Human rights groups challenge Apple’s privacy fight with the UK government March 14, 2025 Two UK human rights groups have challenged the government’s attempts to force tech titan Apple to weaken its security systems, saying the process lacks transparency. The UK government had attempted to force Apple to create a “back door” in its implemented security systems. Liberty and Privacy International have filed a legal complaint against the tech [...]
Shein confirms listing plans with London in the spotlight March 14, 2025 Fast fashion titan Shein has confirmed its plans to float on the stock market, and hasn’t ruled out listing in London. Chief executive Donald Tang told The Times that the firm wanted to go public to increase “accountability and transparency”. The brand had not previously confirmed a timeline for an IPO. Yet, reports suggest the [...]
AI agents: meet your new (cheaper) colleague March 13, 2025 The rise of AI agents is reshaping the workplace as their potential to redefine numerous job roles increases. Across various business sectors, firms are integrating these ‘agents’ to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and enhance decision making. As adoption accelerates, traditionally human roles are becoming progressively automated. Meanwhile, other roles are evolving at a similar rate [...]
Nvidia stock: cheap as chips? March 13, 2025 Nvidia’s stock has dropped this year, making it one of the cheaper options among its tech rivals. While many investors are concerned about increasing competition and potential trade policy effects, others see it as a strong buying opportunity. The stock market’s AI darling has dropped 14 per cent in 2025, bringing its valuation down to [...]
What can small businesses expect from Reeves this spring? March 12, 2025 Small businesses (SMEs) are preparing for slumped growth ahead of this year’s Spring Statement, with increasing concerns over upcoming National Insurance (NI) hikes and business rate relief cuts due to come in in April. Business leaders remain wary of tax increases and spending cuts that could further squeeze SME margins, despite a lower interest rate [...]
This is how UK small businesses are managing despite rising costs March 12, 2025 According to the latest Sage small business tracker, rising operational costs, mounting financial pressures, and pivoting business strategies are creating a challenging economic landscape for SMEs. But despite growing headwinds and challenges, such as higher costs and economic uncertainty, small businesses across the UK are adapting to the changing environment. Profit slows as costs rise [...]
Revolut: Consumers splashed out on aquariums and antiques in February March 12, 2025 According to data from UK fintech Revolut, UK consumer spending increased in the month of February, with a notable uptick in home renovation purchases, takeaways, and indoor entertainment. New data from Revolut tracked 93m card payments last month, revealing how consumer habits shifted after the January spending lull. Home renovations Spending on home supply stores [...]
Blackstone: Shakira’s songs stay, but ‘Hipgnosis’ name goes March 12, 2025 Blackstone has rebranded its $3bn (£2.32bn) music investment business to ‘Recognition’, letting go of its former name ‘Hipgnosis’, as it prepares for new acquisitions and consolidates its assets. This decision follows the company’s takeover of the Hipgnosis Songs Fund in 2023, which held the rights to songs by the likes of Shakira, Fleetwood Mac, and [...]
PWC cuts partners and apprenticeships amid slow demand March 12, 2025 Consulting giant PWC UK has made record cuts to its partner ranks and paused its tech apprenticeship scheme to protect partner profits in the face of a sharp decline in consulting demand. According to corporate filings, 123 partners left the Big Four firm in 2024, more than double the annual average since 2002. Meanwhile, the [...]
OpenAI rivals Anthropic by simplifying AI agent development March 12, 2025 OpenAI has launched a set of new tools aimed at simplifying the process of building agents that can autonomously complete tasks on behalf of users, rivalling Anthropic’s launch of its new AI agent last month. “Building agents is harder than it needs to be”, said an OpenAI spokesperson. To streamline this process, the ChatGPT owner [...]