Business

Fast-growing self storage operator Pink Storage has completed a £1.5 million investment into a newly acquired site in Nottingham, marking the latest milestone in its ambitious UK expansion strategy.

The deal includes the £1.1 million acquisition of StoreWise, a 102-unit storage facility situated on a 1.3-acre site, alongside an additional £370,000 earmarked for upgrades. The investment will bring the site in line with Pink Storage’s technology-first, customer-centric model, and includes plans to add 150 new units, significantly boosting capacity and access for customers in the East Midlands.

With the acquisition, Pink Storage’s network has grown to 22 locations nationwide, representing a 22% increase in its portfolio this year alone.

The former StoreWise facility is already undergoing a comprehensive rebrand, with Pink Storage’s signature pink livery set to take over by the end of September 2025. While works are ongoing, the site remains fully operational, with no disruption to current customers.

Planned upgrades include resurfaced roadways, automated number plate recognition (ANPR), 24/7 CCTV surveillance, and instant digital access via online sign-up and secure PIN codes — part of Pink Storage’s mission to offer one of the most accessible and technologically advanced storage solutions in the UK.

Around 100 existing StoreWise clients are being smoothly transitioned to Pink Storage’s platform, and the company has retained the site’s longstanding manager, who brings more than a decade of industry experience to the role.

“This acquisition is the latest step toward becoming the UK’s most accessible and technologically advanced self storage provider,” said Scott Evans, CEO and founder of Pink Storage.

“By investing, expanding, and combining our expertise with StoreWise’s strong local presence, we’re delivering an upgraded storage experience in the East Midlands. Our goal is to finish 2025 with an even broader footprint across the UK.”

The Nottingham site is the fourth new location added to Pink Storage’s estate this year, strengthening its reach in the Midlands and North of England. The company has signalled it is actively seeking further acquisition opportunities, encouraging storage business owners considering a sale to come forward.

With a focus on digital convenience, scalable growth, and regional investment, Pink Storage is positioning itself as a major player in the next generation of UK self storage — one that blends user-friendly technology with on-the-ground expertise.

The acquisition underscores Pink Storage’s continued momentum in a rapidly evolving sector, where convenience, security, and seamless digital access are becoming central to customer expectations. The company’s leadership says it remains committed to further growth, driven by smart investments and strategic expansion into underserved regions.

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Pink Storage expands into Nottingham with £1.5m investment following StoreWise acquisition

Uber has launched a new on-demand delivery service called Courier, designed to help individuals and small businesses across the UK handle everyday errands and deliveries with ease. The service, now live in nine cities and set to expand to 20 by the end of the summer, is the latest move by Uber to diversify beyond rides and food delivery.

Courier is integrated directly into the Uber app, offering a simple and seamless experience for users who need to send or receive items quickly—whether that’s forgotten house keys, a birthday gift, or a time-sensitive business delivery.

Currently live in Sheffield, Edinburgh, Stoke, Glasgow, Leicester, Oxford, Belfast, Northampton, and Hull, Courier is expected to roll out in additional locations including Brighton, Cambridge, Cardiff, Newcastle, Portsmouth, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Merseyside, Nottingham, Bristol, and Sussex, with London scheduled to join the programme in late 2025.

Andrew Brem, General Manager at Uber UK, said the new service reflects a growing demand for fast, flexible logistics. “Courier is designed for those moments when something just needs to get done, but you can’t get to it yourself,” he said. “By offering an easy, reliable way to send and receive items, Courier helps people and small businesses reclaim valuable time for what matters most.”

While ideal for personal tasks, Uber sees Courier as a powerful tool for small businesses. From independent retailers offering same-day delivery to professional services needing to transport documents, the service offers a convenient logistics solution without the overheads of traditional courier services.

Users simply open the Uber app, select Courier, enter pickup and drop-off locations, describe the item (which must be under 15 pounds and valued at under £200), and track the delivery in real time. Features such as PIN verification, live trip tracking, and shareable delivery updates are all included, offering peace of mind to both senders and recipients.

