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Nvidia, Apple, and Tesla stocks soar as Trump halts new tariffs, offering respite to tech giants

2025-11-12 05:10:32

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Opencast misses £3.4m revenues following closure of partner start-up Swarm Energy

2025-11-12 07:56:46

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Raspberry Pi's profits halved in 2024 as stock price tumbles

2025-11-12 02:42:27

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Nvidia loses $273bn in market value as Trump tariffs bite

2025-12-03 11:07:22

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Newcastle biotech pioneer Nanovery seals £1.1m funding boost

2025-11-22 23:16:27

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Healthtech firm SiSU Health aims for European and Manchester growth with £1.25m investment from Praetura Ventures

2025-12-06 07:00:46

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Tech

Apple's UK privacy battle: Human rights groups slam government's demand to weaken security

2025-11-11 04:42:46

Two UK human rights groups, Liberty and Privacy International, have launched a legal challenge against the government's attempt to force tech giant Apple to compromise its security systems, citing a lack of transparency in the process. The government had sought to compel Apple to create a "back door" in its security systems, which the company has resisted, as reported by City AM. The groups have filed a complaint with the Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT), arguing that the demand infringes on users' rights to free speech and privacy. Caroline Wilson Palow, Privacy International's legal director, stated: "The UK's use of a secret order to undermine security for people worldwide is unacceptable and disproportionate." Apple is also contesting the order, issued under the Investigatory Powers Act (IPA), and has withdrawn its secure iCloud backup device from the UK market after receiving a "technical capability notice" (TCN) in January, which required the company to grant law enforcement access to encrypted iPhone backups. The human rights groups argue that the secrecy surrounding TCNs prevents accountability and transparency, and that Apple should be allowed to appeal against the order publicly. Apple has maintained that it has never built a "back door" or "We have never built a back door or master key to any of our products, and we never will" to its products and has no intention of doing so. Several media outlets have submitted requests to the Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT), pressing for proceedings to be conducted publicly. The matter has drawn reproach from American legislators who are calling on UK officials to adopt greater transparency with their Investigatory Powers Act (IPA) endeavours. Concerns have been raised that the clandestine nature of British government directives to top US tech companies undermines privacy and freedom of speech rights. This development comes on the heels of Apple's recent move to disable its intricate data protection services in the UK due to a quarrel with authorities regarding encryption and access to user information. Additionally, tech giants such as Apple, Google, and Meta face the challenge of substantial class action lawsuits lodged against them in the UK in recent times. In a parliamentary session back in February, Security Minister Dan Jarvis stated: "The suggestion that privacy and security are at odds is not correct; we can and must have both".

Tech

Hull tech firm launches wearable band to help hospitality workers manage tips

2025-11-19 03:22:17

Fintech start-up thankyü has launched a wearable tipping service that it says will help hospitality and service workers, musicians and gig workers to earn more tips and get paid faster. The concept involves a wristband - called a TipTap - worn by the server and an app installed on customers' phones. Customers then tap to tip and the money goes to the server's personal wallet. Hull-based thankyü has developed the idea using payments tech providers viva.com and Mastercard Move. It provides a downloadable financial record of tips which the firm says can help hospitality and service staff fill in self-assessment forms and use as a credit reference for loans. The tech was developed in response to legislation that came into force last year, which requires employs to share tips, gratuities and service charges fairly and transparently with employees. Staff can choose from two options: a pay-as-you-go system where they pay 5% of each tip transaction, or a version where they pay the equivalent cost of a tip per month and get cashback on their platform charges, a free TipTap band and a discounts card. Gerard Toplass, the entrepreneur behind thankyü, said: "This is a tough time for the hospitality and service industry. Rising National Insurance and reduced business rates relief will make it harder for businesses and an increasingly cashless society means there’s less money for physical tips that go straight to staff, which can account for 40% of their income. But surveys show over 80% of customers want to tip using their cards or integrated wallets but want to make sure the person serving them actually gets the tip. "That’s why we created thankyü. We want to ensure staff have the ability to keep up to 100% of their tips so they can earn more money and get paid faster. We want to treat hospitality and service staff as the key workers they are. Thankyü will allow staff to share their tips with co-workers, bandmates, family or friends and choose how they spend or save. We’ve even introduced a free weekly prize draw that will help to top up their tips. "For employers, thankyü is safe and secure and compliant with HMRC and the Tipping Act. It reduces the administrative burden of managing cash tips, will help staff recruitment and retention and saves them paying National Insurance as the tips go straight to the server. Thankyü will ensure staff finally get the credit they deserve for their excellent service.” Anna Lamb, founder and owner of the Nibble Café in Hull, where the platform has been trialled, said: “Currently we take tips through the handheld PDQ machine and people can add a percentage or a custom amount. We then add that up every day and like collectively add it up at the end of the week, which is then declared through payroll and it goes into the wages.

