Business

Adam Benhayoune didn’t take the easy route. He wasn’t a top recruit or a scholarship athlete. But what he lacked in headlines, he made up for in heart. A walk-on for the Louisiana State University (LSU) basketball team, Adam spent four years training, learning, and grinding in one of the toughest college sports conferences—the SEC.

Today, he’s setting his sights on a graduate assistant spot at NC State. But his story isn’t just about basketball. It’s about commitment, discipline, and a passion for leadership rooted in years of service on and off the court.

Early Life in San Antonio: “I Knew I’d Work for It”

Adam was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, where basketball quickly became his first love. He started on varsity at Sandra Day O’Connor High School as a freshman and never looked back. By the time he graduated in 2021, he had become the #1 ranked power forward in the city, a 6A All-State team selection, Offensive MVP as a junior, and Overall MVP as a senior.

His legacy at O’Connor still stands strong—all-time leader in wins and rebounds, and just five points shy of breaking the school’s all-time scoring record, a benchmark set by former D1 standout Branden Wenzel. That record would have likely been his if not for the COVID-19 shutdown in his senior year.

“I always felt I had more to prove,” Adam says. “But I never let that frustration define me—I let it fuel me.”

LSU Basketball: Walk-On Grit, Elite Shooter

Adam earned a walk-on spot at LSU, one of the most competitive schools in the Southeastern Conference. He wasn’t promised minutes, fame, or fanfare. He was promised work—and he delivered.

He carved out a reputation on the LSU court as a lethal shooter, going 7 for 11 from three-point range (64%) during his time with the Tigers. Teammates and coaches alike recognized his value, not just for his unshakable work ethic, but for his precision shooting and leadership by example.

“You’re in the gym with future, current, and past NBA players,” Adam says. “Every day, you fight to earn respect—not just with your play, but also by being an elite teammate.”

For four straight years, he balanced early workouts, full-time coursework, and team travel. He was named to the SEC Honor Roll each year, demonstrating his equal commitment to academics and athletics.

But Adam’s impact wasn’t just in the gym. He participated in numerous community outreach events through the LSU athletics program, working closely with children, underserved families, and local schools.

“People think walk-ons are invisible,” he says. “But I saw it differently. I was visible to my teammates. Visible to the younger kids we mentored. Visible to the staff who needed help. That mattered.”

Career Vision: Coach of Life, Leadership, and Player Development

After graduating from LSU in 2025 with a degree in Management and a specialization in Human Resources, Adam made a clear decision—he wants to coach.

“I know what it’s like to fight for a spot. To be the one pushing the starters in practice, never quitting. That experience shaped how I lead,” he explains.

His goal is to coach at the university or professional level and build players not just into better athletes, but better people.

“Player development isn’t only about shooting percentage—although I do take pride in my shooting knowledge,” he adds with a smile. “It’s about emotional intelligence. About helping young guys manage pressure, failure, and expectations.”

He draws on his management studies as much as his basketball past. “Coaching is HR in motion,” he says. “You’re recruiting, training, resolving conflict, motivating—it’s all connected.”

Values, Hobbies, and Staying Grounded

Adam’s passion for sports doesn’t stop at basketball. He’s a proud follower of the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Texans, and Texas Rangers. “It’s the Texas triangle,” he jokes. “I root for home no matter where I go.”

But he’s also deeply values-driven. Community service and inclusion are non-negotiables.

His service began early—volunteering in special needs classrooms in middle school, serving as a classroom assistant and even the Special Olympics mascot. In high school, he joined SASO (Student Athletes Serving Others) and continued outreach work throughout college.

“Volunteering taught me how to listen and lead at the same time,” he reflects. “It made me patient. It made me better.”

Why Adam’s Story Matters in Today’s Sports World

As the college athletics world shifts—with NIL deals, transfer portals, and constant pressure—Adam’s story stands out. He didn’t earn his place through celebrity. He built it through consistency.

For younger athletes and aspiring coaches, his story offers a grounded view of what success looks like when no one’s watching.