The five-step process — book, describe, confirm, track, verify — keeps it simple and secure. Courier is positioned to help ease the logistics of modern life while supporting entrepreneurs and small business owners in staying competitive and responsive.

Uber’s entry into the on-demand delivery space beyond food is a signal of its broader ambitions to become a one-stop platform for urban mobility and logistics. With the growing need for agile, last-mile delivery, Courier aims to offer a scalable solution for both personal and business use.

As cities continue to adapt to hybrid lifestyles, changing retail habits, and increased e-commerce expectations, services like Uber Courier could quickly become a core part of the daily logistics mix — empowering customers to get more done without leaving the house or the office.

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Uber launches Courier service in UK to help individuals and small businesses manage deliveries

Bitcoin (BTC) has reached a new all-time high, briefly touching $111,000, as a confluence of macroeconomic factors and growing institutional interest propels the cryptocurrency into uncharted territory.

The landmark moment follows a break above $109,000, capping a sustained rally that underscores rising investor confidence and renewed momentum in digital assets.

The surge is being attributed to a combination of global market stabilisation, supportive policy signals, and continued capital flows into crypto from institutional players.

At the macro level, markets have welcomed the recent temporary trade truce between the U.S. and China, which saw both nations agree to a 90-day suspension of new tariffs. The move has alleviated some of the geopolitical uncertainty that had previously weighed on risk assets — with capital now rotating back into high-growth sectors, including crypto.

Simultaneously, the U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) has dropped below 99, its lowest in weeks, further increasing the appeal of Bitcoin as an alternative store of value in the face of fiat depreciation.

Adding to bullish sentiment is a notable development out of the United States: the state of Texas has passed legislation to create a strategic Bitcoin reserve, a first-of-its-kind move that signals growing political legitimacy for Bitcoin as a long-term reserve asset. This development could pave the way for wider state-level adoption of Bitcoin as part of official financial infrastructure.

Investor confidence has also been strengthened by large-scale moves from key market players. James Wynn, a prominent Bitcoin whale, has reportedly expanded his holdings to $1 billion, reinforcing belief in Bitcoin’s long-term potential. His move may also have a psychological knock-on effect, encouraging retail and institutional buyers alike to increase exposure.

Meanwhile, spot Bitcoin ETFs in the U.S. have recorded sustained net inflows over recent weeks, further highlighting the growing appetite for regulated crypto investment vehicles. These ETFs are seen as a gateway for traditional finance to enter the digital asset space in scale, contributing to both price stability and upward momentum.

With Bitcoin setting fresh records, attention now turns to the next psychological milestone of $115,000. Analysts suggest that if current trends persist — including strong ETF flows and stable macro indicators — that level could be tested in the coming weeks.

However, risks remain. The market remains vulnerable to geopolitical developments, especially any re-escalation in U.S.-China trade tensions, as well as changes in U.S. monetary policy. The Federal Reserve’s tone and trajectory on interest rates, in particular, will be critical.

Investors are also eyeing key upcoming U.S. economic data — including GDP growth, PMI, and PCE inflation figures — which could influence broader market sentiment and determine whether Bitcoin’s rally is sustainable or due for a correction.

For now, however, Bitcoin continues to defy gravity, buoyed by a rare alignment of macro, policy, and capital flows — positioning the asset as not just a speculative bet, but increasingly as a core component of the modern investment landscape.

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Bitcoin hits new all-time high near $111,000 as currency moves into uncharted territory

Reverse logistics manages product returns, refurbishments, recycling, and waste reduction. It’s not just about fixing mistakes; it’s a strategy to recover value, satisfy customers, and promote sustainability.

Businesses that embrace reverse logistics can reduce costs and boost their competitive edge. So, business owners should undoubtedly care about it.

What Is Reverse Logistics?

