Burnham premiership begins with decline in job postings July 21, 2026 Andy Burnham’s premiership has kicked off with disconcerting news for job seekers, setting up new government ministers for a difficult few months in supporting the UK labour market. The Office for National Statistics revealed that the number of vacancies fell by 7,000 between April and June, with the biggest falls coming in areas such as [...]
Three ways Andy Burnham can avoid Keir Starmer’s mistakes July 21, 2026 The Notebook, where the City’s movers and shakers have their say. Today Michael Martins shares his tips for the new cabinet and explains why he’s become obsessed with unhinged neighbours As you walk into No. 10 today, you are about to inherit all of former PM Starmer’s problems and none of his excuses, so take [...]
Wealthy Brits fear Burnham tax consequences July 20, 2026 Wealthy Brits are bracing for a major shake-up of the tax system, as the UK’s new prime minister looks for ways to fund fresh spending commitments. Prior to taking office, Andy Burnham had already hinted at plans over how the country should be taxed. The Makerfield MP has so far refused to rule out a [...]
Big Yellow slashes staff and turns to automation after Reeves’ business rates blow July 20, 2026 Big Yellow continued to trim its headcount and hike investment into automation in a bid to cut staff costs, as the company continues to deal with the fallout of Reeves’ decision to hike business rates. The Chancellor’s decision to increase both national insurance and minimum wage in the 2024 Autumn Budget, caused the group to [...]
Private equity firms eye valuation gap as City falls to takeovers July 20, 2026 The London Stock Exchange has seen a sharp uptick in takeover premiums this year as a deals spree from led by private equity firms and foreign buyers accelerates. The average price paid by acquirers relative to companies’ share prices has hit 45 per cent, according to data from AJ Bell. Foreign buyers account for 86 [...]
The Executive Ledger: Is the company car consigned to history? July 17, 2026 The traditional executive company car used to be defined by a beautifully simple set of rules, writes motoring journalist Tim Barnes-Clay. It required a German saloon, 3.0 litres of naturally aspirated displacement, finished in metallic paint, and a designated parking space close to the boardroom doors. It was a statement of seniority, paid for by [...]
Mahmood called for banker bonus tax to fix youth unemployment July 17, 2026 Shabana Mahmood has previously called for a tax on banker bonuses to fix youth unemployment in a move that will renew fears the sector could be targeted for a cash grab. The front-runner to be Andy Burnham’s Chancellor was a staunch supporter of a bill set out by Labour in opposition that sought to levy [...]
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Frasers slams ‘nonsense rumours’ over Harvey Nichols bid July 16, 2026 The boss of Frasers has hit back at “nonsense rumours” that retail brands are reluctant to work with the group, which is known for making aggressive plays to take control of rival companies. The group, which owns Sports Direct and Flannels, gatecrashed the auction to buy luxury department store Harvey Nichols last week, despite some [...]
Fourthline and Veridas Join Forces to Fight Identity Fraud with a Global Identity Platform July 16, 2026 Founded in Europe, now with global reach: backed by European investors and bringing bank-grade European compliance standards to markets worldwide Customer Value: A streamlined, end-to-end user experience that protects identity across the entire customer lifetime and helps customers grow revenue safely and compliantly. The Expected Result: Fourthline and Veridas are joining forces to create a global bank-grade identity platform: sovereign AI, modular compliance, and proprietary anti-fraud and biometric technology across Europe, Latin America, and the US. One trusted partner for end-to-end KYC, AML, and Identity compliance. Terms of Deal: Following completion of the merger, Veridas shareholders (including BBVA) will continue as shareholders in the combination, and the transaction will be partially funded by existing Fourthline investor Finch Capital and new investors including Rabo Investments, the captive investment arm of Rabobank. Expected close is in the second half of 2026, pending customary closing conditions including applicable regulatory approvals.