ditch green agenda as ‘survival’ becomes priority Business Small businesses are ditching green finance initiatives as “ensuring survival” becomes a bigger focus for firms amid the pressures of rising costs. The latest business growth tracker from Natwest showed prioritising of sustainability was at an all time low among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by the end of 2025. Just 30 per cent of [...]
Big Tech steps up energy hiring as grid creaks under AI pressure Tech Big Tech is increasingly recruiting energy specialists as access to electricity becomes a central constraint on the expansion of AI infrastructure. Energy-related hiring at tech firms rose 34 per cent year on year in 2024, according to Workforce.ai data, and has remained around 30 per cent above pre-2022 levels. The increase reflects growing demand for [...]
Switch focus from DEI to local needs, Brits tell business January 14, 2026 British businesses need to become more local and focus less on DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) hiring practices, according to a new report. A major survey from SEC Newgate UK has revealed a majority of Brits think companies are doing too little to prioritise local food production, manufacturing and energy independence. The report also shows companies [...]
Greg Jackson spins off Octopus’ tech arm Kraken after $1bn injection December 30, 2025 Octopus Energy Group has spun off its technology arm, Kraken, following its first standalone investment round. The fresh funding round for Kraken was led by global investment giant D1 Capital Partners, with new investors including Fidelity International, Durable Capital Partners and Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board. Kraken – which is an AI-powered platform now contracted [...]
Budget: Octopus boss Greg Jackson hails cuts to energy bills November 26, 2025 Octopus Energy boss Greg Jackson has hailed the cuts to energy bills announced in today’s Budget, as the Chancellor slashed multiple renewable levies. Jackson welcomed the energy bill cuts as a “positive step” as Rachel Reeves described energy costs as “one of the greatest drivers of the rising cost of living”. Reeves said she will scrap [...]
Britain can’t grow while we’re spending £700m to save the life of a fish November 26, 2025 With measly growth and energy among the most expensive in the developed world, Britain's got bigger fish to fry than sealife conservation.
High Court finds BHP liable for Brazil’s worst environmental disaster November 14, 2025 Mining giant BHP has been found liable for a dam disaster under both environmental law and the Brazilian civil code, in a significant ruling handed down by the High Court. The case stems from a deadly dam disaster in Brazil. On 5 November 2015, the Fundao dam in the south-eastern part of Brazil, operated by [...]
High energy prices make the UK ‘vulnerable’ US ambassador warns November 5, 2025 The US ambassador to the UK has warned Britain’s sky-high energy prices threaten to undermine its status as a major global economy. Speaking at an event at the Savoy Hotel on Wednesday, Warren Stephens described UK energy prices, which are among the highest in the world, as the “chief obstacle” to growth. “Energy costs in [...]
North Sea oil and gas production decline labelled an ’emergency’ November 5, 2025 Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has declared an oil and gas “emergency” in the North East of Scotland as she pushes the Labour government to overturn its ban on new oil and gas licenses. Badenoch has pledged to “get Britain drilling again” in a new campaign in partnership with the Scottish Conservatives. The announcement marks the [...]