Forget ‘price gouging’ – this is where competition is really failing April 1, 2026 Rachel Reeves is scapegoating supermarkets for rising oil prices while ignoring algorithms that can learn ant-competitive pricing strategies, says Paul Ormerod The government is desperately trying to convince the public that it is doing something about the potential economic crisis which is unfolding. The public finances are a severe constraint on its ability to throw [...]
The student loan book is disguising the real size of the national debt April 1, 2026 The market value of the student loan book is approximately £33bn lower than official government accounts suggest. As a result, our national debt is higher than we’re being told – disguised by billions in loans that are much less valuable than they appear, says Sebastian Charleton Britain’s young are the most educated generation in our [...]
Is AI slowing your business down? April 1, 2026 Plenty of companies have now completed their AI experimentation stage. It's the need to now commit that's slowing them down.
Monzo and Revolut take banking battle to the playground April 1, 2026 Banks are turning their attention to the younger generation and in this week’s column Samuel Norman takes a look at the money to be made with Gen Alpha. The Tooth Fairy is losing her magic touch. After centuries of cultural dominance in the under-the-pillow money market, the primary dealer of calcium-for-cash faces a hostile takeover. [...]
Options Technology Completes Acquisition of Crossvale, Expanding Private Cloud and AI Modernization Capabilities March 31, 2026 Options Technology (Options), the leading provider of institutional-grade infrastructure, market data, and managed services for global financial services, today announced the successful completion of its acquisition of Crossvale, a US-headquartered leader in application and platform modernization. The completed acquisition strengthens Options’ ability to help financial services firms modernize legacy environments, reduce technology debt, and accelerate [...]
CMA launches investigation into Microsoft amid cloud contract crackdown March 31, 2026 The UK’s competition watchdog has launched a new probe into Microsoft’s business software ecosystem, as part of a wider push to loosen the grip of Big Tech on cloud, and boost competition for British firms. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it will open a strategic market status investigation in Microsoft’s suite, including Windows, [...]
Softr Unveils an AI-Native Platform, Ushering in a New Era of Business Software Creation Without Code March 31, 2026 New AI-platform enables non-tech teams to build fully functional, secure applications for real business operations, not just prototypes
iBase-t Announces Strategic Growth Investment from TA to Accelerate AI-Powered Digital Manufacturing and MRO Transformation in Aerospace & Defense March 31, 2026 iBase-t, a leading provider of Manufacturing Operations Management software for aerospace and defense manufacturers, today announced a strategic growth investment from TA Associates (TA), a global growth private equity firm. The investment will support iBase-t’s continued product innovation and global expansion as global aerospace and defense manufacturers scale production, modernize sustainment operations, and accelerate adoption [...]
Fresha Becomes the Software Infrastructure of Choice for Multi-location Selfcare Businesses as Enterprise Growth Surges March 31, 2026 Fresha, the top-rated AI-powered booking platform for beauty and wellness, is witnessing significant enterprise growth as multi-location and large-team businesses increasingly choose Fresha to manage and scale their operations. Leading well-established brands, including Menspire, Ted’s Grooming Room, Gould Barbers, Masaj, Adams Barbers, The Art of Nails, and more, are among a growing cohort of enterprise [...]
Britain’s most AI-exposed sectors foot biggest tax bill March 31, 2026 The UK sectors most exposed to artificial AI are concentrated in the same parts of the economy that generate the bulk of tax revenues, according to government and industry data. A 2026 assessment from the UK government shows AI is most applicable to tasks involving data processing, analysis and routine cognitive work, activities concentrated in [...]