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Business
South East Water Criticized for Poor Crisis Communication
South East Water failed to properly inform customers during major winter outages in Kent and Sussex. The Consumer Council for Water found fewer than one in 10 affected customers were satisfied with the company's response.
Latest in Business
UK Government Backs Universal Studios Resort
The UK government commits £1.3 billion to support Universal Studios’ first European theme park near Bedford. The project is expected to create 28,000 jobs and generate nearly £50 billion in economic growth by 2055.
Ovo Energy Pays £10M For Prepayment Meter Failures
Ovo Energy will pay over £10 million in redress after Ofgem found it failed to monitor vulnerable prepayment meter customers from 2018 to 2024. The settlement includes payments to a redress fund, customer debt relief, and compensation for rural Scottish customers.
Zuo Xiaoyong Receives 1,000 Applications for Herding Job
Zuo Xiaoyong received over 1,000 applications for a remote sheep herding job offering 16,000 yuan monthly. Many urban youth sought escape from competitive city life and high unemployment.
Cambodia Advances Toward CPTPP Accession Ahead of LDC Graduation
Cambodia is preparing to join the CPTPP as it nears graduation from Least Developed Country status in 2029. Senior Minister Sok Siphana leads efforts to align Cambodian laws with the trade pact's high standards.
Novo Nordisk Launches Wegovy Pill in UAE
Novo Nordisk launched its Wegovy weight loss pill in the United Arab Emirates in 2026. The Emirates Drug Establishment approved it for weight management and cardiovascular risk reduction in high-risk patients.
Albanese Government Admits Illegal Welfare Cancellations
The Albanese government acknowledged it unlawfully cancelled about 300,000 Centrelink payments between 2020 and 2024. Economic Justice Australia estimates one-fifth of affected recipients may qualify for remediation.
Chalmers Highlights Datacentre Boom During Slowing GDP
Australia's real GDP growth slowed to 0.3% in the March 2026 quarter. Treasurer Jim Chalmers cited strong datacentre investment as a key driver of business spending.
OECD Warns Rural UK Confronts Diesel Shortage Risk
The OECD warns rural UK areas risk diesel shortages due to Iran conflict. It cites higher fertilizer costs and revises UK growth forecasts upward for 2024.
OECD Cuts Global Growth Forecast During Strait Disruptions
The OECD lowered its global growth projections due to conflict disrupting the Strait of Hormuz. Chief economist Stefano Scarpetta warned prolonged disruptions would raise economic and social costs.
Thailand Scrutinizes 50,000 Foreign-Linked Companies
Thai authorities are investigating 50,000 companies suspected of using Thai nominees to bypass foreign ownership laws. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul pledged prosecution of those violating the Foreign Business Act.
China Cracks Down on Offshore Brokerages
China's securities regulator is cracking down on Tiger Brokers, Futu Holdings, and Longbridge Securities for illegal cross-border operations. The move aims to steer mainland investors toward domestic and approved channels like Stock Connect.
Bank of England Shortlists UK Wildlife for New Banknotes
The Bank of England released a shortlist of native UK animals for new banknotes, replacing historical figures. Public consultation runs until 3 July, with final designs years from circulation.
UNHCR Appeals for $710.5 Million for Rohingya Refugees
UNHCR and partners seek $710.5 million to support Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. Spokesperson Babar Baloch warns funding cuts risk vital aid amid worsening conditions.
G7 Equity Share Rebounds to 72 Percent
G7 finance ministers meet as the bloc's global equity share rebounds to 72 percent. U.S. firms drive the surge, with seven companies accounting for over 30 percent of the S&P 500.
Choice Files Super Complaint For Unsafe Online Products
Consumer group Choice filed a super complaint urging action against online retailers selling banned items. It calls for stronger laws to hold marketplaces accountable for unsafe goods.
UK to Ban Zero-Hours Contracts Next Year
The UK government will ban zero-hours contracts next year under the Employment Rights Act. Workers will get guaranteed weekly hours based on 12 weeks of regular work.
BP Removes Manifold as Chair
BP removed Albert Manifold as chair after eight months in the role. Amanda Blanc will lead the search for his successor amid governance concerns.
UK and Palantir Sign £1.5 Billion Deal
The UK and Palantir signed a £1.5 billion investment partnership in September. The deal expands Palantir’s role in British public services despite public and political opposition.
Fair Work Commission Lifts Minimum Wage by 4.75%
The Fair Work Commission raised Australia's minimum wage by 4.75%, effective 1 July 2024. The lowest-paid workers will receive a 6% increase due to structural pay adjustments.
C5+1 Meets on Critical Minerals in Astana
The C5+1 Dialogue on Critical Minerals convenes June 11–12, 2026, in Astana. It advances investment projects pledged at the 2025 U.S.-Central Asia summit.
Dubai Real Estate Transactions Drop Sharply in March 2026
Dubai real estate transaction volumes fell 37% year-on-year in early March 2026. Off-plan deals declined 21% month-on-month to 9,368 transactions.
Milei Criticizes Tapia During Corruption Probe
Argentine President Javier Milei condemned AFA chief Claudio Tapia as investigations into alleged corruption continue. Milei accused Tapia of increasing corruption and supports privatizing Argentina’s soccer operations.
Wise Cooperates With Belgian Money Laundering Probe
Wise is responding to questions from Belgian prosecutors investigating potential money laundering through its Brussels operations. The company says it takes financial crime prevention seriously and works routinely with regulators.