“Every team needs a walk-on,” Adam says. “Someone who keeps the culture right. Who knows that leadership isn’t about having the ball—it’s about lifting others.”

Final Takeaway: Leadership Starts Where Ego Ends

Adam Benhayoune isn’t flashy. He’s focused. With years of experience on a top-tier team, a track record of community engagement, and a degree that connects people management to sports performance, he’s positioned to impact the next generation of athletes.

As he puts it:
“I didn’t need to be the star. I needed to be the example.”

And for any coach, leader, or entrepreneur looking to build something that lasts, that’s a playbook worth following.

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Adam Benhayoune: From SEC Walk-On to Coaching Visionary

The UK government has confirmed it will introduce a new set of strengthened steel safeguard measures from 1 July 2025, acting on urgent recommendations made by UK Steel amid growing concerns about a spike in redirected foreign imports.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds announced the changes today, which follow calls from UK Steel to take immediate action to protect domestic producers. The adjustments include a significant tightening of the steel import quota liberalisation rate from 3% to just 0.1% year-on-year—a move designed to counter the surge in imports that have been diverted away from the US market following President Trump’s imposition of new tariffs on steel products.

The government has also agreed to implement a cap on residual quotas, ensuring that individual countries cannot dominate market access and displace UK-manufactured steel. Country-specific import limits are to be made more stringent, while rules will be updated to prevent unused quarterly quotas from being carried over, and stop countries with dedicated quotas from dipping into residual allocations in the final quarter.

These changes mirror similar safeguards adopted by the European Union and are intended to shield UK producers from unfair competition and unsustainable price pressures caused by heavily subsidised foreign steel.

Welcoming the announcement, UK Steel Director-General Gareth Stace said the decision was “a swift and decisive move in support of British industry” and highlighted its urgency in light of steel redirected away from the US market flooding global supply chains.

“Jonathan Reynolds has shown that he is on the side of British industry by implementing these urgent safeguards,” Stace said. “This will help diminish the injury caused to UK steelmakers by a spike in redirected imports following the US steel tariffs. It sends a strong message to investors that the UK is committed to building a positive and stable business environment for industry.”

Stace added that while the tightened safeguards were a vital step forward, the government must now focus on developing a long-term trade defence mechanism to take effect when the current system expires at the end of next year.

The steel safeguards form part of a broader strategy to ensure the competitiveness of British manufacturing in a rapidly changing global trade environment. With steel supply chains facing ongoing turbulence and oversupply from state-subsidised producers, the UK sector has repeatedly called for robust trade defence tools to secure its future.

The announcement is likely to be welcomed by steel producers and workers across the UK, particularly in areas such as South Wales, Yorkshire, and the Midlands where the industry remains a critical economic pillar.

The government said it remains committed to supporting strategic sectors and ensuring the UK remains resilient in the face of global market disruption.

Further policy details are expected to be outlined in the upcoming Trade Strategy, due later this summer, which will lay the foundation for post-Brexit trade remedies and international competitiveness.

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UK government confirms tighter steel import safeguards from 1 July to protect domestic industry

Pottery Barn, the world’s largest digital-first and design-led sustainable home retailer, is set to enter the UK market for the first time, with an online launch planned for Autumn 2025.

The move marks a significant step in the global expansion of the iconic American brand and will bring its signature style of classic, high-quality home furnishings to British customers.

In an announcement today, Pottery Barn confirmed that its UK website will feature a curated selection of its most popular offerings, including furniture, bedding, lighting, décor, and gifting items. The collection has been carefully chosen to meet the needs and aesthetics of the UK customer, combining timeless design with functionality for modern living.

Laura Alber, President and CEO of Williams-Sonoma, Inc.—Pottery Barn’s parent company—said: “We are committed to long-term growth and expanding the reach of our brands where we see meaningful market opportunity. We believe great design and quality craftsmanship have universal appeal and we look forward to bringing Pottery Barn’s signature aesthetic to the UK.”

The UK launch will also include Pottery Barn’s complimentary design services, offering customers personalised interior styling both online and in-home. This service, already a key feature of the brand’s offering in North America, is expected to appeal to UK shoppers looking for expert guidance to create stylish, functional spaces at home.

