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Choosing the right traditional radiators can feel a bit tricky at times. Many of us spend hours researching to figure out what sets budget-friendly options apart from high-end boutique designs.

In this guide, we’ll look at materials, styles, heat output, and more to help you make an informed choice. Read on to see which option suits your home best!

Key Takeaways

Budget radiators are affordable and practical, using basic materials like steel, with limited designs and heat output ranging from 1001 to over 8000 BTU.
Boutique radiators use premium materials like cast iron, offer custom finishes (e.g., brass or gold), sizes up to 2001mm+, and can reach over 10,000 BTU for larger rooms.
Budget models lack customisation and focus on standard options; boutique ones provide superior craftsmanship, hand-finishing, and unique styles like ornate patterns.
Prices range widely: budget radiators start at £41 while boutique models can go up to £1,729 depending on features such as durability or design flexibility.
Choosing a radiator depends on your needs budget works for simplicity; boutique adds long-term value with advanced quality and aesthetics.

Key Features of Budget Traditional Radiators

Budget traditional radiators are simple and get the basic job done. They use standard materials and focus on heating without breaking the bank.

Basic material quality

Most budget traditional radiators use steel. This material is lighter and cheaper than cast iron. While it’s durable enough for basic needs, it lacks the heavy-duty feel of premium options like cast-iron column radiators.

A standard example is a 600 x 249mm White Horizontal Traditional 2 Column Radiator priced at £79.99.

Finishes are limited to basics like white, anthracite, or black. There’s no customisation or hand-finishing involved in these models either. They meet functional needs but offer little in variety or refinement.

Limited design options

Budget traditional radiators stick to simple designs. They focus on popular sizes and styles for practicality, not fancy finishes. For widths, they range between 0mm–300mm in 182 options; heights offer 52 choices within the same range.

That’s not much variety compared to boutique models.

We see limited colours like white, black, anthracite, raw metal or pastels. Odd shapes or intricate designs are hard to find here. Horizontal and vertical options exist but stay standard without ornate details.

Most panel types fall into double or triple columns only. Customisation? Nearly non-existent!

Standard heat output

Heat output in budget radiators ranges widely, between 1001 to over 8000 BTU. These models cater to standard room sizes and typical insulation levels. Their focus leans more on practicality than advanced heat retention features.

The wattage for these options starts at 0–500, with about 169 items available in this range. Those needing higher power have up to 59 models exceeding 5000 watts. They rely on basic thermal conductivity through hot water pipes and convection to distribute heat evenly across the space.

Characteristics of Boutique Traditional Radiators

Boutique radiators are all about elegance and top-notch quality. They bring style and function together, creating something truly special for your home.

Premium materials and craftsmanship

Cast iron sets boutique radiators apart. It comes from foundries in Europe and China, giving each piece strength and charm. This material stores heat well, keeping rooms warm even after the heating is off.

That longevity saves energy while adding comfort.

Every designer radiator undergoes hand-finishing for a polished look. Some even feature ornate details that boost home style. Each one gets inspected for quality and performance, ensuring it meets high standards.

These radiators are more than heaters; they’re lasting investments in beauty and durability.

Customisable finishes and sizes

We love how boutique radiators let us pick from so many finishes. From polished bare metal to bronze, brass, copper, or even gold, there’s something for every style. If bold colours catch your eye, options like black, blue, yellow or custom RAL paints are also up for grabs.

Some brands match their finishes to well-known paint makers like Farrow & Ball and Little Greene. It’s like painting a fresh canvas but with heat!

Sizes are just as flexible. The Beaumont Rococo Classique Cast Iron Radiator offers 76 sizes in total with 12 finishes to boot. Need something smaller? The Lux Heat Horizontal Column model starts at £202 and comes in 29 size choices paired with 23 stunning shades.

Heights can go beyond 2001mm if needed; widths stretch over that too! You won’t find cheap designer radiators offering this much freedom anywhere else!

Enhanced heat efficiency

Boutique traditional radiators often outperform budget options due to their materials and design. Cast iron models retain heat longer after switching off the system. This material’s density slows cooling, keeping rooms warm for extended periods.

Large surface areas also boost heat transfer, allowing a better flow of warmth across spaces.

Some boutique radiators can deliver over 10,000 British Thermal Units (BTU), making them ideal for larger or high-ceilinged rooms. These premium pieces are favoured by architects and heating experts handling older properties where consistent heating matters most.

