Business

Gemini Trains, the start-up rail operator aiming to challenge Eurostar’s three-decade monopoly on Channel Tunnel routes, has placed an order with Siemens Mobility for a fleet of next-generation high-speed trains.

The order, covering an initial ten new Velaro Novo trains, marks a major step in Gemini’s plan to operate competitive passenger services between London, Paris, Brussels and Cologne. The company, which is partnering with Uber, intends to integrate its ticketing and connections through the Uber app — potentially branding the new services as Uber Trains.

Gemini said the Siemens trains could be part-assembled at the company’s new Goole facility in East Yorkshire, a move that would add a UK manufacturing dimension to the cross-border project.

“Our collaboration with Uber, Siemens and Rock Rail creates a powerful partnership towards our goal of running competitively priced trains connecting the UK to France, Belgium and, for the first time ever, Germany,” said Adrian Quine, chief executive of Gemini Trains.

Founded by a team of transport veterans and chaired by Lord Berkeley, Gemini is one of three new operators seeking permission from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to launch competing international high-speed services.

Eurostar has enjoyed exclusive access through the Channel Tunnel since its launch in 1994, but the market is now opening to rivals amid calls for greater competition, lower fares and expanded destinations.

Gemini plans to operate from Stratford International in east London rather than Eurostar’s crowded St Pancras terminus and hopes to reopen the mothballed international station at Ebbsfleet in Kent, creating additional capacity for travellers.

The company’s entry will be backed financially by Rock Rail, a major rolling stock investment firm that competes with established UK lessors Porterbrook, Angel and Eversholt.

The Siemens Velaro Novo — the model ordered by Gemini — represents the next evolution of the Class e320 trains used by Eurostar since 2015. The new version promises greater energy efficiency, lighter construction, and higher passenger capacity, making it suitable for both the UK’s electrified rail network and European high-speed lines.

The order also boosts Siemens’ £200m Goole manufacturing site, which opened last year to assemble and service rolling stock for the UK market.

Eurostar is currently undertaking its own fleet renewal programme and is expected to face political pressure to favour France’s Alstom for its new orders. Rival prospective operators, including Virgin Trains and a joint venture between Italy’s FS and Spain’s Cosmen family, are also believed to be considering Alstom-built models such as the Frecciarossa.

Despite growing momentum, no new cross-Channel operators are expected to begin passenger services before 2030, as bids are reviewed and infrastructure agreements finalised.

While the Channel Tunnel has spare track capacity, depot and maintenance space remains constrained — particularly at Temple Mills in Stratford, where Eurostar’s fleet is based. Additional facilities will be required to accommodate any new entrants.

Still, Gemini’s investment and partnership model — combining Uber’s consumer reach, Siemens’ engineering expertise, and Rock Rail’s financing power — positions the start-up as the most credible contender yet to take on Eurostar’s long-standing dominance of the European high-speed market.

Read more:
Gemini orders new Siemens trains as Uber-backed start-up takes aim at Eurostar

Using this method, you can earn up to $9,899 per day to experience ALGO, NEAR, and ICP mining. You can also receive $118 in trial bonus upon registration

The cryptocurrency market is dynamic, and although Bitcoin and Ethereum are at the forefront of news in the market, there is an emergence of a new breed of blockchain to address the challenge of scalability, speed, and efficiency. Among them, one can distinguish such powerful projects as Algorand (ALGO), Near Protocol (NEAR), and Internet Computer (ICP), all of which are well-packaged projects that are both highly advanced in terms of their technologies and feature solid developer ecosystems. Crypto mining is one of the options to take advantage of their growth and platforms like Hashj have never made it easier to begin.

We will discuss the mining of ALGO, NEAR, and ICP, why Hashj is a trustworthy site, and how you can optimize payments in this article. And remember: Sign up and receive a cash reward of up to $118.

The Algorand (ALGO) Mining- A Sustainable Vision

Algorand is associated with Pure Proof-of-Stake (PPoS) mechanism that was developed to allow achieving the decentralization without losing speed or security. Although ALGO does not demand any mining as in the case of Bitcoin, staking based rewards and validation are available.

Under the cloud infrastructure of Hashj, the holders of ALGO are able to delegate their coins and generate regular incomes. This will remove the necessity of sophisticated hardware constructions and help Algorand pursue its green mission.

NEAR Mining Near Protocol (NEAR) Scalability Redefined

NEAR Protocol was created to address the largest issue with blockchain scalability. With Nightshade sharding, NEAR is high throughput with low costs, which makes it an appealing blockchain to both dApps and developers.

To mine (or validate) NEAR, staking is usually needed, which can be done much easier by the cloud mining options of Hashj. You do not have to worry about uptime or running validators yourself, you enjoy optimized systems in Hashj.

