As the cost-of-living crisis continues to sweep through the country, there’s so much to stay on top of with every person and industry likely to be impacted in one way or another. We take a look at some of the issues arising as a result in this week’s round-up.

The adventures of Cuthbert the Caterpillar and the backlash following the European Super League announcement are just two of the big commercial news stories this week. But how can you analyse these stories with a commercial mindset? Remember, there are various techniques (eg, PESTLE), which will help you on your way – read the summaries of this week’s news story picks below.

Is TUPE still fit for purpose?

What are regulators doing to combat the rise in scammers targeting members of the public during the covid-19 pandemic?

The court battle over Apple’s App Store continues, and ministers and technology companies are set to meet to discuss how AI could be used to tackle violence in prisons. Meanwhile, the warm weather has helped retailer Next boost its sales and British Steel has announced a hiring drive, following a government intervention into production.

Mmm, chocolate! Very soon, one of our most recognisable and iconic chocolates is going to have a slight identity change.

In a major blow to the UK’s environmental standards, the country’s post-Brexit environmental watchdog has uncovered a serious breach of environmental laws, finding that key authorities have failed to properly regulate sewage discharges by water companies.

Fast fashion is on the rise, and brands are coming up with trends and new collections faster than ever.

Jeremy Clarkson is under fire, warm banks are popping up across the UK, the high court has found the deportation of migrants to Rwanda to be legal, Boris Johnson is making millions through public speaking, and the day where you can take a two-litre bottle of water or a full-sized shampoo on a plane is finally coming.

The Chancellor's surprise announcement in his Budget speech of new tax rules for trusts generated a furore in the specialist press and among private client lawyers. What's all the fuss about?

Manchester City launches legal action against the Premier League, while TikTok and Ticketmaster experience cyberattacks that may have compromised the personal data of millions of clients, including celebrities and brands. Plus, an Irish takeaway chain has won a major trademark battle against McDonald’s, and researchers are using AI to help reduce animal testing. Read this week’s commercial news round-up to find out more.

Crypto and wills: what are the practical difficulties lawyers should be aware of?

Rachel Reeves has announced that the autumn budget will be released at the end of November and TMW Solicitors LLP has outlined that changes to the Employment Rights Bill may cost businesses an extra £80 million annually. Meanwhile, Google has been fined $425 million in a data privacy case and Coca-Cola is reportedly considering divesting Costa coffee due to declining performance. 

What is Islamic finance?

As we continue to read about the ongoing rescue efforts in Turkey, we’ve put together a short summary of five commercial news stories that should be on your radar for this week’s round-up.

‘Reasonable adjustments’ are the changes employers make to the workplace or to processes to remove a disadvantage relating to an employee’s disability.

What next for seafarers? 

In July 2024, Waterstones was criticised for dismissing Tilly Fitzgerald, a bookseller and book influencer, who told author Christina Dalcher on X (formally Twitter) that she was “going to throw away her books” in response to Dalcher’s gender-critical beliefs.

What are capital markets and what’s going on at the moment?