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A fourth company director has been disqualified for their role in a scheme involving unauthorised banking transactions worth almost £13.9 million, the Insolvency Service has announced. Daryl Dylan, 38, of Dublin, has accepted a seven and a half year director disqualification after agreeing not to contest allegations relating to his conduct as a company director.

The Insolvency Service said Daryl Dylan directed Oldcocdt Ltd and Oldcostl Ltd, formerly known as C&D Transport Solutions Ltd and Six Ten Logistics Ltd, which were used to move more than £1.6 million through unauthorised Barclays overdrafts during 2021. Most of the transfers were made to companies connected to his half brother, Scott Dylan, and his associates. Investigators said Daryl Dylan failed to ensure the money could be repaid to the bank on demand and did not adequately oversee the companies’ bank accounts.

The two companies entered liquidation in January 2022 after Barclays obtained freezing orders on the accounts and demanded repayment of more than £1.65 million. According to the Insolvency Service, no repayments were made.

STORY

A prolific shop thief who spat at and bit a security worker in Norwich has been jailed for 34 weeks. Paul Earl admitted 12 counts of shop theft, attempted theft and assault.

The offences were committed at stores in Norwich between February and June. He also asked for four further theft offences to be taken into consideration.

Norwich magistrates also ordered him to pay £150 compensation to the security worker. Police said CCTV and witness evidence had linked him to the offences.

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UK pension funds have agreed to work together on a new investment initiative intended to provide up to £1 billion for British growth companies. The announcement was made as part of the Government’s efforts to increase domestic investment.

The initiative is intended to direct more long term pension capital towards innovative businesses seeking to expand. Ministers said it would support companies in sectors including technology and life sciences.

Further details will be developed by participating pension providers and investment managers. The Government said the scheme would operate on a commercial basis.

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UK inflation fell to 2.6 per cent in June, down from 2.8 per cent in May and its lowest rate since March 2025. Lower fuel prices contributed to the reduction in the headline rate.

Core inflation remained at 2.6 per cent, while services inflation eased slightly to 3.6 per cent. Economists have warned that renewed increases in global energy prices could push inflation higher later in the year.

The Bank of England is expected to consider the figures when it next reviews interest rates. The current Bank Rate is 3.75 per cent.

STORY

The European Commission has given a cautious welcome to the latest United States tariff announcement, saying that exemptions for several European products were consistent with the EU US trade agreement reached in 2025.

The United States announced new tariffs of 10 per cent and 12.5 per cent on goods from a range of trading partners. Exemptions included aircraft parts, generic medicines, cork and diamonds.

The Commission said it would continue pressing Washington to honour the wider terms of the agreement and seek further exemptions. It rejected US claims that the European Union had failed to act sufficiently against forced labour.

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Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he is open to cross party talks on the future of social care in England. The Government is considering how to fund and organise long term support for older and disabled people.

Burnham indicated that ministers would speak to the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats in an effort to establish a more durable settlement. No final funding model has been announced.

The Government has said any changes will need to address pressure on families, councils and the NHS. Further proposals are expected after discussions with political parties and organisations in the care sector.

STORY

The UK Government has announced support for residents of 97 homes evacuated in Coalsnaughton after ground movement was linked to historic coal mining. The Mining Remediation Authority will take over management of the response.

The authority said investigations had found continuing signs of movement and that monitoring would remain in place until the ground was stable. Residents will be contacted directly about financial and practical assistance.

Under existing legislation, the Government is responsible for remedying damage caused by coal mining subsidence. The local council and Scottish Government will continue to assist with the response.

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Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has been appointed as the United Kingdom’s Governor to the World Bank. The Government said the appointment would give him direct responsibility for Britain’s engagement on international development and climate finance.

Kirsty McNeill has also been appointed Minister for Development and will oversee day to day policy delivery. International development will remain within the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

The Government said it would continue to use its World Bank role to support economic development, poverty reduction and international action on climate and nature.

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The European Union is keeping firefighting aircraft and personnel in reserve as France and Spain continue to tackle major wildfires. Tens of thousands of hectares have been affected during a period of extreme heat and dry weather.

Aircraft and helicopters from the EU civil protection mechanism have already been deployed to support national services. Additional planes, helicopters and firefighters remain available if further requests are made.

The EU is planning to establish a permanent firefighting fleet by 2028. Member states are also discussing additional climate resilience funding in the next long term EU budget.

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Fourteen year olds in England are to receive earlier access to technical education, work experience and links with employers under changes announced by the Government. Ministers said the reforms would give vocational and academic routes equal status.

Schools, colleges, mayors and employers will be expected to work together to create clearer routes into skilled employment in their areas. The Government said courses would be connected more closely to local labour market needs.

Ofsted will also change how it assesses technical education and preparation for work. Further details of the curriculum and implementation timetable are expected from the Department for Education.