Healey launches £150m northern scale-up fund September 7, 2026 Chancellor John Healey is to pile £150m into start-ups in the North of England as part of the government’s bid to use devolution to drive economic growth. Healey will announce a new fund designed to back university spin outs and other start-ups in Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield and Newcastle. The Chancellor will announce the fund, [...]
Business confidence hits two-year high ahead of Budget September 6, 2026 Business confidence has risen to a near-two-year high as the output of UK firms grows despite the looming October Budget. The optimism of British firms has reached its highest level since just before the 2024 Autumn Budget, according to advisory firm BDO. Its business optimism index jumped to 94.22 in August, fuelled by a strong [...]
Britain ‘taxing itself to death,’ Burnham warned September 6, 2026 One of the US’ leading economists has warned Andy Burnham that Britain is “taxing itself to death” in a major intervention ahead of the October Budget. Arthur Laffer, a former economic adviser to three presidents, has warned that the UK is in a “death spiral” ahead of his visit to the country. He wrote in [...]
Women’s rugby can teach the men’s game exactly what it needs right now September 6, 2026 For the last 10 years, the story of women’s rugby has been told through the lens of investment and comparison. How quickly could it catch up with the men’s game? When would attendances improve? When would broadcasters pay for it and big brand sponsors follow? Those were understandable questions, but they are now the wrong [...]
Has Reform managed to win over the City? September 5, 2026 Reform UK officials hope that its first-ever Business Day paid dividends at its conference. Maurício Alencar reports on a dramatic 72 hours in Birmingham and asks whether industry chiefs are satisfied with what they’ve heard and seen. Asked for an umbrella phrase to describe Reform’s economic philosophy, policy guru Dr James Orr responded that the [...]
Beer, kits, hospitality and stadia can take Women’s Super League to greater heights September 5, 2026 Bigger crowds and greater matchday revenue are just some of the growth opportunities for the WSL as the new season begins, says Sarah Rock. This weekend marks the return of the Women’s Super League, with last night’s opening fixture between London City Lionesses and Manchester United featuring one of the league’s biggest name signings to [...]
Inflation expectations softer than predicted ahead of interest rate decision September 4, 2026 Firms intend to raise prices over the next year on average at a lower rate than many economists have expected, Bank of England research has shown, easing concerns that the UK economy is heading for a deeper cost of living crisis. The Decision Makers’ Panel, a Bank survey of how far firms plan to raise [...]
EQT to acquire McGill and Partners, a leading specialty (re)insurance broker for USD 2.0 billion, from Warburg Pincus September 4, 2026 Warburg Pincus and McGill and Partners have reached an agreement with EQT that will see Warburg Pincus sell its majority stake to EQT McGill and Partners founders, management team and colleagues will re-invest alongside EQT, retaining a meaningful ownership stake in the firm going forward as they continue to serve clients globally Maintains commitment to firm’s independent model and culture of ownership, developed organically since its founding in 2019 EQT will partner with Steve McGill and the management team to accelerate organic growth, including via talent recruitment, further development of technology and data capabilities, and expansion of innovative digital solutions
Strauss becomes first dedicated Champions League referee sponsor September 4, 2026 Champions League referees will sport sleeve patches advertising workwear brand Strauss after the German company became Uefa’s first ever refereeing sponsor. The three-year deal, announced today, will take effect when the competition’s league phase, involving Arsenal, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United, begins next week. The Strauss partnership also covers the Women’s Champions [...]
Prem Rugby needs a draft, but not one for the very best players September 4, 2026 Top flight domestic rugby is back this weekend in the form of the Prem Rugby Cup – the former Anglo-Welsh, British and Irish, and inter-Prem/Champ competition that is now just a little bit of a nothing league. But that’s for another day. Because the return of rugby in England feels underhyped. We’ve had an entire [...]