London fintech Guavapay founder quits ahead of Mastercard court battle January 21, 2026 The founder of London fintech Guavapay has resigned as a director as the firm gears up for a court case brought by payments giant Mastercard. Azerbaijani entrepreneur and Russian university graduate Orkhan Nasibov, who launched the company in 2017, has stepped back from his role at the helm of the company due to “fatigue and [...]
Knoops to open first US store as international expansion gathers pace January 20, 2026 Knoops is gearing up to open its first US store as the chocolate drinks brand’s international expansion gathers pace. The London-based business said it will open a store in Utah in April as part of plans to have over 160 locations in the US over the next six years. Knoops, which was founded in Sussex [...]
FTSE 250 housebuilder Taylor Wimpey strikes fresh deal with Zoopla January 20, 2026 One of the UK’s biggest housebuilders has signed a new contract with top property website Zoopla as it seeks to boost conversion rates for its new developments. FTSE 250 constituent Taylor Wimpey said the fresh agreement would support the company with further market data and insights to enable it to obtain the best return on [...]
Water firms to get ‘MOT checks’ in regulatory overhaul January 20, 2026 Water companies are set to receive “MOT checks” on the quality of their infrastructure in a fresh regulatory overhaul aimed at preventing crumbling pipes, mishandled sewage and unreliable services. Utilities businesses will receive “health checks” to assess the quality of pumps and pipes by a new water regulator set to be introduced under the government’s [...]
Stuart Rose steps down as EG Group chair ahead of US IPO January 19, 2026 Stuart Rose has stepped down as chair of EG Group ahead of the forecourt firm’s flotation in New York later this year. The retail industry veteran and Conservative peer has been replaced with immediate effect by Roland Smith, the current chairman of American fast-food chain Jack’s, in the clearest sign yet the company is seeking [...]
Big Technologies soars after £39m settlement with former shareholders January 19, 2026 Big Technologies shares soared on Monday after the London-listed tech firm reached a £38.5m settlement following legal action from former shareholders. The shareholders alleged they were unfairly forced to sell down their stakes in the company in 2018 prior to the firm’s IPO. The action triggered an investigation by Big’s board which led to the [...]
Sally Clarke’s Notting Hill bakery put up for sale after suffering losses January 16, 2026 A bakery business owned by seasoned restaurateur Sally Clarke has been put up for sale on an insolvency marketplace after suffering losses, City AM can reveal. The Notting Hill Bakery, which employs dozens of staff and makes nearly £6m per year selling artisan breads, cakes and cookies, is seeking buyers for all or part of [...]
Urban Pubs & Bars launches acquisition spree after strong Christmas sales January 16, 2026 Urban Pubs & Bars has embarked on an aggressive acquisition spree as the London-based hospitality group toasted strong demand over the Christmas season. This week the company announced it had acquired The Birdcage in East London from Brewdog, marking its sixth acquisition of 2026. The deal follows the recent completion of five premium hospitality venues [...]
Gary’s Economics predictions are unravelling January 15, 2026 The new year is a great time to check whether past predictions have stood the test of time. So I revisited the forecasts of one of London’s better-known economic sooth-sayers, Gary Stevenson, known to you and me as Gary’s Economics thanks to his viral Youtube channel. Two years ago, almost to the day, Gary released [...]
Could this be the weirdest London IPO in 2026? January 15, 2026 What do you think the weirdest London IPO of the year could be? Take a moment to think about it. And now, let me tell you why you’re wrong. I have the answer. It’s a firm called Hybrid Air Vehicles, a company that makes airships. Yes, airships. If you thought – as I did – [...]
