Business Quarter Magazine
@businessquarter.bsky.social
The definitive resource for C-suite executives and business leaders navigating today’s complex, fast-paced global economy. Get the leading edge.
AI’s value problem isn’t models — it’s implementation. In a contributed piece, Nearform’s Head of AI Cian Clarke argues the next phase belongs to organisations building durable, data-grounded systems beyond the hype.
Beyond the AI bubble — from hype to lasting impact
AI’s business promise is cooling as leaders confront implementation reality. Cian Clarke, Head of AI at Nearform, argues organisations must move beyond hype, rethink model strategy, and build durable systems grounded in real data and operational discipline.
businessquarter.co.uk
February 4, 2026 at 9:35 AM
AI’s value problem isn’t models — it’s implementation. In a contributed piece, Nearform’s Head of AI Cian Clarke argues the next phase belongs to organisations building durable, data-grounded systems beyond the hype.
Starling's IPO plans face uncertainty amid regulatory frustrations.
Starling’s main investor pulls IPO support
Starling's IPO plans face uncertainty amid regulatory frustrations. The digital bank's billionaire backer is reconsidering a London listing due to slow regulatory reforms, raising concerns of a potential New York IPO instead.
businessquarter.co.uk
February 4, 2026 at 7:40 AM
Starling's IPO plans face uncertainty amid regulatory frustrations.
January’s biggest US M&A deals shared a theme: buyers paid for certainty. From Netflix’s $82.7bn Warner Bros. push to Boston Scientific’s $14.5bn Penumbra buy, 2026 opened with cash clarity, capability grabs, and category scale.
January 2026 M&A Review: US Edition
January’s US M&A opened 2026 with cash, speed, and scale. From streaming to medtech and power, buyers chased certainty and category leverage. Five headline deals, led by Netflix’s $82.7bn Warner Bros. push, signalled a market willing to pay up for assets that shorten timelines, widen moats, or lock in demand.
businessquarter.co.uk
February 3, 2026 at 3:08 PM
January’s biggest US M&A deals shared a theme: buyers paid for certainty. From Netflix’s $82.7bn Warner Bros. push to Boston Scientific’s $14.5bn Penumbra buy, 2026 opened with cash clarity, capability grabs, and category scale.
Midlands angel network Minerva is refocusing for 2026 — prioritising £500k raises, hands-on investors, and deeper founder collaboration as it marks 30 years in operation.
Minerva sharpens angel investment focus for 2026
Midlands angel network Minerva refocuses to connect growth-stage start-ups and investors. Marking its 30th anniversary, the University of Warwick-linked network is tightening its remit to support companies raising up to £500,000, with a renewed emphasis on hands-on angel involvement and deeper founder-investor collaboration.
businessquarter.co.uk
February 3, 2026 at 10:36 AM
Midlands angel network Minerva is refocusing for 2026 — prioritising £500k raises, hands-on investors, and deeper founder collaboration as it marks 30 years in operation.
UK manufacturers reduce US exports due to tariff uncertainties. A survey reveals that 20% of factories have already reduced exports, with 16% planning to follow.
UK factories reduce US exports amid tariff fears
UK manufacturers reduce US exports due to tariff uncertainties. A survey reveals that 20% of factories have already reduced exports, with 16% planning to follow. Despite this, the US remains a key market, though manufacturers are shifting towards local sourcing.
businessquarter.co.uk
February 3, 2026 at 8:28 AM
UK manufacturers reduce US exports due to tariff uncertainties. A survey reveals that 20% of factories have already reduced exports, with 16% planning to follow.
US cuts tariffs on Indian goods to 18% as India agrees to end Russian oil purchases, reshaping energy flows and lifting markets. Trade policy is once again driving geopolitical alignment.
US–India tariff deal reshapes energy, markets
US and India strike trade deal easing tariffs and reshaping energy flows. Washington will cut tariffs on Indian goods to 18% as New Delhi commits to ending purchases of Russian oil, a move already reverberating across equity markets, energy supply chains, and bilateral trade expectations.
businessquarter.co.uk
February 3, 2026 at 7:13 AM
US cuts tariffs on Indian goods to 18% as India agrees to end Russian oil purchases, reshaping energy flows and lifting markets. Trade policy is once again driving geopolitical alignment.