First things first: Reverse logistics involves managing the flow of goods moving backwards in the supply chain. Unlike traditional logistics, which focuses on delivering products to customers, this process handles returns from consumers back to manufacturers or retailers.

It covers various activities, such as:

Product returns.
Refurbishing items.
Recycling materials.
Disposing of unsalvageable goods responsibly.

This approach benefits companies looking for sustainable solutions and cost efficiency. When done well, it enhances customer satisfaction by simplifying effective product returns while reducing waste and expenses.

Key sectors like e-commerce rely heavily on reverse logistics due to higher return rates. A robust system here is not just about minimising losses but creating better experiences for consumers who need repairs or replacements after purchases.

Understanding its mechanics helps businesses thrive in competitive markets with conscious consumer demands.

Why Should Business Owners Care About Reverse Logistics?

Reverse logistics is more than just a back-end operation. It directly impacts profitability, customer satisfaction, and environmental responsibility. For business owners, ignoring this area can lead to missed opportunities for cost savings and brand loyalty.

Let’s break down the key reasons why it matters.

Improving Profit Margins Through Value Recovery

With reverse logistics, businesses can recover value from returned goods. Items that are resold, refurbished, or recycled can generate revenue instead of becoming a total loss.

This approach reduces financial waste and maximises the return on investment for manufactured products.

By efficiently managing returns, companies also cut down on storage and disposal costs.

Over time, these strategies protect profit margins while promoting operational efficiency within the supply chain.

Enhancing Customer Loyalty with Seamless Returns

Customers expect hassle-free return processes. A well-organised reverse logistics system meets these expectations, fostering trust and loyalty.

When returns are simple and quick, consumers feel more confident purchasing again.

Businesses that prioritise easy returns often see higher retention rates, as buyers value convenience.

Additionally, offering exchanges or store credits strengthens relationships by addressing customer needs directly.

Satisfied customers are more likely to recommend your brand to others, creating lasting goodwill.

Reducing Environmental Impact for Sustainable Practices

Reverse logistics supports sustainability by minimising waste. Items returned, refurbished, or recycled stay out of landfills, reducing the environmental footprint.

Efficient handling of returns also lowers resource consumption. Reusing parts or materials cuts down on the need for raw resources and energy in production.

Consumers increasingly prefer brands that prioritise eco-friendly practices. Implementing reverse logistics helps businesses meet these expectations while contributing to global efforts toward a greener planet.

Streamlining Operations to Cut Hidden Costs

Inefficient return processes create unnecessary expenses. Reverse logistics streamlines these operations, saving time and reducing labour costs.

A structured system allows businesses to track returns accurately, preventing errors like lost inventory or mismanagement. It also ensures faster turnaround times for returned products.

By eliminating inefficiencies in the supply chain, companies can lower transportation and storage costs while maintaining smoother workflows. These savings directly impact the bottom line, improving overall profitability.

Building a Competitive Advantage in Saturated Markets

In crowded industries, effective reverse logistics can set a business apart. Companies that manage returns efficiently gain an edge by offering superior customer experiences.

Seamless return policies encourage consumers to choose one brand over another.

Meanwhile, recovering value from returned goods improves financial stability, allowing for competitive pricing or reinvestment into growth.

Brands with robust systems also adapt faster to changing consumer demands, positioning themselves as reliable and forward-thinking market leaders.

Strengthening Brand Reputation with Responsible Policies

How a business handles returns reflects its commitment to customers and the environment. Transparent and efficient reverse logistics processes build trust among consumers.

Responsible practices, like recycling returned goods or reducing waste, align with modern values. These efforts not only appeal to eco-conscious buyers but also demonstrate accountability.

A strong reputation for ethical policies attracts loyal customers and potential partners, giving businesses a positive image that extends beyond transactions.

Summing Up

Reverse logistics isn’t just a back-end process. It drives profitability, customer satisfaction, and sustainability. Businesses that invest in it build trust, reduce waste, and gain an edge in competitive markets!

