Britain is still paying a heavy price for Covid lockdowns March 31, 2026 Six years on from the first lockdown, Britain hasn’t returned to its pre-Covid path – instead becoming a high-tax, low-growth less free nation, says Alex Pugh A little over six years ago, 27m people watched UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson tell them to “stay home” to tackle the spread of coronavirus. Johnson said you should [...]
More harm than good? Minimum wage hikes kick in from April March 31, 2026 With April approaching plenty of conversations have focused on the end of the tax year, with people scrambling to utilise their ISA allowances, but the month also brings about a pay rise for millions of Brits – and increased costs for employers. The national minimum wage will increase from 1 April, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves [...]
Unilever freezes hiring as Iran war poses ‘significant challenges’ March 31, 2026 FTSE 100 giant Unilever has placed a global freeze on hiring for at least three months as the Iran war wreaks havoc on global supply chains and fuel prices. The London-based business, which owns Dove soap and Hellman’s mayonnaise, told staff the ban on hiring will affect “all levels” of recruitment and was taken in [...]
Blackrock mulls a move to HSBC’s Canary Wharf tower March 31, 2026 Blackrock is mulling a move to HSBC’s Canary Wharf skyscraper with the site one of a number of locations viewed by the firm as it scouts for a new London headquarters. The world’s largest asset manager has taken a look at the 8 Canada Square tower, which HSBC is set to vacate next year. But [...]
Princes Group signals price hikes as Middle East conflict piles pressure on costs March 31, 2026 Tinned tuna giant Princes has signalled a potential hike in prices, as the conflict in the Middle East continues to pile pressure on business costs. The Liverpool-based owner of Branston and Flora, noted that it could raise prices where needed to offset cost pressures from rising fuel, transport and plastic packaging costs caused by the [...]
Lloyds and Close Brothers shares rally as banks ‘assess’ impact of motor finance redress March 31, 2026 Shares in UK motor finance lenders had a volatile opening this morning as markets digested the final rules of the financial watchdog’s industry-wide redress scheme. Lloyds Banking Group – the owner of the nation’s largest motor finance lender Black Horse – crept up over one per cent in early trading to tip over the 92p [...]
Raspberry Pi shares soar as revenue set to surge past expectations March 31, 2026 Shares in Raspberry Pi jumped early on Tuesday morning after the mini computer seller said its revenue was set to surge past market expectations. The London-listed business said its full-year profitability is anticipated to be in-line with market estimates, with revenue “materially higher.” Pre-tax profit increased 63 per cent to $26.5m, as revenue grew 25 [...]
Alfasigma Reports Solid Performance in 2025 Supported by Double-Digit Revenue Growth in key strategic brands in Immunology (+17%1), Gastroenterology (+15%), Vascular (+10%), and Consumer Healthcare expansion portfolio in international markets March 31, 2026 Revenues of €1.8 billion (-4% versus PY) driven by solid performance across key therapeutic areas and global markets, partially offset by Ocaliva® withdrawal impact. Adjusted EBITDA2 of €350 million (-18% versus PY) underpinned by streamlined operational efficiencies and operating model evolution. Like-for-like Revenues up 7%, and EBITDA up 20%, adjusted for voluntarily withdrawal of Ocaliva® from US market. Marketing application under EMA review for the use of Jyseleca® in a new indication of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), a chronic inflammatory arthritis, to address unmet patient needs, submitted following the reporting period. Following the reporting period, agreement with GSK plc for worldwide exclusive rights to develop, manufacture and commercialise linerixibat; subsequently granted FDA approval for the US market (March 2026).
Exclusive: Databricks commits $850m in vote of confidence for UK tech March 31, 2026 Databricks is pouring more than $850m (£644m) into the UK over the next three years, City AM understands, in a major vote of confidence in Britain’s position as a European AI hub. The US data and AI group said it would quadruple its London office footprint with a new 137,000 sq ft headquarters in Fitzrovia, [...]
FTSE 100 Live: Stocks inch up; Fuel shortage fears hit airlines; Unilever nears food deal March 31, 2026 Good morning and welcome back to the City AM liveblog. Oil prices are on track for its biggest monthly gain on record for March following the outbreak of war in Iran. It comes as the war in Iran continues to cause ripples through the market, with Brent crude – the international benchmark for oil prices [...]