UK morning business news with Alice & Lewis

M&A Market Volatility: Geopolitical Tensions and Strategic Deals
Deal-making in the UK has hit a decade-low, but strategic megadeals are keeping transaction values steady. Alice and Lewis explore the impact of Trump's tariffs and global conflicts on M&A trends.

Chocolate Giants and the EU Deforestation Law: A Delicate Balancing Act
Mondelez, Mars, and Hershey are pushing for delays in the EU deforestation law. Learn how political and economic pressures are shaping the future of chocolate.

Private Equity's Resilience and Future Outlook: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities
Is 2025 a turning point for private equity? Explore the industry's struggles, enduring demand, and potential for positive change.

AI's Power Consumption Surge and the Transformer Shortage Crisis
Explore the growing concerns over AI data centres' electricity spikes and the global transformer shortage with insights from Hitachi Energy.

Navigating Arts Funding Challenges in Edinburgh and Beyond
Alice and Lewis discuss the funding struggles of the Edinburgh Festivals, government support, and the impact of corporate activism.

Meta's AI and the Climate Conundrum
Meta's controversial use of AI in climate research sparks debate on data accuracy and tech's role in carbon capture.

VCs Turn to Private Equity Strategies: A New Era of Tech-Driven Consolidation
Top venture capital firms are adopting private equity tactics, using AI and tech to consolidate fragmented markets and build sector-dominating conglomerates.

The Rise and Fall of Prax Group: A UK Energy Sector Cautionary Tale
From humble beginnings to insolvency - the dramatic collapse of Prax Group and its critical Lindsey oil refinery. What went wrong?

UK's Trade Dilemma: Political Instability and EU Negotiations
The EU blocks UK's bid to join a key trade convention, citing political concerns and economic risks.

The Struggling Small Business Landscape in the UK
New data reveals one in five small businesses fear permanent closure, with rising costs and government policies creating significant challenges for the backbone of the UK economy.

The Rise of European AI: Capital Flows and Startups
Explore how European AI funds are investing in US tech giants while fostering local innovation.

Trump's Tariff Strategy: Global Trade Shifts and UK's Advantage
Donald Trump's new tariff approach sends shockwaves through global trade, with the UK securing a favorable deal. Explore the implications for businesses, financial crime risks, and the U.S.-Vietnam trade agreement.