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Wealthy individuals threatening to leave the UK to avoid expected tax increases should “f— off,” according to Dale Vince, green energy tycoon and major Labour donor.
Vince, who has donated £5 million to Labour, dismissed as “profoundly stupid” the idea that higher taxes could harm UK entrepreneurship, asserting that those solely interested in low taxes are welcome to leave.
“If people only live here because they pay less tax, they should f— off,” Vince said. “This is a brilliant country. There’s no way people won’t live here because of a fairer tax system.” His comments come as Chancellor Rachel Reeves prepares to announce tax increases aimed at addressing a £40 billion fiscal gap in her Autumn Budget, with wealthy taxpayers likely to bear the brunt. Measures may include capital gains tax increases and inheritance tax reform.
Britain’s top 100 taxpayers contributed £3.9 billion in capital gains and income tax in 2022/23, making them a crucial target. However, new data indicates that over 6,000 UK millionaires are considering relocating to the EU by year-end to escape potential tax hikes. Among them is Charlie Mullins, the founder of Pimlico Plumbers, who has put his £12 million London penthouse up for sale, stating he plans to leave to avoid a financial “raid.”
While other prominent Labour donors like South African businessman Gary Lubner and Lord Sainsbury have remained silent on the tax debate, Vince stands firm, arguing for a fairer tax structure.
Vince also criticised those opposing the net-zero agenda, especially Nimbys resistant to infrastructure projects like electricity pylons. “Countryside dwellers need to accept that this is a contribution to our national economy,” he said, emphasising the importance of green infrastructure.
A former nomad who founded Ecotricity in 1995, Vince has built a £100 million fortune through renewable energy and innovative ventures, including Skydiamond, a lab-grown diamond company, and Forest Green Rovers, a vegan football club. Known for his outspoken views, Vince is unafraid of controversy, once famously rebuffing a proposal from the late turkey magnate Bernard Matthews, likening his poultry operations to “a concentration camp.”
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Top Labour donor Dale Vince says rich fleeing capital gains tax raid can ‘f— off’

Data centre investment in the UK is being stymied by delays in securing electricity supply, according to David Sleath, CEO of Segro, one of the country’s largest commercial property developers.
Speaking on Times Radio, Sleath expressed his frustration at the long wait times for grid connections, which can stretch to several years, preventing Segro from investing “hundreds of millions and more” into new data centres.
Segro, which already operates 35 data centres across the UK, has ambitious plans to expand, but these are hindered by bottlenecks in the national electricity grid. “The single biggest constraint is access to power,” said Sleath, highlighting that these delays are holding back not only Segro’s growth but also the UK’s digital advancement.
Data centres, which support essential digital services from streaming and online shopping to AI development, require substantial power for their high-energy equipment, which needs specialised grid connections to operate safely. However, the current queue system for obtaining a grid connection is described by Sleath as “archaic,” with developers facing years of delay for upgraded capacity.
Beyond immediate needs, Sleath voiced concerns about the UK’s longer-term energy security. While he sees wind and solar power as critical components of the country’s energy strategy, he suggests that further investment in alternative sources, such as nuclear energy, or significant advancements in battery storage will be necessary to meet future demands.
The government has recently taken steps to recognise data centres as critical national infrastructure, with technology secretary Peter Kyle’s move last month to classify these facilities as such. This decision comes as several American firms plan to invest £6.3 billion in new UK data centres, underscoring the demand for reliable infrastructure to support the burgeoning digital economy.
National Grid has stated its commitment to improving the connection process, pledging to work with the National Energy System Operator (Neso), Ofgem, and the government to reform the connection system and prioritise projects that support net-zero goals and economic growth. A government spokesperson echoed this commitment, noting that efforts are underway to clear stalled projects and streamline access for data centres seeking grid connections.
As demand for data centres continues to rise, the UK faces a critical moment in upgrading its infrastructure to support both immediate needs and long-term digital ambitions.
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UK data centre investment stalled by lack of electricity supply

Former Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has criticised the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) for allegedly compromising its political impartiality, as it prepares to release a review potentially critical of the Conservative government on budget day.
The review is expected to address claims by Chancellor Rachel Reeves of a £22 billion fiscal gap left by the previous administration.
According to Reeves, this financial “black hole” in public finances only became apparent upon her entry into office, alleging that the Tory government withheld key information from the OBR. The review, to be published on the same day as the Autumn Budget, will focus on the transparency of departmental spending and the past government’s provision of data to the OBR.
Hunt voiced his concerns about the timing, stating, “I do not believe publishing a review with criticisms of the main opposition party on the day of a budget is consistent with political impartiality.” He further claimed that no Conservative ministers were consulted, labelling the review as a “political intervention.”
The timing has led Hunt to suggest that the OBR might have “pre-judged the outcome,” casting doubt on its neutrality. The release coincides with Reeves’ anticipated budget, which is expected to include tax hikes and spending cuts aimed at addressing the alleged £22 billion fiscal shortfall.
OBR chairman Richard Hughes defended the timing, clarifying that the report focuses on “the institutional relationship between the OBR and Treasury” and the “adequacy of the information and assurances” previously provided. He explained that, given the potential market sensitivity of the report’s contents, it was neither necessary nor appropriate to share the conclusions with previous ministers before publication.
As the OBR’s findings are set to coincide with Reeves’ budget announcements, debates over fiscal transparency and the watchdog’s role in overseeing government accountability are likely to intensify. The report may add pressure on the Conservative party, with implications for both government transparency and the autonomy of independent fiscal institutions.
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Jeremy Hunt criticises OBR for timing of review release on budget day