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What Is Reverse Logistics and Why Should Business Owners Care?

As desert extremes take their toll on vehicles, an increasing number of car owners are seeking out PPF Dubai solutions — paint protection film installations — to preserve their cars’ finish.

Industry analysts project robust growth in the UAE PPF market; one report forecasts global PPF sales reaching USD 1.5 billion by 2026, driven by rising awareness of its benefits. In Dubai specifically, this trend is fueled by the understanding that a clear paint protection film can safeguard both high-end and everyday cars from road debris and weather. Trusted local detailers like Desert Diamond Car Detailing highlight PPF as a near-invisible barrier that maintains “that new look” of a vehicle while protecting it from scratches and sun damage. In short, installing PPF provides drivers with valuable “mental peace,” knowing their car is shielded in all driving situations.

PPF and the Demands of Dubai’s Extreme Climate

Dubai’s climate is famously harsh on vehicle paint. With summer temperatures often above 40 °C, prolonged UV exposure can degrade the clearcoat and cause paint to fade or oxidize. Frequent sandstorms and fine desert dust further scour vehicle surfaces, scratching the paint even during routine drives. Local car care experts note that traditional waxes wash away in just 1–3 months under these conditions, leaving vehicles vulnerable. For this reason, many owners now turn to advanced coatings. One Dubai detailing blog observes that PPF is a “reliable and effective way to safeguard” cars against the “scorching heat and harsh weather conditions”. In practice, maintaining pristine car paint in the UAE demands more than a wash-and-wax — it requires professional-grade protection like PPF or ceramic coating.

Key Benefits of Paint Protection Film

A nearly invisible urethane film, PPF offers multiple protective benefits for car exteriors. Its transparency means the vehicle’s original color and gloss are preserved, while the film provides a strong barrier. In the words of one detailing site, PPF stands as “an invisible armor” that shields the car from harm. Key advantages include:

UV and Fade Protection: Quality films block up to 99% of UV radiation, preventing the paint from discoloring or oxidizing under Dubai’s intense sun.
Scratch & Chip Resistance: PPF absorbs impacts from gravel, stones, and debris. It significantly reduces chips and scratches that would otherwise mar the body.
Self-Healing Finish: Many PPF products have self-healing properties. Minor scratches and swirl marks can “disappear” with heat (from sunlight or warm water) as the film gently reflows.
Resale Value Preservation: By keeping the exterior pristine, PPF helps maintain a vehicle’s resale value. Buyers often pay premiums for cars free of chips or fading.
Easy Maintenance: The smooth, hydrophobic surface repels water, dirt and pollutants. Routine washes become quicker and more effective, helping drivers keep cars clean despite dust and grime.

Together, these features turn PPF into a durable shield that can keep a car looking brand-new for years. Many Dubai owners compare PPF to a clear “insurance policy” on their paint, avoiding the endless cycle of waxing and repainting.

PPF vs. Ceramic Coating: A Comparative Look

Vehicle owners often weigh PPF against ceramic coatings and other surface treatments. Ceramic coatings are liquid polymer layers that bond to paint, creating a hard, glossy finish. They are effective at repelling water and light contaminants, and they enhance shine, but they typically cost less and have a shorter lifespan than PPF. Industry analysis notes that ceramic coatings generally last 2–5 years, whereas high-quality PPF films last about 5–10 years. For example, a full-car ceramic coating in Dubai might start at just a few hundred dirhams (often AED 600–2,000 for a basic application). By contrast, a full-body PPF wrap typically runs AED 4,900–6,900 depending on the film brand and coverage. This higher upfront cost buys extra durability: as one comparison puts it, PPF films are “more durable than ceramic coatings”, providing stronger protection against scratches and stone chips. In return, ceramic coatings excel at enhancing gloss and self-cleaning (hydrophobic) properties. Some owners combine both: for instance, certain PPF products include a nano-ceramic layer on top for added water-repellent performance. Ultimately, the choice depends on budget and priorities. PPF is the more robust, long-lasting solution, whereas ceramic coating remains a popular, cost-effective option for added shine and basic protection.

