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Farmers seek meeting with Rachel Reeves over inheritance tax reforms
Business

Farmers seek meeting with Rachel Reeves over inheritance tax reforms

by August 15, 2025

The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has requested a meeting with chancellor Rachel Reeves to discuss amendments to Labour’s planned inheritance tax reforms, following fresh analysis suggesting the changes could disproportionately impact working family farms.

From April, farms and other agricultural property will be brought into inheritance tax rules under Labour’s plan to raise revenue for public services and close a loophole used by some wealthy landowners. The policy will end a decades-long exemption and apply a 20% levy on the value of agricultural and business property above £1m.

While the government insists the reforms “largely protect family farms whilst limiting claims by the wealthiest estates”, a new report by the Centre for the Analysis of Taxation (CenTax) suggests the relief could be better targeted to prevent tax planning while further protecting legitimate farm businesses.

Dr Andy Summers, CenTax director and associate professor at the London School of Economics, said: “The relief could be better targeted to reduce its use for tax planning and further extend protection for businesses, including farms.”

The NFU has previously warned the policy threatens the viability of family farms and could undermine UK food security. Its president, Tom Bradshaw, said the CenTax findings should be the starting point for urgent discussions with the Treasury.

“This report gives us an opportunity to sit around the table and adjust the recommendations to target them better and remove the worst of the impact from working family farms,” Bradshaw told The Guardian. “I really worry about the period through the autumn and the winter ahead of April. We’ve got to get changes in place that mitigate the impact, but still meet Treasury requirements.”

The CenTax analysis found that in an average year, 86% of farm estates affected by the reforms could cover the tax bill using non-farm assets. However, 70 out of 1,560 farms would be unable to do so.

It also revealed that wealthy landowners are less likely to be affected than owner-occupier farmers. Landowners account for almost two-thirds (64%) of all farm estates but just 42% of those hit by the changes. In contrast, owner-farmers make up 17% of all farm estates yet represent more than a third (37%) of affected estates.

Bradshaw said the figures showed that “wealthy landowners can afford to pay the tax without having to sell assets, whereas a much greater percentage of family farms will have to sell assets or part of the farm to pay the bill. If it forces the sale of farmland, it may mean the farm is no longer viable, reducing our ability to produce food.”

Reeves has said no tax decisions will be confirmed until the autumn budget, adding that choices will be taken “in the round” with the focus on boosting productivity and growth.

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Farmers seek meeting with Rachel Reeves over inheritance tax reforms

August 15, 2025
Aviva reaffirms net zero pledge despite US and UK climate policy backlash
Business

Aviva reaffirms net zero pledge despite US and UK climate policy backlash

by August 15, 2025

Aviva chief executive Amanda Blanc has vowed to maintain the insurer’s climate transition plans despite growing political pushback against net zero targets in the US and UK.

Speaking as Aviva’s shares hit their highest level since the 2008 financial crisis, Blanc said extreme weather risks made climate action a business imperative as well as a client priority.

“We remain committed to our ambition,” she told reporters on Thursday. “It’s an important priority for many of our clients, but also vital given the rise in extreme weather events and the impact they have on the insurability of properties.”

Blanc, who was made a dame in 2023 partly for her work on net zero, pointed to recent wildfires in Canada and floods in the UK as examples of climate-related events insurers must account for.

Her comments come amid a wave of withdrawals from the UN-backed Net-Zero Banking Alliance following Donald Trump’s return to the White House, including US giants JPMorgan, Citigroup, Bank of America, Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs, as well as UK lenders HSBC and Barclays.

The exits have divided the financial sector. Standard Chartered CEO Bill Winters last month criticised rivals for embracing climate commitments when it was “fashionable” only to roll them back. “Shame on them,” he said.

Aviva published an updated net zero transition plan earlier this year, targeting a 90% cut in operational emissions by 2030 compared to 2019 and committing to source all electricity from renewables. Blanc said reducing emissions linked to clients was “more complex” but remained under review.

“The important thing for us is to offer optionality for investors, customers and funds, while considering the practical impact for our insurance business,” she added.

