Last week, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) set out its initial plans for the new digital markets competition regime. The regime is designed to support the UK’s tech sector and has its legal footing in the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act. The Act received royal assent in May 2024 but came into force on 1 January 2025.
Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to bring benefits across many industries, including healthcare diagnostics and consumer technology. However, as its applications expand, so do concerns about its accuracy and potential for misuse. Two recent examples—the use of AI in detecting ovarian cancer and its controversial implementation in summarising news—illustrate both the transformative potential and the risks of AI.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds co-chaired the first meeting of a new Steel Council last week. The Steel Council’s purpose is to help secure the long-term future of steelmaking in the UK. The new Council will feature regular meetings with trade union leaders, industry experts, devolved government representatives, trade associations and steel sector leaders such as CEOs from Tata Steel and British Steel.
The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) have announced the suspension of two business rates agents. These are Rateable Value Experts and Re-Rates UK. The VOA have not specified the exact reasons for the suspension and have simply said that they are investigating a potentially serious breach of their agent standards.
The UK government has announced contracts worth over £289 million to provide gigabit-capable broadband to 131,000 homes and businesses in some of the country’s most remote locations. The initiative is part of the government’s Project Gigabit program, which aims to modernise broadband infrastructure across the country.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is celebrating its 50th anniversary this month. The HSE was created by the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and officially launched on 1 January 1975. In 1974, 651 employees were killed at work. HSE’s statistics for 2023/24 show 138 employees were killed at work and indicates the work that has been done to reduce workplace death and injury in England, Scotland and Wales over the last 50 years.
The start of January marks a time of new beginnings, and for business owners, it’s the perfect opportunity to pause, reflect, and plan ahead. After the whirlwind of the festive season, January offers a quieter moment to consider where your business is headed, how it’s performing, and whether you’re still on track to meet your goals.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have revealed that 4,409 people chose Christmas Day to file their tax returns, ensuring their 2023-2024 tax affairs were in order well before the 31 January deadline. In total, 40,072 taxpayers submitted their returns over the Christmas break, proving that even amidst the festive cheer, there’s always time for a little financial housekeeping.
Flights leaving the UK will now be greener due to the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Mandate coming into force on January 1st. For all jet fuel used in flights taking off from the UK in 2025, 2% must be SAF. This percentage will increase by 2 percentage points each year so that it is 10% by 2030 and then 22% by 2040.
The benefits of exercise on our physical and mental health are well known. The healthier and fitter we are the better we work on our business. A healthier, fitter workforce are also much more likely to be productive and happier. Yet, many of us struggle to find the time or energy to do enough exercise.
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