This will be particularly useful as NEAR keeps gaining momentum in the fields of DeFi and gaming, thus producing the demand among miners and stakers.Sign up and receive a cash reward of up to $118.

Internet Computer (ICP) Mining – The Web3 Cloud

The Internet Computer (ICP) project, created by Dfinity, is the most ambitious project so far to be built around blockchain. It aims to decentralize the internet with developers being able to run applications on the chain.

Earning ICP is achieved by being a part of the Network Nervous System (NNS) and staking neurons. This may be complex to most users, however with the platform of Hashj, you have simplified access to ICP mining rewards without any technical impediments.

With the expansion of Web3, the opportunities of ICP are immense, and miners today could be the initial ones to enjoy the benefits of its prosperity.

What is Hashj and Why Should I Use it?

Hashj is a new generation cloud mining site aimed at both amateur and professional. In contrast to the mining facilities of the past that necessitate the use of costly equipment, Hashj offers the ability to obtain mining rewards easily within a vast pool of different cryptocurrencies.

Advantages of Hashj:

Minimal barrier to entry:No expensive mining equipment is required.
Easy to use platform: Mining management and easily registered.
Multi-coin support:Mine BTC, ETH, USDT, DOGE, ALGO, NEAR, and ICP, etc.
Stability and transparency:Real-time and reliable uptime of rewards.
Purchase nowand get a 118-dollar bonus!

When picking up Hashj, time, energy, and money are saved and lucrative mining opportunities are reached.

Latest Crypto News

Algorand (ALGO):The Algorand recently teamed with fintech businesses to increase the use of DeFi applications in Europe.
Near Protocol (NEAR):Said that there were a flood of new active users because of gaming and AI integrations.
Internet Computer (ICP):Introduced new developer grants to incentive the creation of Web3 applications on-chain.

In the meantime, the general crypto markets are doing well, with Bitcoin at major resistance levels and crypto altcoins attracting investor interest. Such environment renders other projects such as ALGO, NEAR and ICP even more attractive to miners who need to diversify their portfolio.

Final Thoughts

The future of blockchain is not just in the recognized leaders in the sector, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum but also in the new ones, like Algorand, Near Protocol, and Internet Computer. Mining or staking these coins, does not only mean rewarding but also helping to develop decentralized technology.

The process is now made simple by platforms such as Hashj, which provides predictable returns without involving technical expertise. Hashj is an efficient entry point, whether you are a first-time crypto miners or looking to add to your portfolio.

Do not pass up a chance Register now and receive an incentive in terms of cash, worth $118. As the next phase of blockchain adoption is innovatively led, the moment has come to begin smarter mining.

Read more:
ALGO, NEAR and ICP Mining The Future

Your business loses hours every week when systems do not speak to each other. What if your technology could flex and grow as quickly as your ambitions?

For years, all in one platforms promised to solve these frustrations by putting everything under one roof. But the truth is no single system can excel at everything. At Signable, we see it differently. By embracing APIs, you can build a set-up that truly supports the way your organisation operates rather than forcing you to adapt to the limits of the software.

An API, short for Application Programming Interface, is simply a way for different tools to connect. If you have ever paid for something online and watched your bank details move securely between systems, you have used an API. They are the quiet engines in the background, making sure your systems link together and your data flows to the right place.

The old all in one systems often created as many challenges as they solved. Teams were boxed in by rigid workflows that did not fit their needs. Customisation was limited and innovation slowed while companies waited for vendor updates. Now, with APIs, you can connect the tools that serve you best and make them work as one joined up system. That is the heart of the composable business.

What composability really means

I like to think of composability as Lego. You build what you need today, swap a piece out when it no longer fits, and add new ones as your business grows. For organisations, that means selecting the best tools for each job and knowing they will connect smoothly without disrupting the wider system.

In a business context, each Lego brick is a tool designed for a specific job:

A CRM that actually suits your customer base.
A payments system that makes transactions effortless.
A customer support platform built for, well, support.

The magic is how they all connect. APIs are the bridges between these blocks, helping you create a joined up stack that is greater than the sum of its parts.

For businesses this means:

If a tool stops delivering, you can switch it without ripping out your whole system.
Processes that suit your people. Software should flex with your teams across locations, helping them work smarter rather than boxing them into rigid structures.
Scalable growth. As your business evolves, you can plug in new capabilities quickly.

The result is not just flexibility. It is efficiency. Freeing teams from wasted effort and helping them focus on growth.

Why this shift is happening now

Three big forces are driving the move toward composability.

Economic pressure. Organisations are under pressure to deliver more value with less. Composable systems let you choose leaner tools with measurable ROI.
The explosion of AI and automation. New AI tools appear almost daily. APIs are the bridge that lets you plug them in quickly.
Developer empowerment. This often gets overlooked, but it matters. Organisations cannot afford to be slowed by vendor release cycles. With strong APIs, developers or trusted partners can integrate new tools on your timetable.

