UK automotive leaders are calling for immediate trade negotiations following the US government’s decision to impose a 25% tariff on imported vehicles, set to take effect next Wednesday. The move threatens a sector already facing declining sales and rising production costs.

The US is the UK’s second-largest car export market, valued at £7.6 billion. In 2023, over 101,000 UK-built vehicles—mainly premium and luxury models—were shipped to the US, accounting for nearly 17% of total car exports. The tariffs will hit major UK manufacturers, including Jaguar Land Rover, BMW, Toyota, Nissan, and Stellantis.

Jaguar Land Rover, which employs 11,000 people in the UK, relies on the US as its biggest overseas market. BMW’s three UK plants, which focus on Mini production and employ around 8,000 people, could also face significant cost increases. The US remains a key Mini market despite declining sales due to model changes.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is pushing for a trade deal to avoid disruption, emphasising the long-standing UK-US automotive relationship. The British Chambers of Commerce has also called for “intensive dialogue” to mitigate the economic impact.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed that discussions with the US are ongoing, while business leaders warn that the tariffs could increase costs for American consumers and create further supply chain instability.

Drax Power has signed a 20-year joint venture agreement with Power Minerals to develop a facility that will convert pulverised fuel ash (PFA) into Supplementary Cementitious Material (SCM), a key ingredient for lower-carbon cement.

The facility will be built next to Drax Power Station in North Yorkshire, where Power Minerals will be responsible for construction, ownership, and operation. Drax will supply PFA, power, and water while sharing in the profits from SCM sales. No capital investment is required from Drax.

The plant, expected to be operational by the end of 2026, will produce up to 400,000 tonnes of SCM annually at full capacity. Drax anticipates the project will generate approximately £5 million in additional annual EBITDA from 2027 through 2046.

The initiative aligns with the UK’s push for lower-carbon construction materials, leveraging Drax’s existing infrastructure to support sustainability in the cement industry.

Sky is restructuring its customer service operations, shifting from call centres to digital support. As part of the move, the company will close three call centres in Leeds, Sheffield, and Stockport and make additional job cuts at its Dunfermline and Newcastle sites. Around 2,000 roles—roughly 7% of Sky’s workforce—are at risk.

The company invests in digital channels, including live chat and app-based support, while maintaining limited phone support. To improve efficiency, it is also developing a new “centre of excellence” in Livingston.

For businesses, the shift signals a growing reliance on automated customer service, which reduces operational costs but potentially limits direct customer interactions.

Yorkshire-based Warrendale Wagyu has secured a £320 million, five-year contract with Aldi, making the supermarket the UK’s largest retailer of British wagyu steaks. Once the nationwide rollout is complete later this year, Aldi will sell 2.5 million wagyu steaks annually.

Warrendale Wagyu, a family-owned business, has been supplying Aldi since 2020. The partnership provides long-term financial stability for the company and its network of 800 British farmers. The business uses Fullblood Wagyu genetics crossed with dairy breeds in a grass-based system, offering a sustainable solution for surplus dairy calves.

Aldi now has the UK’s most extensive range of British wagyu products, including award-winning steaks and burgers. Warrendale Wagyu was recognised in 2024 with a King’s Award for Innovation for supporting British dairy and beef farmers.