Unilever acquires sustainable deodorant Wild April 1, 2025 Unilever has finally confirmed its acquisition of refillable deodorant brand Wild as it looks to build its presence in premium beauty and self care. The terms of the deal were not disclosed, but it is believed to value Wild at £230m. Wild, which was started in 2019 by business partners Charlie Bowes-Lyon and Freddy Ward, [...]
Peel Hunt shares edge up as City broker cuts costs to reduce losses April 1, 2025 Shares in City broker Peel Hunt edged higher in early trades this morning after the company issued a positive trading update. The company said it anticipated revenue of £90m for the year ending 31 March 2025, an increase of five per cent from the previous year. The investment bank reported revenue of £85.5m in fiscal [...]
British firms brace for ‘eye-watering’ April cost hikes April 1, 2025 Businesses across the UK are bracing for one of the worst weeks of cost hikes in recent history, with industry groups warning that the “eye-watering” rise in firms’ overheads will hamper investment and hiring, and result in higher prices at the till. Hikes to the minimum wage and employers’ National Insurance contributions announced in October’s [...]
In a stormy world, the UK can pitch itself as a safe harbour for investment March 31, 2025 The stormy economic outlook overseas creates an opportunity for the UK to act as a safe harbour for investment, writes Chris Hayward.
England captain Harry Kane backs premium ticketing firm March 31, 2025 England captain Harry Kane has become a shareholder in Seat Unique, a UK-based premium ticketing platform that sells premium access to sports, music and entertainment events. The Bayer Munich striker has joined a growing list of high-profile athletes backing the firm, including Ben Stokes, Sir Clive Woodward, and John Terry. Seat Unique, founded in 2019, [...]
Labour’s Employment Rights Bill is a howler that will hammer jobs March 31, 2025 Employment rights is always a balancing act between businesses and workers, but Labour’s legislation swings too far in one direction, says Karen Jackson As an employment discrimination lawyer I’ve devoted my legal career to protecting the rights of workers from discrimination and harassment in the workplace. I see the harsh reality of what really goes [...]
Tax paid by companies has nearly doubled in 10 years March 31, 2025 Businesses account for over a quarter of all UK tax receipts, according to new research by Thomson Reuters. Chancellor Rachel Reeves said Labour would become more “pro-business” than previous governments in the run-up to last year’s election. But new data by Thomson Reuters raises questions about the Chancellor’s record in office as companies face an [...]
London City 7s: Rugby returns to the HAC in boost for Square Mile March 31, 2025 Those who have trodden the streets of the City’s Finsbury Square and the surrounding area will be well aware of the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC). Guarding the rare expanse of City grass is Armoury House, home of the HAC since 1735. It boasts its own cricket, football and rugby clubs, and is flanked on all [...]
Thames Water’s finance chief quits as firm continues trying to find a buyer March 28, 2025 Thames Water’s finance boss has quit midway through a key restructuring of the heavily indebted utility giant. Chief financial officer Alastair Cochran told the firm that he was stepping down on Friday morning. His sudden departure comes as Thames Water continues to try to find a buyer for the company to help steady its finances. Thames Water is England’s biggest water firm, with about [...]
Nigel Farage criticises DEI and says men ‘sacrifice’ more for jobs than women March 28, 2025 Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has criticised diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies and argued men “sacrifice their family lives” for their careers more than women. Speaking at an event in Parliament, the MP for Clacton-on-Sea argued that more men used to be at the top of boardrooms because “the country was white men”. Addressing [...]