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Irish Engineers Profit from AI Boom with Major Data Centre Deals

Irish engineering firms like TES Group and LotusWorks are profiting from the AI boom through major data centre deals, with Philip O'Doherty's £2.5bn sale of E&I Engineering marking the most lucrative transaction.

3 min read

TES A aerial view of a warehouse type building that is navy. It says "data centre" in white writing along the side. Behind it are rolling hills set against a sky with some blue and some clouds. the building is in a semi-rural area surrounded by green fields with one other smaller white industrial building to the right.

Cardigan's Independent Shops Struggle Amid Rising Costs and Reduced Footfall

Cardigan, once praised for its vibrant independent shops, now faces economic challenges as rising costs and reduced footfall impact local businesses ahead of the Senedd election.

6 min read

Oil Prices Drop After Trump Agrees to Conditional Two-Week Iran Ceasefire

Oil prices dropped sharply after President Trump agreed to a two-week ceasefire with Iran, conditional on safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, amid ongoing Middle East tensions.

2 min read

Costfoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images A person holds a gas pump and refuels a car at a gas station in Fuyang City, Anhui Province, China, on April 7, 2026.

US Refinery Begins Processing Venezuelan Crude Amid Shifting Oil Markets

Chevron's Pascagoula refinery processes Venezuelan crude oil amid US sanctions easing. Despite increased supply, global market tensions keep US fuel prices high, but companies anticipate future consumer benefits.

5 min read

James Cooke/BBC The vast Minerva Gloria oil tanker docked at a wharf in the Mississippi Sound

Glasgow City Centre Footfall Recovers Post-Fire Despite Ongoing Business Concerns

Glasgow city centre's footfall has rebounded to near-normal levels after the March fire at Union Street, despite ongoing business concerns and a cordon restricting access around Central Station and nearby streets.

4 min read

Getty Images A sign on the cordon around the building site at Gordon Street.

Airlines Cut Flights and Raise Fares Amid Soaring Jet Fuel Prices

Air India and Air New Zealand cut flights and raise fares as jet fuel prices hit record highs amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, impacting global airline operations and fueling concerns over further disruptions.

4 min read

Getty Images Young woman wearing blue jeans, a grey trenchcoat and white trainers sits on her suitcase at an airport, clutching her passport and ticket

Northern Ireland Hospitality Faces Pressure from Higher VAT Compared to Republic

Northern Ireland's hospitality sector faces challenges from higher VAT rates compared to the Republic of Ireland, impacting competitiveness and leading to calls for tax reductions to support local businesses.

5 min read

BBC Tiffany McKay has blonde hair pulled back behind her head and is wearing a cream cable-knit jumper and a small silver necklace. She is standing in a cafe, the counter and some lighting is visible in the background.

Universal Music Group Receives $64.3bn Takeover Bid from Pershing Square

Universal Music Group has received a $64.3bn takeover offer from Pershing Square, aiming to merge and list the new company in the US. CEO Bill Ackman praised Universal's management but cited stock underperformance due to external factors. The deal includes cash and shares, with plans to refresh t...

2 min read

Getty Images A photograph of Taylor Swift looking over her shoulder and smiling, wearing red earrings.

Oil Surges Past $110 as Trump Sets Deadline for Iran to Reopen Strait of Hormuz

Oil prices surpassed $110 amid President Trump's deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. European stocks turned positive, while UK and eurozone business activity slowed due to Middle East tensions. JPMorgan gained approval for a new Canary Wharf tower, and Universal Music received a tak...

13 min read

The waning gibbous moon is pictured over Tehran after midnight on 7 April. Iran showed no sign of backing down as the US' deadline loomed for it to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, defying threats by Donald Trump to "decimate" the country's civilian infrastructure.

Oil Prices Surge Above $110 After Trump Warns Iran Could Be 'Taken Out' Overnight

Oil prices surged above $110 after President Trump warned Iran could be 'taken out' overnight amid tensions over the Strait of Hormuz. Mixed stock market reactions followed, while IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva warned of rising inflation and slower global growth.

3 min read

Donald Trump holds a press conference in the White House

Bill Ackman’s Pershing Square Proposes €50bn Takeover of Universal Music Group

Bill Ackman’s Pershing Square offers to acquire Universal Music Group for over €50bn, citing undervaluation and proposing board changes including Michael Ovitz as chair.

3 min read

Taylor Swift performs at Wembley Stadium as part of her Eras tour in 2024

First Class Stamp Price Increases to £1.80 Amid Delivery Concerns

Royal Mail has raised first and second class stamp prices amid delivery performance issues and criticism from MPs and consumer groups.

3 min read

Getty Images Rows of first and second class stamps