Lloyds Banking Group will phase out the Halifax brand, migrating all accounts to Lloyds branding by early 2027. While no branches will close, the move ends the 173-year-old former building society's presence on UK high streets and has drawn criticism from loyal customers.
Andy Burnham, a potential future UK prime minister, may raise taxes on slot machine shops and casinos by up to £460m, a move supported by a Social Market Foundation poll, to address concerns about the gambling industry's impact on vulnerable people.
Exclusive: Accessories chain will be reopened in the UK by its operator in France, Austria, Portugal and SpainThe jewellery and accessories chain Claire’s is expected to return to UK high streets with about 50 stores to be reopened from June onwards by the operator of its shops in France, Austria, Portugal and Spain.Julien Jarjoura, the French entrepreneur behind jewellery company Une Ligne, which sells online and via museum stores including the Louvre and the Palace of Versailles, said he had the blessing of the US owner of the Claire’s brand, Ames Watson, to open stores in the UK and was signing new leases with UK landlords. Continue reading...
A BBC investigation reveals Trading Standards officers across the UK face extreme threats from organized crime gangs running illegal mini-marts and vape shops. One officer, Mandy, received midnight death threats and had her car rammed twice, forcing her and her husband to move home. A CTSI survey shows 96% of front-line teams now deal with organized crime, with 70% facing threats or violence. The government has pledged £10m annually for three years and 120 new apprentices.
A BBC undercover investigation has revealed that mini-marts across four West Midlands towns are openly selling cocaine, cannabis, nitrous oxide and prescription drugs. Researchers were able to purchase illegal substances from shops in Cradley Heath, Dudley, Lye and Brierley Hill, with one law enforcement source describing one street as 'lawless'. The NCA and Trading Standards Institute confirm organised criminal gangs are exploiting shopfronts nationwide, with drugs found in over 70 shops across the UK.
