UK market News

UK Water Bosses Face Up to Two Years in Prison for Polluting

Britain’s water company bosses will face up to two years in prison and be banned from taking bonuses for covering up sewage spills under new legislation in force from Friday. The new measure delivers on the government’s promise to bring …

UK’s Extremely Dry Start to Year Raises Crop and Wildfire Risks

The UK’s driest start to the year in four decades is threatening the country’s grain crops and increasing the risk of wildfires. Total precipitation of about 20.5 centimeters (8.1 inches) during the first quarter was the lowest since 1985, according …

Lloyd’s Broker Charged Over Alleged Ecuador Bribes

UK fraud cops have charged an insurance broker with bribery, after a four-year probe into alleged corruption involving state-run insurance contracts in Ecuador. The Serious Fraud Office accused United Insurance Brokers Ltd. of failing to prevent associates from bribing state …

Britain’s Co-op Group Says Retail Crime Cost it $105 Million in 2024

Britain’s Co-op Group said on Thursday that losses from shoplifting in its food retail business rose by over 14% to 80 million pounds ($105 million) in 2024, or more than half of its adjusted operating profit. The group, which trades …

UK Corporate Distress at Level Last Seen Post-COVID, Report Says

Distress among UK companies has risen for a third consecutive year, to its highest level since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a report by consulting firm Alvarez & Marsal. A&M found that 11.2% of UK firms suffered …

UK Court Blocks Class Action Lawsuit Against Water Companies Over Sewage Leaks

A UK court blocked a class action lawsuit over allegations of the under reporting of sewage leaks by six water companies including the debt-laden Thames Water Ltd. The UK’s Competition Appeal Tribunal dismissed the lawsuit that alleged the six water …

Insurers Pay Record Claims for Weather-Related Damage in UK: ABI

Insurers paid out a record £585 million (US$724.7 million) for weather-related damage to people’s homes and possessions in 2024 in the United Kingdom, according to the latest data from the Association of British Insurers (ABI). The record claims come following …

City of London Hit Harder Than Rest of Economy Since Brexit Vote

The City of London, once considered the crown jewel of Britain’s dominant services sector, has performed even worse than the rest of the economy in the years following the Brexit referendum. Financial and insurance output has grown just 2.8% since …

Theft and Violence in UK Retail Soar to Record Levels, Survey Shows

Theft and violence against retail workers in Britain soared to record levels last year and are “out of control,” driven partly by criminal gangs, according to a report published on Thursday. Industry body the British Retail Consortium’s annual crime survey …

UK’s Reeves to Meet Key Financial Services Sectors

British finance minister Rachel Reeves said on Monday she would meet representatives from key financial services sectors, such as banking and insurance, over the coming months to formulate a new growth and competitiveness strategy. “I am committed to working hand-in-hand …