Monica Bhargava, Pottery Barn President, said the launch has been tailored specifically for British homes and lifestyles. “Our curated assortment for the UK market celebrates Pottery Barn’s commitment to helping customers inspire great style for spaces small and large that are beautiful and functional,” she said.

“Whether furnishing a new flat, refreshing a family home, or entertaining with family and friends or thoughtful gifting, we are proud to be providing the UK market with thoughtfully designed pieces that meet the needs of modern living.”

Founded in 1949, Pottery Barn is known for its approachable luxury, sustainability-led design principles, and emphasis on quality craftsmanship. The brand has built a loyal following in the US and has expanded internationally in select markets. Its digital-first approach, combined with a focus on personalised service, positions it well to appeal to British customers looking for style, substance, and convenience when shopping for their homes.

The upcoming launch will also introduce UK shoppers to Pottery Barn’s seasonal collections and gifting ranges—just in time for autumn and winter interiors.

More details, including the official launch date and product range, will be announced closer to the launch at www.potterybarn.co.uk.

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Pottery Barn to launch in the UK in Autumn 2025, offering curated furniture and free interior design services

Off The Kerb Productions, the talent agency behind a host of the UK’s biggest comedy stars, including Jonathan Ross, Michael McIntyre and Jo Brand, has swung to a loss of £1.8 million for the year ending 30 April 2024, after posting a £5.1 million pre-tax profit in the previous 12 months.

The loss, revealed in delayed accounts filed with Companies House, was attributed primarily to the payment of staff bonuses, which the company said had significantly impacted its profitability for the year. Turnover, however, rose marginally from £51 million to £51.7 million.

In a statement accompanying the results, the board said: “The decrease in profit compared to 2023 primarily reflects staff bonuses paid in the year. Whilst this expenditure has impacted the current year’s profitability, excluding these bonus payments, the underlying financial performance remained stable.”

Founded in 1981, Off The Kerb Productions manages a star-studded roster including Alan Carr, Romesh Ranganathan, Jack Dee, Dara Ó Briain, Jo Brand, Kevin Bridges, Rosie Jones, Tom Allen, Judi Love and Josh Widdicombe.

The company cited a busy touring year, including arena dates and growing overseas income, as key drivers of its increased turnover. While UK income dipped slightly from £47.5 million to £46.1 million, international earnings jumped significantly—from £3.4 million to £5.5 million—signalling the increasing global pull of its talent portfolio.

Management fees, which remain the company’s main income stream, climbed to £51 million, up from £50.5 million, while royalty income also rose by over 40%, from £463,165 to £655,915.

Despite the reported loss, the company remains optimistic about future performance. “We believe 2025 will be a good year with various new contracts and tours scheduled,” the board said, citing the strength of its artist base and long-standing relationships with top talent as major assets.

However, the company also acknowledged potential risks from the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, noting concerns that it “may impact ticket sales.” Still, it played down the severity of any possible downturn, comparing the anticipated drop in demand to the post-pandemic period, which it said the company weathered successfully.

“Income is diversified through the different streams of the artist’s work,” the board added. “The potential fall of ticket sales is not considered to be a significant risk.”

The company’s 2023/24 results were submitted five months later than the Companies House deadline. Its financial results for the current year are expected by January 2026.

Off The Kerb’s mix of artist management, television appearances, live tours, and international expansion continues to position it as one of the UK’s leading entertainment agencies. Despite this year’s loss, insiders suggest the financial dip is unlikely to affect long-term strategic growth—particularly with 2025’s touring calendar already filling up.

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Bonuses force Jonathan Ross’ talent agency into the red despite revenue growth

Canada has paused the implementation of its controversial digital services tax just hours before it was due to take effect, in a move aimed at reviving stalled trade negotiations with the United States.

The tax, which would have primarily targeted American tech giants, had drawn fierce criticism from President Donald Trump, who abruptly halted talks on Friday and threatened retaliatory tariffs on Canadian goods.