Advanced craftsmanship ensures efficiency without compromising style—true warmth with sophistication!

Comparing Durability and Longevity

Cast iron radiators stand the test of time. Their durability is unmatched, making them a smart long-term choice. All models come with a 10-year warranty, providing confidence from day one.

The material resists wear and retains heat longer than other options. This ensures warmth remains even after turning off the heating, helping to save energy in the process.

Every boutique radiator undergoes a quality check by experts before leaving the shop. These are crafted to last and perform reliably for years to come, adding lasting character to homes in the process.

Vintage restorations demonstrate how well they endure over decades. They’re an investment worth every penny for both period properties and modern spaces alike!

Design and Aesthetic Differences

Some budget radiators stick to plain, predictable designs. They prioritise function but rarely add charm to a room. Boutique models turn heads with their intricate details and artistic flair.

Options like the Beaumont Rococo Classique stand out with ornate cast iron patterns that suit Victorian terraces or National Trust properties.

We enjoy the freedom boutique styles offer. Custom finishes, including shades inspired by Farrow & Ball, help create cohesive interiors. Antique brass or pewter thermostatic valves complement these designs perfectly.

Bold colours like blue or copper let us match radiators to modern decor while preserving timeless appeal. These are more than heaters; they’re statement pieces enhancing both warmth and style in any home.

Cost and Value Comparison

Let’s break down the cost differences and show the value of budget versus boutique traditional radiators in a simple table, so it’s easier to see where your money goes.

We’ve gathered a range of prices to help you make sense of the spectrum. Here’s how budget and boutique traditional radiators stack up on cost and value:

Type
Example
Price
Key Value Points

Budget
Planet Radiators 2 Column Horizontal Radiator
£41
Affordable option; basic materials; standard designs

Boutique
3 Column Cast Iron Radiator (450mm)
£201.60
Premium cast iron; durable; classic aesthetics

Boutique
4 Column Cast Iron Radiator (810mm)
£249.60
Higher heat output; superior build; vintage appeal

Boutique
Cast Iron Radiator
£134.00
Available in 76 sizes; 12 finishes; elegant design

Mid-Range
Horizontal Column Radiator
£154.00 (on sale from £244)
Balanced cost; versatile design; modern style

Boutique
Column Antique Brass Vertical Radiator
£331.00
Antique finish; vertical space-saving; distinctive look

Boutique
Horizontal Antique Brass Radiator
£222.00
Horizontal design; sturdy; timeless finish

High-End
Top-tier boutique radiators
Up to £1,729
Custom-made; unbeatable quality; ultimate luxury

From £41 up to £1,729, there’s a radiator for every need and budget. Budget models focus on practicality. Boutique ones add layers of refinement, flexibility, and craftsmanship. It all comes down to what fits your room, preferences, and wallet best.

Factors to Consider When Choosing

Choosing the right radiator can feel like a tough decision, especially with so many options. We’ve outlined key factors to help make it easier for you.

Room Size and Heat Needs
The size of your room decides how much heat you need. Use a BTU calculator to match the flow of heat to the space’s requirements.
Material Quality
Different radiators use materials like steel, iron, or aluminium. Boutique options often have higher-grade materials, which last longer and perform better.
Design Options
Budget models stick to basic styles, while boutique ones offer customisable finishes, unique colours, and sizes to suit your decor.
Heat Output
Think about how well a radiator heats up your room. Higher quality radiators are crafted for better efficiency and warmth distribution.
Durability
Premium models tend to handle wear and tear better than budget-friendly alternatives because of stronger craftsmanship.
Space Needed for Installation
Measure carefully before buying! Radiators vary in height and width, ranging from 0–2001mm+. Make sure you choose one that fits your spot perfectly.
Cost vs Value
Cheaper isn’t always better long-term. A boutique radiator may cost more upfront but could save money with lower maintenance over time.
Extra Accessories Available
Look into accessories like valves or heating elements for added functionality Planet Radiators offers plenty of extras for all needs.
Delivery and Support Perks
We all love free perks! Many brands include free UK delivery and price matches on most products plus award-winning support 24/7 online.

Make these points part of your checklist!

Conclusion

Budget and boutique traditional radiators each serve their purpose. Budget options keep things simple and affordable. Boutique ones offer luxury, style, and durability. Both works to warm your space, but the choice depends on what matters most to you: cost or elegance? Either way, there’s something for everyone.