Tech

Newcastle body clock tech innovator Circadacare secures £500k investment

2025-12-04 07:13:42

A healthtech business that uses knowledge of people's natural body clock and neuroscience has landed £500,000 of investment. Circadacare, which moved into The Catalyst building at Newcastle Helix last year, has secured further backing from Northstar Ventures via £250,000 from the North East Innovation Fund, which is supported by the European Regional Development Fund. There was also investment from new and existing angels, as well as a grant from Innovate UK's North East digital launchpad scheme. The five-year-old firm's flagship product, Heleos, combines circadian lighting technology with monitoring capabilities and is intended to support independent living and reduce care costs. It comes in response to the country's ageing population, and the pressure that puts on the health and social system. Circadacare has identified that standard lighting used in homes, hospitals and supported living facilities can negatively impact the body's natural rhythm, which in turn effects patients' sleep, mood and cognition. That can increase the risk of falls. Heleos is an easy-to-install smart lamp that gathers data about movement and sound, determining when an intervention may be required and providing feedback to clinicians, carers and families. Circadacare is now working with local authorities, domiciliary care providers and care home operators and was awarded a grant from the Longitude Prize in Dementia in 2023, along with several healthy ageing grants from Innovate UK. Tom O’Neill, investment manager at Northstar Ventures, said: "We’re delighted to support Circadacare with further investment which will be used to deepen commercial partnerships with key customers and improve the quality of care received by users. Congratulations to Tallie and the wider Circadacare team." Tallie Bush, COO, Circadacare, said: "This funding comes at the perfect time for Circadacare. It enables us to accelerate our development roadmap and expand Heleos' capabilities based on the valuable feedback we've received from our early adopters. We're passionate about refining the technology that's already making a difference in elderly care settings. With Northstar Ventures' support, we can enhance our offering, building on our strong foundation to create even more powerful tools for older adults and their carers." The latest injection of funding from the North East Innovation Fund follows last year's £1.3m fund raise by Circadacare. That came alongside additional grants of £358,000 from Innovate UK through the Healthy Ageing Innovate UK grant and £80,000 that came from the Longitude Prize in Dementia.