Cost, Value and Market Response

PPF’s rising popularity is reflected in the offerings of Dubai’s leading car-care shops. Trusted providers like Desert Diamond Car Detailing openly advertise PPF packages with transparent pricing. A full-vehicle wrap at Desert Diamond starts around AED 4,900 (up to about AED 6,900) for the most complete film coverage, prices that align with the market average. While this is a significant investment, many owners justify it by comparing to the costs of paint repair. By some estimates, a single major repaint job can exceed the price of a quality PPF installation, making the film a smart long-term hedge. Industry experts point out that a well-protected exterior can command higher resale values – one report notes that PPF-treated cars often fetch premium prices because buyers prefer dent-free, chip-free examples.

Customer sentiment in Dubai’s car community is overwhelmingly positive. Reviews and testimonials frequently praise both the protective effect and the craftsmanship of PPF installations. For example, Desert Diamond highlights that PPF gives drivers “mental peace” by guarding their vehicle in all conditions. In forums and social media, owners say the film keeps their car looking “showroom new” long after usual wear would have dulled the finish. The provider’s own website even showcases multiple “PPF masters” on staff, underscoring the demand for this service. Many auto detailing centers in the UAE now include PPF among their core offerings (often alongside ceramic coating), reflecting a broader trend: among Dubai’s drivers, investing in paint protection film is fast becoming standard practice for safeguarding automotive investments.

Overall, experts and consumers agree that in Dubai’s extreme conditions, PPF is more than a luxury add-on — it is a practical car protection measure. While the initial cost is high, the long-term benefits of preventing damage, simplifying maintenance, and preserving value make PPF Dubai an increasingly popular choice for vehicle owners across the UAE.

Read more:
PPF Dubai: Why More Drivers Are Choosing Paint Protection Film

Sweeping tax reforms proposed by President Donald Trump in his so-called “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” could significantly increase the costs associated with global mobility for US-based employers and internationally mobile employees, according to audit and advisory firm Blick Rothenberg.

Among the headline changes is a proposed incremental tax hike on income earned by residents of countries with “unfair tax regimes”, starting at 5% and rising to 20%. The implications for multinational companies and globally mobile individuals could be substantial — especially without forward planning.

“This isn’t just a headline change — it’s a significant concern for global employers and employees,” said David Livitt, Partner at Blick Rothenberg.

Who could be affected?

The proposed changes would affect a wide range of internationally connected individuals and businesses, including:

Former US residents with US-sourced income: Those who continue to receive bonuses, stock payouts, or deferred compensation after leaving the country may face higher tax rates, despite no longer being resident.
Employees on tax equalisation plans: These plans, common in global mobility programs, ensure the employer covers the tax bill for overseas assignments. If tax rates go up, assignment costs increase — potentially undermining the viability of future international postings.
Employees moving to the US mid-year: People relocating to the US partway through the year may not gain full tax residency immediately, exposing part-year income to higher tax rates.
Employees leaving the US at year-end: Those who depart during a tax year might find income earned post-departure, such as stock vesting or bonuses, taxed at elevated rates.

“These rules mean individuals could be taxed more harshly simply based on the timing of income — or where they live when it’s paid,” Livitt explained. “In many cases, it’s the employer who foots the bill through tax equalisation.”

What can companies do?

Livitt stressed the importance of early planning, urging companies to take a proactive approach before the new tax regime potentially kicks in by 2026.

