Phillips 66 Limited agrees to acquire Lindsey Oil Refinery assets January 5, 2026 Agreement follows Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery Limited’s liquidation and is pending completion subject to satisfaction of closing conditions. Key facilities to be integrated into the Humber Refinery rather than restarting standalone refinery operations at the Lindsey site. Investment will strengthen the Humber Refinery, boost domestic energy security, ensure continued supply of quality fuels to the UK and help secure UK jobs.
Knight Frank appointed for bumper Brighton Palace Pier sale January 2, 2026 Knight Frank has been instructed on the sale of Brighton Palace Pier, two months after the Grade II-listed landmark’s owners revealed their plans to offload the amusement park amid a barrage of economic headwinds. The Brighton Pier Group appointed the property giant to seek a buyer for the coastal attraction, which its operator said in [...]
Ocado eyes global tech push after US setback December 30, 2025 Shares in Ocado slipped two per cent on Tuesday as the online grocery group outlined plans to sell its AI-driven warehouse tech globally, following a turbulent year for its international operations. Most of Ocado’s exclusivity deals with global partners, including US retail giant Kroger, have now expired, freeing the company to pitch its evolved robotic [...]
Are Britain’s independent pubs doomed? December 28, 2025 2025 has been a year of diverging fortunes for pubs. Listed pub chains – particularly those with a strong presence in London – are reporting record sales, buoyed by higher consumer spending and increased footfall as workers return to their offices. Independent pubs, meanwhile, are closing at the fastest rate this century, blaming unfriendly government [...]
‘Bumper’ Boxing Day provides boost to struggling high streets December 27, 2025 Boxing Day was a “bumper day” for all UK retail destinations as data shows shopper footfall was up 4.4 per cent on last year, making it the strongest increase in more than a decade, industry analysts said. The retail sector may end the year on a “positive note” as December 26 saw shoppers flock to [...]
How AI took the wheel in 2025 December 27, 2025 2025 was the year artificial intelligence (AI) took the driver’s seat, literally. Not just in boardrooms or on trading floors, but increasingly on the tarmac, in showrooms, and behind the wheel itself. From record-breaking EV sales in the UK and Europe to autonomous taxis navigating San Francisco streets and preparing to arrive in London next [...]
Why sports districts like Birmingham City’s are the future of stadiums December 24, 2025 On-pitch glory will always be the ultimate prize, but ambitious sports investors are now looking beyond traditional matchday revenues and exploring ways to diversify income, enabling reinvestment into areas that support on-pitch performance and secure a more robust future. This strategic shift also recognises that sport, particularly its physical infrastructure, presents a powerful opportunity for [...]
The great high street outage of 2025 December 24, 2025 On paper, British high streets have seen worse. Footfall has survived recessions, pandemics and price shocks before, and tills were just about still ringing. But this year it flickered, stalled and, in some cases, went dark – brought to its knees by a wave of cyber attacks that exposed the fragility of retail in the [...]
Decluttering after Christmas? Tax expert clarifies rules for selling unwanted gifts on eBay and Vinted December 23, 2025 Not everyone is thrilled with their Christmas haul, after all, there are only so many novelty socks, scented candles, and mystery kitchen gadgets one household can handle before space starts to run out. Usually, as a result, apps like Vinted see a surge in activity around Christmas, with sellers hoping to offload unwanted gifts. [...]
FICO UK Credit Card Market Report: October 2025 December 23, 2025 Pre-Christmas spending and average active balances fall, however average balances for missed accounts remain high reflecting continued financial pressure