Inheritance tax: Ministers urged to ‘do right thing’ ahead of farming summit February 25, 2025 The government is being urged to “do the right thing” over its plan to bring in inheritance tax for farm businesses worth more than £1m, following months of protests by farmers. Ministers are being encouraged to “reset” their relationship with Britain’s farmers, ahead of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) conference on Tuesday. President Tom Bradshaw [...]
HSBC Innovation Banking bets £30m on fintech Clearscore February 25, 2025 HSBC Innovation Banking has backed global fintech Clearscore lending £30m in debt financing. After first partnering in 2017, the fintech said the continued support of the bank will help drive further business growth across domestic and international markets. Clearscore credited the lender for its “vital role in its global expansion” with the financial marketplace now [...]
Sanctions: Kremlin-linked oligarchs hit by UK regime on ‘grim milestone’ of war February 24, 2025 The UK is extending its sanctions regime against Russia as it marks the “grim milestone” of the third anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine. Ministers have unveiled the largest sanctions package against Russia since 2022, with 107 new sanctions targeting Russian military supply chains, third-country supporters and revenue and profits fuelling the war chest and [...]
Pubs and bars to go into extra time if Lionesses score at Women’s Euros February 24, 2025 Pubs are set to be allowed to stay open until 1am if the Lionesses reach the latter stages of the Women’s Euros this summer. The Home Office wants to push back closing time at pubs and bars by two hours if England make it to the semi-finals or final of Women’s Euro 2025. The Lionesses [...]
Massive civil service office complex approved for Manchester February 24, 2025 A huge new tech-focused Government office complex in Manchester has been given planning permission. The 5.5 acre project, which could support as many as 7,000 civil service jobs in the city, will bring together a range of government departments with a focus on technology. “The new digital campus plays to Manchester’s strengths. We have fostered [...]
Just Eat shares rise 50 per cent on £3.3bn Prosus deal February 24, 2025 Global tech firm Prosus has made an offer to acquire Just Eat Takeaway.com for £3.3bn. The Amsterdam-based firm said it intends to launch the offer “as soon as practically possible”, which the company said was likely to be in the second quarter. The deal is expected to be completed by the end of the year. [...]
Jonathan Reynolds relaunches trade deal talks with India February 24, 2025 The UK has relaunched talks on a free trade deal with India, with Jonathan Reynolds in New Delhi to resume negotiations. The business and trade secretary begins refreshed discussions with his Indian counterpart commerce minister Piyush Goyal in the South Asian capital today (Monday, February 24), marking a new phase of negotiations between the world’s [...]
Why more City workers should join the Army February 24, 2025 If you want to boost UK defence, support your workers joining the Army's Reserve Forces, writes Lord Mayor Alastair King.
Apple axes data protection tool after government security row February 21, 2025 Apple has removed its advanced data protection (ADP) feature from the UK, following a dispute with the UK government over encryption and access to user data. This comes after the Home Office requested access to encrypted iCloud data under the investigatory powers act (IPA), a law that requires leading tech firms to provide information to [...]
Coca-Cola and Fifa resolve legal spat to continue Club World Cup deal February 21, 2025 Coca-Cola and football governing body Fifa appear to have resolved their legal spat after the soft drinks giant was confirmed as a sponsor for the Club World Cup. Alongside German sports apparel firm Adidas, Coca-Cola opened separate legal cases against Fifa surrounding the sponsorship rights of the Club World Cup. The pair were reportedly unhappy [...]