The insurer reported a 22% rise in operating profit to £1bn for the six months to June, up from £875m a year earlier, driven by growth in general insurance premiums in the UK and Ireland and increased assets in its wealth business. Shares rose as much as 4.7% to £6.90 before closing 2.6% higher at £6.75.

Rival insurer Admiral also saw its shares jump nearly 6% after posting a 67% surge in half-year profits to £516m, aided by strong performance in its UK car insurance division.

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Aviva reaffirms net zero pledge despite US and UK climate policy backlash

August 15, 2025
ASA bans online pharmacy adverts for weight loss injections in major enforcement drive
Business

ASA bans online pharmacy adverts for weight loss injections in major enforcement drive

by August 15, 2025

The UK’s advertising watchdog has banned online pharmacies from running adverts for prescription-only weight loss injections, in a landmark enforcement move aimed at tackling what it called a “wild west” culture of online selling.

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) have issued nine new rulings, setting out strict precedents for how weight loss medicines such as Wegovy and Mounjaro can be promoted.

Under UK law, advertising prescription-only medicines (POMs) to the public is illegal. However, a Guardian investigation last year found widespread breaches and grey-area promotions by online pharmacies.

The new rules mean that while pharmacies can still reference weight loss injections on their own websites, they cannot display them on homepages or landing pages reached via external links. Ads can no longer use the phrases “weight loss injections” or “weight loss pen” and must instead present such treatments as part of a broader service involving consultation and prescription.

The ASA also banned the use of imagery showing injection pens or vials, and prohibited links to landing pages where named POMs are the only option available.

ASA chair Nicky Morgan said the measures were designed to protect vulnerable people from harm: “Nothing’s so harmful as powerful prescription-only medicines.”

The rulings follow an AI-led monitoring sweep in August and September 2024, which scanned 28 million online ads across all sectors. Of the 20,000 ads flagged from 35 high-priority pharmacies this year, around 10,000 related to weight loss treatments.

Infractions included direct promotion of drug names, use of injection pen imagery, and linking from “weight loss consultation” adverts to pages where only POMs were offered – a loophole now closed.

One case involved an Instagram post by TV personality Gemma Collins promoting the weight loss service Yazen. The ad breached rules because Collins referenced NHS-prescribed medication and Yazen’s site linked to articles describing her use of “GLP-1 weight loss injections.”

The ASA said pharmacies that breach the rules will be told to amend or remove offending content. Repeat or non-compliant offenders may face further action, including ad takedowns in cooperation with online platforms, and referrals to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) or General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), which can levy fines, bring court proceedings, or sanction pharmacy licences.

While the watchdog said compliance levels were generally high, some online pharmacies did not respond when challenged.

Experts welcomed the crackdown but called for tougher sanctions. Dr Piotr Ozieranski of the University of Bath said penalties should be tied to company turnover and patient risk, while UCL’s Oksana Pyzik warned that celebrity endorsements were still glamorising medical weight loss.

The ASA said more rulings are expected as it continues to monitor online promotions of weight loss drugs, both by companies and influencers.

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ASA bans online pharmacy adverts for weight loss injections in major enforcement drive

August 15, 2025
FCA sacks 12 staff over misconduct as regulator moves to tighten industry rules
Business

FCA sacks 12 staff over misconduct as regulator moves to tighten industry rules

by August 15, 2025

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has dismissed 12 employees over misconduct in the past three years, newly released figures reveal, as the regulator steps up efforts to tackle toxic workplace behaviour in the financial sector.

Data disclosed under the Freedom of Information Act shows that between 2022 and 2024, 38 FCA staff faced disciplinary proceedings. In addition to the 12 dismissals, 26 employees were issued with written warnings — 16 first warnings and 10 final warnings.

The figures come as the City watchdog consults on new rules to align conduct standards across banks and non-bank financial institutions for serious non-financial misconduct (NFM) cases, such as bullying, harassment and violence.

In a foreword to the consultation paper published in July, Sarah Pritchard, the FCA’s deputy chief executive, warned that failure to address workplace misconduct can undermine growth, deter whistleblowing and enable wider financial wrongdoing.

“Failure to tackle toxic behaviours drives away good people, prevents staff from speaking up and undermines performance. It damages growth and enables financial misconduct,” she said.

