Latest News and Industry Insights

Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to bring benefits across many industries, including healthcare diagnostics and consumer technology. However, as its applications expand, so do concerns about its accuracy and potential for misuse. Two recent examples—the use of AI in detecting ovarian cancer and its controversial implementation in summarising news—illustrate both the transformative potential and the risks of AI.

Last week, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) set out its initial plans for the new digital markets competition regime. The regime is designed to support the UK’s tech sector and has its legal footing in the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act. The Act received royal assent in May 2024 but came into force on 1 January 2025.

With the 31 January Self-Assessment tax return filing deadline fast approaching, HM Revenue and Customs issued a press release last week noting that 5.4 million taxpayers are yet to complete their return.

Recent immigration enforcement activity has highlighted the need for employers to ensure their workers have the right to work in the UK. With thousands of enforcement visits, arrests, and hefty fines being issued, businesses that neglect their responsibilities risk serious consequences.

The benefits of exercise on our physical and mental health are well known. The healthier and fitter we are the better we work on our business. A healthier, fitter workforce are also much more likely to be productive and happier. Yet, many of us struggle to find the time or energy to do enough exercise.

The start of January marks a time of new beginnings, and for business owners, it’s the perfect opportunity to pause, reflect, and plan ahead. After the whirlwind of the festive season, January offers a quieter moment to consider where your business is headed, how it’s performing, and whether you’re still on track to meet your goals.

The Office for National Statistics’ (ONS) latest official figures for October show that the economy shrank for the second month in a row, while pay growth increased for the first time in more than a year.

Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, has confirmed 26 March 2025 as the date for the Spring Forecast.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves spoke last week at a meeting of EU finance ministers as part of the government’s attempt to perform an economic reset with the EU. It was the first time a UK chancellor has attended such an event since the UK left the EU.

With the Budget coming on 30th October, speculation is increasing on what changes will be announced. The Chancellor and the Prime Minister have made comments to indicate that the Budget will bring “difficult decisions”.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has just published a new set of heat maps showing where businesses across the UK have received warning or advisory letters for potentially breaking competition law. It’s the first time the CMA has published this kind of information, and it’s a reminder for all businesses to ensure they’re on the right side of the law.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, along with a newly reactivated Solar Taskforce, is spearheading a major push to get more solar panels on homes and businesses by 2030. This is all part of a wider strategy to build the UK’s energy independence, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and protect consumer bills from volatile energy markets.

The government has published the Employment Rights Bill, which is intended help deliver economic security and growth to businesses, workers and communities across the UK.

Companies House have rolled out a new penalties regime as part of a broader effort to boost corporate transparency and combat economic crime, following the implementation of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.

If you’re a new parent, congratulations! Apparently, around 2,000 babies are born on 26 September each year – more than any other day.