Making APIs practical

For business leaders, APIs only matter if they deliver results. Too often, connecting systems turns into a long and resource-heavy exercise. A good API saves time, reduces errors, and gives teams confidence to adopt new tools quickly, supported by clear, practical guidance, not abstract manuals.

When APIs deliver on these points, they stop being a technical feature and become a strategic driver of adaptability and growth across the whole organisation.

How Signable is helping

At Signable, we have seen this shift play out across industries. Customers want eSignatures that integrate seamlessly into their existing systems, whether they operate from a single office or regional and national organisations running across multiple locations.

Many of our customers are already embedding Signable into CRMs, document management tools and wider workflows, proving how valuable seamless integration can be in practice. The demand for simpler, faster integration is exactly why we created our API Developer Portal to give organisations a dedicated space to experiment, test and build with ease.

We wanted to make sure it works just as well for a single team as it does for a complex, multi-site organisation, which is why we built it to be accessible for all:

Get up and running in minutes, so projects deliver value faster.
Test safely without risking disruption to live systems.
Access clear, practical guidance designed to solve real business challenges.

What makes the Signable API different is its simplicity. It is quick to adopt, straightforward to test, and backed with practical guidance to help organisations plug in eSignatures without delays or heavy technical overhead.

How to begin building your composable stack

Getting started with composability does not need to feel overwhelming. A few practical steps can put you on the right path:

Audit your systems. Identify which tools are essential across your business and which create bottlenecks.
Check integration options. If a vendor makes it difficult to connect or switch, that should raise questions.
Start small. Don’t overhaul everything at once. Change or add one tool at a time and track the results across the organisation.
Listen to your teams. Employees will quickly show you what works in practice.

The important thing is not to rebuild everything in one go but to create steady progress. It is also about giving yourself and your business permission to adapt. Each improvement delivers value and builds momentum for wider transformation.

The takeaway

The organisations that thrive in the coming years will be those that stay agile and competitive, integrating new capabilities at speed. Composable stacks powered by APIs do not just save time and reduce friction. They give growing organisations the confidence to adapt, expand and compete at scale.

At Signable, we believe composability is the future, and we are here to help you make it a reality. For organisations exploring composability, you can sign up today and begin testing how Signable fits into your wider technology stack.

Read more:
Building a Composable Business with Signable’s API

In the ever-evolving sphere of legal practice, the confluence of law and technology has become not merely advantageous but indispensable.

The modern barrister or solicitor must now operate in an environment that demands both forensic precision and administrative efficiency, where the capacity to manage, store, and retrieve information with accuracy and speed has become central to the art of advocacy and the conduct of legal affairs. It is in this dynamic context that the Legal Case Management System has emerged as an essential instrument of modern legal administration, revolutionising how legal professionals organise, analyse, and present their work.

In earlier decades, the image of the legal practitioner was inextricably bound to shelves of leather-bound volumes, teetering piles of briefs, and clerks laden with red ribbon bundles. The profession’s reliance upon paper and manual record-keeping was almost emblematic of its dignity and deliberation. Yet the world has changed, and with it, the law’s methods of operation. Today, clients expect responsiveness at the speed of a keystroke, courts require electronic bundles, and regulatory bodies demand auditable digital records. Against this backdrop, Legal Case Management Software has become the bridge between traditional legal craftsmanship and twenty-first-century efficiency.

Among the systems now available to the discerning practitioner, Lawsyst has distinguished itself as the United Kingdom’s leading provider of Legal Case Management Software. Its reputation has been forged upon an appreciation of the realities of practice life: that law is not merely a matter of argument, but of organisation. Lawsyst brings together case tracking, document management, time recording, billing, and communication under one seamless digital roof. It empowers chambers and firms alike to manage their cases with the rigour of a silk’s submissions and the precision of a court clerk’s ledger.

The rise of systems such as Lawsyst has been accelerated by forces both practical and societal. The pandemic years, though challenging, forced the legal profession into a new era of virtual hearings and remote collaboration. Chambers that had previously relied upon physical diaries and paper bundles found themselves compelled to adapt overnight. Electronic document management, secure client portals, and virtual meeting platforms became not luxuries but necessities. As a consequence, firms that had already embraced case management software found themselves at an undeniable advantage. They could continue their work with minimal interruption, maintaining both professional obligations and client confidence amid unprecedented disruption.

Lawsyst’s contribution to this transformation has been particularly significant. Unlike rudimentary systems that serve merely as filing repositories, its platform is an integrated ecosystem, combining case management, client relationship management, and automated billing in a single, intuitive interface. For practitioners who must navigate the labyrinth of multi-party litigation, criminal defence, or immigration appeals, the ability to access case documents, correspondence, and court dates instantaneously is invaluable. Moreover, its capacity for secure, cloud-based storage ensures compliance with data protection regulations, including the stringent requirements of the UK GDPR.