Pritchard said regulators have a role in preventing so-called “rolling bad apples” — individuals who move between firms without their history of serious misconduct being acted upon or disclosed.

The consultation aims to ensure that cases of serious non-financial misconduct are treated as matters of regulatory concern, with potential consequences for firms’ senior managers if they fail to act.

Commenting on the FOI data, Jason Kurtz, chief executive of software company Basware, said: “Organisations tasked with upholding industry standards cannot afford to compromise when it comes to dealing with incidents of misconduct. With rising levels of financial crime, fraud and risks, enforcing the highest standards of compliance is now a top priority, for watchdogs and businesses alike.”

The FCA’s consultation on non-financial misconduct rules closes later this year, with final policy changes expected to be implemented in 2026.

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FCA sacks 12 staff over misconduct as regulator moves to tighten industry rules

August 15, 2025
Transparency and Deep Analysis: The Secret of GamblingInformation.com’s Business
Business

Transparency and Deep Analysis: The Secret of GamblingInformation.com’s Business

by August 15, 2025

In today’s increasingly saturated and fast-moving digital gaming market, few qualities matter more than credibility.

For Canadians navigating the complex world of online casinos, one platform consistently rises above the noise: GamblingInformation.com. Recognized across Canada as the go-to resource for everything related to online gambling, especially casino platforms, the site has built its reputation through a combination of transparency, consistency, and deep expert analysis.

Unlike many review websites that prioritize affiliate revenue and surface-level content, GamblingInformation.com has made trusted, reader-first information its core mission. This commitment is backed by an experienced team of Canadian professionals who go beyond flashy graphics and bonus codes to examine what really matters, licensing, legal frameworks, fairness, payouts, and player protection.

In this article, we explore how GamblingInformation.com has carved out its leadership role, and why its model sets a benchmark in transparency and user advocacy within Canada’s fast-evolving iGaming sector.

A Clear Mandate: Prioritizing the Canadian Player

While the global online gambling industry is worth billions and spans dozens of regulatory systems, GamblingInformation.com made a strategic choice to center its expertise on the Canadian market. From Ontario’s newly opened private iGaming market to government-run platforms in BC and Quebec, the Canadian regulatory environment is both unique and highly localized. That’s why a one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t serve players here.

GamblingInformation.com’s Canadian editorial team specializes in:

Breaking down provincial licensing rules
Reviewing provincially regulated vs. offshore platforms
Analyzing Interac, eTransfer, and other Canadian-preferred payment methods
Publishing region-specific content to reflect nuanced legal realities

This dedicated focus enables them to tailor each review and recommendation to where the user lives, ensuring not just legality, but relevance.

Their Review Framework: Rigorous and Transparent

What sets the platform apart is not only what it reviews, but how. GamblingInformation.com has built a repeatable, rigorous review process that assesses casinos across eight key categories:

Licensing & Regulatory Compliance
Security & Data Encryption
Game Library & Software Providers
Bonus Structure & Terms
Payout Speed & Banking Options
Responsible Gambling Tools
Customer Support Access
Community Reputation & Feedback

These areas aren’t just mentioned, they’re tested. Reviewers sign up, deposit funds, activate bonuses, play real games, and attempt withdrawals. Their feedback is then compiled into detailed editorial insights with pros and cons clearly listed.

By maintaining such standards, GamblingInformation.com has become more than a directory, it’s an advocate for fair, informed play.

Human Expertise, Not Automation

Unlike algorithm-driven or outsourced review engines, this platform relies on a tight-knit team of industry professionals, most of whom are based in Canada. These include:

Former compliance officers for gaming operators
Legal experts on Canadian gambling law
Cybersecurity specialists who vet casino encryption
Veteran players who bring a consumer lens to game analysis

This human-led approach ensures that nuances, like bonus fine print, payout quirks, or slow ID checks, are noticed and reported accurately. It also makes reviews dynamic, rather than templated, offering a more helpful experience to readers.

Trusted by Canadian Players

In a fragmented online gambling market, trust is rare and hard-earned. Yet, GamblingInformation.com has become the primary point of reference for thousands of Canadians looking to understand their rights, find safe casinos, or compare promotions.