Zevero acquires Inhabit to enhance sustainability advisory services.
Zevero acquires climate firm Inhabit
Zevero acquires Inhabit to enhance sustainability advisory services. Carbon accounting startup Zevero has acquired Inhabit, a provider of sustainability solutions, to bolster its advisory capabilities. The transaction will integrate Inhabit's tools and services, enhancing Zevero’s platform with advanced automation and data visualisation.
businessquarter.co.uk
February 3, 2026 at 6:47 AM
Zevero acquires Inhabit to enhance sustainability advisory services.
Today is Parent Mental Health Day. As parental burnout rises among working parents, employers face growing responsibility to recognise the signs and act early. Dr Julia Lyons explains how better communication and culture can make a difference.
Ways to support employees with parental burnout
Working parents face rising burnout pressures employers can no longer. Dr Julia Lyons, Principal Clinical Lead (Private Medical Insurance) and Counselling Psychologist at Onebright, outlines how organisations can recognise parental burnout and take practical steps to support working parents before stress escalates into longer-term absence or disengagement.
businessquarter.co.uk
January 30, 2026 at 2:31 PM
Today is Parent Mental Health Day. As parental burnout rises among working parents, employers face growing responsibility to recognise the signs and act early. Dr Julia Lyons explains how better communication and culture can make a difference.
UK leaders are urging faster adoption of agentic AI to lift productivity as growth remains weak. A House of Lords summit warned skills gaps and slow uptake risk holding the UK back. #AI #UKBusiness #Productivity
House of Lords summit urges agentic AI adoption
UK leaders link agentic AI adoption to reviving economic productivity growth. A House of Lords summit has called for wider deployment of agentic artificial intelligence to support small businesses and lift productivity, as the UK economy continues to show limited momentum following a subdued second half of 2025.
businessquarter.co.uk
January 30, 2026 at 11:00 AM
UK leaders are urging faster adoption of agentic AI to lift productivity as growth remains weak. A House of Lords summit warned skills gaps and slow uptake risk holding the UK back. #AI #UKBusiness #Productivity
Gumtree has partnered with GBG to automate KYB checks and speed up onboarding for home services providers, as the marketplace pushes growth and trust in one of its fastest-growing categories. #Marketplaces #DigitalTrust #UKTech
Gumtree partners GBG to strengthen home services onboarding
Gumtree has partnered with GBG to streamline business onboarding processes. The marketplace is using GBG’s Know Your Business technology to verify home services providers faster, strengthen trust and safety, and support growth in one of its fastest-developing categories.
businessquarter.co.uk
January 29, 2026 at 11:17 AM
Gumtree has partnered with GBG to automate KYB checks and speed up onboarding for home services providers, as the marketplace pushes growth and trust in one of its fastest-growing categories. #Marketplaces #DigitalTrust #UKTech
AI safety platform RAIDS AI has launched commercially after a multi-sector beta phase, positioning itself as a real-time monitoring layer for enterprise AI governance. #AI #Governance #Cybersecurity
AI safety platform RAIDS AI launches commercially
RAIDS AI has launched commercially following a successful beta testing phase. The AI safety monitoring platform is now live, targeting organisations deploying artificial intelligence across regulated and high-risk environments.
businessquarter.co.uk
January 29, 2026 at 8:32 AM
AI safety platform RAIDS AI has launched commercially after a multi-sector beta phase, positioning itself as a real-time monitoring layer for enterprise AI governance. #AI #Governance #Cybersecurity
Sterling reaches $1.38, its highest since October 2021. Analysts attribute the rise to US dollar weakness amid economic disruption, shifting interest rate expectations, and geopolitical uncertainty, creating a rare buying opportunity.
Pound hits four-year high against dollar
Sterling reaches $1.38, its highest since October 2021. Analysts attribute the rise to US dollar weakness amid economic disruption, shifting interest rate expectations, and geopolitical uncertainty, creating a rare buying opportunity for those needing US currency.
businessquarter.co.uk
January 28, 2026 at 3:32 PM
Sterling reaches $1.38, its highest since October 2021. Analysts attribute the rise to US dollar weakness amid economic disruption, shifting interest rate expectations, and geopolitical uncertainty, creating a rare buying opportunity.
