AGP Executive Report

NatWest Venture Banking: NatWest has appointed Emily Pilkington as Head of Life Sciences, Healthcare and Planetary Health to strengthen specialist support for venture-backed firms across the UK. Retail insolvencies: M&Co has moved from administration to dissolution, with unsecured creditors facing losses of more than £33m across 600+ claims, after the brand shut 168 stores and cut 1,800 jobs. Hospitality collapse: Strathmore Hotels has been placed into administration; all eight hotels will keep trading while options are reviewed and 410 staff are retained. Housing & affordability: Bellway urges Andy Burnham to cut stamp duty immediately and pair it with a government-backed deposit scheme for first-time buyers as demand stays uncertain. Cost of living: Burnham confirms VAT will be cut from 5% to zero on domestic electricity bills from 1 October, targeting about £45 off typical household bills. Energy & inflation watch: Economists expect July inflation to jump to 2.9% as Ofgem’s energy price cap rises feed through. Water pricing row: Ofwat is considering “surge pricing”-style rules letting water firms raise bills during drought to fund repairs and infrastructure. Wildfire emergency alert backlash: England and Wales saw a national emergency alert over wildfire risk, followed by a surge of 999 calls about barbecues and other fire hazards. Jobs for young people with SEND: Alan Milburn’s review backs scaling up supported internships to tackle record NEET levels. Local business: Swansea’s Au Vodka is in advanced talks over a deal potentially worth around £500m.

Wildfire response and emergency alert: The UK deployed the military to help firefighters across Wales as wildfires raged, with an emergency alert sent to phones across England and Wales and police arresting four 14-year-old boys over a suspected deliberate fire. Energy security and trade risk: Fresh attacks on UAE-linked oil shipping through the Strait of Hormuz raise the odds of higher freight and insurance costs for import-dependent economies, including parts of Africa. Local business pressure in the Midlands: Walsall is flagged as the worst area in the country for restaurant, shop and takeaway hygiene ratings, while Birmingham is branded a rat hotspot with a postcode reporting a 950% jump in pest call-outs. Hospitality tax relief push: Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a 20% cut to business rates for pubs, social clubs and live music venues in England, aiming to ease cost pressures on high streets. EV policy review: The government launched a consultation that could tweak the zero-emission vehicle mandate, as it tries to keep the 2030/2035 transition on track while protecting UK competitiveness. Retail and insolvency signals: Raleigh’s iconic bike brand has gone into doubt after its parent filed for insolvency, and Firefly Holidays has entered liquidation, adding to a tough climate for consumer-facing firms.

Labour Cost-of-Living Moves: Andy Burnham has confirmed a VAT cut on household electricity bills from 5% to zero on 1 October, saving typical homes about £45 a year, with funding set to run to March 2027. Tax Crackdown on Marketplaces: HMRC rules could be tightened further on Vinted and eBay sellers, with more identity checks and data reporting proposed to help fund a 20% business rates cut for hospitality. Capital Gains Tax Pressure: A new report urges Burnham to equalise Capital Gains Tax with income tax, arguing the current system lets asset sales be taxed less than wages. Pub Sector Under Strain: New figures show almost two pubs closing every day in early 2026, with soaring costs and tax burden blamed for job losses. Drought Hits Food Security: England is officially in drought, raising fears of crop damage and supermarket shortages as water stress tests the wider food system. Wildfire Emergency Alert Fallout: Burnham says the national mobile alert was triggered at fire and rescue officers’ request, warning people not to do anything that could start fires. Connected Tech Funding: The government’s £150m Connected and Automated Mobility Pathfinder backs nine new projects to speed up autonomous transport trials. Cash Economy Debate: Pensioner campaigners push for protections for cash as app-only payments spread, warning low-income and older people are being left behind.

