Markets Watch: The FTSE 100 edged down in early afternoon trading, slipping about 0.1% as a gloomy UK business sentiment survey and a tech-led selloff in Asia kept investors cautious. Politics & Devolution: Labour leadership frontrunner Andy Burnham vowed to “rewire Britain” with a “No 10 North” nerve centre in Manchester, promising a major transfer of power to regions, more social housing, and faster delivery on utilities and reindustrialisation. Business Sentiment: A new Azets Barometer found 69% of UK firms fear economic uncertainty, with only 43% optimistic; many expect hiring freezes or cuts and continued borrowing. Corporate Stress: R3 says insolvencies fell 10% in England and Wales in May, but the longer-term pressure on the Midlands remains high. Banking Costs: Lloyds confirmed higher business account fees from July 10, including increases to monthly maintenance and cash handling charges. Jobs & Restructuring: British American Tobacco is cutting about 9,000 jobs globally as it intensifies an AI-driven turnaround. Sanctions Enforcement: HMRC named a company after a £569,157 compound settlement for Russia sanctions breaches tied to Ukraine-related operations. Hospitality & Sport: World Cup knockout-stage spending is forecast to add £499m to UK retail and hospitality, while pubs reported a surge in pints during England’s group games. Local Business: Kids Planet’s nursery group placed eighth in the Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer Awards, highlighting its apprenticeship push. Transport & Compliance: The Independent Garage Association urged DVSA to raise MOT fees for certain vehicle classes, arguing the cap hasn’t moved in 16 years.