Latest news with #DepartmentforBusinessandTrade
Scotsman
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Jessie Nixon explores ambition, class and confession in Don't Make Me Regret This
Jessie Nixon brings her debut hour Don't Make Me Regret This to Assembly George Square Gardens this summer, marking a confident step forward for a comic already making waves on the UK circuit. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Directed by Edinburgh Comedy Award winner Lauren Pattison, the show draws on Nixon's unusual upbringing, complex relationship with ambition, and a healthy dose of wry self-awareness. Recently named one of Chortle's Hot Shots for 2025, Nixon has supported the likes of Fern Brady, Helen Bauer and Lou Sanders, and brings club-honed material with theatrical flair to her first full Fringe run. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Her debut is a mix of stand-up, songs and the occasional poem, shaped by her own story. Raised by a single mother and homeschooled for several years before experiencing everything from boarding school to state comps, Nixon describes her background as 'impoverished bohemia' a term that gives some clue as to the tone of the hour. Jessie Nixon The show looks at how that upbringing shaped her work ethic, her social identity, and her feelings about success. She juggles life as a full-time comedian with a day job at the Department for Business and Trade, training diplomats and negotiators, a surprising detail that adds another layer to her sharp, observant perspective. Themes of feminism, body image and class run throughout. Though Nixon speaks openly about weight loss and her desire to be seen as attractive, she balances this with reflections on self-discipline, identity and the expectations placed on women. Audience confessions are invited during the show, with Nixon offering her own in return – including stories of polyamory, religious guilt and strange social media encounters. There's also a serious note. In 2023, a work-in-progress version of the show was overshadowed by an incident in which Nixon was assaulted while flyering. That experience is acknowledged, alongside a wider conversation about performer safety at the Fringe. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad With her warm delivery and dry wit, Nixon is an engaging performer who isn't afraid to be honest. Her material is thoughtful without being heavy-handed, and personal without losing its broader appeal.
South Wales Argus
a day ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Foreign investment drives job growth and confidence in Wales
Wales secured 65 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in 2024-25, according to new data from the Department for Business and Trade. That is up 23 per cent on the previous year and the second highest rise of any UK nation or region. The investments have created 2,470 new jobs, marking a 30 per cent increase from 2023-24. Halton Flamgard, which is part of the Finish Halton Group, has relocated to the recently completed RYB1 unit in Ebbw Vale following an £8.9 million investment by Welsh Government in the low carbon facility. Part of a planned expansion, it will see employee numbers at the company go from 70 to 168 by 2028. Rebecca Evans, cabinet secretary for economy, energy and planning, said: "Despite political and economic factors impacting growth globally, Wales has again seen a significant increase in foreign investment. "There has been a large increase in jobs created through FDI in 2024-25 and the continuing growth of 'new' investment into Wales has reached a nine-year high. "This is proof that our proactive approach to promoting Wales globally as a great place to do business is delivering. "From Delhi to San Diego we have further raised the profile of Wales as an outstanding investment destination with key sectors that boast world-class capabilities." A total of 1,652 jobs were also safeguarded through foreign investment—the highest number recorded across the UK. The Welsh Government supports investors by promoting the country's core strengths at industry events and providing guidance on locations, workforce, business networks, and academic links. First Minister Eluned Morgan said: "Creating high quality jobs in key sectors is a priority for this government, and attracting overseas investment is a key part of our economic strategy. "We are focused as a government on economic growth, and these figures highlight the confidence investors are showing in the Welsh economy. "Our International Investment Summit later this year will provide a further opportunity to showcase Wales to the world and attract even more investment into Wales."