Wildfire emergency response: Andy Burnham’s government has imposed a temporary ban on disposable barbecues across England and Wales and issued a national mobile emergency alert urging people not to light anything that could spark fires, as blazes surge and troops back firefighters. Planning and energy: A wind farm bid at Dengie Marshes was refused after Natural England raised concerns about bird impacts, while a separate Midlands plan would build 3,400 homes on high-quality farmland near Telford. Labour rules: Labour’s zero-hours contract ban is set to cost employers up to £2.9bn a year, with ministers warning of higher admin costs and reduced flexibility. Transport compliance: DVSA’s “Photos at Test” MOT rollout means garages must upload vehicle photos during tests to tackle “ghost MOTs”, with drivers urged to check MOT status online. Business and fraud: A solicitor branded a “top lawyer from Manchester” was struck off for persistent lewd WhatsApp messages. Retail and hospitality pressure: CAMRA says pub closures are accelerating, and a 20% business rates cut for pubs is being pitched as a first step to help struggling landlords. AI in private capital: Nassau Street Partners’ Family Office Summit in London focused on practical AI uses for document-heavy investment and compliance work. Local enterprise: Hotel du Vin expands corporate retreats in Poole, and The Fold in Bransford invites ethical makers and retailers to join its community.

National Emergency Alert: Phones across England and Wales received the UK’s first real emergency alert for wildfires, warning people not to light anything that could spark a blaze, including disposable barbecues, fire pits, garden incinerators and fireworks, and urging reports to 999. Heatwave Fallout: The alert follows weeks of extreme heat and drought, with major fires including a West Midlands blaze that destroyed 19 homes, and officials citing a “very high risk” nationally. Policy & Business Impact: A temporary ban on disposable barbecues has now come into force, with retailers told to implement it, while the wider wildfire disruption is raising pressure on communities, emergency services and local livelihoods. Defence Economy Debate: Campaigners are protesting “Project Fairfax”, a defence-technology cluster plan around RAF Wyton, arguing it’s being embedded into local government strategy. Agriculture Risks: Defra confirmed a third bluetongue case in Scotland, urging farmers to consider vaccination as outbreaks spread. M&A Watch: Saputo agreed to sell its UK dairy business to Lactalis for about £988m, including major cheese brands.

UK Growth Watch: ONS data shows the UK economy expanded 0.4% in Q2 2026, with services up 0.5% and business investment rising 1.7%, keeping momentum despite wider pressures. Heatwave & Water Stress: Britain hit 38.1C in west London as the fifth heatwave of the year drove fires and deepened drought, with England now officially in drought and water restrictions looming. Energy & North Sea Politics: The government faces fresh scrutiny over approving Jackdaw and Rosebank, as ministers weigh energy security and jobs against climate and “scope 3” emissions concerns. Inheritance Tax Shake-up: Plans to scrap three inheritance tax reliefs for pensions from April 2027 could remove business property and agricultural property reliefs and instalment options, warning of a two-tier tax effect. Local Business & Regulation: Andy Burnham’s push to tackle “dodgy shops” includes powers to block new vape shops and bookmakers and extend closures for rogue businesses. Consumer & Retail Stories: A viral Shake Shack “no tip” pricing glitch was blamed on kiosk tech error, while Cumbria reported 214 new business start-ups in May 2026. Labour Market & Skills: UK universities face a financial crisis amid the collapse in international student numbers, adding pressure to the sector’s finances.

UK Economy: The ONS says GDP rose 0.4% in Q2 (after 0.6% in Q1), with services up 0.5% and construction also growing, as political turmoil and the US-Iran war’s energy shock keep pressure on households and firms. Education & Inequality: England’s A-level results show record top-grade rates overall, but the London-to-north-east gap is at its widest since the pandemic, underlining widening regional disparity. Higher Ed Funding: Universities warn a financial crisis is looming as international student visa applications fall 11% year-on-year, with some fearing enrolments could drop sharply. Retail & Business Closures: Megaman (energy-efficient lighting) has entered administration after 26 years, while Clintons is set to close a Rugby store after nearly two decades. Water Bills: Ofwat says several water firms in England and Wales could raise bills by billions to fund extra spending, sparking fresh political backlash amid hosepipe bans and leaks. Policy & Compliance: From 2027, EU takeaway businesses must accept customers’ own containers, as new packaging rules roll out. Finance & Housing: Pepper Money plans to launch first-charge mortgages in Scotland this September, expanding specialist broker support. Tech & Work: McKinsey warns AI is removing the entry-level “grind” that builds junior judgment, potentially reshaping hiring and training.