FAQs

What’s the main difference between budget and boutique traditional radiators?

Budget radiators are often simpler in design, using basic materials to keep costs low. Boutique options focus on premium finishes, intricate details, and higher craftsmanship.

Are boutique traditional radiators worth the extra cost?

If style is important or you want a radiator that adds character to your space, a boutique option might be ideal. Budget models are better for practicality and tighter budgets.

Do budget radiators perform as well as boutique ones?

Performance depends more on size and heat output than price tag. Both types can heat efficiently if chosen correctly for your room size.

Can I tell them apart just by looking?

Yes, usually! Boutique designs often feature elegant shapes or polished finishes that stand out. Budget models tend to have plainer looks with fewer customisation options.

Read more:
Can You Spot the Difference Between Budget & Boutique Traditional Radiators?

A global race for AI supremacy may now hit consumers squarely in the wallet, with experts warning that laptops, consoles and even everyday business tech could rise in price by £300 or more after OpenAI tied up a vast share of the world’s memory chip supply.

Over the summer, a 32GB memory kit retailing at around £100 jumped to more than £400, after OpenAI quietly secured agreements giving it priority access to 40% of global high-performance memory production as part of its Stargate supercomputing project.

In October, OpenAI confirmed deals with Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix to obtain roughly 900,000 memory chips per month — a scale so large that chipmakers and PC manufacturers had been bracing for a crunch. Some stockpiled inventory early. Those who didn’t are now facing explosive price rises.

Framework, the highly regarded modular laptop maker, pulled its standalone memory products entirely, citing fears of “scalpers” and warning that its component pricing will soon need to increase.

Smartphone makers are caught in the same squeeze: flagship Android devices now routinely carry 12GB to 16GB of RAM. Those costs, manufacturers say, will either be passed directly to shoppers or further erode margins already under pressure.

Colette Mason, author and AI consultant at Clever Clogs AI, said the public had been sold a fantasy that AI would make technology cheaper and more accessible.

“We’ve been told for years that AI will democratise everything. But then OpenAI hoovers up 40% of global memory supply and your laptop costs £300 more. That’s not democratisation.”

She warned that the people hit hardest would be students, small business owners and pensioners – those who rely on affordable, functional computers to participate in work, education and daily life.

“Meanwhile, OpenAI gets priority access whilst everyone else fights over scraps at triple the price,” she said. “This is automation’s ugly cousin: infrastructure imperialism.”

Rohit Parmar-Mistry, founder of Pattrn Data in Burton-on-Trent, said UK businesses will absorb the fallout long before they see any benefit from bleeding-edge AI.

“A 300% hike in memory costs isn’t just a headache for gamers. It’s a direct hit to overheads for every small business trying to upgrade their fleet.”

He noted that manufacturers are reluctant to ramp up production, anxious about overshooting demand, which means scarcity, and high prices, could persist.

“If the hardware needed to run a business becomes a luxury item, then the AI running on it had better deliver serious value. Right now, we’re paying premium prices for potential, not performance.”

Patricia McGirr, founder of Repossession Rescue Network, said the public was being priced out of basic digital participation.

“A basic memory upgrade now costs more than a month’s rent for some households. One project locked down a massive share of global supply and the rest of us are left scrambling.”

She criticised the absence of regulatory oversight, arguing that no thought had been given to the social consequences of sudden hardware inflation.

Kate Underwood, founder of Kate Underwood HR & Training, said small employers were already struggling with outdated laptops and growing complaints from staff.

“It makes the business owner look tight when you can’t upgrade equipment, but now you’d need to sell a kidney to refresh your IT. Seems we now have an AI tax on top of everything else Rachel from Accounts handed out in the Budget last week.”

Can consumers fight back? Possibly, but only if they stop buying new tech

Mitali Deypurkaystha, human-first AI strategist at Impact Icon AI, said that while chipmakers have tightened supply, consumers do still have leverage.

“Most of us don’t need the latest memory to benefit from AI, it runs in the cloud. If we refuse inflated prices and buy older or second-hand components, we send a clear signal by hurting profit margins. We’re not as powerless as they think.”