Key reasons include:

Provincial focus: Players from Quebec, Ontario, or Alberta all get locally relevant insights.
Frequent updates: Sites are re-reviewed after legal changes, user complaints, or major updates.
Unbiased disclaimers: Affiliate partnerships are clearly disclosed, and casinos aren’t included simply for paying a fee.

For example, when Ontario opened its market to private operators in April 2022, GamblingInformation.com was among the first platforms to publish verified, side-by-side comparisons of newly licensed casinos. Their analysis helped players transition from government-run OLG offerings to privately licensed brands with confidence.

Accountability Through Transparency

The platform doesn’t just talk about transparency, it builds it into every page. Reviews show:

Full licensing information, including jurisdiction
Links to responsible gambling programs
Payout timelines based on actual testing
Screenshots of bonus terms and ID verification flows

Moreover, they publish editorial policies and how reviewers are compensated, ensuring that trust is never taken for granted.

This is especially important in a space where many review sites operate purely for referral commissions, often promoting the highest bidder. GamblingInformation.com has actively pushed against that model, opting instead for credibility-first growth.

Calling Out Bad Actors

Perhaps one of the most respected aspects of the site is its willingness to name and blacklist casinos that engage in:

Hidden terms and conditions
Delayed or withheld payouts
Misleading licensing claims
Lack of support for responsible play

Rather than quietly removing questionable brands, GamblingInformation.com publicly explains why a platform was delisted, helping players avoid similar traps elsewhere. It’s a bold stance that has made them a watchdog in an often unregulated space.

Understanding Canada’s Complex Gambling Landscape

To understand GamblingInformation.com’s value, it helps to understand Canada’s legal environment, which is unlike most other countries.

Gambling is regulated at the provincial level, not federally. As a result:

Ontario now licenses private casinos via iGaming Ontario
British Columbia uses com, operated by BCLC
Quebec runs Espacejeux through Loto-Québec
Other provinces often lack direct platforms, leading players to offshore alternatives

GamblingInformation.com navigates this complexity for users, publishing province-specific breakdowns and explaining what’s legal, regulated, or simply tolerated in each region.

They also keep readers informed about future developments, such as Alberta’s expected entrance into the private iGaming market by 2026, a change that could significantly shift how Canadian players access casino games.

Emphasizing Responsible Gambling

Any credible gambling platform must go beyond excitement and promotion to highlight player protection. GamblingInformation.com ranks responsible gambling tools as one of its top metrics when assessing a casino.

Features evaluated include:

Session timeouts
Deposit limits
Loss trackers
Self-exclusion mechanisms
Access to third-party support resources

For example, Ontario sites are legally required to offer links to ConnexOntario, a province-wide mental health and addiction resource hub. Similarly, GameSense (used by BC and Manitoba) provides valuable education and risk assessment tools.

By linking directly to these services and grading each platform’s implementation, GamblingInformation.com reinforces its position as a responsible industry voice.

Industry Validation and External Authority

The model used by GamblingInformation.com mirrors broader consumer protection trends seen in other regulated sectors. Their focus on compliance and transparency aligns with best practices outlined by major authorities like the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and regulatory guidance from the U.S. Department of Justice, which emphasize transparency in affiliate marketing and consumer-facing reviews.

While Canada doesn’t yet have a centralized national gambling regulator, platforms like GamblingInformation.com fill the gap with voluntary accountability, and that speaks volumes.

Built to Scale in a Rapidly Changing Industry

Canada’s online gambling market is evolving rapidly:

Ontario is adding new operators monthly.
Alberta is preparing its own regulatory framework.
Quebec is reviewing digital expansion strategies.
Federal conversations around a national strategy are slowly gaining traction.

GamblingInformation.com is uniquely positioned to evolve alongside these changes. Their modular review structure and agile content strategy mean they can adapt content in real time, keeping players informed without delay. Their forward-looking business model, grounded in research, editorial integrity, and local expertise, ensures they won’t just remain relevant, but will lead the discussion in the years ahead.