UK GDP Watch: The ONS says the UK economy grew 0.4% in Q2 (April-June), down from 0.6% in Q1, but June surprised with 0.3% month-on-month growth as services stayed resilient, including a boost from hot weather and the World Cup. Middle East Shock: Multiple reports link the slowdown to the Iran war’s knock-on effects, with higher energy prices expected to weigh on growth later in the year and add pressure on household budgets. Heatwave Pressure on Work: With a fifth heatwave pushing towards 38C, polling suggests 79% of people back legal maximum workplace temperature limits, while nurses and firefighters warn conditions are unsafe and wildfires risk rising. High Street & Retail Costs: Labour’s planned zero-hours shift rules face backlash from business groups, warning of billions in added admin costs and reduced flexibility, as independent retailers also call for wider business rates reform. Local Business & Tech: Blackpool’s proposed data-centre-led “Silicon Sands” plan sparks a petition over noise, light and traffic impacts, while MoneySuperMarket launches a new business banking account for small firms and sole traders. Cyber for Schools: Keeper Security issues back-to-school guidance as AI-powered phishing and deepfakes raise the risk for education IT teams.

EV Push: The UK government pledges £130m for zero-tailpipe emission vehicle technology under DRIVE35, aiming to support 1,800 skilled jobs as automakers face pressure to hit EV targets. Energy Security: Ahead of the near-total solar eclipse, Octopus Energy urges people to avoid plug-in appliances 6pm-8pm, while the grid operator prepares multimillion-pound payments to keep backup power online. Cost-of-Living & Growth: Treasury modelling warns UK growth could slip to just 0.3% in 2027 if Middle East disruption to the Strait of Hormuz lasts, with ONS GDP data due. Consumer Enforcement: Andy Burnham’s “everyday fixes” signal tougher scrutiny on misleading discounts and subscription practices, with businesses facing a sharper enforcement environment. Scotland Finances: Public spending in Scotland runs £2,720 per person higher than the UK average, with Gers showing a £25.3bn deficit in 2025/26. Business & Crime: Birmingham courts order closure of an Erdington shop over illicit vapes and tobacco, while Croydon councils consider GPS ankle-tag exclusion zones for repeat shoplifters. Tech & Privacy: Meta smart glasses face a privacy backlash in Europe, with UK courts banning their use in court buildings. Hospitality Shock: Strathmore Hotels collapses into administration, putting about 410 jobs at risk across eight Scottish hotels.

Extreme Heat & Wildfires Response: PM Andy Burnham will chair a COBR emergency meeting as the UK faces “extreme heat” warnings, drought and wildfire risk, with temperatures forecast up to 38C and ministers from Defra, Home Office and Health involved. Business Costs & Policy: Burnham tells the BBC he’ll push to lower the “cost of doing business”, including looking at business rates and rail fares, while warning of a “difficult financial outlook”. Water Supply Pressure: Southern Water has applied for a rare non-domestic drought order that could restrict businesses’ non-essential water use in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Manufacturing & Industry Growth: SBO expands UK and US metal additive manufacturing capacity, adding seven printers and more post-processing; Arada UK pitches stamp duty, planning and first-time buyer lending changes to restart housebuilding. Energy Investment: Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners’ Coalburn 1 (500MW/2-hour BESS) starts commercial operation in Scotland, boosting grid flexibility. SME Support: Chadwicks and Norwich Business School launch a value-focused programme for business owners. Retail & Jobs: John Lewis MD Peter Ruis quits ahead of a “really tough” period; Premier Investments shuts Peter Alexander stores in the UK citing challenging trading conditions. Markets & Money: Retail investors are returning to UK markets after years of low domestic participation. Health & Inequality: Northern Ireland cancer diagnoses rise nearly 9% over five years, with higher rates in deprived areas. Local Business Stories: Table tennis participation in North Wales tops 1,500 via a school-and-college pathway; a South Wales firm offers wheelie bin cleaning services.

