The closure of the Port of Baltimore following the catastrophic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge has prompted concerns about significant disruptions to supply chains in the United States.
Category: News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
SMEs Brace! Brace! for rest of 2024 amid weak growth and policy uncertainty
SMEs across the UK are bracing themselves for a challenging rest of 2024, according to the latest Prism Research SME Barometer.
Secondhand clothing sales set to be 10% of global fashion market in 2025
Secondhand clothing sales are projected to represent 10% of the global fashion market by next year, as consumers increasingly turn to “pre-loved” garments amidst the cost of living crisis and sustainability concerns.
Amazon increases AI startup Anthropic investment with additional $2.75bn funding
Amazon announced on Wednesday that it will be increasing its investment in Anthropic, an artificial intelligence startup based in San Francisco, by an additional $2.75 billion.
British carmakers report rising production six months in a row
British car factories have defied the global trend by reporting a sixth consecutive month of rising production.
Asos, Boohoo and George promise to be ‘clear and accurate’ over eco-claims
Three major budget fashion brands in the UK, ASOS, Boohoo, and George at Asda, have committed to changing the way they communicate the environmental impact of their clothing following intervention by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
Barclays bank payments restored following app outage
Barclays has announced that its payment systems and banking app are now fully operational after experiencing glitches that began on Tuesday evening.
CBI Under Fire for Using Gagging Clauses Amid Sexual Misconduct Claims
The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has come under scrutiny after it was revealed that the organization has employed gagging clauses to silence staff from discussing their encounters with sexual misconduct and bullying within the institution.
Centrica CEO’s Salary Soars by Nearly £4m Despite Previous Justification Concerns
The chief executive of Centrica, Chris O’Shea, saw a substantial increase in his annual pay, rising by nearly £4 million, despite his earlier assertion that such a salary was unjustifiable.
Cyber chiefs slam Parliament’s ‘pitiful’ £6.5m cyber budget increase amidst China threat
Parliament has boosted its IT budget by only £6.5m in the last financial year as MPs and peers face a barrage of cyber attacks from China, according to official figures.
Trump’s Truth Social Goes Public, Valued at Over $9 Billion
The debut of Donald Trump’s Truth Social took centre stage on Tuesday as the platform’s parent company, Digital World Acquisition, went public, valuing the budding social network at over $9 billion.
Two Government Ministers Quit, Dealing Fresh Blow to Rishi Sunak
In a setback for Rishi Sunak, two government ministers, Armed Forces Minister James Heappey and Skills Minister Robert Halfon, have resigned from their positions, also announcing their decision to step down as Tory MPs at the upcoming general elections.
Punishing Beijing for Cyberattacks Could Impact Trade, Minister Cautions
Britain is urged to tread carefully in response to cyberattacks linked to China to avoid exacerbating trade tensions, cautioned a cabinet minister following accusations of a “prolific” global campaign by Beijing.
Surge Pricing Strategy to Hit Legoland Visitors
Merlin Entertainments, the parent company of Legoland among other attractions, is set to introduce surge pricing using machine learning algorithms to adjust ticket costs based on variables like weather conditions.
Tractors Gather at Parliament in Farmer Go-Slow Protest
Central London witnessed a spectacle last night as over 100 tractors paraded past the iconic Houses of Parliament, echoing the discontent of farmers over what they perceive as inadequate support for UK food production.