British telecoms giant navigating price, service, and investment in a changing UK market.
A wave of studies and official reports show that hotter summers are driving higher electricity costs for households in the US and UK. Analysts warn that rising prices, delayed aid, and tariff changes will shape bills this summer, triggering cautious budgeting and potential policy responses.
Two teenagers have pleaded guilty to a 2024 cyber-attack on Transport for London that disrupted Oyster services and affected millions of customers. The defendants, linked to the Scattered Spider group, face sentencing in July after admitting conspiring to unauthorised acts against TfL’s systems and, in one case, additional charges relating to US healthcare firms.
Markets are stabilising after a stretch of high activity in tech options, with traders shifting focus as implied volatility cools. Small caps are leading potential next moves, while global equities reflect a policy-led, carry-friendly regime.
Ofcom has fined Virgin Media £28 million after findings that millions of calls were mishandled between 2022 and 2024, delaying or blocking contract cancellations and encouraging staff to retain customers via incentives. The regulator says customers faced hold times, transfers, and deliberate call-dropping, impacting switching to rivals. Virgin Media has overhauled its customer services and will compensate affected customers.
Lenders to Thames Water have revised their rescue proposal, incorporating a “golden share” and greater local oversight as Andy Burnham’s government signals plans for stronger public control of essential services. Regulators are being consulted while the government weighs temporary nationalisation as a pathway to stabilising the troubled utility serving 16 million people.
The Commonwealth Games in Glasgow have opened under a tightened format after Victoria dropped out. About 3,000 athletes from 74 nations compete across 10 sports at four venues, with opening ceremonies staged at the OVO Hydro and a reduced schedule, while broadcasters outline rights and streaming options.
Across multiple providers, gift cards and rewards are being offered to entice new customers to switch, with prices and speeds varying by address. Readers are urged to evaluate total costs, not just headline offers, and to check terms like contract length and price rises.
Dolly Parton has died at 80. In interviews from CNBC and Business Insider UK, she reflects on career-defining moments, including leaving Porter Wagoner's show, writing I Will Always Love You, and negotiating publishing rights. Her philosophy blends work, purpose and resilience as she faced health, age and business decisions.
Prime Minister Burnham has pledged a “partner for growth” role for government, hosting roundtables with business founders and executives to boost investment and regional growth. Economists warn of fiscal headwinds ahead of an October budget.