CMA probes Microsoft bundling; UK regulators keep watchdog energy cheap, fair, and fast. UK’s main competition authority, non-ministerial dept. #CMA
Several UK companies, including Topps Tiles, Wickes, and The Works, have announced strategic changes and financial results. Topps Tiles is closing stores to cut costs, Wickes plans store expansion, and The Works is shutting its online shop to focus on physical stores. These moves reflect broader economic pressures and operational adjustments.
As of April 2026, the UK government is managing the economic and diplomatic fallout from the US-Israel war on Iran, which has disrupted global oil supplies via the Strait of Hormuz. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faces strained relations with US President Donald Trump over UK non-involvement in offensive strikes. The government is implementing targeted cost-of-living support, including a £1 billion Crisis and Resilience Fund and energy price cap reductions, while urging de-escalation and closer ties with Europe.
The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched investigations into five companies, including Just Eat, Autotrader, Feefo, Dignity, and Pasta Evangelists, over concerns they may have violated consumer laws related to online reviews. The probes follow new laws banning fake, incentivized, and hidden negative reviews, with potential fines up to 10% of global sales.
Retail crime, rising energy costs, and geopolitical tensions are impacting UK retailers. Despite efforts to control prices, companies report increased costs and uncertain profits. The government is responding with police recruitment and legislation to address retail crime, while energy and supply chain issues continue to challenge the sector.
The CMA reports fuel margins have remained broadly steady since late February, with March showing margins near last year’s high levels. While some retailers have seen elevated margins, the watchdog says the overall picture is consistent with ongoing pressure from Middle East turmoil on wholesale costs. The RAC Foundation estimates drivers have shouldered substantial extra costs across petrol and diesel since the conflict began.
The UK Competition and Markets Authority has begun a fourth investigation under its new powers to assess whether Microsoft’s bundled software—including Windows, Word, Excel, Teams and Copilot—reduces competition. The CMA is also examining how AI competitors integrate with Microsoft’s business software and whether cloud licensing practices hinder competition. The review is due to conclude by February 2027.
The government has signalled it is considering voluntary price caps on essential groceries and is offering incentives to supermarkets, including easing packaging rules and delaying healthy-food changes. The moves follow Labour-backed measures and CMA reforms, with ministers saying they want to keep costs down for families amid ongoing inflation and global supply pressures.
The Treasury has sparked debate by discussing voluntary price caps on essentials, with M&S and other retailers pushing back. Ministers deny plans for mandatory caps while signaling potential measures to ease costs, amid ongoing inflation and competition in grocery markets.