India and EU finalise historic trade deal
India and EU finalise historic trade deal
India and the EU finalise landmark trade agreement. The deal concludes nearly 20 years of negotiations, aiming to enhance economic ties. It will reduce tariffs, expand market access, and bolster supply-chain integration between the two regions.
businessquarter.co.uk
January 27, 2026 at 4:36 PM
India and EU finalise historic trade deal
Calling someone "old" for IT struggles isn't age discrimination, rules employment tribunal.
Calling colleagues ‘old’ over IT skills legal
Calling someone "old" for IT struggles isn't age discrimination. The tribunal ruled on Farah Janjua's case against Harvey Jones Ltd, where a colleague's comment about her IT skills didn't meet the legal threshold for age discrimination.
businessquarter.co.uk
January 23, 2026 at 11:24 AM
Calling someone "old" for IT struggles isn't age discrimination, rules employment tribunal.
As the UK faces rising unemployment and labour shortages, The Resolution Foundation is urging the Labour government to limit private pension access before state pension age to deter early retirement.
Labour urged to increase private pension age
A think tank urges Labour to limit early pension access. The Resolution Foundation recommends restricting private pension access before state pension age to deter early retirement. The UK faces rising unemployment and labour shortages, impacting public finances.
businessquarter.co.uk
January 23, 2026 at 9:31 AM
As the UK faces rising unemployment and labour shortages, The Resolution Foundation is urging the Labour government to limit private pension access before state pension age to deter early retirement.
Zanskar secures $115 million to boost geothermal energy initiatives.
Zanskar raises $115m for AI-driven geothermal energy
Zanskar secures $115 million to boost geothermal energy initiatives. The funding will enhance its AI-powered discovery platform and support geothermal power plant development, aiming to advance gigawatt-scale projects and expand exploration efforts across the Western U.S. by 2030.
businessquarter.co.uk
January 23, 2026 at 8:43 AM
Zanskar secures $115 million to boost geothermal energy initiatives.
Halo Corporate Finance begins 2026 with triple shortlisting at the Business Moneyfacts Awards — a strong continuation of its 20th anniversary growth story.
Halo Corporate Finance shortlisted in three categories at 2026 Business Moneyfacts Awards
Halo Corporate Finance earns triple recognition at the 2026 Business Moneyfacts Awards. The nominations follow a landmark 20th anniversary year and mark the company’s continued rise in the UK’s corporate finance landscape.
businessquarter.co.uk
January 22, 2026 at 11:50 AM
Halo Corporate Finance begins 2026 with triple shortlisting at the Business Moneyfacts Awards — a strong continuation of its 20th anniversary growth story.
Over a quarter of UK employees have called in sick due to work stress — a warning sign for business leaders. New research from Astutis shows stress is now a major operational and financial risk.
Over a quarter of UK workers take stress-related sick days, study reveals
One in four UK employees has called in sick due to stress. New research from Astutis exposes the hidden costs of workplace pressure, showing that poor stress management not only harms wellbeing but also undermines productivity, retention, and profitability across British organisations.
businessquarter.co.uk
January 22, 2026 at 9:02 AM
Over a quarter of UK employees have called in sick due to work stress — a warning sign for business leaders. New research from Astutis shows stress is now a major operational and financial risk.
UK inflation rises to 3.4% — the first uptick in six months — driven by transport and excise-linked prices, with implications for travel, retail, and hospitality costs.
UK inflation rise highlights pressure on consumer-facing sectors
Inflation edges up as business costs persist. The first rise in UK inflation in six months has renewed scrutiny of consumer-facing industries, with travel, hospitality, and retail businesses absorbing persistent input costs even as headline inflation pressures had been easing.
businessquarter.co.uk
January 21, 2026 at 9:04 AM
UK inflation rises to 3.4% — the first uptick in six months — driven by transport and excise-linked prices, with implications for travel, retail, and hospitality costs.