Economic Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
UK's global trade outlook sees India as Asia's 'standout growth engine'
AI generated image As the "standout growth engine" in Asia, India is projected to be the third largest economy in the world by 2028, and the recent Free Trade Agreement (FTA) offer British businesses a "major advantage" over their international competitors, the UK's new trade strategy and outlook have said. The 'UK's Trade Strategy' and an accompanying 'Global Trade Outlook 2025' released by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) on Wednesday spotlights the trade deal with India, concluded early last month, as the centrepiece of the Labour government's approach to utilising FTAs as an important tool to meet its economic growth agenda. "Asia is expected to benefit from standout growth from India and a new generation of fast-growing emerging markets," reads the outlook. "Asia's centre of growth is expected to shift from China to India and other emerging markets, while Africa's demographic boom could drive high growth if job creation can keep pace with population growth," it notes. About the FTA, the trade strategy points out that the "comprehensive agreement" with India is reflective of the "transformative" impact that Free Trade Agreements can make. It reads: "For example, the UK-India FTA is a landmark trade deal that will drive growth and boost trade with one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. As soon as the deal comes into force, UK products will benefit from a saving of up to an estimated GBP 400 million a year, from India cutting its tariffs on existing trade alone, which could increase to around GBP 900 million a year after staging over 10 years. "And that's before factoring in the savings from speedier and easier trade from improved customs and digital commitments. This immediate relief represents a major advantage our businesses will enjoy over their international competitors." The trade strategy, which complements an Industrial Strategy released earlier this week, is aimed at setting a clear direction for the government's growth and job creation goals. "What works for business, works for Britain. It means more jobs, more opportunities, and more money in people's pockets. That's why I've backed British industry through global headwinds - securing major trade deals with the US, India and the EU that protect jobs and drive growth right across the country," said British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. "Broad and complex trade deals like we secured with India will bring billions to our economy every year but to deliver the Plan for Change we will strike more agile, targeted deals that exploit the sectors which drive the most growth for our economy," added Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds. The strategy reiterates the "huge economic win" from the India FTA, which "slashes Indian tariffs on key products such as whisky, cosmetics and medical devices, locking in reductions on 90 per cent of tariff lines for UK exports to unleash opportunities for businesses across our regions and nations". "Furthermore, it delivers certainty for service suppliers, including non-discrimination commitments to support new opportunities. It delivers on our Plan for Change and is expected to increase bilateral trade by GBP 25.5 billion, increase UK GDP by GBP 4.8 billion, and boost wages by GBP 2.2 billion every year in the long run," the strategy adds. The India-UK deal is expected to be officially signed off at the end of next month following the obligatory parliamentary clearance in Britain. "We in India have a much faster process, comparatively, so we'll be ready as soon as the legal scrubbing is done and the document is sorted out," Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal had said during his UK visit last week to discuss the next steps in the FTA.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
UK's global trade outlook sees India as Asia's 'standout growth engine'
India is set to become the world's third-largest economy by 2028. A new trade deal between the UK and India gives British businesses an edge. The UK-India FTA aims to boost trade and economic growth. UK products will see tariff reductions, saving businesses millions. The deal is expected to increase bilateral trade significantly. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads As the "standout growth engine" in Asia, India is projected to be the third largest economy in the world by 2028, and the recent Free Trade Agreement (FTA) offer British businesses a "major advantage" over their international competitors, the UK's new trade strategy and outlook have 'UK's Trade Strategy' and an accompanying 'Global Trade Outlook 2025' released by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) on Wednesday spotlights the trade deal with India, concluded early last month, as the centrepiece of the Labour government's approach to utilising FTAs as an important tool to meet its economic growth agenda."Asia is expected to benefit from standout growth from India and a new generation of fast-growing emerging markets," reads the outlook."Asia's centre of growth is expected to shift from China to India and other emerging markets, while Africa's demographic boom could drive high growth if job creation can keep pace with population growth," it the FTA, the trade strategy points out that the "comprehensive agreement" with India is reflective of the "transformative" impact that Free Trade Agreements can reads: "For example, the UK-India FTA is a landmark trade deal that will drive growth and boost trade with one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. As soon as the deal comes into force, UK products will benefit from a saving of up to an estimated GBP 400 million a year, from India cutting its tariffs on existing trade alone, which could increase to around GBP 900 million a year after staging over 10 years."And that's before factoring in the savings from speedier and easier trade from improved customs and digital commitments. This immediate relief represents a major advantage our businesses will enjoy over their international competitors."The trade strategy, which complements an Industrial Strategy released earlier this week, is aimed at setting a clear direction for the government's growth and job creation goals."What works for business, works for Britain. It means more jobs, more opportunities, and more money in people's pockets. That's why I've backed British industry through global headwinds - securing major trade deals with the US, India and the EU that protect jobs and drive growth right across the country," said British Prime Minister Keir Starmer."Broad and complex trade deals like we secured with India will bring billions to our economy every year but to deliver the Plan for Change we will strike more agile, targeted deals that exploit the sectors which drive the most growth for our economy," added Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan strategy reiterates the "huge economic win" from the India FTA, which "slashes Indian tariffs on key products such as whisky, cosmetics and medical devices, locking in reductions on 90 per cent of tariff lines for UK exports to unleash opportunities for businesses across our regions and nations"."Furthermore, it delivers certainty for service suppliers, including non-discrimination commitments to support new opportunities. It delivers on our Plan for Change and is expected to increase bilateral trade by GBP 25.5 billion, increase UK GDP by GBP 4.8 billion, and boost wages by GBP 2.2 billion every year in the long run," the strategy India-UK deal is expected to be officially signed off at the end of next month following the obligatory parliamentary clearance in Britain."We in India have a much faster process, comparatively, so we'll be ready as soon as the legal scrubbing is done and the document is sorted out," Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal had said during his UK visit last week to discuss the next steps in the FTA.