Asked about concerns raised by UK business owners, OpenAI referred to earlier comments from CEO Sam Altman, who framed the Korean manufacturing deal as essential to global AI progress:

“We’re excited to work with Samsung, SK Hynix and the Korean government through our Stargate initiative to support Korea’s AI ambitions.”

For millions of consumers and small businesses now facing hardware costs three times higher than a few months ago, the question is not whether AI will transform the future, but who will be left able to afford the devices needed to access it.

Read more:
Your next laptop could cost £300 more after AI land-grab triggers soaring memory prices

Netflix has agreed a £54 billion deal to buy Warner Bros, setting the stage for one of the biggest and most transformative mergers the entertainment industry has ever seen.

The streaming giant confirmed on Friday that it had reached a $72 billion agreement to acquire Warner Bros Discovery’s storied film and TV assets, including HBO — the home of Succession, The Last of Us and Game of Thrones.

If approved by US regulators, the takeover would redraw the competitive map of global entertainment, blending Hollywood’s century-old studio system with the world’s most powerful subscription platform. The merger process is expected to run into 2027 due to intense antitrust scrutiny.

As part of the deal, Discovery Global, operator of CNN and several major US networks, will be separated from Warner Bros. HBO, Warner Bros Pictures and the vast DC, Harry Potter and Looney Tunes catalogues will move under Netflix’s control.

Greg Peters, Netflix’s co-chief executive, said the acquisition marked a landmark moment for the industry.

“Warner Bros has helped define entertainment for more than a century and continues to do so with phenomenal creative executives and production capabilities,” he said. “With our global reach and proven business model, we can introduce a broader audience to the worlds they create, give our members more options, and strengthen the entire entertainment industry.”

The deal concludes a fierce US bidding war, with Comcast, owner of Sky, and Paramount’s Skydance also vying for the House of Harry Potter, Batman and HBO.

It also reflects a deeper anxiety running through the global media sector, as streaming economics shift, cinema attendance remains inconsistent, and AI technologies reshape production, writing and acting. Consolidation is seen as a lifeline for legacy studios struggling to match the scale of digital-first platforms.

Comcast is simultaneously reported to be in advanced discussions to acquire ITV’s broadcasting arm for around £2 billion, in another sign of accelerating consolidation. The deal would place ITV1, ITV2 and streaming service ITVX under the umbrella of the US media giant that owns NBCUniversal. ITV Studios, the more profitable production arm behind Love Island and major international dramas, is not included in the talks.

Netflix’s takeover of Warner Bros, a studio founded in 1923, marks a symbolic passing of the torch from Hollywood’s old guard to Silicon Valley’s new titans. And if regulators approve the merger, the biggest streaming platform on the planet will soon hold one of the deepest and most valuable catalogues ever assembled.

Read more:
Netflix seals £54bn takeover of Warner Bros in era-defining entertainment shake-up

A Labour minister has delivered a startlingly candid assessment of life for young people in Britain, declaring that for many, “life is s**t”.

Josh Simons, the parliamentary secretary for the Cabinet Office and co-founder of the Labour Growth Group, made the frank remark on X in response to new analysis highlighting the soaring costs of housing and raising a family.

Reacting to a report from The Times showing that bringing up a child now costs almost £250,000 over 18 years, Simons said well-educated adults aged between 20 and 40 found it “IMPOSSIBLE” to save for a home and afford to have children.

“Young people wanting a family while dealing with this cost pressure are having a s**t time,” he wrote, adding that the UK’s falling birth rate was a “BIG problem” that deserved more political attention. Simons said he “could vouch” for the financial strain personally as both an MP and a PhD holder — highlighting that even high-earning professionals were struggling.

According to MoneyFarm, parents now spend around £65,016 on teenagers alone between ages 15 and 18. Meanwhile, the UK fertility rate fell to a record low of 1.41 children per woman in 2024, with the steepest declines among women aged 25 to 29, the very group Simons referenced.

But the picture may worsen. Decisions taken by Simons’ government colleague, chancellor Rachel Reeves, mean young professionals will face a significantly heavier tax burden over the next five years.

Business Matters analysis found that a graduate earning 50% above the median wage who turned 30 in 2020 will pay half as much in tax and student loan repayments as someone earning at the same level who turns 30 in 2030.

The widening gap is driven largely by Reeves’ decision to freeze income tax thresholds until 2031, a move that will drag millions into higher tax bands through fiscal drag.