Tech

UK tech sector falls out of top 10 as emerging superpowers take the lead

2025-11-23 23:35:39

The UK has fallen behind in the global tech race, now ranking 13th for tech competitiveness and trailing countries such as Ireland, Singapore and Australia. A new global index has revealed that not a single G7 nation – which includes the UK as one of the world's most industrialised nations – is in the top 10, signalling a concerning trend for Western economies traditionally viewed as leaders in technology. The Global STEM competitive index, produced by STEM consultancy SThree and the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr), points to several factors that have hindered the UK's tech stature. Despite London's status as a top European tech hub, the country's overall position has been compromised by significant underinvestment in crucial sectors, as reported by City AM. The inability to scale domestic startups and a shortage of tech talent are also impeding the UK's technological advancement. Tech authority and ex-government advisor Dr Sue Black OBE has called on the UK to "double down on fostering a tech positive culture before it is too late." She advocates for a nurturing entrepreneurial ecosystem that supports the UK in realising its full potential through a "tech-positive culture, championing investment, and providing long term policy stability." However, there are still positives. The UK ranks sixth in both high-tech exports and computer science university standings, indicating areas of strength within the sector. Universities such as Oxford, Cambridge and Imperial College London are globally renowned for their exceptional tech research contributions. The global tech scene, once dominated by the UK and its G7 counterparts, now tells a different story. Singapore, Australia and Ireland have surged ahead, outperforming the UK and other Western countries in crucial areas like education and investment in future tech. East Asian economies, notably South Korea, Japan and Singapore, are making significant strides in AI and deep tech, leading the way in AI patent filings. In contrast, the UK's AI sector has been hindered by funding shortfalls and regulatory uncertainty, with top talent and startups increasingly eyeing the US for better opportunities. This shift has already had a profound impact. The Wall Street sell-off of major US tech giants, which saw the 'magnificent seven' tech titans lose over $1tr in value due to Chinese AI-bot Deepseek, sent shockwaves through global markets. The ripple effects were felt by European tech companies like Germany's Infineon Technologies and Japan's SoftBank. The UK's tech sector, often dependent on US investment and partnerships, has also experienced the pinch. The UK government has expressed its ambition to position Britain as a global leader in tech and AI. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has pledged to support tech startups and boost private investment in innovation. However, industry experts caution that policy measures alone may not suffice. SThree's chief executive, Timo Lehne, highlighted the rankings as a "clear warning sign" for the UK and its fellow G7 countries. "Once the global epicentre for innovation, these countries are now facing stiff competition from emerging tech hubs. The challenge is no longer just maintaining their position, but ensuring they lead the charge in fostering innovation and nurturing the businesses that will drive the future of global technology."

Tech

SkinBioTherapeutics on firmer footing after acquisitions boost revenues

2025-11-16 12:03:26

Skin health innovator SkinBioTherapeutics is focussing on the launch of a new product in partnership with chemicals firm Croda as it reports a jump in revenue. The Newcastle-based life sciences firm says it has grown revenues to £1.58m and narrowed losses by 25% to £1.04m in the six months to the end of September, as it made a number of mergers and acquisitions to drive growth. The 10-year-old firm is poised to launch its SkinBiotix lysate product at a major cosmetics show in Amsterdam next month, having carried out successful trials with Croda - which makes ingredients for some of the world's biggest consumer brands. Shareholders are likely to see the impact of the work with Croda in the firm's full year end results, but bosses say the firm is already in a much stronger financial position thanks to two acquisitions in the past year. SkinBioTherapeutics bought St Ives-based Dermatonics in January last year, followed by Bio-Tech Solutions Ltd (BTS) in October. Together, the deals have boosted the Newcastle business' expertise and headcount. In the case of BTS, there was said to have been strong revenue increase since the acquisition. Directors say they are continuing the merger and acquisition strategy with an eye out for targets that could bring significant revenue and profit growth. Stuart Ashman, CEO of SkinBioTherapeutics plc, said: "Last year represented a drive for growth through the original corporate platform plus the acquisition of value-added businesses (the M&A strategy) to bring scale and synergies. The commercialisation by Croda of the SkinBiotix lysate has begun and we look forward to sharing the marketing information with shareholders upon its official launch in April. "AxisBiotix, targeting symptoms of psoriasis, continues to have a strong customer retention and we are focused on finding the best commercial form for our acne product, which received very positive feedback in the company's consumer study. "We also completed our second acquisition of the manufacturing and packaging company, BTS. The team's expertise in the health, hygiene and personal care products provides not only new sources of revenue and cash, but also offers an opportunity as a future development platform for our own topical products. With our first acquisition Dermatonics, integration is now complete and we are seeing traction for sales via the Umesh Modi Group partnership.

