Pisces has the potential to flourish – if the FCA plays its cards right May 21, 2025 New Pisces markets could begin trading before the end of this year, in what the government hopes will be a boost for fast-growing companies in search of a stepping stone before reaching IPO. The framework, known as the Private Intermittent Securities and Capital Exchange System, will allow the creation of a new type of private [...]
OBR ridiculed for ‘joke of a salary’ in analyst job offer May 20, 2025 The UK’s fiscal watchdog has been ridiculed for offering a “joke of a salary” after advertising for new roles. The Office for Budget Responsibility is hiring for three new “fiscal analysts” based in London with a salary range of just £38,430-52,000, despite the jobs being graded a “higher executive officer” function within the organisation. The [...]
Vodafone swings to loss after €4.5bn impairment blow May 20, 2025 Vodafone has swung to a loss after recording a €4.5bn (£3.8bn) impairment hit amid the continued poor performance of its German business. The telecoms giant posted a pre-tax loss of €1.4bn for the year to end March, compared to a profit of €1.6bn the previous year. Vodafone said the impairment charges “reflect management’s latest assessment [...]
Thousands of university spinouts at risk over poor levels of support, experts warn May 19, 2025 The UK could be missing out on thousands of cutting-edge spinout companies amid a dearth in funding and a shortage in support for founders, experts have warned. In October, the government committed as much as £40m to support spinouts over a five-year period in a bid to bridge the so-called “valley of death” between academic [...]
Guinness maker Diageo to offset US tariffs with cost cuts May 19, 2025 London’s biggest drinks business, Diageo, has unveiled a $500m (£375m) cost-cutting programme as it struggles with the impact of US tariffs. Guinness and Johnnie Walker maker Diageo said it would make the cost savings over the course of three years, but did not confirm how many jobs would be impacted by the move. The firm [...]
Umbrella Union to be wound up after HMRC tax avoidance accusation May 16, 2025 A Liverpool-based contracting company accused of promoting tax avoidance is to be wound up after appointing liquidators, City AM can reveal. The firm, called, Umbrella Union, described itself as an “umbrella contracting company” which “can help you comply with financial regulations whilst remaining self employed.” In October last year, HMRC added the company to its [...]
Pisces regulations have arrived. Here’s what you need to know May 16, 2025 It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for. This week saw the publication of new regulations governing the Private Intermittent Securities and Capital Exchange System – or Pisces, to you and me. The regulations were laid before Parliament on Thursday as a Statutory Instrument, meaning they were waved through without debate, and will come into force [...]
Don’t force pension funds to buy British, Aviva chief warns ministers May 15, 2025 British pension funds should not be forced to invest in UK assets, the boss of one of London’s biggest insurance firms has said, in a rebuke of the government’s pension reforms plans. The Treasury this week helped seal a voluntary, non-binding agreement by pension funds, dubbed the Mansion House Accord, will see increased investment into [...]
Profit slump revealed at Jim Ratcliffe-backed Petroineos ahead of major closure May 15, 2025 Profitp at Petroineos slumped in the months leading up the closure of its Grangemouth refinery, heavily delayed accounts have revealed, as the energy trading company wrestled with economic uncertainty, supply chain shocks and a shift away from fossil fuels. The Jersey-based business, which is backed by billionaire Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, posted a [...]
CMA handed ‘strategic steer’ as government pushes pro-growth agenda May 15, 2025 The UK’s competition watchdog has been handed a “strategic steer” from Downing Street as the government pushes regulators to adopt its pro-growth agenda. The strategic steer, which is issued to regulators each parliament, sets out the government’s priorities for regulators and how they engage with the private sector. According to the Treasury, the steer “resets [...]