In a statement on Sunday, Canada’s finance ministry confirmed the suspension, adding that Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Trump would resume negotiations immediately with a goal of reaching a new bilateral trade deal by 21 July.

The sudden breakdown in talks followed a meeting between the two leaders at the G7 summit earlier this month, where they had committed to finalising a new economic agreement within 30 days.

The Canadian government said the decision to delay the digital tax was taken “in good faith to ensure the smooth continuation of trade talks and avoid escalating tensions at a sensitive moment for both economies.”

While Ottawa maintains that the tax is a fair response to the growing profits of digital platforms operating in Canada without paying proportional taxes, the move to delay it signals a clear willingness to compromise in the face of rising trade risks.

Washington has long opposed unilateral digital levies, arguing that such measures unfairly target US firms and should instead be addressed through multilateral OECD-led reforms.

Trade observers now expect a renewed push toward broader tax and trade alignment between the two countries ahead of the July deadline.

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Canada shelves digital services tax to revive US trade talks

The number of entry-level jobs in the UK has plunged by almost a third since the launch of the artificial intelligence chatbot ChatGPT, as companies increasingly turn to automation and grapple with rising employment costs.

New figures from job search engine Adzuna reveal that vacancies for graduate roles, apprenticeships, internships and junior positions with no degree requirement have fallen by 31.9 per cent since November 2022, when ChatGPT was released. Entry-level positions now make up just 25 per cent of the jobs market, down from 28.9 per cent in 2022.

The decline coincides with growing concern over the impact of AI on the workforce. BT said last year that it would replace up to 10,000 jobs with AI by the end of the decade, with roles in customer service and network diagnostics among those at risk. The company’s chief executive, Allison Kirkby, has since warned that even more significant cuts may follow as AI continues to advance.

Dario Amodei, chief executive of AI company Anthropic, which is valued at $61 billion, recently predicted that AI could wipe out half of all entry-level white-collar jobs within five years, potentially pushing unemployment up by 10 to 20 per cent.

James Neave, head of data science at Adzuna, said the shift reflected not only broader economic pressures but a growing appetite for automation. “If you can reduce your hiring at the entry level, that’s just going to increase your efficiency and improve cost savings,” he said.

The fall in junior roles also reflects the mounting financial burden on employers. The rise in national insurance contributions, the uplift to the national minimum wage, and looming reforms under the proposed Employment Rights Bill are all contributing to reduced demand for less experienced workers.

“NIC contributions were just a pure financial burden,” said Neave. “And the Employment Rights Bill is upping the ante for employers even more. If you’re an employer, it all adds to the list of reasons why you might not hire people.”

The decline has been particularly acute in the retail sector, which has seen a staggering 78.2 per cent drop in entry-level job adverts since late 2022. Logistics and warehouse jobs, as well as junior administrative roles, have also seen steep declines.

Several professional sectors have seen similar reductions. Entry-level roles in IT have fallen by 54.8 per cent, while junior jobs in accounting and finance are down 50.8 per cent over the same period.

Despite the shrinking pool of junior roles, the broader jobs market is showing signs of resilience. Overall UK vacancies rose by 0.49 per cent year-on-year in May to 858,465 — the third consecutive month of growth — and advertised salaries increased by 9.4 per cent to £42,403, the strongest annual pay growth since mid-2022.

The average time to fill a vacancy also fell in May, down from 39.6 days to 35.8, while the number of jobseekers per vacancy rose slightly to 2.02, up from 1.98 the previous month.

While overall vacancies have returned to pre-pandemic levels, the UK continues to trail global counterparts such as the US, France, and Germany in labour market performance.

The data raises fresh questions about the long-term outlook for young workers entering the job market — and whether the shift toward AI-led productivity will further sideline traditional career pathways.

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Entry-level jobs slump 32% amid rise of AI and growing employer costs

Millions of consumers will be offered free, tailored financial support from banks and pension providers under sweeping new proposals from the City regulator, in a bid to steer people away from risky online advice and poor money decisions.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has unveiling plans to overhaul long-standing restrictions that prevent firms from offering personalised financial suggestions unless they conduct full individual assessments — a costly and time-consuming process that leaves most consumers unable to access formal advice.

