Supermarkets in England could face fines if they fail to meet new health standards aimed at reducing obesity. As part of a 10-year strategy to combat diet-related diseases, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is rolling out a “healthy food standard” for retailers and manufacturers.

The policy, initially developed by Nesta, introduces health targets for retailers with flexibility in meeting them. Options include adjusting recipes, running promotions on healthier items, or redesigning store layouts. Supermarkets will be required to report sales data, and those not meeting the targets may incur financial penalties.

Nesta analysed 36 million supermarket transactions and set a target of raising the average health score of shopping baskets from 67 to 69 out of 100. This increase, according to Nesta’s modelling, could reduce obesity rates by 20% within three years, helping over three million people reach a healthier weight.

The government plans to implement mandatory reporting by 2029, with the full health standard expected to be achieved thereafter. Retail leaders have expressed support for the initiative, emphasising its role in fostering healthier eating habits across the nation.

UK industrial companies are set to face a £685 million increase in property taxes, which could offset the recent reductions in energy bills aimed at improving their competitiveness. A new business rates levy, affecting approximately 4,300 large industrial properties in key sectors such as automotive, aerospace, and chemicals, will take effect in April 2026. This levy is part of the broader business rates revaluation, which aims to fund tax breaks for the high street retail, leisure, and hospitality sectors.

This move follows the government’s recent announcement of energy cost cuts for energy-intensive businesses, including the removal of green levies, which is expected to benefit over 7,000 firms. While some sectors, such as steel and chemicals, will receive additional support through reduced network charges, the new property tax increases are expected to offset these benefits.

Experts argue that the UK’s industrial strategy lacks cohesion, with one hand offering energy savings and the other imposing higher property taxes. The country already has some of the highest property taxes in the developed world, and critics warn that this could undermine the effectiveness of the government’s energy support plans.

The government maintains that its approach will create a fairer system for businesses, but industry leaders are calling for a more unified strategy that addresses the full cost burden faced by industrial firms.

The UK government has unveiled a new initiative aimed at attracting top-tier global researchers and innovators, supported by a £54 million fund. This move comes as part of the country’s broader strategy to enhance its competitive edge in key sectors like science, technology, and engineering.

The Global Talent Taskforce, formed as part of the government’s industrial strategy, is designed to target and attract world-class talent, including researchers, entrepreneurs, and high-calibre professionals. By fostering connections between international networks and the UK’s growing industries, the taskforce aims to strengthen the nation’s innovation capabilities. This initiative is aligned with the government’s ambition to create more skilled jobs and support economic growth.

The £54 million Global Talent Fund will be allocated over the next five years, funding relocation and research costs for researchers and their teams. Leading universities and research institutions will oversee the fund’s distribution, ensuring that the most suitable candidates are selected to contribute to strategic UK industries. In addition, new fast-track research grant routes, backed by organisations like the Royal Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering, will help attract international talent in AI and green technology.

This combined effort demonstrates the UK’s determination to remain a global leader in innovation, with over £115 million of funding dedicated to recruiting the world’s brightest minds.

Evri is rolling out a vast network of 10,000 smart parcel lockers across the UK, as part of a £50 million investment aimed at improving delivery convenience. The lockers, available 24/7 for both parcel pick-ups and returns, come in response to growing demand for flexible delivery options. The company has already seen a remarkable 500% rise in locker usage over the past year.

With plans to have 2,000 lockers operational by Christmas 2025, Evri aims to complete the rollout by 2030. The lockers will feature advanced technology, including label printers, drop boxes, and parcel detection sensors, designed to streamline the final delivery stage and cut costs.

The expansion also supports Evri’s broader commitment to sustainability, offering an alternative to doorstep deliveries, which can be resource-intensive. Alongside this initiative, Evri will continue expanding its ParcelShop network, providing more drop-off and collection points across the UK.

As the company grows, it’s also set to enter the UK business letter market through its recent merger with DHL’s e-commerce arm. While this move strengthens Evri’s competitive position, it is being reviewed by UK regulators due to potential concerns over market dominance.

Vivergo Fuels, the UK’s largest bioethanol producer, is at a crossroads following the recent UK-US trade deal. The Hull-based plant, which turns locally grown wheat into bioethanol, is on the brink of shutting down due to the removal of tariffs on US ethanol imports. The deal has made it impossible for Vivergo to compete with the cheaper, heavily subsidised US ethanol, and without government intervention, the plant could cease production before September 13.

The company, owned by Associated British Foods (ABF), has begun talks with the UK Government, recognising the strategic importance of maintaining a domestic bioethanol supply. These negotiations offer some hope, but Vivergo has already started consulting with its 160-strong workforce about the potential closure. The plant is not only a major bioethanol producer but also the UK’s largest animal feed production site, indirectly supporting thousands of jobs across the Humber and Lincolnshire regions.

Vivergo’s commitment to sustainable fuels remains strong, with a £1.25 billion deal signed with Meld Energy to develop a Sustainable Aviation Fuel facility at the Hull site. This underscores the plant’s potential to be a key player in clean energy, despite the current challenges posed by the trade deal.

The Government has pledged to continue working closely with Vivergo to explore solutions and protect both jobs and supply chains, but the clock is ticking for the plant’s future.