Business & Tech
The latest stories from independent business & tech media.
Interview: HLB’s Abu Bakkar on why AI in professional services needs to move beyond efficiency
Artificial intelligence in professional services is reaching a turning point, with firms looking beyond using the technology simply to cut costs and save time, to implementing applications that could improve the quality of audit and advisory work.
Google finally eases open the lid on Gemini 4 "Argon"
Argon will initially cost $2/m input tokens and $10/m output tokens, rising to $4/$20 after an “introductory period”.
Micron warns on supply, boasts monster profits, “take or pay” memory deals
26 customers account for 35% of revenues through 2030
Weston family closes in on £7bn Boots takeover
The billionaire Weston family behind Primark is reportedly closing in on a £7bn deal to acquire Boots from current owner Sycamore Partners. The proposed deal would value Boots at around £6.7bn, including debt and comes after months of negotiations between the Boots’ owners and…
Nuveen sets out integration timeline following Schroders takeover
Nuveen has today (1 October) completed its acquisition of Schroders, creating a combined firm responsible for $2.6tr in assets under management (AUM).
England's schools are getting better at mopping up cyber incidents
Two-thirds report immediate recovery, although teachers remain divided over whose job security is
RAM supply set to worsen, says Micron, as CEO celebrates ‘much higher’ prices
Posts huge leaps in revenue, profit, and margin, with more to come
Chris Davies: The future must be built on data, AI and trust
For the last two decades, financial advice firms have invested heavily in CRM and back-office technology. These platforms have become the operational backbone of the profession, supporting client records, valuations, income reconciliation, workflows and reporting.
UK privacy watchdog starts over with new board and Manchester HQ
The Information Commission replaces the Information Commissioner, putting statutory powers under collective control
Inntelo AI signs deal to deploy AI agents across global hospitality association
Hospitality technology company Inntelo AI has signed a partnership with global industry association HFTP to deploy its AI agents across the organisation’s websites, media titles and events.
Sopra Steria widens legal challenge to Capita's Whitehall outsourcing deal
Unredacted contract prompts fresh claims of preferential treatment and greater risk for the DWP
Fewer women than ever in UK's 'old boys' club' cyber industry
Younger workers often overlooked for senior roles due to historical issues and fears they’ll get pregnant, says survey
Erase social media tomorrow? Brits say yes
So why are more and more people snorting their daily fix of cat videos, men fighting and political propaganda
SJP to wind up £1.4bn private assets fund
St James’s Place (SJP) is seeking regulatory approval to close its £1.4bn Diversified Assets Fund after concluding it does not have a long-term role in its investment proposition.
James Klempster: Reasons to be cheerful about fixed income
If you do not yet drive an electric vehicle, a visit to a petrol station to fill up could be enough to prompt you to think again. The rapid increase in the cost of energy has been one of the key drivers behind the return
The tech industry is hot for shopping bots, but they're years away
What's good for human shoppers does not work with probabilistic AI agents
Singapore’s government creates a dating app
Team that gave the world Bluetooth COVID tracking swipes right on algorithmic matchmaking
Poundland management rescue talks could save 11,000 jobs
Poundland’s management team is reportedly in advanced talks over a potential buyout deal that could safeguard up to 11,000 jobs. The group, which includes Poundland boss Barry Williams, is understood to be negotiating with an unnamed financial backer as it looks to take control…
Kiehl’s opens experiential European flagship on Carnaby Street
Kiehl’s has opened a new ‘experiential’ European flagship on London’s famed Carnaby Street. The L’Oréal-owned beauty brand has taken a 1,300 sq ft, two-storey unit at 43 Carnaby Street, marking its second standalone store in London’s West End.
When every small business has the same AI adviser, the advice stops being an advantage
What happens to business advice when everybody gets it from the same place? It’s a question worth asking now that AI assistants have become the default first call for anyone starting or running a company. They’re quick, they’re cheap and they’re articulate.
Scottish Friendly appoints CFO ahead of £10bn OneFamily merger
Scottish Friendly has appointed Scott McNeill as its new chief financial officer ahead of its proposed merger with OneFamily, which is set to create one of the UK's largest mutual life assurance groups.
Iceland unveils campaign to support ‘healthy oceans’
Iceland has launched a new campaign promoting sustainable fishing practices. Titled ‘Buy Blue, Protect Dinner’, the new campaign is part of an annual marketing drive from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) to “support healthy oceans”.
H&M and Morris & Co unveil new collection inspired by English autumn
H&M Kids has teamed up with Morris & Co for a childrenswear collection centred on “reimagined heritage”. The collection features smocked dresses, matching sets and scalloped collar blouses in Morris & Co’s Strawberry Thief print as well as botanicals, birds and floral prints.
Superdrug to offer 24/7 delivery in London with Just Eat
Superdrug will enable customers in Brixton and Kingston to order from a selection of 8,000 products for 24/7 delivery, as it expands its partnership with Just Eat UK.
Retailers pay 72p in tax for every £1 of profit as tax bill hits £62bn
Retailers are handing over the equivalent of 72p in tax for every £1 of pre-tax profit they make, according to new analysis that lays bare the huge cost burden facing the UK high street.
Two thirds of retailers plan store expansions despite economic uncertainty
Nearly two thirds of major retailers are reportedly planning to expand their store estates across Europe, according to new research from CBRE.
H&M Group taps Bleckmann to support UK expansion
H&M Group has confirmed a new partnership with fashion logistics specialist Bleckmann, who will act as its new third-party logistics provider.
Mattel boss Ynon Kreiz exits to lead Paramount-Warner Bros giant
Mattel chief executive Ynon Kreiz is stepping down after eight years to become co-CEO of the combined Paramount and Warner Bros Discovery business. Kreiz will leave his role as chairman and chief executive of Mattel on 2 October, before joining Paramount on 5 October.