Under the new “targeted support” regime, firms would be permitted to send “ready-made suggestions” to customers to help them navigate complex financial decisions — from investing cash savings in the stock market to avoiding early depletion of pension pots.

The FCA estimates that only 9 per cent of UK adults currently access conventional financial advice, leaving the vast majority to manage investments and savings without expert guidance. Regulators hope the reforms, which are open for consultation until August, will plug this growing advice gap and stop savers turning to unregulated sources, including social media influencers and AI chatbots.

Sarah Pritchard, executive director at the FCA, described the changes as “once-in-a-generation reforms that will help people navigate their financial lives and give them greater confidence to invest”. She said the proposals represent a “win-win for consumers and firms alike”.

The move comes amid growing concern over the seven million people who hold over £10,000 in cash savings but have not moved into investment markets, potentially missing out on higher returns. Under the new rules, banks and insurers could send prompts encouraging such customers to consider stocks and funds, providing clickable routes to take action.

Financial firms could also give guidance on major retirement decisions, such as whether to choose an annuity or drawdown option. While these are currently considered areas of regulated advice, the new framework would allow companies to offer nudges and suggestions, stopping short of full personalised recommendations.

The cost of full financial advice has long excluded all but the wealthiest. With advisers typically charging 1 to 3 per cent upfront and annual fees of around 2 per cent, access is generally limited to those with more than £200,000 in liquid assets.

Consumer groups have cautiously welcomed the move but warned of potential risks. Holly Mackay, chief executive of financial data platform Boring Money, described the proposals as “highly positive”, estimating that 5.9 million people could benefit. However, she added: “There is a danger that banks see targeted support as meaning targeted sales.”

James Carter, head of platform policy at Fidelity International, said that many savers are already turning to unregulated sources like TikTok influencers or generative AI for advice. “That could result in poor financial decisions. I’m beginning to hear more stories of people using ChatGPT to make conclusive decisions about their financial futures,” he said.

The Association of British Insurers also welcomed the move. Yvonne Braun, its director of long-term savings policy, said: “We know facing complex financial decisions can feel overwhelming, especially in retirement. The FCA’s decision to press ahead with this crucial proposal is very welcome and should be a relief to millions of savers.”

The FCA’s consultation will close on August 29, with a final policy statement due by December. Subject to approval, the first targeted support messages could start reaching consumers as early as April next year.

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FCA to allow millions free financial support in major policy shift

A proposed new law could dramatically reshape how UK businesses operate, by requiring company directors to consider the impact of their decisions on people and the planet, not just shareholders.

The Company Directors (Duties) Bill, tabled in Parliament today by Liberal Democrat MP Martin Wrigley, seeks to amend Section 172 of the Companies Act 2006 to ensure directors balance the duty to promote their company’s success with new duties to protect the environment and safeguard employees.

Currently, UK company law compels directors to act in a way that promotes the success of the business “for the benefit of its members as a whole” — meaning shareholders. Critics argue this short-term focus has contributed to scandals such as widespread environmental failings in the water sector.

Under the new proposals, businesses would be required to embed a stakeholder-led model into their decision-making, taking into account the interests of employees, customers, communities and the natural environment. Directors would also need to report annually on how they have upheld these responsibilities.

The Bill, set to be debated in the House of Commons on Friday 4 July, already enjoys cross-party support from MPs representing four different political parties.

The move is inspired by the Better Business Act campaign, led by non-profit B Lab UK — the organisation behind the B Corp movement — and supported by over 3,000 UK businesses across 15 industries. Supporters include Virgin Group, Iceland, Tony’s Chocolonely, Danone, Charlie Bigham’s, ELEMIS and Gü, alongside the Institute of Directors and ShareAction.

Supporters argue that putting purpose at the heart of business isn’t just good for society — it makes economic sense. Recent data from B Lab UK shows B Corps outperformed traditional businesses, growing their turnover by 23.2%between 2023 and 2024, compared with a national average of 16.8%. B Corps also added jobs while wider employment numbers fell.