Key recommendations include:

Timing payments wisely: Advance bonus or stock payments into 2025, ahead of the higher rates. This is especially useful for employees relocating or receiving trailing income.
Review stock vesting schedules: Where RSUs or stock options are set to vest in early 2026, consider accelerating them into 2025 to avoid triggering higher marginal rates or additional foreign income surtaxes.
Consider alternative stock compensation: Issuing Incentive Stock Options (ISOs) could be a more tax-efficient method than non-qualified options, though companies must factor in alternative minimum tax implications.
Defer income past 2026 (where feasible): For employees entering lower-tax phases — such as post-assignment or post-retirement — deferring income could mitigate exposure.
Maximise tax-efficient benefits: Making the most of employer-sponsored tax-sheltered plans can shield more income in high-tax years, easing the burden for both employee and employer.

Act now, plan ahead

“These proposed changes could have a significant impact on mobile workforces and highly compensated employees,” Livitt concluded. “Now is the time for proactive planning to stay ahead of what could be a very different tax landscape in 2026.”

With Trump’s tax package gaining political traction, companies with globally mobile teams may need to rethink how they structure compensation, plan assignments, and manage tax risk — or risk facing unexpected financial and compliance challenges in the years ahead.

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Trump’s proposed tax changes could sharply raise costs for globally mobile US employees and businesses

Artificial intelligence continues to dominate venture capital headlines — and cheques — but a new report from Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) warns the surge in AI investment is masking a growing divide in the startup ecosystem, with many non-AI ventures starved of capital and so-called ‘zombiecorns’ now on the rise.

According to SVB’s State of Enterprise Software report, published Tuesday, AI-focused venture funds accounted for 40% of all U.S. VC fundraising in 2023, up from just 10% two years earlier. In enterprise software alone, AI startups attracted 45% of investment, compared to just 9% in 2022.

Much of this is being driven by megadeals — funding rounds of $100 million or more — with AI giants like OpenAI and Anthropic capturing nearly half of all cash raised in the category.

“Exclude AI investment and the story changes,” the report warns. “There is no meaningful uptick for companies not leveraging AI, with investment from this group essentially flat for the last year.”

The wider market continues to suffer from tight exit conditions, a hangover from the inflation surge and interest rate hikes that began in late 2021. While there are signs of life in the tech IPO market — eToro’s recent Nasdaq debut and Hinge Health’s upcoming listing offer some encouragement — momentum remains largely concentrated in AI.

AI infrastructure firm CoreWeave, for example, saw 420% revenue growth in its first earnings report as a public company, sending its stock up 56% in a week. But similar IPO successes remain few and far between, especially outside of the AI space.

Many of the biggest AI players, including OpenAI, Anthropic, Perplexity, and Scale AI, have no immediate plans to go public, despite commanding sky-high private valuations. Their continued appetite for billions in infrastructure investment — with no near-term returns — has made it difficult for venture firms to realise gains, leaving little left to support startups in other sectors.

This imbalance has helped fuel the rise of the ‘zombiecorn’ — a term SVB uses to describe startups that have raised substantial capital but lack sustainable revenue growth or viable business models.

“Many run the risk of ending up in no man’s land,” the report notes.

Tom Glason, CEO and co-founder at ScaleWise, said the report highlights a growing problem in the AI investment boom.

“The SVB report highlights a harsh truth: the AI boom has fuelled a wave of overfunded startups that look healthy on the surface, but are commercially hollow underneath,” Glason said. “These so-called ‘zombiecorns’ raise huge rounds but fail to build sustainable revenue or viable unit economics.”

Glason argues that too many founders are mistaking capital raised for market traction — a costly error in a market that increasingly demands disciplined go-to-market strategies, not just product hype.

“The gap is widening between well-funded AI startups and those actually ready to scale,” he added. “In today’s market, growth alone isn’t enough. Without a clear Ideal Customer Profile, repeatable sales motion, and structured execution, even the most hyped AI company risks becoming a cautionary tale.”

Hopes that President Trump’s return to the White House would boost the startup scene — via tax cuts and deregulation — have been tempered by his aggressive new tariff policies, announced in April. Several companies have already delayed planned IPOs in response to the uncertainty.