Tech

Welsh tech venture gets regulatory approval for in space advanced manufacturing satellite

2025-11-30 08:46:54

Cardiff-based venture Space Forge has secured regulatory approval to launch its pioneering satellite manufacturing next-generation super materials and advanced semiconductors in space. The start-up has secured the first UK licence for in-space advanced manufacturing (ISAM) from the Civil Aviation Authority with its ForgeStar-1 satellite set to launch later this year. This follows the ill-fated launch of the ForgeStar-0 on the aborted Virgin Orbit mission in 2023 from the Newquay spaceport in Cornwall. Space Forge’s demonstration of ForgeStar-1 will mark its next step in establishing a scalable, returnable, and re-launchable platform for manufacturing high-performance semiconductor materials in space, which could reduce manufacturing emissions by 75%. By harnessing the unique conditions of space - including microgravity, vacuum, and extreme temperature differentials - it is seeking to unlock the ability to manufacture materials that are impossible to produce on earth. These advancements have wide-reaching applications in semiconductors, quantum computing, clean energy, and defence technologies. Research suggests that manufacturing these materials in space could reduce Co2 emissions by 75% in high-value infrastructure - delivering breakthroughs in security, defence, and climate-focused innovation. ForgeStar-1 will also test the mechanics of the Pridwen shield - Space Forge’s innovative heat shield designed to facilitate safe, reusable satellite re-entry. Joshua Western, chief executive and co-founder of Space Forge, said: “This licence award is a key mission milestone and we’re looking forward to demonstrating how our scalable, reusable manufacturing platform can drive progress and benefits for us on earth. Space Forge is breaking new ground being the first UK company to achieve a licence for in-orbit manufacturing.” The ForgeStar-1 mission will validate the ForgeStar platform’s capability to deliver high-value materials from space while demonstrating key technologies essential for the future of in-orbit manufacturing.” Colin Macleod, head of the UK space regulator at the UK Civil Aviation Authority said: “This is a ground breaking licence for the UK space sector that paves the way for in orbit manufacturing and the amazing potential of this new industry. “Through our work with innovators in the space sector we are enabling exciting new space missions and supporting the industry to grow.” Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said: “Space Forge’s license is another resounding vote of confidence in the UK’s space sector, which has secured record levels of investment through the European Space Agency in the last quarter of 2024.

Tech

ASA clears Three over 'misleading' iPhone 16 Pro ads after Vodafone complaint

2025-11-28 19:43:54

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has ruled in favour of Three UK, dismissing Vodafone's claim that the mobile operator's advertisements for its iPhone 16 Pro deal were misleading. Vodafone had contended that the telecom competitor's assertion of providing 'The UK's best value unlimited iPhone deal' could potentially mislead customers into believing it was based on more than just cost, including aspects such as network coverage, trade-in options and warranties, as reported by City AM. However, after scrutinising the ads, the ASA determined that Three had clearly outlined the basis of its claim and did not violate any advertising regulations. The ruling analysed four ads promoting Three's iPhone 16 Pro offer across national newspapers, Meta, and its website. Each advertisement stated that customers could receive a discount on the iPhone by trading in an old one, with smaller print clarifying that Three's price was the lowest combined deal. Vodafone contested the ads on the grounds that 'best value' implied more than just the lowest price. However, the ASA disagreed, stating that customers would interpret the claim in the context of the ads, which were clearly centred on price and included direct comparisons with rival networks. The watchdog observed that a pricing breakdown always followed the phrase and that consumers would likely understand 'best value' to mean lowest cost, rather than quality. Three defended its ads by referring to its comparison page, which detailed what the ads referenced. The company contended that consumers would not interpret the claim as referring to network performance, trade-in options, or extra services, especially given the ads' strong focus on price. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) concurred with the telecommunications giant, determining that the advertisements were "unlikely to mislead" due to their clear communication regarding the 'best value' assertion. In the realm of telecoms advertising, misleading promotions have been under heightened scrutiny by regulatory bodies, particularly concerning claims of 'best value' and clarity in pricing. The ASA has, over recent years, resolved several complaints against various broadband and mobile operators, including BT and Virgin Media, for overstated speed assertions and ambiguous pricing structures. Previously in 2023, the ASA called out Three for an advertisement touting 'unlimited' mobile data without adequately disclosing potential speed limitations under certain conditions. Broadband firms have also faced criticism for not transparently indicating price hikes and contractual details in their marketing materials. Starting from January, Ofcom has mandated that any future inflation-related price increases must be explicitly stated within a customer's contract at the point of purchase.