It must be said that efficiency, in the legal sense, is not synonymous with haste. The barrister’s craft demands reflection, measured judgment, and careful consideration of every authority cited and every word uttered in court. Yet efficiency in administration – an ability to marshal documents, track correspondence, and bill accurately – is not an affront to tradition but its reinforcement. It preserves the practitioner’s time for what truly matters: the law itself. In that sense, Legal Case Management Software represents not a mechanical intrusion into legal work, but a guardian of professional excellence.

Recent developments in artificial intelligence have further enhanced the capabilities of systems such as Lawsyst. Automation of routine tasks, intelligent document sorting, and predictive analytics are transforming how solicitors and clerks allocate their efforts. One may imagine, not far into the future, an environment in which the system itself can flag potential conflicts of interest, anticipate filing deadlines, and even assist in drafting procedural documents – all within the boundaries of ethical practice. Lawsyst, in particular, has integrated such innovations with discretion and sound judgment, recognising that technology must serve the lawyer, not supplant him.

Of equal significance is the role of case management in publicly funded work. Legal aid practitioners operate under intense financial and procedural pressures, obliged to balance compassion for their clients with the meticulous compliance demanded by the Legal Aid Agency. In this domain, a single administrative oversight can lead to a rejected claim or delayed payment, undermining the viability of entire departments. To meet this challenge, Lawsyst has developed the Best Legal Aid Billing Software, a solution that automates billing, time recording, and cost assessment with absolute precision. By ensuring that submissions conform exactly to the LAA’s requirements, this innovation reduces administrative strain and enhances transparency. It is no exaggeration to suggest that such technology may play a vital role in sustaining access to justice in a period when public funding remains under pressure.

Indeed, the significance of digital case management extends beyond the practitioner’s convenience. It has implications for the integrity of the justice system as a whole. Courts increasingly rely on electronic filing, digital disclosure, and virtual hearings. The seamless coordination between chambers, solicitors, and judicial staff depends upon systems that can securely and accurately transmit information. Errors once caused by misplaced papers or unreadable handwriting are now mitigated through digital standardisation. By adopting platforms such as Lawsyst, the profession collectively elevates the reliability and accountability of its processes.

The growing adoption of case management systems across the United Kingdom bears testament to their efficacy. Recent industry analyses have shown that over seventy per cent of mid-sized legal practices now employ such software, a figure that continues to rise annually. Commentators within the Law Society and the Bar Council have noted that digital transformation is no longer a matter of competitive advantage but of professional necessity. In this changing climate, Lawsyst has emerged as a trusted companion of the modern practitioner – praised for its accessibility, security, and depth of functionality. Its developers, it seems, have grasped an essential truth: that the law, though ancient, is not immune to progress.

One might observe that this embrace of technology marks a profound cultural shift within the legal community. The cautious conservatism of the Bar, long a bastion of tradition, is giving way to a pragmatic recognition that digital tools can uphold, rather than undermine, the dignity of the profession. It is, after all, the barrister’s duty to act with utmost diligence, to maintain meticulous records, and to serve the client’s best interests. If a system such as Legal Case Management Software can ensure that those duties are discharged with greater precision and reliability, then its use is not merely permissible but commendable.

Of course, no technological advancement is without its challenges. Data security remains paramount, particularly where sensitive client information is concerned. Lawsyst, however, has anticipated this with robust encryption, compliance with ISO standards, and regular security audits. Furthermore, its cloud-based architecture enables practitioners to access case materials securely from any location – whether in chambers, at court, or during conference with clients. Such flexibility reflects the demands of modern practice, where work is as likely to be conducted via video link as in the Inns of Court.

Recent news within the legal technology sector underscores this momentum. In September 2025, several prominent chambers in London announced partnerships with software providers to overhaul their administrative systems, citing efficiency gains of up to 40 per cent. Industry observers have pointed out that Lawsyst’s continued investment in research and client support places it at the forefront of this movement. Its reputation, once confined to boutique firms, now extends to large regional practices and international partnerships alike. In a marketplace increasingly defined by compliance and competition, its rise has been both timely and deserved.

Ultimately, the adoption of case management systems represents a reaffirmation, rather than a repudiation, of the values that define the British legal profession. Integrity, precision, and service to the client remain paramount. The difference lies only in the means by which these virtues are achieved. Where once chambers relied upon parchment and ink, they now rely upon secure servers and intelligent design. The essence of practice endures: to argue with clarity, to prepare with diligence, and to act with honour.

