Business

UK businesses are being urged to tighten controls around their use of artificial intelligence in 2026, as legal experts warn that poorly governed AI systems are exposing companies to mounting legal, financial and reputational risks. From unclear ownership of AI-generated content to data protection breaches and misleading outputs, advisers say many organisations have adopted AI tools faster than they have …

Nigel Farage has renewed his threat to strip commercial banks of billions of pounds in interest payments made by the Bank of England, reviving a controversial proposal that has already alarmed financial markets and the banking industry. Speaking at a Bloomberg event on the fringes of the World Economic Forum, Farage confirmed that Reform UK still intends to scrap the …

A bitter trademark dispute over the Beckham name has emerged as a key factor in the growing rift between the Beckhams and their son Brooklyn Beckham and his wife Nicola Peltz, underscoring how intellectual property law can collide with family relationships when a surname becomes a commercial asset. The row centres on control of the Beckham name, which has long …

A Leeds-based technology start-up has raised £23 million to accelerate the commercial rollout of its light-powered computer chips, in a move that could strengthen the UK’s position in the global race to develop next-generation artificial intelligence hardware. Optalysys will use the funding to scale its photonic computing technology and expand operations into the United States. The investment round was led …

The government is facing fresh calls to extend its business rates relief scheme for pubs to include hotels, as the accommodation sector grapples with sharp increases in taxes, wages and operating costs. The appeal has been made by leading audit, tax and business advisory firm Blick Rothenberg, which warned that hotels are under growing financial strain and risk job losses …

Government borrowing fell sharply in December after a surge in income tax and national insurance receipts helped narrow the monthly deficit, offering short-term relief for the Treasury but little comfort over the longer-term health of the public finances. Figures published by the Office for National Statistics showed public sector borrowing fell to £11.6 billion in December, £7.1 billion lower than …

Capital gains tax (CGT) receipts fell sharply last year, reinforcing concerns that higher taxes on investment gains are failing to deliver additional revenue while discouraging business activity. New figures published by HM Revenue and Customs show CGT receipts totalled £13.646 billion in 2025, down from £14.900 billion in 2024 — a decline of 8.4 per cent. Wealth managers said the …

The prop trading industry has clearly changed, yet many firms still operate as if nothing ever happened. Traders today are smarter, more patient, and far more aware of the difference between real opportunity and clever marketing. Because of this shift, they are no longer searching for just any prop firm. Instead, they want the best prop firm, one that offers …

When taking the first steps to work alongside a website development team, many underestimate how much detail they need to provide with their initial brief in order to get the very best from their investment, as well as the project timeline. Overlooking how important a brief is will start your collaboration with a web development agency in London off on …

Steven Lovett, founder and CEO of Principled Consulting Services (PCS), has spent decades helping executives shift from operational excellence to strategic advantage. His work, culminating in his book “StrategIQ Mindset,” focuses on helping C-suite leaders build lasting strategic advantage rather than simply managing operational efficiency. In this Q&A, Lovett discusses the invisible mistakes executives make, why traditional consulting falls short, …