City of London and EY call for national digital ID The UK risks losing its position as a global financial hub unless it rapidly upgrades its digital verification infrastructure. A new study from EY and the City of London Corporation warned that delays in establishing a government-backed, scalable digital verification system (DVS) could cost the UK billions in economic benefits. Meanwhile, it is increasing businesses [...]
NHS software firm fined over highly sensitive data breach healthcare A major NHS software provider has been fined £3m after a cyber attack exposed the personal data of nearly 80,000 people – including home entry details and medical records for vulnerable patients. The information comissioner’s office (ICO) ruled that Advanced Computer Software Group had “seriously inadequate” security measures, allowing hackers to infiltrate its systems in [...]
UK won’t be ‘pressured’ to scrap digital services tax, says Reeves Politics Chancellor Rachel Reeves has insisted that Britain “won’t be pressured” into scrapping its digital services tax (DST), despite mounting pressure from the US. Despite her strong stance, Reeves did not make any formal announcements about the future of the DST in her Spring Statement. Yet, hot on the heels of her speech, she told The [...]
Small businesses let down by Spring Statement March 26, 2025 Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered the Spring Statement today, promising stability but offering little relief for small businesses (SMEs) struggling with rising costs. Businesses in the sector said they were at “breaking point” ahead of today’s announcement, with one in five SME business owners saying they have been forced out of business within a year, citing [...]
Spring Statement 2025: Reeves bets big on AI and tech March 26, 2025 Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered her first Spring Statement on Wednesday, setting out an economic plan that could have major implications for the UK’s tech sector as she pivots towards AI. With billions in government cuts, a fresh push for AI-driven efficiencies, and no new tax hikes, the statement signalled a shift towards automation as a [...]
Evoke sinks as William Hill owner’s losses triple on restructuring costs March 26, 2025 Evoke shares fell 17.3 per cent to 59.05p on Wednesday, as the William Hill owner reported a full year loss of £191.4m. The figure was almost triple the loss reported for 2023, amid rising restructuring and financial costs. Despite three per cent revenue growth to £1.75bn and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation [...]
Labour’s attempt to use AI to power budget cuts is damaging. Here’s why March 26, 2025 The UK government is beginning to introduce AI tools for deep research, framing the technology as a tool to reduce costs and improve efficiency. Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey announced on Tuesday that Rachel Reeves needs AI to ‘move the needle’ on economic growth. Yet, tying AI to Reeves’ budget cuts risks discouraging its [...]
Don’t look back in anger: Oasis fans misled by Ticketmaster, says CMA March 25, 2025 The UK’s competition regulator has accused Ticketmaster of misleading Oasis fans during the brand’s highly anticipated ticket sale, suggesting that some may have overpaid for seats that offered no real advantage. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has demanded changes to how Ticketmaster labels tickets and displays pricing information, following widespread complaints from fans who [...]
New £1bn west London data centre set to back soaring AI demand March 25, 2025 Segro and Pure Data Centres have announced a new £1bn data centre located in London’s Park Royal, set to meet the soaring demand for digital infrastructure in the UK. The centre, backed by secretary Peter Kyle, is set for completion in 2026, with operations expected from 2029. The project will support next-generation AI and cloud [...]
Tech secretary pledges to not pit AI against creatives amid copyright row March 24, 2025 Tech secretary Peter Kyle has promised that the government will not be forced to choose between the UK’s creative industry and its burgeoning AI sector, as it prepares for the integration of new AI copyright regulations. “We have the third largest AI market in the world, and the second largest creative arts sector”, Kyle told [...]
