Consumer confidence suffers biggest drop in four years amid Iran inflation fears April 20, 2026 Consumer confidence fell at the fastest rate in four years as Brits tightened their purse strings amid fears the Iran war will spike inflation. Brits’ confidence in their spending power fell by three per cent at the start of this year, as it reached its lowest level since 2023 and made the biggest drop since [...]
UK bets on East London hub to anchor next phase of innovation April 19, 2026 The UK’s push to build a more joined-up innovation economy is increasingly being anchored in east London, where Here East has turned into one of the country’s largest multi-sector tech campuses. Set within the former Olympic press and broadcast centre in Stratford, the 1.2m sq ft site aims to bring various universities, startups, corporates and [...]
Enhanced Games, Lance Armstrong and the truth about why we hate doping April 19, 2026 There is an irony in the fact that sponsors and broadcasters won’t touch the Enhanced Games, explains Matt Readman. Last month it was announced that the 2026 Winter Olympic Games was the first Olympiad in 28 years to have zero failed drugs tests. The “cleanest Games for a generation” is a big moment for an [...]
Tankers report being fired upon as Tehran closes Strait of Hormuz again April 18, 2026 Merchant vessels have said they were hit by gunfire as they attempted to cross the Strait of Hormuz, the first indication that Iran’s re-closure of the waterway has been enforced. Iran’s military reimposed restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz again after accusing the US of violating the deal to reopen it, throwing the world’s energy [...]
‘Concerned but not surprised’: Three-quarters of UK landlords and sole traders miss digital tax launch April 18, 2026 Only a quarter of sole traders and landlord who need to sign up for the UK’s new digital tax system have done so, despite the scheme already having come into effect this month. From 6 April, anyone who earned more than £50,000 in the 2024/25 tax year from property or self-employment income was required to [...]
What next for LIV Golf and Newcastle United after Saudi PIF strategy shift? April 18, 2026 With Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund updating its strategy, what next for the PIF-owned Newcastle United and LIV Golf? Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund last week published the latest iteration of its Vision strategy, which will cover the remainder of the decade. The strategy’s publication had been expected for some time. When the last planning [...]
Women’s health strategy won’t end medical misogyny – but the markets could April 18, 2026 The government's new women’s health strategy is good policy, but it will not close the health gap. That's where the City comes in.
The watch podcast disrupting the ‘pale, male and stale’ image April 17, 2026 Rashawn Smith and Perri Dash are hoping to change your mind about the watch industry, one podcast at a time, says Laura McCreddie-DoakUnless you’re investigating a cold case, finding a following in the world of podcasting can be difficult. But the Wrist Check Pod seemed to enter the world fully formed when it launched in [...]
Energy price cap: Household bill spike could be lower than originally feared April 17, 2026 The household energy price cap is expected to rise by a lower amount than originally feared despite price volatility caused by the Iran war, according to the latest forecasts. The cap is expected to be £196 lower according to Cornwall Insight, who confirmed its prediction for Ofgem’s cap now stands at £1,837 for a typical [...]
Celebrities in the Cotswolds: How Kim Kardashian & Ellen are changing the region April 17, 2026 The Cotswolds has exploded with tourism options for the super-wealthy. But at what cost? Adam Bloodworth investigates Talk of “The Caaatswolds” has been commonplace in Los Angeles for some time. However, Kim Kardashian’s recent visit to Estelle Manor to conduct her tryst with Lewis Hamilton gave the patch of farmland an especially big shot in [...]