Separate data from The Economist found that so-called AVOCADOs – Aggrieved Victims Of Crushing Academic Debt Obligations – now face punitive marginal tax rates. A 30-year-old with a master’s degree earning £30,000 can face a 43% marginal rate once loan repayments are factored in, while someone over 66 earning the same salary pays just 20%.

At the same time, labour market conditions for young adults are deteriorating. Graduate hiring is weakening faster than the wider economy, according to new data from Indeed and other recruitment platforms.

Economists have pointed to Labour’s rise in the national living wage and a £25bn increase in employers’ national insurance contributions — described by critics as a “stealth employment tax” — as key factors contributing to hiring freezes and reduced entry-level opportunities.

With house prices still outpacing wage growth, childcare costs among the highest in the OECD, and taxes rising sharply for working-age earners, Simons’ blistering diagnosis may resonate more widely than Labour might wish.

Read more:
Labour minister admits ‘life is s**t’ for young adults as housing, childcare and taxes squeeze living standards

British businesses shed staff at the sharpest rate in more than three years in the run-up to Rachel Reeves’s second budget, as months of swirling tax speculation paralysed hiring decisions and pushed employers into contraction mode.

New figures from the Bank of England show private-sector employment fell by 1.8% in November – the steepest monthly drop since July 2021. Finance directors told the Bank they also expect to reduce their workforces by an average of 0.7% over the next year, marking the biggest planned decline since October 2020.

The data shines a stark light on the chilling effect that Westminster’s pre-budget uncertainty has had on the UK labour market. Businesses faced almost six months of rolling briefings hinting at major tax rises, culminating in Reeves’s £26bn tax package unveiled last week.

Rob Wood, chief UK economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, described the figures as evidence of “collapsing job growth driven by chaotic pre-budget tax hike speculation”.

HMRC data points to the same trend. Payrolled employment fell by 180,000 in the year to October – the first annual decline outside the pandemic in a decade.

Hints of impending tax rises began circulating as early as July. By early November, Reeves had publicly signalled she was ready to break Labour’s manifesto pledge and raise income tax – before abruptly dropping the idea amid internal revolt and market jitters.

The resulting confusion froze investment and hiring plans. Several business surveys have shown sharp recruitment pullbacks since her first budget in October 2024, when she introduced a £25bn payroll tax as part of £40bn in wider hikes.

In contrast, last week’s budget focused mainly on raising taxes on consumers, including extending the freeze on income-tax thresholds – a move that will ultimately push one in four workers into the 40% bracket.

The Bank of England’s survey also revealed that wage pressures remain stubborn. Businesses raised pay by 4.6% in the year to November, up from 4.2% in October. Pay rises are expected to cool to 3.6% next year as the economy slows.

Firms plan to increase prices by 3.5% on average next year – slightly below October’s 3.7% projection but still well above the Bank’s inflation target.

Yet despite signs of persistent inflationary pressure, Wood said the labour market deterioration “nailed a December rate cut”. Investors expect the Bank to cut interest rates to 3.75% on 18 December, following a year-long easing from 5.25%.

The Office for Budget Responsibility used last week’s budget to predict that inflation would fall faster next year, helped by Reeves removing taxes from household energy bills. The CPI rate dipped to 3.6% in October from 3.8% in September.

For now, however, the jobs market is flashing red – and the economic fallout from a turbulent pre-budget period looks set to be felt well into 2026.

Read more:
Jobs growth collapses ahead of budget as businesses cut staff at fastest rate since the pandemic

One of Britain’s biggest DIY investment platforms has warned that prolonged budget speculation inflicted real financial damage, after savers rushed to drain about £600 million from their pensions amid fears Rachel Reeves would slash tax-free lump sum rules.

Michael Summersgill, chief executive of AJ Bell, said months of rolling briefings and hints of a tax raid had prompted thousands of customers to make precautionary withdrawals in September and October, convinced the Treasury was preparing to cap the 25% tax-free pension commencement lump sum.

Under current rules, savers aged 55 and over can withdraw up to £268,275 tax-free. Reeves ultimately chose not to touch the allowance, but Summersgill said the period of uncertainty had again shaken confidence.

“We saw the same pattern last year when similar fears led to £300 million of early withdrawals,” he said. “Speculation alone can be damaging, and this year has been no exception.”