In an industry where confusion is common and regulation uneven, GamblingInformation.com has emerged as a trusted lighthouse for Canadian players. Their business succeeds not through hype or marketing gimmicks, but through transparency, accuracy, and region-specific depth.

By combining real-world testing, legal clarity, and editorial honesty, they’ve redefined what it means to be a review site, becoming instead a trusted guide and consumer advocate. For anyone navigating the fast-growing world of Canadian online gambling, GamblingInformation.com offers not only reviews but real insights, ensuring every user decision is informed, safe, and legal.

Read more:
Transparency and Deep Analysis: The Secret of GamblingInformation.com’s Business

August 15, 2025
The Ins and Outs of No Deposit Bonus Codes – Useful Tips and Tricks
Business

The Ins and Outs of No Deposit Bonus Codes – Useful Tips and Tricks

by August 15, 2025

Modern gambling sites have many different types of promotions, each with specific rules. You can get some of them right away, whereas others require a promo code. The latter contains letters and numbers and can work in many ways, including with no deposit offers.

While these offers can be tempting, they also come with their own set of rules that you must adhere to. Understanding how they work is essential, so it is time to look at everything related to these promo codes and what you will get.

How to Claim Your No Deposit Bonus Code

One of the things that’s definitely easier said than done is finding these kinds of codes and implementing them. Many people have problems here because they end up trusting a random source. Fortunately, the Efirbet no deposit bonus codes are easy to get and come from a trusted site that works in conjunction with numerous world-class iGaming operators. People who implement these codes can get free spins and use them for various things.

Once you find the specific code you need, the next step is to register an account and add the relevant code. This usually happens while registering, but you may have to use the code before depositing or using the customer support department.

After inputting the specific code, the operator will likely give you the no deposit offer. Before using it, however, you have to learn more about how it works and everything else related to it. This can include its duration, bet limits, and all sorts of other things.

The Different Types of No Deposit Bonuses That the Promo Code Will Give you Access To

Once you learn how to use the specific promotional code, the next thing is to check the bonus itself. We already mentioned some of the aspects you need to be aware of, but there are many more things.

For starters, each online casino offers a different no deposit bonus, so you must research each offer individually. The good news is that most brands will provide similar perks that focus on things such as free cash bonuses. These kinds of deals let people get an amount that they can use to bet on different options.

Many of the no deposit promo codes will also reward users with free spins. These offers are slightly more limiting because users can also use them if they play slots.

Lastly, we have free play time. This is a unique type of offer that will give you a set time to play with a fixed amount of bonus money. Once that time is over, the casino will let you keep the winnings, assuming they are not over the limit.

The Advantages of No Deposit Bonus Codes

Many people do not want to use such codes because they believe that those things don’t offer them enough advantages. While it is true that some codes may have drawbacks, using no deposit bonus codes definitely has its upsides.

For starters, they allow some form of risk-free gaming (if there is such a thing). Having the ability to play without risking your own money is more important than many people think, and a lot of users don’t seem to give it enough credit.

Another thing that no deposit bonus codes will give you access to is the ability to test the platform. You can experience the casino’s games, interface, and payment systems before making a real deposit and using your money.

No-deposit bonus codes (assuming you have chosen a worthy casino) can also earn you money. Some deals have no wagering requirements or are very easy to complete.

Lastly, no deposit bonus codes are also great for beginners. They are an ideal tool for learning game rules and strategies without the pressure of playing with your own money.

Tips and Tricks to Maximize Your Bonus

Assuming you find a top-tier operator that offers this bonus, it is time to learn everything about it and how to use it properly.

To start, you should always read the Terms and Conditions. Even if a given offer seems amazing, take the time to go through everything because this will help you learn how it all works.

Another important tip is to target low wagering bonuses. These kinds of rewards allow you to complete the rules on time and pull out your winnings. Using deals with high rollover rules means you must play much longer to complete them.

Another good tip is to focus on high RTP games. These kinds of titles give you better odds of meeting the rollover requirements. Speaking of that, you need to watch out for any specific withdrawal verification. Casinos will often require players to verify their identity before playing out.

