Business News

easyJet has announced a new direct service from Birmingham to City of Derry Airport, becoming the only carrier operating the route.

The London Blockchain events series will be hosting its first Finance Summit in partnership with Clifford Chance, Tokenovate, Global Digital Finance and European Blockchain Association.

The groundbreaking event set for 3 June 2025 in Canary Wharf, London will bring together industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers at the intersection of blockchain technology and finance. As the financial sector continues to evolve amidst rapid technological advancements, this summit presents a unique opportunity to explore how blockchain is reshaping the future of finance. 

From revolutionising payment systems to transforming asset management, delegates will experience a day of insightful discussions, networking, and hands-on learning, all designed to equip them with the knowledge and connections necessary to thrive in this dynamic landscape. 

The panel discussions will cover key topics, including:

• How blockchain is revolutionising payments, asset management, and operational resilience
• Comprehensive guide to regulatory changes across the UK, EU, and US and the impact on the finance industry
• The rise of digital currencies, stablecoins, and CBDCs, and what they mean for different organisations
• How to integrate blockchain with legacy financial systems and measure real ROI

Alex Stein, Conference Director, London Blockchain said: "Blockchain is no longer just a buzzword; it is actively and rapidly transforming the way financial services operate, from payments to regulatory compliance.

“Blockchain is reshaping finance, and this summit will focus on what really matters to anyone in the financial sector such as real-world impact and the future of financial services. The summit will be a day of practical insights, actionable strategies, and real-world case studies."

The summit will feature spokespeople from major global organisations, including:

• Paul Landless, Partner at Clifford Chance
• Sabih Behzad, Managing Director, Head of Digital Assets and Currencies Transformation at Deutsche Bank
• Bilal Jafar, Hedge Fund & Crypto Correspondent at Dow Jones
• Emma Lovett, Executive Director – Markets DLT at J.P. Morgan
• Konstantinos Adamos, Group Lead Legal Counsel at Revolut

The full day session, which is free to register, will provide a unique opportunity to learn from industry pioneers driving blockchain adoption and discover how blockchain enhances transparency, compliance and efficiency and can transform the financial system to meet future demands. Representatives from Vodafone, Credit Suisse, Schroders and UBS amongst others will also be speaking at the event.

Interested parties can register for a complimentary pass to attend this innovative event that will bring together industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers at the intersection of blockchain technology and finance. At the London Blockchain Conference, we show how Blockchain will change the world and help people see another way to manage data, build scalable on-chain solutions and achieve great things.

They do this by creating valuable, insightful, and engaging events that educate and inform, allowing you to connect and network to build strong business relationships. Their conference is the best avenue to see blockchain innovations, big ecosystem announcements, new product launches, technology updates, keynote speeches, panels, and fireside chats from blockchain leaders.

As the new Government seeks to deliver on its mandate, many firms are sceptical that Government will achieve what it has promised.

Working people and businesses in the West Midlands are due to benefit from the government’s drive to kickstart growth that is felt across the UK.

City of Wolverhampton Council will next month (April) launch its latest round of business grants to support Wolverhampton businesses with capital investment and low carbon projects.

The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) and Q Invest are pleased to announce a partnership dedicated to advancing professional standards and lifelong learning for QInvest financial services practitioners and employees.

The Chancellor responded to the ONS’s UK Economic Accounts: October to December 2024, which shows the latest data on Real Household Disposable Income - the central measure for living standards. 

The name WH Smith, a staple of UK town centres since the Victorian era, is set to disappear from the High Street after the firm agreed to sell its shops to Hobbycraft-owner Modella Capital.

In response to the Chancellor’s Spring Statement, Raj Kandola, director of external affairs at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “Businesses will breathe a sigh of relief that the Chancellor hasn’t chosen to clobber them with further tax hikes given the additional cost pressures that many are dealing with following the announcements she made last October.

Shakespeare Martineau partner Lucy Haynes has been recognised for balancing the demands of a legal career with life as a mother-of-three – including a daughter with complex medical needs – at this year’s Women and Diversity in Law Awards.

Thousands of new homes will be unlocked on surplus public defence land to speed up the delivery of housing for hard-working people and families, thanks to a new taskforce to remove the blockers, build homes and turbocharge economic growth. 

The UK Chancellor has promise to deliver “security for working people” and a “decade of national renewal”, as she revealed how the Government will put advanced weaponry in the hands of British troops, provide better homes for military families and kickstart economic growth through the ‘Plan for Change’. 

Law firm Sydney Mitchell has hired Sharon Levell as HR Manager to drive and deliver its people strategy, employee engagement and support, and recruitment and retention policies.

Multidisciplinary firm adi Group’s Facilities Engineering (FE) division is investing in continued growth through a newly appointed sales team.

Helping hard working families get safe and secure homes and kickstarting economic growth are driving the Government’s agenda, as the Chancellor and Deputy Prime Minister today (Tuesday 25 March) announced up to 18,000 new social and affordable homes will be built with a £2 billion injection of investment to deliver the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change.

Responds to Bank of England interest rates decision, Lily Megson (pic), Policy Director at My Pension Expert, said: “The ongoing geo-political turbulence coupled with domestic tax reforms continue to fuel economic uncertainty; the Bank of England has clearly decided not to throw petrol on the flames.

“Whilst the decision carries a hint of stability, it does little to ease the financial strain on savers. The cost-of-living crisis lingers, and with inflation remaining elevated – with possible increases announced next week – the value of Britons’ hard-earned savings continues to erode.

“At the same time, uncertainty around future policy changes makes it increasingly difficult for people to plan their long-term finances with confidence. With no clear direction on savings, pensions, or retirement support, many will be left second-guessing their next steps.

“While the Central Bank has avoided adding fuel to the fire, the government must now take decisive action. Simply waiting for interest rates to cool inflation is not a plan. Savers need consistency and support to restore confidence in their financial future.

“With the Chancellor’s Spring Statement fast approaching, we can only hope for a renewed focus on ensuring people can save enough for a secure financial future. A good place to start would be improving access to financial education and independent advice because at the moment, too many people are left without the guidance they need to face the current uncertainty.”