SVB, now part of First Citizens Bank following its collapse in 2023, concludes the report by saying that a return to robust exit activity is essential to reignite venture returns and fuel the next wave of startup growth.

For now, though, AI remains the hottest ticket in town — but one that increasingly risks burning out those who mistake funding for fundamentals.

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AI cash boom masks rise of ‘zombiecorns’ as funding gaps widen in startup ecosystem

The European Commission is preparing to introduce a €2 handling fee on online parcels entering the EU as part of a sweeping overhaul of its customs system, aimed at managing the billions of low-value items flooding into the bloc—primarily from China-based e-commerce giants such as Shein, Temu, and Alibaba.

The proposed fee is intended to support customs authorities in processing and verifying the compliance of goods with EU safety standards, particularly on items such as toys and electronics, and to improve the effectiveness of border checks.

The handling fee, equivalent to $2.27, would apply to parcels shipped directly to customers outside the EU. For shipments fulfilled from warehouses within the EU, a reduced €0.50 fee is proposed.

EU customs processed 4.6 billion low-value parcels in 2024—more than 12 million items per day—with an estimated 91% of these originating from China. This figure is more than double the volume recorded in 2023, underlining the scale and rapid growth of cross-border e-commerce into Europe.

As part of broader reforms announced in February, the Commission has also proposed scrapping the €150 duty-free threshold for imports, removing the exemption that currently allows many lower-priced products to enter the EU market without incurring customs duties.

The new handling charge would be levied on online retailers, not consumers, and would not appear as a separate cost on customer delivery invoices. The aim, according to EU officials, is to make major international e-commerce platforms pay a fair share for the customs infrastructure they heavily rely on.

The proposal, still in draft form, will need approval from both EU member states and the European Parliament.

Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament’s trade committee, defended the plans, saying they were necessary to fund more robust inspections and ensure consumer safety.

“With 4.6 billion packages, you can’t really have proper controls. To introduce them costs money, and therefore it’s fair to ask Alibaba, Temu or Shein to pay their fair share of the cost,” Lange said.

The proposed reforms reflect increasing EU scrutiny of Chinese e-commerce platforms, amid concerns over product safety, unfair competition, and VAT avoidance. The handling fee is part of the Commission’s broader ambition to create a more level playing field for EU retailers and domestic logistics firms, many of whom argue they face higher regulatory and tax burdens.

If approved, the handling fee could reshape the cost structure for cross-border e-commerce into the EU and potentially prompt platforms to adjust their pricing or shipping strategies to absorb or pass on the new costs.

The proposal comes as the EU continues to refine its post-pandemic trade and customs policy, balancing consumer access to global e-commerce with regulatory enforcement, market fairness, and safety compliance.

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EU proposes €2 handling fee on online parcels in customs overhaul targeting global e-commerce

London-based battery tech start-up Sention Technologies has raised £3.7 million in a seed funding round to accelerate the commercialisation of its cutting-edge diagnostic tools for the battery industry.

The round, led by Twin Path Ventures, attracted backing from a strong line-up of energy and AI-focused investors, including Doral Energy-Tech Ventures, Endgame Capital, Energy Revolution Ventures, G.K. Goh Ventures, Green Angel Ventures, Third Sphere, and the UK Innovation and Science Seed Fund.

Founded with the aim of tackling battery inefficiencies and safety concerns, Sention has developed a proprietary ultrasonic scanning technology that allows users to “listen” inside batteries and produce 3D visualisations of their internal structure. When paired with advanced machine learning models, the platform can predict battery health, forecast degradation, and flag critical safety risks like thermal runaway.

The company says the new capital will be used to bring its Senturion benchtop ultrasound device and Sentinel, its AI-powered diagnostics software, to market. Funds will also support R&D on a third product — Sentry — designed for real-time diagnostics on live production lines.

Sention’s CEO, Professor Dan Brett, called the raise a “significant milestone” and said the company’s mission is to deliver real impact to a battery industry grappling with high failure rates, product recalls, and a lack of reliable, non-invasive testing tools.

