Matthew Weller

Santander UK has initiated a round of job cuts as part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and reduce costs, a move necessitated by the intense competition in the UK’s banking sector. The restructuring efforts are primarily targeted at the bank’s regional headquarters, although the exact number of positions affected has not been disclosed. As of June, Santander UK …

The Nautilus project, a new submarine high-voltage connection between the UK and Belgium, has received a crucial green light from the British energy regulator, as reported by Elia, the Belgian high-voltage grid operator. This approval is a significant step forward in the realization of the project, which is being developed in collaboration with National Grid, Elia’s British counterpart. Nautilus is …

The impact of migration on the British population in 2022 and 2023 has been more significant than initially thought, according to revised figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). In the year ending June 2023, a record 906,000 people were added to the population due to migration, highlighting the critical role migration plays in shaping the UK’s demographic landscape. …

Talksport, a prominent sports radio station in the UK, is seeking to further reduce its medium wave (AM) broadcast coverage by requesting permission from the media regulator Ofcom to disable seven of its AM transmitters. This move is part of a broader trend of declining AM radio usage in the UK, where AM listening now accounts for …

China’s central bank, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC), has resumed its gold accumulation efforts, marking a significant return to a trend that had been interrupted for six months. This decision comes at a time when gold prices, although still one of the top-performing assets of 2024 with a nearly 30% increase, had fallen by about $150 per ounce after …

From 2025, the travel experience for UK citizens visiting European Union countries such as France, Spain, Poland, and Greece will undergo significant changes, primarily due to the introduction of two new systems: the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). The EES is designed to automate border control in the Schengen area, replacing the traditional …

The UK economy, which has been experiencing a period of stagnation, recently saw a 0.1% contraction in GDP in October, highlighting the persistent slowdown in economic activity. This decline is attributed to a reduction in key sectors such as construction, trade, and services. Despite these indicators, the Bank of England has adopted a cautious approach to monetary policy, which is …

From December 27 to December 31, Aldi UK is introducing a two-bottle purchase limit on its popular Crémant De Loire sparkling wine. This policy is part of a special festive offer where the price of the wine will be significantly reduced from £8.99 to £4.99, allowing customers to purchase two bottles for a total of just £9.98. This 44% discount is expected to attract a high demand, particularly after wine critic Jane MacQuitty from The Times described it as “the slashed-price steal of the season.”

The UK government’s planned changes to National Insurance Contributions (NICs) and Employment Allowance, set to take effect on 6 April 2025, have sparked significant debate among business leaders and economists. These reforms, aimed at bolstering state revenues, are raising concerns about their potential impact on the job market, particularly for entry-level and retail positions.

Rachel Reeves expressed openness to exploring the possibility of the UK joining a pan-European customs framework, signalling a shift in the government’s approach to post-Brexit trade relations. Speaking on Sky News’ *Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips*, the Chancellor said the government was “absolutely happy” to consider constructive proposals, such as membership in the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean (PEM) Convention, provided they align with the administration’s red lines set out in its manifesto.