Associated Press
2 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
CITY WEEK 2025 – Where the International Financial Services Community Meets
LONDON, ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM, June 26, 2025 / / -- More than 1,000 top-level senior decision-makers from UK and overseas financial institutions will be descending on London to attend City Week 2025 – the 15th International Financial Services Forum, which will take place on 30 June – 2 July 2025 at the Royal Garden Hotel in London. Organised under a partnership between the UK Government's Department for Business and Trade, the City of London Corporation, TheCityUK, UK Finance and City & Financial Global, the forum is widely regarded as the premier gathering of the international financial services community. The programme reflects the boardroom agendas of leading financial institutions from across the world and comprises three separately bookable summits: 30 June – Day One The Net Zero Finance Innovation Summit It explores how to reconcile the competing requirements of a pro-growth agenda, energy security and net zero against the backdrop of a rapidly warming planet. The case for the energy transition and decarbonisation is overwhelming for purely economic reasons. Against this background, this day brings together government ministers, regulators and leaders of financial institutions from across the world to discuss the huge opportunity that financing energy transition and decarbonisation presents, as well as the latest innovations in financing net zero. Speakers include: Emma Reynolds MP, Economic Secretary to the Treasury and City Minister, HM Treasury; Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds MP, Secretary of State for Business and Trade; Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity; Tim Adams, President and CEO, The Institute of International Finance; and Juergen Maier, Chair, Great British Energy Sir Douglas Flint CBE, Chair, abrdn. 1 July – Day Two The AI and Digital Innovation Summit This summit explores the real-world applications of Gen AI for financial institutions and the huge potential for the industry of the next phase of AI, Agentic AI. It will also provide a detailed analysis of all the related issues, including regulation, data governance, AI infrastructure, the impact on financial markets and specific financial products, international developments and risk management. Top AI experts will share their insights, global regulators will discuss emerging AI regulation and financial services leaders will discuss current and future AI applications. Speakers include: Rt Hon Peter Kyle MP, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology; Darren Hardman, CEO, Microsoft UK; Leon Butler, General Manager, UK and Ireland, IBM; Zahra Bahrololoumi CBE, CEO, Salesforce UK and Ireland; and Vishal Marria, CEO and Founder, Quantexa 2 July – Day Three The Digital Assets Innovation Summit Digital assets, tokenisation and cryptocurrencies are developing quickly. The U.S. is very supportive of crypto, while the UK and other jurisdictions are establishing their own regimes. The tokenisation of financial assets through distributed ledgers and blockchain will shift the way that assets are managed and leveraged, while digital assets will transform the way that capital and financial markets work. This international summit brings together innovators and traditional financial firms to map out the future of financial markets and the challenges ahead. Speakers include: The Honorable Caroline D. Pham, Acting Chairman, U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission; Hester Peirce, Commissioner, US Securities and Exchange Commission; Sarah Pritchard, Executive Director, Financial Conduct Authority; Sasha Mills, Executive Director, Financial Market Infrastructure, Bank of England; Ryan Hayward, Head of Digital Assets and Strategic Investments, Barclays; and Dr Robert Oleschak, Advisor and Member of the Management Board, Swiss National Bank Packed with high-level keynote addresses and thought-provoking panel discussions, the speakers at the three summits include a list of over 100 well-known names from the global financial services industry, the world of politics and the international regulatory community. A full list of speakers and the event programme can be found at Maurice Button, Chief Executive of City Week, said: 'At a time of significant change in geopolitics, international trading patterns and potentially the global financial architecture, City Week offers delegates a unique opportunity to hear the insights of 100+ eminent speakers drawn from the international financial services industry on financing net zero, the AI revolution and the emergence of digital assets and crypto into the mainstream of financial services.' Please confirm your attendance by email (indicating which Summit you wish to attend). If you would like to interview any of the speakers ahead of or during the event, please let us know and we will be delighted to assist you. Notes for Editors City Week is the leading forum for the international financial services community. Taking place in person and with virtual access, City Week 2025 will build on the success of previous editions of the event, all of which have attracted over 1,000 delegates from more than 60 countries around the world. It will consist of three summits, social events and networking opportunities, with a strong focus on the latest developments in financing net zero, the impact of AI on the financial services industry, and tokenisation and institutional adoption of digital assets. Attendance is by invitation only and the majority of the delegates are CEOs and main board directors of the world's largest banks, investment managers and insurance companies. The balance is made up of senior representatives from international regulators, national treasury departments and multinational corporations that use international financial services. Paul Hooper City & Financial Global email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn YouTube X Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