Meanwhile, a Demos report commissioned by the Better Business Act coalition found that embracing a purpose-led economy could boost the UK’s GDP by £149 billion annually.

Chris Turner, CEO of B Lab UK, called the Bill a “major step forward” and said the time had come for UK corporate governance to reflect the realities of doing business in the 21st century. “With cross-party political momentum and support from thousands of businesses, the evidence is clear: when companies are empowered to put people and planet alongside profit, they thrive. It’s time for this to be the legal norm, not the exception,” he said.

Martin Wrigley MP, who introduced the Bill, said the proposals would “drastically shake up how companies operate.” adding: “Parliament must act to ensure companies can pursue long-term success while making a positive impact on society and the environment,” he said. “This is a huge opportunity for the UK to lead the world in responsible capitalism.”

The legislation follows Better Business Day, held in Parliament last month, which saw business leaders and politicians gather to support purpose-led business. Speaking at the event, Labour peer Lord Leong praised the ambitions of purpose-driven businesses and said the Government backed the goal of making the UK “the most trusted, forward-looking business community in the world.”

The Bill is scheduled for second reading in the House of Commons on 4 July 2025. If passed, it could fundamentally redefine corporate responsibility in the UK — and place the country at the forefront of the global movement to modernise capitalism.

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UK businesses could be legally required to prioritise people and planet alongside profit under new law proposals

Tom Hartley Jnr has been appointed to sell one of the most extraordinary McLaren road car collections ever assembled — the personal legacy of the late Mansour Ojjeh, the visionary who helped transform McLaren into a motorsport and automotive powerhouse.

Fresh off the record-breaking sale of Bernie Ecclestone’s Grand Prix collection, Hartley has been entrusted by the Ojjeh family to handle the sale of 20 ultra-rare McLaren road cars, many of which are the final production examples of their kind, finished to Ojjeh’s precise specifications and preserved in as-new condition.

The crown jewel of the “Last of Legends” collection is the final McLaren F1 ever built, painted in the bespoke ‘Mansour Orange’ — a colour named in his honour by McLaren. With just 1,810km on the clock, it is expected to set a new world record for the model when sold.

Other highlights include the Speedtail, P1, Senna, Elva, and the ultra-exclusive Sabre — the last of just 16 made. Except for the F1 and a lightly driven P1 GTR, all cars remain unused since delivery and have been maintained exclusively by McLaren under a unique programme designed specifically for Ojjeh.

Mansour Ojjeh, who passed away in 2021, was instrumental in McLaren’s rise, helping secure seven Constructors’ and ten Drivers’ Championships in Formula 1 and later spearheading the birth of McLaren Automotive. This personal collection reflects not just his influence over the brand, but his fastidious passion for design, detail and motorsport heritage.

Kathy Ojjeh, Mansour’s widow, described the sale as deeply emotional: “McLaren meant so much to Mansour. It was more than business — it was pure passion. These cars were handpicked and curated by him, often involving hours of design and personal input. While parting with them is not easy, it’s time for this treasure to be passed on to someone who truly understands its significance.”

Hartley, one of the world’s most respected historic and performance car dealers, called the sale “unrepeatable”. “This is McLaren’s DNA in physical form,” he said. “To be asked to handle the sale is akin to selling Enzo Ferrari’s personal cars or Ferdinand Porsche’s own collection.”

Each model in the collection was ordered with the final chassis number and every available production update — making them the most refined versions ever built. Several also feature unique flourishes, like the Elva, delivered after Ojjeh’s passing, which was adorned with his personal emblem in place of McLaren’s traditional badging.

Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, paid tribute: “Mansour was a founding father of McLaren as we know it today. His passion was unmatched, and this collection is unlike anything else.”

The cars will be offered exclusively by Tom Hartley Jnr, with the hope that a single buyer may acquire the full set to preserve its provenance and significance.

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Mansour Ojjeh’s legendary McLaren collection to be sold by Tom Hartley Jnr