Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.

UK’s Colt hit by cyberattack, support systems offline amid ransom threat
“Colt are being extorted by Warlock ransomware group, they have been for over a week, Colt are trying to cover it up,” Beaumont wrote on Mastodon on Friday, Aug 15. “Entry likely via sharehelp.colt.net via CVE-2025-53770 as they were interacting...

England’s sparkling wine is losing its fizz
I do enjoy a glass of champagne but I often wish I could substitute the experience with English varietals, especially those grown by friends. It’s been a struggle. Growing pains are increasingly evident in the English sparkling wine industry. As...

UK consumer sentiment recovers to strongest level since October

UK consumer sentiment recovers to strongest level since October
Sentiment among UK consumers recovered to its strongest level since before the autumn budget last year, according to new figures. The latest monthly S&P Global UK Consumer Sentiment Index found that surveyed consumers were still relatively...

John Lewis announces major change across all 36 UK stores with shoppers notified
John Lewis has issued a big announcement for anyone who shops at its 36 stores across the UK. John Lewis is plotting a big change for shoppers and consumers, and will add an eye-watering 100 new clothing brands to stores. John Lewis, which has a...

Major UK energy firm handing customers free £2,500 to spend in M&S or Waitrose
A major energy firm is handing out up to £2,500 in free cash to spend at Greggs, M&S or Waitrose. EON Next is giving customers the chance to receive £2,500 in free cash to spend in the likes of Greggs, M&S or Waitrose. The EON Next "refer a...

New compulsory meters to be fitted in 'every UK home'
Millions of UK households could soon have compulsory meters installed under new rules. It's part of radical suggested changes to help stop families being ripped off for their water bills. A new report has been presented to Government about how to...

Rail passengers in England face 'outrageous' change from Wednesday
Rail campaigners say potential 5.5 per cent fares rise would be "ripping off" passengers. Train passengers and rail users say a potential 5.5% rise in England’s train fares next year is “outrageous”. July’s Retail Prices Index (RPI) measure of...

What Every UK CIO Should Know About Securing a Hybrid Workforce
Hybrid work is now far more than just a temporary measure or a niche perk offered to senior management. It's now become a large percentage of how UK businesses operate. According to recent data from the Office for National Statistics, around 28%...

Aldi reveals 23 UK stores being upgraded this year including two in Greater Manchester - full list
Aldi has revealed the locations of 23 stores across the country which it plans to make upgrades and improvements to by the end of the year. Within these plans, Aldi has further confirmed that two of the proposed stores set for renovations will be...

This Asian Country Has Banned Vaping, Calling It a 'Drug Issue' – Should the UK Follow?
Singapore has intensified its anti-vaping crackdown, declaring the habit a 'drug issue' rather than a tobacco problem. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced at the National Day Rally 2025 that sellers and users now face stiff jail terms,...
Analysis-UK motor finance ruling could fuel M&A
By Charlie Conchie LONDON (Reuters) -A ruling from the United Kingdom's top court that will likely save car finance companies billions in compensation payouts could clear the way for a wave of consolidation in the sector. The Supreme Court this...

EY poll finds consumers still willing to spend on live entertainment
A recent EY survey has revealed 45% of consumers in the UK want to maintain their spending on local and live entertainment over the next year. The results come from an EY Media & Entertainment Pulse Poll which surveyed over 1,000 consumers on...

Warning Issued Against Car Finance Compensation Scams in the UK
London, UK – Motorists in the United Kingdom are urged to stay vigilant against scams concerning mis-sold car finance loans. Those potentially owed up to £950 are receiving unsolicited calls and texts from fraudsters pretending to be lenders. This...

A new British pornography law is working
A new British pornography law is working (SRN NEWS)- In July the government began making on-line pornographers verify that a potential customer is 18 years old before allowing him access. As a result traffic on PornHub — the biggest pornography...

Heidelberg Materials UK forms bulk cement JV with Turners
UK: Heidelberg Materials UK and Turners have entered into a 50/50 joint venture for bulk cement haulage, with the haulier distributing the producer’s bulk cement from autumn 2025. Heidelberg Materials UK will transfer its bulk cement distribution...

Claire’s enters administration in UK and Ireland after US bankruptcy amid market shifts
UK/IRELAND/USA. Claire’s, a specialist retailer with a traditionally strong and widespread airport presence, has sought administration in the UK and Ireland. The company attributes the move to reduced footfall amid evolving retail trends,...
Retailers Should Aim For Greater Personalisation To Engage With Customers
New research reveals that 61% of UK consumers consider communications from retailers and brands irrelevant to them. In addition, more than half (56%) say that communications lack personalisation. The study by global cloud communications platform...

United Airlines customer did everything right calling for help after canceled flight – then $17k went from his account
HOLIDAYMAKERS are urged to be on the lookout for fraudsters after a US traveller was charged $17k in a highly unusual scam. The customer did everything right after his United Airlines flight was cancelled – but the money still disappeared from his...

Homeware brand Joseph Joseph selects XPO Logistics as UK logistics partner
Joseph Joseph, a UK-based manufacturer of homeware products, has named XPO Logistics as its ‘long-term logistics partner’ in the UK. Under this new agreement, XPO Logistics will manage Joseph Joseph’s omnichannel fulfilment, warehousing,...