Newsletter Jul 17, 2023

UK formally signs up to Trans-Pacific trading bloc

The UK government on Sunday hailed what it said was its biggest trade deal since Brexit, as it formally signed a treaty to join a major Indo-Pacific bloc.

London's new 'super sewer' to end Thames pollution blight

The door of the steel box lift clanks shut and a crane slowly lowers construction workers building London's "super sewer" 40 metres (130 feet) to the bottom of an enormous vertical shaft.

Joe Biden announces $39 billion student loan debt forgiveness

Education Department aims to forgive student loans for 800,000 borrowers due to administrative errors, with changes made to income-driven repayment plans.

Kyiv reports 'intensified' combat as Putin says counteroffensive failing

Ukraine on Sunday said fighting had "intensified" on the eastern front as Russian President Vladimir Putin deemed Kyiv's counteroffensive a failure.

Russia seizes shares of Danone and Carlsberg subsidiaries: decree

Russia took control of shares belonging to French agribusiness Danone and Danish brewer Carlsberg, according to a decree published on Sunday.

Development Minister highlights 'truly sobering' global refugee numbers

Britain's Minister for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, has outlined steps that can be taken to tackle the 'sobering' numbers forcibly displaced around the world.

Government offers pay rises to millions of UK public sector workers

The offer comes amidst a backdrop of widespread strikes across the public sector over the past few months, with the government suggesting pay rises of between six per cent and 6.5 per cent for 2023-24.

Does showing live sports in pubs and bars boost consumer spending and loyalty?

A recent data report by CGA, in partnership with NIQ and Sky Business, highlights the significant impact of broadcasting live sports in pubs and bars.

Disappointing 'search relevancy' cost retailers over $2 million globally

Online retailers fall short of Google's high search relevancy standards, with "search relevancy" leading the difficulty list for 85 per cent of UK retailers.

A fuel finder scheme could help drivers find the cheapest fuel along Britain's motorways

The CMA studied the road fuel market in depth to realise that the competition in retail has weakened since 2019, leading to them proposing a fuel finder scheme that helps consumers compare fuel prices.

UK retail warehousing sector sees decrease in vacancy rates as retailers expand and seize second-hand opportunities

The UK retail warehousing sector is witnessing a decline in vacancy rates as retailers capitalise on the availability of second-hand items resulting from administrations and CVAs.

Record number of students apply for computing courses amid rise of AI

The steep rise in the popularity of tech courses correlates with the rapid development of artificial intelligence over the past 12 months.

Apple brings Tap to Pay on iPhone for UK businesses

Apple's Tap to Pay will be available to UK-based merchants, who have an iPhone XS or newer with a supported payment app.

Dangerous heatwaves strike globe as wildfires rage

Scorching weather gripped three continents on Sunday, whipping up wildfires and threatening to topple temperature records as the dire consequences of global warming take shape.

Travellers, take note as Portugal bans popular tourist activity this summer

Portugal's coastal towns receive a flow of travellers, especially in the summer.

UK drivers 'brace themselves' amid record terminal drop-off fees at top airports this summer

Out of UK's 21 busy airports, seven have increased the drop-off charges.

Alcaraz beats Djokovic in five sets to win first Wimbledon title

Carlos Alcaraz defeated seven-time champion Novak Djokovic to claim his first Wimbledon title on Sunday, shattering the Serb's dream of a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam crown.