Chasing losses is definitely another thing that you should try to avoid. It is easy to get caught up in the excitement, but remember that bonuses are meant for fun, and they do not guarantee you income. In other words, if you lose, you should just accept it and not start playing right away just to get that amount back.

Read more:
The Ins and Outs of No Deposit Bonus Codes – Useful Tips and Tricks

August 15, 2025
Scottish salmon exports on track to hit £1bn as global demand surges
Business

Scottish salmon exports on track to hit £1bn as global demand surges

by August 14, 2025

Scottish salmon exports are on course to surpass £1 billion for the first time, fuelled by surging demand from international markets including the United States, China and Canada.

New figures show sales abroad rose by 33% to £941 million in the 12 months to June, according to Salmon Scotland. In the first half of 2025 alone, exports were worth £528 million, putting the UK’s biggest food export on track for a record-breaking year.

The growth comes as Scottish producers prepare to enter the lucrative Indian market following the UK’s free trade agreement with the country, which will cut tariffs on salmon exports.

Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said the latest numbers reflected “remarkable success” for the sector and the hard work of farmers meeting growing global demand.

“With international sales approaching £1 billion, Scottish salmon continues to perform strongly on the world stage, especially in the US where demand remains robust,” he said. “However, tariffs remain a significant barrier, costing the sector an estimated £30 million each year. Removing these tariffs would open up even greater opportunities for exporters.”

The US market grew by 110% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year, reaching £190 million. China was up 75% to £74 million, Taiwan rose 45% to £17 million, and Canada posted a 1,300% jump to £21 million.

While France remains the top export market, taking 45% of Scottish salmon sales, EU exports overall dipped 7% to £423 million. By contrast, non-EU markets surged 106% to £518 million.

The sector has also benefitted from improved survival rates and higher harvest volumes, with monthly survival averaging 99.12% between January and June – the best start to a year since records began in 2018.

Mairi Gougeon, Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, hailed the “exceptional performance” and said the government was working with the industry to maintain growth. “Reducing US tariffs on Scottish produce, including salmon, is a priority,” she said.

Salmon farming contributes £766 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the UK economy, directly employing 2,500 people in Scotland and supporting a further 10,000 jobs in coastal and island communities.

Read more:
Scottish salmon exports on track to hit £1bn as global demand surges

August 14, 2025
GB News passes 2 billion YouTube views as subscriber growth surges
Business

GB News passes 2 billion YouTube views as subscriber growth surges

by August 14, 2025

GB News has reached a new digital milestone after surpassing two billion views on its YouTube channel, as the broadcaster’s audience growth continues to accelerate.

The channel, which launched in 2021, now has 1.92 million subscribers and is on track to reach the two million mark within weeks, according to the latest viewing figures. Data from August 12 shows the channel has achieved 2,236,288,208 views in total, reflecting what the broadcaster says is “soaring demand” for its content.

Geoff Marsh, GB News’ Chief Content Officer, described the achievement as “extraordinary”, adding: “Doing so in a highly competitive market speaks volumes about the depth, breadth, and quality of our output – and the tireless dedication of our brilliant team. The strength of our journalism is now firmly disrupting the established British media landscape.”

The channel said its growth spans multiple platforms, with the GB News app now ranking among the top five most downloaded free news apps in the UK, ahead of the BBC, Sky News, The Times, Daily Mail and the Daily Telegraph, according to Apple.

The broadcaster is also pushing ahead with its global expansion. Last week it launched on Truth+, the streaming platform linked to Truth Social in the United States. The deal will make GB News available worldwide as part of Truth+’s free basic package across mobile, web, and connected TV devices.

Truth+ chairman Devin Nunes said: “We welcome our good friends from across the pond, GB News, to the Truth+ platform.”

The milestone follows a period of record-breaking growth for GB News, which says it plans to “accelerate even further” into 2026 and beyond.

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GB News passes 2 billion YouTube views as subscriber growth surges

August 14, 2025
Traditional credit scoring is locking out UK startups, warns Swoop Funding CEO
Business

Traditional credit scoring is locking out UK startups, warns Swoop Funding CEO

by August 14, 2025

Outdated business credit scoring models are shutting out promising UK startups from crucial funding, according to Swoop Funding chief executive Andrea Reynolds, who is urging a cultural and systemic rethink to match the realities of modern entrepreneurship.