As the legal landscape continues to evolve, those who harness technology wisely will find themselves best equipped to navigate its complexities. In this regard, Lawsyst stands as a testament to the synergy of tradition and innovation – a system that honours the past while shaping the future. To adopt it is to accept not merely a software solution, but a philosophy of modern legal practice: one that recognises that efficiency and excellence are not rivals, but allies.

Read more:
Legal Case Management System – Lawsyst

Britain’s first female fast-jet pilot Dr Jo Salter has been named the UK’s most inspirational business speaker, topping a major new ranking by the Motivational Speakers Agency.

The poll, compiled from data across more than 450 exclusive London events, reveals which keynote speakers have made the biggest impact on audiences in the past year — with names spanning entrepreneurship, elite sport, exploration, and public service.

Dr Salter, who became Britain’s first woman to fly a Tornado jet in the Royal Air Force, has built a reputation as a powerful advocate for leadership, risk-taking and inclusion. Her talks draw on experiences from the cockpit to the corporate boardroom, where she now advises global businesses on performance under pressure.

“There’s a diverse mix of names, but everyone on this list shares one thing in common — the ability to inspire, engage and spark change,” said Jack Hayes, Director of the Motivational Speakers Agency. “Their place in the top 20 underlines the impression they’ve left on audiences right across London.”

From F1 to the frontier of entrepreneurship

Among the top-ranked speakers was Susie Wolff, Managing Director of the F1 Academy and a trailblazer for women in motorsport. The former Formula One driver has become a powerful voice on leadership and gender equality, urging businesses to champion talent regardless of background.

Close behind is adventurer Bear Grylls, whose stories of survival and endurance have inspired millions around the world. His lessons on teamwork, courage and perseverance — drawn from military service and global expeditions — continue to resonate with corporate audiences seeking resilience in the face of uncertainty.

Jason Fox, the former Special Forces sergeant turned broadcaster, is also among the country’s most in-demand motivational speakers. Drawing on experiences from covert operations and his personal battles with mental health, Fox offers a raw and moving perspective on leadership, recovery and purpose.

In business circles, Steven Bartlett, the 32-year-old entrepreneur and host of The Diary of a CEO podcast, continues to command attention. Having founded the social media agency Social Chain in his early twenties, Bartlett has since become one of Britain’s most recognisable young business figures — and a new voice of entrepreneurial ambition on BBC’s Dragons’ Den. His talks combine insights on innovation, personal growth and the psychology of success, appealing to the next generation of founders and leaders.

Icons of innovation and endurance

Sir Richard Branson, the ever-charismatic founder of Virgin, also features prominently in the ranking. Renowned for his pioneering spirit and optimistic leadership, Branson remains one of the world’s most sought-after speakers, urging audiences to “think big” and embrace risk as a force for innovation.

He is joined by Dame Kelly Holmes, the double Olympic champion whose candid reflections on resilience, identity and mental health have inspired audiences beyond the track. Holmes, who overcame injury and self-doubt to win gold in Athens 2004, has become a passionate advocate for mental wellbeing in sport and business.

Former NBA player and psychologist John Amaechi stands out as one of Britain’s most thoughtful corporate thinkers. A leading voice on inclusion and authenticity, Amaechi challenges leaders to build cultures rooted in empathy and purpose, using insights from both professional sport and organisational psychology.

From the open ocean to the boardroom

The list also celebrates extraordinary personal stories. Roz Savage, the first woman to row solo across three oceans, shares powerful messages of environmental responsibility and inner strength. Her story — from leaving a corporate career to crossing 15,000 miles of open water — embodies the courage to embrace change and uncertainty.

Jamie McAnsh, who became paralysed in 2014 and later climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, continues to inspire with his account of rebuilding life through adversity. His message of determination and adaptability has resonated strongly with audiences facing business and personal challenges alike.

Meanwhile, Rachel Botsman, a globally recognised expert on trust and innovation, helps businesses navigate transformation in the digital age. Her work has influenced leaders at companies such as Google, Microsoft, and PwC, exploring how transparency and adaptability can drive long-term success.

Sporting legends and performance leaders

Sporting excellence remains a cornerstone of Britain’s motivational landscape. Sir Clive Woodward, the Rugby World Cup-winning England coach, continues to draw packed audiences for his insights on teamwork, marginal gains and leadership under pressure. Lord Sebastian Coe, the Olympic champion and architect of the London 2012 Games, similarly emphasises discipline, collaboration and legacy in his addresses.

Jason Robinson, another World Cup winner, shares lessons in perseverance from a career that took him from rugby league roots in Leeds to England captaincy and sporting history.

Performance psychologist Jamil Qureshi, who has worked with Ryder Cup golfers and Formula One teams, also appears on the list, advising leaders on unlocking world-class performance through mindset and motivation.