While the Treasury backed away from altering pension lump sum rules, it did press ahead with controversial changes to the Isa system, and Summersgill did not mince his words.

From April 2027, savers under 65 will only be allowed to put £12,000 per year into cash Isas, even though the overall £20,000 annual allowance remains unchanged. The government intends the remaining £8,000 to flow into stocks and shares Isas to boost investment in UK markets.

But in a move that shocked many in the industry, HMRC will also impose a new tax charge on interest earned on uninvested cash held within stocks and shares Isas by under-65s. Transfers from stocks and shares Isas into cash Isas will be banned to prevent workarounds.

Summersgill called the changes “the polar opposite of simplification” and said the interest charge was “just crazy, so unhelpful”.

“How the government has got this lost along the way, I do not know,” he added. “There is nothing positive about the interventions being proposed.”

AJ Bell reported a 22% rise in pre-tax profits to £137.8 million for the year to 30 September, with revenues up 18% to £317.8 million. Platform assets hit a record £103.3 billion, helped by £7.5 billion of net inflows and £9.3 billion of market gains.

But shares fell 7.6% after the firm said it would step up spending by more than £15 million in the coming year to accelerate growth, funding new technology, marketing and additional engineering hires.

Summersgill said the increased investment was vital: “There’s a huge growth opportunity. I’m not doing my job if we don’t invest aggressively to capture it.”

The company expects pre-tax margins to ease to around 39–40% in 2026, down from 43.4% this year, reflecting the ramp-up in spending.

Read more:
AJ Bell hits out at ‘crazy’ Isa overhaul as tax fears trigger £600m pension exodus

The UK’s electric vehicle market hit the brakes in November, delivering its weakest growth in almost two years as the Chancellor’s looming pay-per-mile tax sowed uncertainty among buyers, and left Tesla nursing the sharpest fall in registrations.

New figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that just under 40,000 battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) were registered last month — only a 3.6% rise on November 2024, and a dramatic slowdown for a sector expected to accelerate rapidly towards the government’s net-zero goals.

It marks the softest year-on-year expansion since late 2023, when global supply chains were still snarled, and leaves BEVs on a 26.4% market share, short of the government’s 28% target for this stage in the transition.

The slowdown comes after weeks of pre-Budget speculation in which Treasury sources aired, and then confirmed, plans for a new EV excise duty (eVED). From April 2028, BEV drivers will pay 3p per mile and plug-in hybrid drivers 1.5p per mile, replacing the fuel duty revenue lost as motorists ditch petrol and diesel.

For a typical BEV driver covering 8,500 miles a year, the charge equates to £255 in road tax, a significant shift from the current near-zero cost regime.

The SMMT warned the move risks “endangering the UK’s net-zero transition”, adding that demand could collapse at the very moment it needs to surge. The Office for Budget Responsibility estimates the change could mean 440,000 fewer EV sales over the next five years.

Mike Hawes, chief executive of the SMMT, said the warning lights were flashing: “This should be a wake-up call. We cannot take sustained EV growth for granted. We should be encouraging drivers to switch, not punishing them for doing so.”

Fresh data from New AutoMotive suggests Tesla was the sector’s biggest casualty, with UK registrations down almost 20% month-on-month to 3,800 vehicles,  slipping to just 2.5% market share.

Chinese rival BYD, which has leaned heavily into hybrids and plug-in hybrids, more than tripled its UK registrations over the same period.

The divergence reflects a broader shift in buyer sentiment: plug-in hybrids were the fastest-growing powertrain in November, up 14.8%, while petrol and diesel continued their structural decline.

Alongside the new EV mileage tax, Rachel Reeves extended grants for new EV purchases until 2030, with some new Renault and Mini models now qualifying for the maximum £3,750 discount.

But with cost perceptions still the biggest barrier to uptake, analysts warn the government has work to do.

Jamie Hamilton, automotive partner at Deloitte, said: “The new mileage charge will increase the running costs of EVs and may slow uptake. The industry must now redouble efforts to communicate the long-term value and investment behind the transition.”

With global carmakers betting billions on electrification and the UK’s own ZEV mandate gathering force, ministers will be hoping November’s slowdown is a blip — not the beginning of a much steeper decline.

Read more:
Tesla takes the biggest hit as UK EV growth stalls amid new road-tax fears

Ocado has claimed a rare financial win after US grocery giant Kroger agreed to pay the British retail-tech group $350 million (£276m) in compensation, even as it scrapped another of the automated warehouses built around Ocado’s much-touted robotic fulfilment technology.

