Microsoft is investing £22bn to build Britain’s biggest AI supercomputer and expand UK data centres, part of £31bn in US Big Tech funding unveiled during Trump’s state visit.
Category: AI
Artificial intelligence coverage with the Business Matters filter: not the hype cycle, but what AI adoption actually looks like inside UK firms – the tools, the costs, the failures, and the regulation heading down the track.
Google parent Alphabet reaches $3 trillion valuation as AI and legal reprieve boost shares
Alphabet has joined the $3 trillion club after strong AI growth and a favourable antitrust ruling sent shares to record highs. The Google parent now sits alongside Apple, Microsoft and Nvidia in the world’s most valuable firms.
Nothing secures $200m Series C to build AI-native hardware platform
London tech startup Nothing has raised $200m at a $1.3bn valuation to expand into AI-native devices, backed by Tiger Global, GV and Qualcomm.
AI startup Nory raises $37m to help restaurants cut costs and boost profits
Hospitality tech startup Nory has secured $37m in Series B funding to expand its AI-native platform for restaurants. Backed by Kinnevik and Accel, Nory claims to cut operating costs by 20% and boost net profits by up to 50%.
Millions of Brits to use generative AI for Christmas gift shopping in 2025
Coveo research reveals 71% of Brits plan to use generative AI to help with Christmas shopping this year—double 2024’s figure—as consumers seek inspiration, deals and budgeting support.
TikTok tops list of most scraped websites as AI training reshapes data priorities
Decodo’s 2025 Most Scraped Websites report shows TikTok has surged to the top spot with 321% traffic growth, highlighting how multimodal AI training is driving a shift toward video-first platforms.
Smart glasses and AI apps backed to transform mental health care in the UK
Seventeen projects share £3.6m funding to deliver AI-powered smart glasses, filter apps and XR therapies, supporting NHS mental health services nationwide.
Nick Clegg urges Britain to rediscover optimism and tells Silicon Valley to drop the self pity
Nick Clegg on Britain’s risk‑aversion, Silicon Valley’s self‑pity, AI rivalry with China, free speech and leadership — in conversation with Wilfred Frost.
AI adoption stalls in large enterprises as doubts grow over returns
AI adoption among large enterprises dips from 14% to 12%, raising concerns over ROI and security. Experts call for training, governance and resilience strategies.
Hyble secures $2m Virgin Money funding to drive AI-powered platform and U.S. growth
MarTech scale-up Hyble has raised $2m in venture debt financing from Virgin Money to launch its AI-driven Hyble 2.0 platform and expand further into the U.S. beverage market.
Meta plans first London AI store to showcase VR headsets and smart glasses
Meta is preparing to open its first UK physical store on Oxford Street to promote its Meta Quest VR headsets and Ray-Ban smart glasses, as Mark Zuckerberg doubles down on AI-driven hardware.
UK AI investment hits record £2.9bn as Britain strengthens global leadership
British AI companies attracted £2.9bn in investment in 2024, putting the UK second only to the US and ahead of China. Government unveils new AI assurance roadmap and funding to boost trust, jobs and growth.
Helix Law uses AI to take on Metro Bank in $20m copyright case
Brighton-based Helix Law is representing US software firm Arkeyo in a $20m High Court battle against Metro Bank, using AI tools to slash disclosure costs and prove how smaller firms can take on legal giants.
Seven keys to a successful AI strategy for corporate enabling functions
Corporations are spending big on AI. According to IDC, total business investments in generative AI are expected to increase 94% this year to reach $61.9 billion. However, just investing in AI does not guarantee a payoff.
AI profiling of social media will boost HMRC’s tax compliance, say advisers
Blick Rothenberg says HMRC’s use of AI through its CONNECT system, which has already recovered over £3bn in unpaid tax, will be strengthened by profiling people’s social media activity.