Completing the roll call of high-impact speakers are Mandy Hickson, a former RAF fast-jet pilot turned leadership consultant; Jim Lawless, the record-breaking freediver and performance strategist; Floella Benjamin, actress and peer who champions diversity and kindness; and Tracy Edwards MBE, the trailblazing sailor who led the first all-female crew in the Whitbread Round the World Race.

From business founders to Olympians, this year’s ranking paints a portrait of modern inspiration — where lessons from the cockpit, boardroom and playing field converge to help audiences lead with confidence, resilience and purpose.

Read more:
The UK’s top inspirational business speakers revealed in new poll

Kemi Badenoch has pledged to abolish stamp duty land tax as part of her plan to revive home ownership and stimulate the housing market — describing it as an “unconservative tax” that prevents millions from buying or moving homes.

In a surprise announcement during her closing speech at the Conservative Party conference in Manchester, the Tory leader said the next Conservative government would “abolish stamp duty on your home”, drawing a standing ovation from the audience.

“We must free up our housing market,” Badenoch said. “A society where no one can afford to buy or move is a society where social mobility is dead.”

She added that she had considered simply raising stamp duty thresholds but concluded that “it was not enough”, insisting that complete abolition was the “key to unlocking a fairer society”.

The policy will form part of Badenoch’s new fiscal framework, which she described as a “golden economic rule” for responsible public spending. Under the rule, half of all money saved from government cuts will be used to reduce the deficit, while the remaining half will fund tax cuts or investment in growth.

“We have to get the deficit down and show how every tax cut or spending increase is paid for,” she said. “At least half will go towards cutting the deficit, because living within our means is our first priority. And with the rest, we will get Britain growing and bring down the taxes that are stifling our economy.”

The Conservatives say they have identified £47 billion in potential public sector savings, including reductions in welfare spending, to pay for their tax pledges. Stamp duty currently raises around £12 billion a year, meaning Badenoch’s proposal would rely on these savings to cover the revenue shortfall.

Badenoch said scrapping stamp duty would not only support aspiring homeowners but also stimulate wider economic activity.

“When someone buys a home, it triggers a chain reaction — removals, DIY, furniture, home improvements,” she said. “This is about freeing up the economy and giving people back their sense of ownership.”

Economists and housing experts have long criticised stamp duty as one of Britain’s most distortionary taxes. Tom Clougherty, Executive Director of the Institute of Economic Affairs, welcomed the proposal, calling it “the single best reform any government could make to Britain’s tax system.”

“As things stand, this outdated and uneconomic levy is wreaking havoc on our already troubled housing market,” Clougherty said. “Research suggests that the wider social and economic harms are equivalent to three-quarters of the revenue raised.”

He added that abolishing stamp duty would remove a barrier to sales and house-building, boosting mobility and growth.

Alongside her housing policy, Badenoch pledged to cut household energy bills by £165 and reduce business energy costs by £5,000 for restaurants, as part of a new “cheap power plan.”

The measures would include scrapping green levies and restarting drilling in the North Sea, which she said would lower costs for families while supporting energy security.

Badenoch insisted she was “not a climate sceptic”, but argued that current net zero laws were “making Britain poorer” and needed reform.

Read more:
Kemi Badenoch pledges to abolish stamp duty in surprise conference announcement

Kemi Badenoch will today set out a new ‘golden rule’ for managing the public finances and unveil what aides describe as a ‘totemic’ tax cut as she seeks to refocus the Conservative Party’s message on economic growth and fiscal discipline.

The Conservative leader is due to close the party’s annual conference in Manchester on Wednesday, outlining her plan to restore confidence in the Government’s handling of the economy. The new fiscal rule will require that half of all savings from spending cuts are used to reduce the deficit, with the remaining half directed towards lower taxes or targeted investment.

The announcement marks a clear pivot back to the economy after a turbulent conference dominated by internal debate on immigration, human rights and law and order.

Senior party figures said Badenoch’s fiscal framework was designed to provide “clarity and discipline” after months of economic instability and would serve as the foundation of her growth strategy heading into next year’s general election.

Aides said the forthcoming tax cut — details of which are expected to be confirmed during the speech — would symbolise the party’s commitment to rewarding work and enterprise while maintaining responsible public spending.

One senior Conservative source described the measure as “totemic”, adding: “It’s designed to show that the party still stands for aspiration, responsibility and sound money.”

The shift in focus comes amid concerns that the Conservatives’ poll ratings remain stubbornly low and that Nigel Farage’s Reform Party is gaining momentum among disillusioned right-leaning voters.

Party strategists believe Badenoch will be given time to stabilise the Conservatives’ standing and define her leadership before the campaign season begins in earnest.

While her conference speech will emphasise fiscal prudence and growth, it is also expected to touch on reform of Whitehall spending, productivity, and regional investment.

Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer has accused senior Conservatives of being distracted by leadership manoeuvring following remarks by Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, who claimed he “didn’t see another white face” during a visit to Birmingham earlier this year.

Starmer said Jenrick appeared to be “clearly just engaging in a leadership campaign”, seizing on internal divisions as Badenoch attempts to reassert control over the party narrative.

The Tory leader’s team insists that her focus remains firmly on economic renewal, positioning the Conservatives as the “party of enterprise” and contrasting their approach with Labour’s tax and spending plans.

Read more:
Kemi Badenoch to unveil ‘golden rule’ and totemic tax cut in Conservative conference speech

The Confederation of British Metalforming (CBM) has welcomed Jaguar Land Rover’s (JLR) staged return to production and the launch of a funding stream to stabilise suppliers — but warned that serious liquidity problems continue to threaten smaller firms deeper in the UK automotive supply chain.

CBM President Stephen Morley said the carmaker’s payment scheme was a “welcome boost to liquidity” for top-tier suppliers but cautioned that the benefits were not reaching tier 2, 3 and 4 businesses.

“JLR is to be applauded for its hard work in getting funds in place and for producing a workable payment scheme,” Morley said. “However, there are still key issues, especially for smaller firms. Understanding what qualifies a supplier for support is paramount, and there is still reliance on the goodwill of tier one suppliers to pass payments down. In some cases, we know this hasn’t happened.”

In a call with CBM leadership, Industry Minister Chris McDonald confirmed that the government had convened major banks to discuss emergency support for firms affected by production delays and supply chain disruption.

Morley said the CBM was “indebted” to the minister for intervening and urged all JLR suppliers to contact their banks to discuss what support could be made available immediately.

“Suppliers further down the chain need urgent liquidity to survive and then to fund the restart of production,” Morley said. “The second hurdle is a gap in sales, which could stretch to ten or twelve weeks — and that could be the real breaking point.”

The CBM said the Growth Guarantee Scheme could be adapted quickly to provide interest-free working capital, helping smaller manufacturers bridge revenue gaps and rehire staff without worsening debt burdens.

Morley said the organisation’s taskforce was in constant dialogue with HM Treasury on longer-term support options.

“It’s already in place and could be modified quickly to be used without the burden of interest costs,” he said. “This would spread the impact of lost revenue and provide the working capital required to restart when orders come through again.”

The CBM argues that it is in lenders’ and the government’s interest to ensure viable firms survive, noting that “the price of saving good companies is far cheaper than losing them”.

Morley warned that even if immediate liquidity concerns are eased, the longer-term cashflow and credit consequences could hamper future investment and growth across the sector.

“If immediate liquidity concerns are alleviated, how does this unwind in the future?” he said. “This situation will have a material impact on cash flow, long-term liquidity and profits. Supplier relationships with lenders could also be affected, influencing access to future facilities.”

He added that addressing these issues was vital to safeguarding the resilience of the UK automotive supply chain, a key pillar of British manufacturing.

Read more:
Manufacturing body welcomes JLR’s return to production but warns smaller suppliers face urgent liquidity support

JPMorgan Chase has maintained its position as the world’s most AI-advanced bank, according to the 2025 Evident AI Index, which benchmarks the artificial intelligence maturity of 50 global financial institutions.

The US banking giant, led by CEO Jamie Dimon, retained the top spot for the third consecutive year, ranking first in three of four AI capability pillars — Innovation, Leadership and Transparency. Fellow US lender Capital One placed second, continuing to lead the field in AI Talent, while Royal Bank of Canada ranked third.

The index, produced annually by Evident, evaluates banks’ AI performance using more than 70 indicators drawn from millions of data points. Its findings show that the top 10 banks are improving their AI maturity 2.3 times faster year-on-year than the rest of the field, as early investments begin to generate tangible financial returns.

According to Evident, banks are increasingly seeing measurable results from AI integration across operations, risk management and customer services. Eight major lenders now report group-level ROI estimates for their AI portfolios — though no UK banks have yet made such disclosures.

JPMorgan Chase, which leads globally in AI deployment, recently raised its projection of annual AI-driven benefits to “heading towards $2 billion”, up from $1 billion last year.

Alexandra Mousavizadeh, co-founder and CEO of Evident, said banking was “one of the most advanced and competitive industries on the planet” when it comes to AI implementation.

“We’re beginning to see clear signs that AI investment is starting to translate into tangible financial gains,” Mousavizadeh said. “The banks in our top 10 are in pole position to see their efforts come to fruition.”

