British business press digest — September 29
EWU•British newspapers reportedly said Rolls-Royce plans a £300 million UK facilities investment, Aldi will invest £900 million and open 40 stores, and Ofcom blocked an Openreach discount plan. Other reported stories covered Glencore’s tax dispute, Morrisons’ pharmacy sales and rail nationalisation plans.
1. Investment and tax
Rolls-Royce plans to invest £300 million ($397.47 million) in manufacturing and engineering facilities across Britain for aerospace and defence. Glencore is contesting a £264 million tax bill, arguing that HM Revenue and Customs waited too long to issue its demand.
2. Retail and regulation
Aldi’s British arm will invest £900 million in the UK and open 40 stores next year. Ofcom blocked BT-owned Openreach from offering rival discounted network access over competition concerns, while Morrisons has started selling its pharmacies to individual buyers as it seeks to reduce debt.
3. Other reported stories
Revolut, Monzo and Shawbrook are urging the UK finance minister to raise the corporation tax surcharge threshold to £500 million. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said Avanti West Coast’s London-to-Scotland services will be nationalised from March 2027, and Evri is facing delivery disruptions as it changes its collection network.
