Author: Sam Allcock

In a promising turn, the John Lewis Partnership has reported a substantial reduction in losses, indicating progress in its transformation plan.For the six months ending 27 July, the company reported a pre-tax loss of £30m, a notable improvement from a £59m loss in the previous year.The Partnership’s adjusted operating profit rose significantly to £48m, marking a return to profitability for the first time in three years.Despite a decrease in John Lewis’s specific profits due to a challenging market for general merchandise, total revenue rose by 2%.The Partnership aims to continue its profit growth with strategic investments and is on target…

In a significant move, members of the Law Society’s ruling council are set to receive an annual payment of £2,050, pending approval at the forthcoming AGM. This would mark the first occasion that council members receive this form of financial recognition since the previous allowance scheme was discontinued.The proposed payment for the Law Society’s 97-member council is designed to accompany other expenses they incur. If ratified, this financial adjustment will initially result in a cost of £483,000 because payments will be retrospectively applied from March of the previous year. This change follows the cessation of the former allowance scheme due…

The UK government has officially classified data centres as ‘critical national infrastructure.’This new classification is expected to stimulate significant investment in the UK’s cloud sector.AWS plans a £8bn investment in UK data centres, supporting local jobs and GDP.A proposed data centre by DC01UK could become one of Europe’s largest if approved.The tech sector views this development as pivotal for economic growth in the UK.In a significant policy shift, the UK government has reclassified data centres as ‘critical national infrastructure.’ This marks the first time in nearly a decade that a new sector has been designated as such, placing data centres…

Amazon Web Services (AWS) announces £8bn investment in UK data centres, aiming to expand its technological footprint.The investment aims to contribute £14bn to the UK’s GDP and support 14,000 jobs annually until 2028.AWS emphasizes its longstanding commitment to UK growth through technology adoption, targeting small and medium businesses.Global tech giants like Microsoft and Google also increase investments in AI infrastructure across the UK.Concerns rise over data centres’ energy consumption, but AWS commits to renewable energy solutions.Amazon Web Services (AWS) has declared an ambitious plan to inject £8bn into the United Kingdom’s technology infrastructure. This investment will focus on the construction,…

Rachel Reeves defends her claim of £4,400 for heating her second home, asserting the necessity for MPs to maintain two residences.Reeves emphasises her objective to protect pensioners, ensuring continued winter fuel payments despite cuts for many.The controversy arises as Labour MPs oppose the plan, highlighting a tension within the party regarding pensioner support.Analysis reveals that Reeves claimed £3,700 for energy bills over five years, intensifying scrutiny over MPs’ expenses.The situation raises broader questions on MPs’ entitlements versus public perception and fairness in times of financial strain.Rachel Reeves has defended her expense claim of £4,400 for heating her second home, a…

Jones AV, an operating theatre technology firm, secures major investment for expansion.The company, based in Wirral, has been awarded a ‘significant six-figure’ backing.River Capital provides this investment to boost the tech specialist’s innovation.Jones AV aims to enhance its proprietary software with the new funding.This growth will create six additional jobs within the year.Jones AV, a Wirral-based company specialising in audio-visual technology for operating theatres, has received a ‘significant six-figure investment’ from River Capital. Founded in 2008 by Director Ingo Aicher, Jones AV has established itself as a pioneer in medical audio-visual integration, with its technology currently installed in over 600…

The Trelavour pit, operated by Cornish Lithium, receives special status to enhance the UK’s electric vehicle ambitions.Cornish Lithium aims to supply 25,000 tonnes of lithium per year by 2030 to support domestic EV battery production.The site has been classified as a ‘project of national significance,’ accelerating the planning approval with ministerial oversight.Lithium from Cornwall could reduce UK reliance on imports, lowering both costs and carbon emissions.UK’s electric vehicle quotas are set to surge, heightening the demand for a reliable lithium supply chain.Cornish Lithium’s Trelavour pit has been granted special status, signifying its pivotal role in supporting the United Kingdom’s electric…

Cornish Lithium’s Trelavour pit receives ‘project of national significance’ status, enhancing UK’s domestic lithium supply.The mine is set to produce 25,000 tonnes of lithium annually by 2030 for electric vehicle batteries.Ministerial oversight aims to fast-track planning approval, reducing reliance on imports.This initiative supports the shift towards electric vehicles, with a target of 100% EVs by 2035.Cornish Lithium could fulfil over half of UK’s lithium needs, supporting various technologies.Cornish Lithium’s Trelavour pit has been designated a “project of national significance,” a decision that accelerates its planning process by placing it under ministerial oversight instead of local authorities. This move recognises the…

The National Farmers Union (NFU) president has voiced concerns over Defra’s handling of its agricultural budget, which was underspent by £358m over three years.The NFU describes this financial oversight as a significant blow to farmers during a time of income instability.The Basic Payment Scheme was discontinued in 2023, but replacement schemes remain incomplete, leaving potential funds unused.NFU urges the government to allocate the unspent budget to support the struggling farming sector.The new Defra secretary is urged to ensure future budgets support necessary agricultural investments.The National Farmers Union (NFU) president, Tom Bradshaw, has raised alarms regarding the Department for Environment, Food…

Amazon Web Services (AWS) announces a significant £8 billion investment in the UK’s digital infrastructure, aiming to drive economic growth and job creation.The investment is expected to support over 14,000 full-time jobs each year within AWS’s data centre supply chain.AWS’s total UK investment is projected to exceed £11 billion by 2028, building on its initial investment since 2020.The move is seen as a crucial part of the UK’s economic revival, with a £42 billion impact from cloud computing recorded in 2023.AWS is committed to furthering digital transformation and AI education, having reached over 31 million learners globally by mid-2024.Amazon Web…