“Batteries are transforming the way we live and leading us toward Net Zero, but they come with challenges,” Brett said. “This investment will enable us to deliver our products to customers, making a real difference in the battery industry.”

Twin Path Ventures said Sention’s approach — combining machine learning with electrochemical insights — has the potential to “transform the way batteries are developed, manufactured and used.”

With battery quality control under increasing scrutiny across the energy storage and electric vehicle markets, Sention’s platform promises to reduce scrap rates, improve performance, and enhance safety for battery manufacturers, developers and integrators.

The company has already seen strong early interest and will use the funding to expand its team and scale operations ahead of broader commercial rollout.

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Sention Technologies secures £3.7m seed round to revolutionise battery diagnostics

Despite growing pressure from senior business figures to bring staff back to the office full time, a new study suggests that a significant portion of the UK workforce is unwilling to give up the flexibility they’ve come to expect.

According to research from the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership at King’s College London and King’s Business School, half of UK workers would actively seek a new job if forced to return to the office five days a week.

The findings, drawn from over a million data points from the government’s labour force survey and 50,000 responses from the Survey of Working Arrangements and Attitudes UK, reveal a sharp shift in attitudes since the pandemic. Just 42 per cent of workers would accept a full-time office return, down from 54 per cent in early 2022. Over the same period, the number who said they would look for a new job in response to a mandatory return rose from 40 to 50 per cent. The share saying they would quit immediately doubled from five to 10 per cent.

The resistance is particularly strong among women and parents. The study found that 64 per cent of women would either quit or look for new employment if forced back to the office full-time, compared with 51 per cent of men. Only one in three mothers with young children said they would comply with such a mandate. Among fathers with school-age children, the share saying they would leave or look elsewhere increased from 38 per cent in early 2022 to 53 per cent by the end of 2023.

Researchers also found that black and minority ethnic workers were more likely to comply with office mandates, which they suggested may reflect a greater sense of job insecurity or fear of workplace discrimination.

The study’s lead author, Professor Heejung Chung, said that managers must adapt to a post-pandemic world in which flexible working is no longer a perk but an expectation. She argued that companies still clinging to pre-Covid work patterns risk damaging employee wellbeing and long-term productivity. “There has been a marked shift in attitudes, with workers now seeing flexibility as the norm,” she said. “Rather than forcing a return to outdated models, employers should be formalising hybrid policies, investing in digital tools and planning coordinated in-office days to make the most of face-to-face time.”

The report also highlights the role remote working plays in maintaining labour market participation among women with caring responsibilities, allowing them to remain in employment and avoid falling behind in their careers. Without flexible options, some women may be forced to leave work altogether or reduce their hours—outcomes that risk worsening gender inequality in the workplace.

While employees show strong support for remote and hybrid models, some business leaders remain sceptical. Stuart Rose, the former M&S chairman, has criticised remote work as “not proper work”, while Lord Sugar dismissed home workers as “lazy gits”. Others have taken a harder line. Elon Musk banned remote working at Tesla in 2022, and JP Morgan boss Jamie Dimon mandated a five-day office return for all managing directors in 2023, with reports suggesting he may soon extend the rule to all staff.

Meanwhile, British entrepreneur Emma Grede, co-founder of fashion brand Skims, recently stated that work-life balance is a personal issue, not something employers should be responsible for managing. She argued that individuals should take ownership of how they manage their lives outside of work.

However, Professor Chung and her co-authors contend that this perspective risks overlooking the wider benefits of hybrid work for businesses, particularly in terms of employee engagement, retention and diversity. “Well-designed hybrid working models offer significant benefits for both employers and employees,” the report concludes.

With working from home now embedded across large swathes of the UK economy, the debate is no longer whether to allow remote work—but how best to structure it for long-term success.

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Working from home is here to stay — if employees have their say, new research finds