UK Business & Economy: Greene King has put about 65 pubs up for sale as part of its “Project Portico” estate strategy, with no closures confirmed and buyers able to bid for individual sites or bundles. Retail & Property: British Land says Glasgow Fort will add Lovisa and Moss, plus earlier lettings including Office’s expanded Scottish flagship and Wingstop, underlining continued demand for fashion and food-led units. Construction & Contracts: Inco Contracts secured two refurbishment/development deals worth £8m across Wales and the South West, bringing its Cardiff operation’s secured value above £8m. Consumer & Payments: A Mastercard group legal settlement means millions could receive compensation next year, with payouts potentially capped at £70 depending on claims. Energy & Climate Risk: The Met Office says summer is on track to be the warmest on record, while drought is spreading—canals are drying up and some sections are closed. Food & Farming: Further bluetongue vaccine supplies are expected as cases rise, with Defra reporting 334 cases in the 2026-27 season. Business Security & Regulation: Northumbria Police has obtained closure orders on two Gateshead properties after tenants allegedly fuelled serious anti-social behaviour and drug use. International Business: David Lacey has been appointed UK Honorary Consul in Penang, supporting UK engagement in tech, digital and AI.

Cost-of-living rules: Prime Minister Andy Burnham is pushing “easy to exit” subscription cancellations forward to January and tightening rules on misleading “rip-off” discounts, aiming to cut the harm from unwanted subscriptions and fake sale claims. High-street crackdown: Burnham also plans to scrap the “aim to permit” betting rule and require planning permission for new vape shops, with police closure powers for “dodgy” premises extended up to 12 months. Food security shock: Analysts warn the UK faces its worst food security crisis in decades as drought spreads across England and heatwaves hit wheat and oat yields, raising the risk of higher feed and consumer prices. Cyber risk to factories: Make UK says 30% of manufacturers have had a cyber incident in the past year, with knock-on effects including downtime, higher costs and delayed deliveries. Broadband reshuffle: TalkTalk has sold another 13,500 residential customers to Fleur Telecom, keeping existing terms while switching support to the TAL group. Retail profits: Spar owner Henderson Group reports profits up to £76m as grocery inflation runs at 3.3%, despite rising wage and employer cost pressures. Skills and jobs: A new Enginuity survey finds most young people and parents would consider apprenticeships over university, adding pressure on UK universities. Business and sport finance: A Bezos-led consortium is in talks to buy a minority stake in Liverpool, while Spar owner Henderson Group’s results highlight resilience in Northern Ireland retail.

Regulation & Markets: The FCA is moving to regulate tokenized gold, aiming to protect London’s role as the world’s top bullion hub as digital-asset competition heats up. Stablecoins: Nephos has been appointed to provide independent proof-of-reserves for Agant’s FCA-registered sterling stablecoin GBPA, using ISAE 3000 attestations to back the token 1:1. Drought & Business Impact: With almost three-quarters of England in drought and 45m people affected, Southern Water is seeking permission for “non-essential use” bans that could hit car washing and private swimming pools, while heat-health alerts cover most regions. Energy Resilience: New UK space-weather forecasts are being integrated into operational services to better protect the power grid, aviation and satellite navigation from solar storms. Local Economy & Retail: Hammerson’s £218m acquisition of Global Mutual’s stake in Manchester Arndale points to major modernisation plans for a mall that draws 45m visitors a year. Corporate Distress: The London Mint Office has entered administration after 20 years, with immediate redundancies reported amid liquidity pressures. Tech for Industry: Digital Catapult showcased digital twin projects from UK SMEs, targeting real-world gains in manufacturing, ports and defence supply chains.

