Poundland management and Andy Bond in reported buyout talks as sale process continues
Poundland’s management is reported to be negotiating with a financial backer over a possible bid. No sale or guarantee for its 11,000 jobs has been announced.
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Lisa Nandy calls under-16 social media ban a staging post for wider UK online safety action
The culture secretary says the planned restrictions are only one step in making online spaces safer. Existing commitments cover device and app protections, but further measures...
Bank of England warns financial risks are more connected as it holds bank buffer at 2%
The Financial Policy Committee says higher bond yields, growing AI-related borrowing and operational threats could reinforce one another, while judging UK banks resilient.
Dangote and Ruto break ground on Lamu refinery as land dispute remains unresolved
The planned $16 billion refinery would process 700,000 barrels of crude a day, but a Kenyan court order may affect work at the site ahead of an October hearing.
Huel ad banned after watchdog finds it suggested shakes could replace all meals
The UK Advertising Standards Authority said an ultramarathon anecdote made an exclusively Huel diet appear acceptable and implied an unauthorised endurance claim.
Greggs proposes four UK factory closures, putting about 740 jobs at risk
The bakery chain says it will consult workers and unions on manufacturing changes at sites in England and Scotland, alongside possible changes in Wales.
UK second-quarter GDP growth revised up to 0.5% as services strengthen
The Office for National Statistics raised its April–June growth estimate from 0.4% to 0.5%. A separate Bank of England assessment warned that financial risks have increased...
Cornwall Insight forecasts £1,999 typical energy bill from January
The forecast would put the annualised bill for a typical dual-fuel household in Great Britain £276 above the October cap. Ofgem has yet to set January’s rates.
Trump signs ‘Super Intelligence’ order and announces voluntary AI safety accord
At a White House summit with technology executives, Trump directed federal agencies to use new terminology for AI and announced a company-led safety agreement. Questions remain...
ECB’s Elderson sets out more selective bank supervision and faster decisions
Frank Elderson says ECB supervisors will focus more closely on material risks while simplifying routine work. He says the full effect of the changes will take time to assess.
Women describe routes into DIY and plumbing as demand grows on tradeswomen platform
A DIY creator, a plumber and the founder of TaskHer describe what draws women to hands-on work, the doubts they encounter and the limits of the available workforce data.
US sodium-ion start-ups pursue domestic production while relying on Chinese cells
Unigrid, Emerald Battery Labs and Peak Energy are developing sodium-ion products, but their current cell supply and domestic manufacturing plans remain at different stages.
Great British Grid will invest in new networks, but its effect on bills is unproven
The government’s new public body will work alongside existing grid operators and compete for future projects. Plans to expand self-build connections aim to reduce delays.
Co-op Group offers store and funeral home sales to address CMA merger concerns
The UK competition watchdog will examine proposed sales of 15 convenience stores and two funeral homes before deciding whether to clear Co-op Group’s acquisition of Southern Co-op.
ONS Survey: Business Energy Worries Hit 64% as Ofgem's Cap Rises 4%
New ONS data show energy-cost concern among UK businesses jumped in September, days before Ofgem's household price cap rose 4% for autumn - though a VAT cut on electricity...
UN adds 61 companies to database of firms linked to Israeli settlements
The human rights office says its latest update brings the total to 214 companies. Israel rejects the database, which cannot compel companies to act.
UK five-year fixed savings bonds reach 5.25% as savers weigh access to cash
GB Bank, Shawbrook and Vanquis were among providers offering five-year fixed bonds at 5.25%, according to the Guardian. The rate comes with a long commitment: Shawbrook allows...
UK commits to British-built Faslane submarine docks and new marine research vessel
Three floating docks for Royal Navy submarines will go through a UK-only competition, while a replacement marine research ship is planned for British construction. Shipyards...