Nscale lands $2bn funding amid UK push to grow AI infrastructure March 9, 2026 London-based AI infrastructure firm Nscale has raised $2bn (£1.6bn) in funding, raising its valuation to $14.6bn as Britain seeks to get ahead of the global AI computing race. The series C round, led by Aker ASA and 8090 Industries, has been backed by heavyweight investors including Nvidia, Dell Technologies, Lenovo, Citadel and Point72. The funding [...]
Nadhim Zahawi joins equity group piling £1bn into Mayfair hotels February 23, 2026 Former Tory chancellor Nadhim Zahawi has joined the board of an investment firm piling £1.1bn into two luxury Mayfair hotels. Evolution Investment Fund, based in the British Virgin Islands, has acquired a long leasehold interest in the London Marriott Hotel in Grosvenor Square and a luxury hotel development site in New Bond Street. The fund, [...]
Truespeed and Freedom Fibre Announce Strategic Combination February 11, 2026 Truespeed Communications and Freedom Fibre announce they have signed an agreement to combine their businesses, creating a scaled, capital-efficient full fibre platform. The combined entity will play a leading role in the ongoing consolidation of the UK alternative network (“altnet”) sector. This merger brings together two highly complementary, effectively unlevered, businesses with a combined footprint [...]
On this day in 1996: the IRA bombs the Docklands February 9, 2026 30 years ago today, two men were killed in a massive explosion at Canary Wharf – and the IRA proved that you can bomb your way to the negotiating table, writes Eliot Wilson At around 5.00 pm, 30 years ago today, a blue Ford Iveco Cargo truck was parked 80 yards from South Quay DLR [...]
Starmer to face legal action on Chinese embassy approval January 20, 2026 China’s new “mega” embassy near the City will face a legal challenge from campaigners and local residents despite receiving approval from Keir Starmer’s government after months of diplomatic wrangling and protests highlighting security concerns. Residents of the Royal Mint Court site, the location where China is planning to build its embassy, have confirmed they will [...]
Office demand outstrips construction as new starts plummet January 20, 2026 New London office construction starts have fallen to their lowest level since 2004, just as businesses up their demand for workspace, says Joanna Hodgson On a frosty Wednesday last week, the famed panoramic view from north London’s Alexandra Palace, featuring a host of landmarks including the Shard and HSBC Tower, had an abundance of cranes [...]
Why are London’s house sellers losing money? January 17, 2026 London’s housing market is known for offering vast mansions and leafy avenues to wealthy buyers from across the world. So why are more sellers in the capital suffering losses than anywhere in the country? It is London’s most affluent and sought-after locations where the profitability of home-selling is taking the biggest hit, with Chelsea and [...]
Chinese embassy to get green light despite ‘threat to City’ January 13, 2026 The new Chinese embassy in London is set to get the green light from Keir Starmer this week, according to reports, amid fresh questions around security concerns were raised on Monday night. The new mega embassy at the Royal Mint Court near the City of London is expected to get the Prime Minister’s sign-off ahead [...]
Majestic Wine blames Reeves’ tax hikes as profit slashed January 7, 2026 Majestic Wine has blamed Rachel Reeves and her tax policies for its profit almost slashing in half during its latest financial year. The Watford-based business said the “economic environment became more challenging” during the 12 months to 31 March, 2025, especially after the general election and the Chancellor’s first Budget. The chain added that these [...]
EY extends global HQ stay on Thames January 6, 2026 Big Four giant EY has renewed the lease on its global headquarters until 2040. The firm’s UK and global HQ is at 1 More London Place, whose lease was set to expire in 2028 before the firm greenlit a contract renewal. The ten-storey building on the south bank of the River Thames, with 35,000 sq [...]