Shares in the FTSE 250 company jumped as much as 16% in early trading on Friday before settling nearly 7% higher, offering brief respite for a business that has seen its market valuation collapse from £22 billion during the pandemic boom to barely £1.6 billion today.

The payout follows Kroger’s decision to cancel the opening of a fourth Ocado-powered customer fulfilment centre in Charlotte, North Carolina, one of two facilities previously scheduled for 2026. It comes only weeks after Kroger said it would shut three other automated warehouses because they had “not met financial expectations”.

Kroger will proceed with five remaining sites, plus a sixth still due to open in Phoenix next year, but the retrenchment has deepened concerns about Ocado’s ability to scale its technology in the world’s largest grocery market.

What began in 2018 as a 20-warehouse vision to transform US grocery logistics has so far delivered just eight, and even those have struggled to overcome the formidable economics of long-distance food delivery across vast American territories.

Despite the mounting doubts, chief executive Tim Steiner maintained a bullish tone, saying Ocado remained “excited about the opportunity” in the US and was “investing significant resources” into supporting Kroger’s logistics operations.

Ocado said both companies remain committed partners and would focus on driving profitable volume through the remaining fulfilment centres.

‘If you were a future partner, you’d rethink’

John Hudson of Premier Miton Investors,  a firm with a short position in Ocado,  was blunt. “It doesn’t look great that Ocado’s biggest partner has started closing warehouses. If you were a potential partner going forward, you might rethink.”

Clive Black of Shore Capital went further, warning that Ocado’s credibility in securing future licensing deals had been “absolutely blitzed”.

“Any retailer looking at Ocado’s proposition is going to read the Kroger report, which basically said the partnership was economically unviable,” he said. “You’d need a pretty strange form of due diligence to ignore that and not call Kroger, or Waitrose, Morrisons or Sobeys, and ask why they pulled back.”

Each of those retailers has scaled back or restructured ties with Ocado in recent years.

The company, long derided as a “jam tomorrow” stock,  has produced a full-year pre-tax profit only once in its 25-year history. It is also facing a significant refinancing deadline in 2027, with £350 million of convertible bonds and a £300 million revolving credit facility both falling due.

Its joint venture with Marks & Spencer, launched in 2020 after Ocado ditched Waitrose, has also been strained amid missed performance targets and a dispute over “true-up” payments.

Still, Steiner urged investors to take a long-term view: “Shareholders should only have invested if they believe that in the long term we’re going to be a profitable business,” he said.

For now, the business has secured a much-needed cash injection — but with Kroger trimming its commitment and other global partners cooling on Ocado’s model, the question remains: where does future growth come from?

Read more:
Ocado secures $350m Kroger payout as another US robo-warehouse is scrapped

Barclays Eagle Labs and Sustainable Ventures launch National Climate Tech Accelerator to supercharge UK’s green innovation economy

The UK’s climate tech sector is set for a major boost as Barclays Eagle Labs and Sustainable Ventures officially launch the National Climate Tech Accelerator (NCTA) — a nationwide programme designed to fast-track the growth of the UK’s most promising climate and sustainability startups.

Applications opened in early November, and more than 80 high-potential climate tech founders from across the UK have already applied, underscoring the demand for funding, technical support and market access at a crucial moment for the sector.

The NCTA brings together one of the UK’s largest entrepreneurial ecosystems, Barclays Eagle Labs, with Sustainable Ventures’ proven track record as Europe’s leading climate-tech growth platform. The result is one of the most ambitious support programmes ever aimed at scaling British climate innovators.

Barclays customers will unlock an enhanced set of tools designed to accelerate market readiness, fundraising capability and scale-up planning.

Sustainable Ventures, founded in 2011, has backed 1,000+ startups, supported the creation of 7,000 green jobs, and enabled over £1.2bn in funding. Its portfolio companies enjoy an impressive 80% success rate, far above the industry average.

Barclays, meanwhile, has committed up to £500m in climate-tech investment by 2027 through its Climate Ventures division alongside its existing Climate Tech Escalator, designed to support founders from “idea to IPO”.

