Nationwide’s Bold Move to Acquire Virgin Money
The world of UK retail banking looks set to get a major shake-up as Nationwide Building Society gears up to acquire Virgin Money UK PLC in a £2.9 billion deal. The Competition and Markets Authority...
In the July 2024 King's Speech, Labour has proposed to renationalise the remaining elements of the industry under private sector control. This article explores the implications of nationalizing a...
The British pound has hit its highest level against the US dollar in a year, driven by investor expectations that UK interest rates will stay high. This change is tied to stubborn inflation,...
What's Brewing at Pret?
Pret a Manger has decided to shake things up with its subscription model, causing a stir among coffee lovers. Previously, the subscription allowed members to enjoy five free drinks a day and a 20%...
Green Zambia: Financing a liveable future
An excellent article here from the World Bank's blog on financing green investment in copper-rich Zambia.
Data from Zapmap reported here reveals that a new public charger was installed every 25 minutes during the spring quarter of 2024, indicating a rapid pace of deployment to meet growing demand.
VoxDev has published new research showing the impact of minimum wages on consumption in the Chinese economy. It is a very useful example of the importance of the marginal propensity to consume when...
Business Demerger: Pernod Ricard sells some big wine brands
Here is a really good example of a demerger in the global drinks industry. The example is suitable for all students taking their A-Level and IB economics.
This article from BBC news reports on the concerns expressed by Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), about the rise of protectionist policies and the...
UK economy - Reeves announces new UK National Wealth Fund
Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, has announced the establishment of a £7.3 billion National Wealth Fund (NWF) as part of the newly elected Labour government's initiative to stimulate infrastructure...
Economics Annual Quiz | 2023 - 2024
Here's a quick quiz for your remaining students on events that have taken place in the economics world since the academic year started in September 2023. The quiz includes 10 questions - how many...
This BBC clip looks at the ubiquity of Amazon, on the 30th anniversary of the company's emergence, and wonders whether it can continue to grow as it has in its first 30 years of existence.
Business Economics - Two Mega Mergers!
Carlsberg has bought Robinson squash manufacturer Britvic, looking to diversify its business away from alcoholic in favour of non-alcoholic beverages. At the same time, Carlsberg have bought out...
Tim Harford's well-received, hard-hitting documentary about the problems facing the UK economy is now available to view on YouTube. Tim's assessment looks at the cost of living crisis, the truth...
In the News Teaching Activity – a new government but how much will this affect economic policy? (July 2024)
Students will, no doubt, have noted that the UK has a new government. How will the Labour government tackle the economic problems facing the UK economy?
Many students will know of the business Shein, a firm founded in China, which has grown into a veritable giant in the world of fast fashion. Its entrepreneurial founder, Xu Yangtian, is one of...
In the News Teaching Activity – what are the UK’s strengths in international trade? (July 2024)
UK in a Changing Europe have scrutinised the UK’s recent trade performance and found some strengths in the changing pattern of trade post-Brexit.
In the News Teaching Activity – which industries and countries in Europe are attracting the most Chinese inward FDI? (June 2024)
MERICS explores the pattern of Chinese foreign direct investment (FDI) here. The report finds China’s greenfield investment in electric vehicles has become most important, with much concentrated in...
In the News Teaching Activity – is UK inflation going to stay in its target range? (June 2024)
In this Economics Observatory article, the prospects for the future of UK inflation are given close consideration. Is inflation likely to stay within one percentage point of its 2% target?
UK poised to have our first female Chancellor
In a little under two weeks, there will be a change of government and Rachel Reeves will become our first female Chancellor of the Exchequer. The risk averse approach of the Labour Party to fiscal...