ONS data show a cooling UK jobs market: unemployment 5.1%, payrolled –90k, wage growth 4.5%. Leaders call for cost relief and stronger hiring incentives to restore confidence. #UKeconomy #LabourMarket #Employment
Flatlining jobs, rising pressure — why hiring confidence is slipping
The UK labour market ended 2025 on a plateau. Employment has stalled, wage growth is slowing, and young people are finding it harder to enter work. Business leaders say easing cost pressures and restoring hiring confidence will be key to reigniting momentum.
businessquarter.co.uk
January 21, 2026 at 8:11 AM
ONS data show a cooling UK jobs market: unemployment 5.1%, payrolled –90k, wage growth 4.5%. Leaders call for cost relief and stronger hiring incentives to restore confidence. #UKeconomy #LabourMarket #Employment
Selling your business? Delays could cost you tens of thousands once the BADR rate rises to 18% in April 2026, warns Rubric Law’s James Howell. #CapitalGainsTax #BusinessSales #BADR
Corporate law specialist warns sellers over BADR timing risks
Business owners planning to sell within 18 months face a tax trap. Rubric Law’s James Howell warns that even short delays could expose sellers to higher Capital Gains Tax when the Business Asset Disposal Relief rate rises in April 2026.
businessquarter.co.uk
January 16, 2026 at 9:17 AM
Selling your business? Delays could cost you tens of thousands once the BADR rate rises to 18% in April 2026, warns Rubric Law’s James Howell. #CapitalGainsTax #BusinessSales #BADR
New research from Telehouse Europe finds 34% of UK IT service providers face regulatory approval delays on nearly every project — despite strong support for UK data and AI rules. #UKtech #AIregulation #DigitalInnovation
UK tech projects stall amid regulatory approval delays
UK tech projects face mounting delays. Despite widespread confidence in regulation, new research from Telehouse Europe finds approval processes are slowing delivery and stretching teams. More than a third of service providers report delays on nearly every project, with growing strain on workforce capacity.
businessquarter.co.uk
January 16, 2026 at 8:18 AM
New research from Telehouse Europe finds 34% of UK IT service providers face regulatory approval delays on nearly every project — despite strong support for UK data and AI rules. #UKtech #AIregulation #DigitalInnovation
Reviews written at weekends are more negative than weekday ones, according to new research from Mannheim Business School. The “weekend effect” is especially strong for employer-related reviews. #CustomerExperience #MarketingResearch #ReputationManagement
Weekend reviews more negative, study finds
Weekend reviews are more likely to be negative. Mannheim researchers analysed 400 million online ratings and found that reviews written on weekends received fewer 5-star and more 1- to 3-star ratings than those written during the week, with the strongest effect observed in workplace-related feedback.
businessquarter.co.uk
January 16, 2026 at 7:30 AM
Reviews written at weekends are more negative than weekday ones, according to new research from Mannheim Business School. The “weekend effect” is especially strong for employer-related reviews. #CustomerExperience #MarketingResearch #ReputationManagement
Executives click phishing links more often than junior staff according to data from Yubico — and it’s costing millions. Confidence at the top is no defence. #CyberSecurity #Leadership #Phishing
Executives are the new phishing risk
Senior leaders are falling for phishing more than entry-level staff. The human layer of cybersecurity has shifted — and boardrooms are now the weakest link. Data from Yubico and others suggest a widening awareness gap between confidence at the top and caution on the front line.
businessquarter.co.uk
January 15, 2026 at 1:17 PM
Executives click phishing links more often than junior staff according to data from Yubico — and it’s costing millions. Confidence at the top is no defence. #CyberSecurity #Leadership #Phishing
TSMC posts record profit — NT$505.7 billion, up 35 per cent — on surging AI chip demand. The company plans up to US$56 billion in 2026 capex to meet growth. #Semiconductors #AI #TSMC
TSMC profit surges to record on AI chip demand
TSMC’s fourth-quarter profit hit a record NT$505.7 billion. The world’s top contract chipmaker reported a 35 per cent rise in earnings on surging AI demand, lifting revenue to NT$1.05 trillion and prompting a multi-billion-dollar capital-spending increase for 2026.
businessquarter.co.uk
January 15, 2026 at 7:03 AM
TSMC posts record profit — NT$505.7 billion, up 35 per cent — on surging AI chip demand. The company plans up to US$56 billion in 2026 capex to meet growth. #Semiconductors #AI #TSMC