Tech

UK technology secretary asks AI ChatGPT about businesses and podcasts

2025-11-25 16:38:37

Peter Kyle, the UK's technology secretary, has been utilising ChatGPT, an OpenAI chatbot tool, to ask questions about UK businesses, artificial intelligence (AI), and even podcast recommendations, according to a Freedom of Information (FoI) request submitted by New Scientist magazine. The magazine revealed that Kyle, who heads the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), has regularly used the chatbot in his professional capacity, as reported by City AM. Questions posed by Kyle included why UK small businesses are slow to adopt AI, which podcasts he should appear on to reach a broad audience, and definitions of terms such as antimatter, quantum, and digital inclusion. One data expert suggested to the magazine that DSIT's disclosure could set a "precedent" across government, expressing surprise at the release of the information. Initially, the department declined the FoI request, stating that Kyle's ChatGPT history contained personal prompts and responses. However, the magazine resubmitted the query, requesting only the prompts and responses made in an official capacity. This revelation comes as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer delivered a speech on civil service reform, announcing plans to abolish NHS England and emphasising the potential for wider use of AI within government as a "golden opportunity". Sir Keir Starmer has highlighted the potential for digital reform within government, suggesting it could lead to significant savings: "If we push forward with digital reform of government – and we are going to do that – we can make massive savings, £45bn savings in efficiency." The Prime Minister has also advocated for a new approach to government work, stating: "No person's substantive time should be spent on a task where digital or AI can do it better, quicker and to the same high quality and standard." Peter Kyle, meanwhile, has praised the capabilities of technology, sharing with PoliticsHome his use of ChatGPT: "I used ChatGPT to try and understand the broader context where an innovation came from, the people who developed it, the organisations behind them." He further commented on the utility of AI as a learning tool: "ChatGPT is fantastically good, and where there are things that you really struggle to understand in depth, ChatGPT can be a very good tutor for it." In a previous statement to The Times, the minister expressed his views on AI's educational benefits: "AI can tutor you. So for example, I can go into a chatbot and say 'What is quantum mechanics and what are its applications?', and it can come up with a description, it will tutor you." A Freedom of Information (FoI) response shared with New Scientist revealed ChatGPT's insights on why small and medium-sized businesses may be hesitant to adopt AI, listing factors such as "Limited Awareness and Understanding", "Regulatory and Ethical Concerns" and "Lack of Government or Institutional Support". ChatGPT highlighted the challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in adopting new technologies: "While the UK government has launched initiatives to encourage AI adoption, many SMBs are unaware of these programs or find them difficult to navigate." The AI also noted that "Compliance with data protection laws, such as GDPR [a data privacy law], can be a significant hurdle. SMBs may worry about legal and ethical issues associated with using AI." When queried about suitable podcasts for the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology to appear on, to engage a broader audience relevant to his ministerial duties, ChatGPT recommended The Infinite Monkey Cage and The Naked Scientists, citing their listener numbers. A government spokesperson offered insight into the minister's practices: "As the Cabinet Minister responsible for AI, the secretary of state does make use of this technology. ". The statement continued, emphasizing the consultative approach taken: "This does not substitute comprehensive advice he routinely receives from officials."

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Leeds cloud services firm virtualDCS acquired by private equity player MonacoSol

2025-11-23 23:09:20

Cardiff digital agency Spindogs delivering new GP surgery solution in England

2025-11-17 19:47:50

Sheffield sensor start up Phlux Technology seals £9m investment deal

2025-11-09 18:10:34

£5.75m investment for healthcare firm Functional Gut Group as it plans nationwide expansion

2025-12-02 10:29:39

UK government explores tech tax changes to avert US tariffs, Reeves confirms

2025-11-29 20:35:47

Data specialist founded ‘over pizza and beers’ wins investment from DSW Ventures

2025-11-11 14:28:11

North cybersecurity specialist Communicate snaps up Blaze Networks

2025-12-07 05:57:11

Losses narrow at tech firm Cirata in move from 'rescue to recovery'

2025-11-12 19:39:40

'Milestone' performance for Bristol tech company despite market challenges

2025-12-08 13:35:24

Aelius Biotech scientists raise £750,000 to expand overseas presence

2025-12-08 10:16:09