UK launches Scale UK Connect pilot to help 200 scale-ups grow and stay in Britain
The UK government is launching Scale UK Connect, an 18-month pilot worth £3.4 million that will give 200 high-growth companies expert account management, tailored advice, investor connections and international trade opportunities over a 12-month programme of support.
The pilot will be led by growth agency London & Partners, with regional partners in Manchester, the West Midlands, Yorkshire, the South West and Scotland. Applications are open until January 2027, with the cohort formally launching in February 2027.
UK Science Minister Chris McDonald said the scheme will give companies "the expert advice, investor connections and global opportunities they need to grow here, stay here, and create good jobs and growth in every postcode."
The government said UK tech start-ups raised $17bn in the first half of 2026, more than France, Germany and Sweden combined, but that too many promising businesses stall as they try to grow due to lack of advice, capital or connections.
The announcement
Government writes to English councils on Household Energy Payment 2027
The government has issued a council tax information letter to local authorities in England providing initial information on the Household Energy Payment 2027 and next steps for its delivery. Further details are available in the full letter published on GOV.UK.
Ajman Transport Authority wins Open-Loop Pioneer 2026 Award in South Africa
Ajman Transport Authority received the Open-Loop Pioneer 2026 Award at the O-CITY 2026 Conference in South Africa. The award recognises the authority's adoption and implementation of an Open-Loop Payment System within the UAE's public transport network, which allows passengers to pay fares using bank cards. The authority was cited for enabling flexible payment options, simplifying service procedures, and improving public transport efficiency. The achievement aligns with Ajman Government's broader push for innovation and digital transformation.
സ്വർണവില ഉടൻ കുറയില്ല: മുത്തൂറ്റ് എംക്രെഡ് സിഇഒ പി.ഇ. മത്തായി
സ്വർണവില സമീപകാലത്ത് കുത്തനെ ഇടിയാൻ സാധ്യതയില്ലെന്ന് മുത്തൂറ്റ് എംക്രെഡ് സിഇഒ പി.ഇ. മത്തായി. കേന്ദ്രബാങ്കുകൾ സ്വർണം വാങ്ങിക്കൂട്ടുന്നതിനാൽ വില ഉയർന്ന നിലയിൽ തുടരുമെന്നാണ് വിലയിരുത്തൽ. അടിയന്തര പണാവശ്യങ്ങൾക്ക് സ്വർണം വിൽക്കുന്നതിനു പകരം പണയംവയ്ക്കുന്നതാണ് നല്ലതെന്നും 85% വരെ വായ്പ ലഭിക്കുമെന്നും കൊച്ചിയിലെ മനോരമ സമ്പാദ്യം ബിസിനസ് സമ്മിറ്റിൽ അദ്ദേഹം പറഞ്ഞു.
Gold prices are unlikely to fall sharply soon, says Muthoot MCred CEO P.E. Mathai.
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