Cost-of-living crackdown: Prime Minister Andy Burnham says Labour will clamp down on “subscription traps” and misleading discounts, bringing in new rules from January. Businesses will have to give clearer upfront info, send regular reminders and make it easier to cancel, with a 14-day cooling-off period after trials or renewals. Ministers estimate savings of about £14 a month for people who can exit unwanted deals. Energy support: A proposal from the Resolution Foundation would cut bills by up to £175 for low-income households (earners up to £24,000), costing £2bn. North Sea pressure: Burnham faces a fresh political fight as consultations near an end over new oil and gas drilling at Jackdaw and Rosebank, with environmental groups urging refusal. Industrial hit: Leeds construction firm Torsion Construction Limited has entered liquidation, with 100+ jobs lost and hundreds of millions of pounds of work affected. Cyber risk: MakeUK reports 30% of manufacturers suffered a cyber-incident in the past year, and only half have a response plan. UK-Nigeria ties: The UK appoints Vicky Seymour as Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, aiming to strengthen cooperation on trade, security and migration. Hydrogen push abroad: Abu Dhabi’s hydrogen drive is accelerating, with targets aimed at exporting low-carbon hydrogen to early demand centres like the EU and Japan.

Cost-of-living push: UK PM Andy Burnham is set to announce fresh pro-consumer measures on a nationwide tour, aiming to tackle hidden pricing and “ripping off” claims, while major spending changes are likely to wait until the October Budget. Banking for founders: Nationwide has become the sole UK bank partner of Female Founders Rise, backing women and non-binary entrepreneurs ahead of its next business banking proposition. Food and hospitality pressure: Liverpool restaurateur Paul Askew says the council must be “held to account” over night-time parking charges as businesses launch a legal push; meanwhile, Manchester venues face one-star food hygiene ratings and are awaiting re-inspections. Drought and water limits: With a sixth heatwave looming, around 16m people could move into drought status, and water firms are preparing new restrictions including possible business water bans. Local housing fight: Rochdale’s empty estate blocks are set for renewed demolition, with plans to replace 126 homes with 270. Energy security vs China: Chinese wind turbine maker Ming Yang is seeking a review of a UK security ban after plans for a Scotland factory were shelved. Crime and justice: An alleged Irish organised crime boss, Daniel Kinahan, has been extradited from Dubai to face charges in Ireland.

Licensing Crackdown in Wolverhampton: North Street Social’s licence will not be revoked after a council review, despite findings of “persistent and serious failures” including broken CCTV, missing incident records, and security staff not wearing proper gear. Devolution and Growth Push: Birmingham is pressing Andy Burnham to turn devolution promises into real investment and jobs, with a Harvard/KCL study citing £70bn potential output gains if cities outside London get similar powers. Audit Watchdog Warning: The Financial Reporting Council says annual reports have become bloated and costly, urging boards to spend less time on box-ticking and more on growth. Cost-of-Living Tour: Prime Minister Burnham is set to travel the UK in “listening mode” to shape new measures for bills and high streets. EV Charging Support: England’s EV home chargepoint grant rises to up to £500 per socket from April 2026, backed until March 2027. Aviation Expansion: Gatwick’s second runway plan clears a legal challenge and could add 100,000 flights a year. Insolvency Watch: Raleigh’s owner Accell has filed to appoint administrators for the 139-year-old bike brand. Labour Market Signals: Indeed reports UK job postings down 11% since the start of 2026, with graduate demand at a 2020 low and AI skills featuring in a record share of adverts. Housing and Planning: Birmingham redevelopment plans for the former Clarendon Suites Masonic lodge site are recommended for approval, including 165 homes. Food Security Pressure: Drought conditions are worsening across parts of England, raising risks for farmers and harvests.