Amazon is repurposing its shuttered Fresh convenience stores as Whole Foods outlets in London, but with cumulative losses exceeding £200m, questions remain over the strategy’s viability.
Category: News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
Barclays bets on the high street once more with new branches and the return of the bank manager
Barclays is reversing years of branch closures by opening new outlets and reinstating the bank manager title, as its UK chief bets on human touch to fend off digital-only rivals.
Inflation fears surge as rate cut hopes fade for UK businesses
UK businesses expect higher inflation and fewer rate cuts as energy prices surge following the Iran war, according to Bank of England data.
SpaceX files for record-breaking IPO with $1.75tn valuation target
SpaceX is preparing for what could become the largest stock market debut in history after confidentially filing for an initial public offering that may value the company at more than $1.75 trillion.
Regions from Teesside to Cornwall awarded up to £20m to boost innovation
Regions across England and Wales will receive up to £20m each to boost innovation in sectors including AI, clean energy and advanced manufacturing.
Marmite and Hellmann’s to join US giant in £50bn flavour deal
Marmite and other iconic brands will join US group McCormick in a £50bn deal, creating a global flavour powerhouse and raising concerns over UK jobs.
Oracle cuts thousands of jobs as Ellison doubles down on AI investment
Oracle begins cutting thousands of jobs as it ramps up AI spending, with analysts warning up to 30,000 roles could be affected.
UK warned it will rely on US gas as calls grow to boost North Sea output
Britain could rely on US LNG for 60% of gas by 2035, prompting calls to boost North Sea production to strengthen energy security.
Roadchef secures 75-year leases to unlock £300m motorway investment
Roadchef will invest £300m in UK motorway services after securing 75-year lease extensions, boosting EV charging, HGV facilities and retail.
UK business investment lags G7 rivals as energy costs bite
UK firms invest less than most G7 peers, with high energy costs and low capital intensity holding back productivity and growth, says IPPR.
UK tech firm Sintela lands $200m US border security deal
Bristol-based Sintela secures $200m US border contract using fibre-optic sensing and AI to detect threats across land and sea borders.
YouTube named world’s most influential brand as tech dominance grows
YouTube tops global influence rankings as tech giants dominate media impact, with AI brands rising and Elon Musk named most influential CEO.
Innovate UK names winners of first Agentic AI pioneers prize
Innovate UK announces winners of its Agentic AI Pioneers Prize, awarding funding to startups advancing AI in life sciences, manufacturing and creative sectors.
Car finance redress bill cut by £2bn as VCA unveils final compensation scheme
The FCA has reduced the car finance compensation bill to £7.5bn, while increasing average payouts, as lenders and consumers weigh potential legal challenges.
Ineos losses widen to $593m as Ratcliffe halts dividend amid energy turmoil
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos reports $593m loss and skips dividend as energy volatility and Middle East tensions drive up costs and risks.
