News

AstraZeneca abandoned plans for a £450 million expansion of its vaccine site in northwest England due to delays in securing a £90 million government contribution, raising concerns about the UK's ability to attract and retain high-value R&D projects. The company also cited broader concerns about Britain's declining attractiveness as a hub for pharmaceutical investment.

Bentley is pushing forward with its electric vehicle transition, despite some customer reluctance, and aims to balance its heritage with innovation by introducing a new electric or hybrid model every year for the next decade. The company is also facing financial headwinds due to a challenging global economic environment and a slowdown in Chinese demand.

Lord Sugar, the sharp-tongued tycoon behind the long-running reality show "The Apprentice," has signed a new three-year contract with the BBC, extending his reign into his 80s. Despite facing criticism, Lord Sugar remains unfazed and takes pride in the show's format, where he invests £250,000 into the winner's business in exchange for a 50% stake.

Britain's high streets continued to shrink in 2024, with an average of 35 stores closing each day, but the rate of closures slowed compared to 2023, indicating a more positive outlook for the sector. Despite the closures, new shops opened across high streets, retail parks, and shopping centres, with coffee shops and convenience stores being key drivers of growth.

Inheritance tax receipts have reached £7 billion between April 2024 and January 2025, putting the government on track for another record-breaking year for IHT revenue. Experts warn that inheritance tax is becoming harder to avoid, particularly for business owners and investors, as reliefs are shrinking and asset values are rising.