Reynolds said the legacy systems used by lenders are “inherently biased towards more mature businesses” and fail to account for the unique profiles of early-stage companies.

“Historically, credit scores were designed for established firms with long track records, steady cashflow and detailed accounts,” she explained. “That works for mature companies, but it fails new businesses that simply haven’t had time to build that kind of footprint.”

This “thin-file” problem, where startups have little or no formal credit history, means many innovative firms are deemed unscorable or too risky — and are denied access to debt funding.

Attempts to modernise scoring through AI, open banking and alternative data are under way, but Reynolds said data quality, transparency and the risk of “new forms of bias” remain obstacles. “When innovation outpaces infrastructure, it’s startups that pay the price,” she added.

Swoop Funding is advocating for change on two fronts: practical steps to help founders build their credit profiles early, and systemic reforms to credit models. On the practical side, Reynolds recommends opening a business bank account, registering a company phone line, taking out a business credit card, and establishing supplier credit lines — all while keeping personal and business finances separate and paying on time.

She also champions the government’s Startup Loan Scheme, which offers low-interest borrowing and mentoring, but warns that cultural perceptions around debt must shift. “Many entrepreneurs, particularly women and under-represented founders, still view business borrowing through the lens of personal debt — when in reality, capital for a business is an investment that can generate returns.”

Reynolds argues that scoring systems must adapt to the “messy, iterative” nature of startups by factoring in real-time performance, creating separate models for pre-revenue firms, and rewarding strong founder behaviour and growth signals.

“If we want to fuel economic growth, we need a funding infrastructure that recognises potential, not just paperwork,” she said. “Capital isn’t just about cash flow, it’s about confidence — and right now too many brilliant founders are being excluded from the very system designed to support them.”

Read more:
Traditional credit scoring is locking out UK startups, warns Swoop Funding CEO

August 14, 2025
Ex-Autonomy CFO Sushovan Hussain launches firm to help ex-offenders find work after US prison term
Business

Ex-Autonomy CFO Sushovan Hussain launches firm to help ex-offenders find work after US prison term

by August 14, 2025

Sushovan Hussain, the former finance chief at Mike Lynch’s software company Autonomy, is planning a business comeback after serving a three-and-a-half-year prison sentence in the US.

Hussain, 61, has launched a new venture, Liberatus — Latin for “freed” — aimed at helping ex-offenders back into employment. The company will operate as an employment agency, matching those with criminal records to temporary work, with a pilot scheme planned in Cambridge before a national rollout.

Hussain said the idea was born from his own experience of returning to the UK last year after release from a Pennsylvania federal prison, where he served time for fraud over Autonomy’s £7bn sale to Hewlett-Packard.

“Reintegrating into society is extraordinarily difficult,” he said. “Securing employment with a criminal record remains one of the most significant barriers. For those who do find work, the reoffending rate drops to below 5%.”

He added that he had encountered the same issues many ex-offenders face, including difficulty opening bank accounts and obtaining ID.

Companies House records show Hussain owns Liberatus with his wife, Tracie, and has recruited former colleagues from Autonomy and cybersecurity firm Darktrace, which he co-founded with Lynch.

The initiative could attract support from prisons minister Lord Timpson, who has advocated for more employers to hire ex-offenders. Hussain echoed Timpson’s view that giving former prisoners a route back into work is a “win-win situation we cannot ignore”.

Hussain was convicted on 16 counts of fraud in 2018 and lost an appeal in 2020 before entering prison. He was released in early 2024, months before Lynch and Autonomy’s former finance director Stephen Chamberlain were acquitted of fraud in the US.

Earlier this year, Hussain settled a UK civil case brought by HP against him and Lynch, with a judge ruling damages of more than £740m — a sum threatening to wipe out Lynch’s estate after his death in 2024.

Liberatus plans to focus initially on building relationships with employers willing to take on staff with convictions, with the goal of expanding opportunities nationwide.

Read more:
Ex-Autonomy CFO Sushovan Hussain launches firm to help ex-offenders find work after US prison term

August 14, 2025
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