Andrew Wordsworth, CEO and founder of Sustainable Ventures, said the partnership will dramatically accelerate the UK’s transition economy: “This programme will provide hundreds of climate-tech companies with advice and support, giving them an unfair business advantage that will help them scale faster from idea to exit. These businesses will play a vital role in helping the UK meet its net zero targets.”

Abdul Qureshi, Head of Business Banking at Barclays, said the accelerator is essential to building a thriving domestic climate-tech sector: “Scaling climate tech requires integrated support that brings capital and expertise together. By partnering with Sustainable Ventures, we’re creating a platform that helps ambitious UK climate start-ups overcome the barriers to growth and become the market-leading businesses the transition demands.”

Founders from across the climate-tech spectrum — from lightweight electric vehicle manufacturing to green workforce training — are already joining the programme.

Mat Illic, CEO of Greenworkx, said the accelerator will support its mission to train 10 million people for green jobs over the next decade: “The digital support, network and tech credits will all help us on our growth journey to meet this crucial mission.”

Mark Tapscott, Co-founder of Longbow, developing ultra-lightweight electric sports cars, added: “Through NCTA we look forward to collaborating with other forward-thinking innovators and accelerating our programme.”

Showpower, Prima Materia, and Vida Vodka also highlighted the value of NCTA’s specialised climate-tech community and structured growth pathways.

The accelerator arrives at a pivotal time. The UK climate-tech sector faces fierce competition from the US and EU — both funneling billions into clean-tech industrial policy — while domestic investors continue to call for greater scale-up support.

By combining growth capital, expert guidance and national infrastructure, NCTA aims to establish the UK as a global launchpad for climate technologies ranging from clean energy to circular manufacturing.

Read more:
Barclays Eagle Labs and Sustainable Ventures launch £500m-backed climate tech accelerator to scale UK innovators

HMRC’s newly strengthened tax informant reward scheme — unveiled in last month’s Budget and launched with immediate effect — is facing an early backlash from business owners who warn it could trigger a wave of malicious claims and cost the Revenue far more than it recovers.

The scheme gives HMRC the power to pay informants 15–30% of additional tax recovered above a minimum threshold of £1.5 million, excluding penalties and interest. Officials say the measure is aimed squarely at uncovering credible intelligence relating to offshore structures, aggressive avoidance schemes, large corporates and ultra-high-net-worth individuals.

But business leaders fear the size of the potential bounty will encourage disgruntled former employees, sacked advisers, competitors and even ex-spouses to file spurious or vindictive reports, triggering long, expensive investigations that fail to yield any meaningful tax recovery.

HMRC stresses rewards are discretionary, not guaranteed, and could take years to materialise due to the complexity of major tax cases. Yet critics argue it is precisely this lengthy lag — and the obligation to assess every claim — that will create significant operational strain and unnecessary cost.

Tony Redondo, founder of Newquay-based Cosmos Currency Exchange, said the premise of the scheme is understandable — but the unintended consequences could be severe.

“In theory, the Strengthened Reward Scheme is a no-brainer. But in practice, I fear a lot of time and cost will be wasted on spurious investigations as disgruntled ex-employees, embittered ex-spouses and sacked advisers dob in their targets via exaggerated, malicious or outright vindictive tip-offs. HMRC will have to sift through all of it, and taxpayers will foot the bill.”

Sam Alsop-Hall, Chief Strategy Officer and Co-Founder of Birmingham-based Clive Henry Group, said the policy risks importing the worst elements of whistleblowing culture — without adequate safeguards.

“HMRC’s plan risks turning taxpayers into bounty hunters, and that cannot happen without strong protections. People can quite literally make things up, drag others through lengthy processes and even into court with little or no evidence.

The emotional and reputational damage is enormous — and once financial incentives are involved, the risks grow even further.”

Alsop-Hall called for HMRC to set out how baseless allegations will be filtered and what recourse or support will exist for individuals and businesses wrongly targeted under the scheme.

Although the scheme is intended to target large and complex cases, business leaders warn that speculative claims may not respect those boundaries — and every allegation, however flimsy, requires HMRC time, attention and often engagement with the accused.

The fear among SMEs is that the scheme may create an environment where unverified claims can trigger intrusive checks, reputational harm and costly professional fees, even when no wrongdoing exists.

HMRC has been approached for further clarification on safeguards and oversight mechanisms.

Read more:
Business owners warn HMRC’s new ‘bounty’ tax reward scheme risks unleashing malicious claims