The global top 10 banks for AI maturity

According to Evident’s 2025 rankings, the leading banks for AI adoption are:

Rank Bank Change (vs 2024)
1 JPMorgan Chase –
2 Capital One –
3 Royal Bank of Canada –
4 Commonwealth Bank of Australia +1
5 Morgan Stanley +5
6 Wells Fargo -2
7 UBS -1
8 HSBC -1
9 Goldman Sachs +2
10 Bank of America +5

The index shows an increasing dominance of US-headquartered institutions, though Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), UBS, and HSBC remain the top performers in their respective domestic markets.

UK banks climb the rankings but lag on AI talent

The UK’s five major banks showed a strong overall performance in 2025, with four out of five ranking in the top half of the index and three advancing their position from last year. However, no UK bank placed in the global top 10 for AI talent, highlighting a continued skills gap.

HSBC retained its status as the UK’s top-performing bank, ranking eighth overall. Despite minor declines in the leadership and transparency pillars, it recorded gains in innovation and talent.

Lloyds Banking Group delivered the most dramatic improvement of any British bank, climbing 12 places to 15th, driven by major advances across all four AI capability pillars. The bank has established a centralised AI team, accelerated AI hiring, and launched large-scale projects including Athena, its first generative AI platform, and a patented Global Correlation Engine for cybersecurity, which has reduced false positives by 92%.

Mousavizadeh said Lloyds’ rise reflected “a significant mindset shift,” with the bank now “sharing more details of its active use cases and long-term plans.”

The number of banks publicly disclosing AI use cases has doubled in the past year, rising from 12 to 25 institutions. A total of 32 banks have now reported at least one AI use case with a measurable financial or operational impact.

Annabel Ayles, co-founder and co-CEO of Evident, said 2025 would likely mark the inflection point for measurable returns: “All banks — regardless of size — are increasing their AI budgets, and our data shows virtually every key metric of AI adoption rising,” Ayles said. “Banking leaders expect to see reportable AI returns in the next 12 to 18 months. The question now is: how big will they be?”

While nearly every bank in the index improved its AI performance, Evident warns of growing “bifurcation in AI maturity” between leaders and laggards. Banks that fail to keep pace risk losing credibility with boards, investors and regulators, and may struggle to attract top AI talent — creating a “compounding disadvantage” in deployment and innovation.

The top 10 banks are now setting the pace for the rest of the sector, as their early AI investments begin translating into efficiency gains, risk reduction and new revenue streams.

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JPMorgan Chase named world’s most AI-advanced bank for third consecutive year

Small businesses in deprived urban areas are less likely to secure finance than those in more affluent or rural parts of the UK, according to new research by the British Business Bank (BBB).

The government-backed economic development agency said its latest annual Small Business Finance Markets report revealed “significant disparities” in access to credit cards, overdrafts and loans across the country — with geography proving to be a major factor in whether businesses can borrow money.

The findings show that where a business is based has a measurable impact on its access to funding. Even within towns and cities, firms in more deprived areas are less likely to obtain external finance, despite being more likely to seek it out to support growth plans.

“This evidence shows that where your business is located has an influence on your ability to access finance, not just at a regional level, but also at a sub-regional level,” the report said.

The study found that entrepreneurs in economically disadvantaged areas were more inclined to look for funding than the national average, but more often discouraged from applying — either due to previous rejections or perceived barriers from lenders.

Richard Bearman, the British Business Bank’s chief development officer, said the organisation was stepping up its efforts to bridge the funding gap.

“The problem we are trying to solve is to ensure that businesses across the UK have access to capital and, where they have potential, we are supporting that potential,” Bearman said.

He added that new debt and equity programmes would ensure that high-growth, high-potential businesses can access capital “wherever they are based”.

The BBB will roll out £340 million in new regional funds next April across the east and southeast of England, completing its network of state-backed investment vehicles across the UK. These regional funds are designed to improve the supply of debt and equity capital for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

They follow the £660 million Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II, which began lending to businesses across the North of England last year.

The bank has also expanded access for community development finance institutions (CDFIs) to its loan guarantee schemes. These specialist lenders provide capital to small firms in lower-income areas who have been turned down by high street banks, helping them to invest, hire and grow.

Overall, the report found that the share of smaller businesses using external finance fell slightly last year from 46% to 45%, following a 10-point rise the year before. However, the headline figures mask sharp regional variations.

In the West Midlands, 47% of firms accessed external capital in the past year, compared with just 39% in the East Midlands. The gap widens when measuring appetite for future borrowing — 49% of West Midlands firms said they were willing to use finance to drive growth, compared with only 17% in the East Midlands.

The British Business Bank said its regional funds and community lending partnerships were designed to make the business finance landscape more equitable, reducing the postcode effect that limits funding in disadvantaged areas.

Bearman said the goal was not only to address inequality but to unlock growth potential nationwide. “We want to make sure that location is no longer a limiting factor,” he said.

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Access to finance remains a postcode lottery for UK small businesses