For the second year running, delivery firm Evri has been named the UK’s worst-performing parcel delivery company, with nearly half of its customers reporting issues.
According to Ofcom, the UK’s postal regulator, 44% of customers who used Evri in the last six months encountered delivery problems — the highest rate among all 10 companies assessed.
Formerly known as Hermes, Evri rebranded two years ago amid widespread criticism over parcel mishandling. Common complaints include delays, parcels left in incorrect locations, and delivery drivers failing to adequately notify recipients by knocking or ringing doorbells.
Ofcom’s findings, based on a survey of more than 4,000 customers, revealed that only 32% of Evri users were satisfied with how their complaints were handled. However, the company has shown some improvement; its satisfaction score for resolving complaints has increased from 26% in 2023 to 32% this year.
Evri’s spokesperson commented, “2024 has been a year of significant investment and listening to our customers to improve our service. Our ambition is that every customer’s experience with Evri is a positive one.” They noted that despite the challenges, Evri’s rising parcel volumes indicate ongoing trust from both customers and retail clients.
Rival delivery company Yodel ranked second lowest, with a 38% satisfaction rate, while Royal Mail, which is undergoing a £3.6 billion acquisition by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky, scored 43%. Royal Mail’s performance has seen a partial recovery in parcel volumes after last year’s strike-related disruptions, though it continues to grapple with losses and productivity issues.
At the other end of the spectrum, Amazon led the satisfaction rankings with a 56% approval rating, closely followed by DHL at 55%.
The Ofcom review also highlights an overall increase in customer satisfaction when contacting delivery companies about issues, rising from 41% in 2023 to 44% this year. Additionally, complaints about delayed or non-delivered parcels have decreased, suggesting gradual improvement in industry standards.
However, the regulator remains concerned that disabled customers are still more likely to face challenges in the delivery process compared to other users, underscoring the need for couriers to ensure accessible and reliable service for all.
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Evri named UK’s worst delivery service as nearly half report issues

Half of the UK’s business owners have indicated they would hire more staff if the Chancellor increases Entrepreneur’s Relief in the upcoming Autumn Budget, according to new research by Helm, Britain’s largest founder network.
In a recent poll of 400 business owners at Helm, 50% stated they would expand their workforce under a more generous Entrepreneur’s Relief scheme. Additionally, 75% expressed that a boost in relief would lead them to reinvest in business growth.
The surveyed business owners represent a combined turnover exceeding £8 billion, with the average business turnover among Helm members around £21 million. The findings emerge just a week before Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to unveil her Autumn Budget at the IMF meeting.
Entrepreneur’s Relief, now capped at £1 million from its previous £10 million under the last Conservative government, allows entrepreneurs to pay a reduced 10% tax on profits from selling their businesses. Typically, higher-rate taxpayers face a 20% rate. However, as the Chancellor seeks to raise up to £40 billion to address the national budget, there is speculation around further cuts to this relief, now formally known as Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR), which may increase capital gains taxes on entrepreneurs.
Andreas Adamides, CEO of Helm, shared his members’ perspective, stating, “The message from our members to the Chancellor is clear. They are ready to invest in jobs, skills, and the economic growth of Britain. We look forward to her delivering a budget that supports Britain’s entrepreneurs.”
Nimesh Shah, CEO of accounting firm Blick Rothenberg, warned that recent changes have dampened the UK’s reputation as a global leader in entrepreneurship. “Following Brexit, political instability, and tax increases, the gloss has come off the UK’s appeal. During the General Election, Labour proclaimed its support for small businesses, but the talk of a capital gains tax hike and a rumoured National Insurance increase has raised concerns among entrepreneurs.”
Shah added that the Autumn Budget represents a critical moment for the government to “unleash growth” by supporting entrepreneurs, or risk diminishing the drive for innovation and investment with further tax hikes. He urged the government to reinstate the previous £10 million limit on Entrepreneur’s Relief, signalling that “Britain is ready to back business.”
In an earlier Helm survey, 60% of its members said they would consider relocating from the UK to avoid a potential Capital Gains Tax increase in the Autumn Budget, highlighting the delicate balance the government faces in supporting entrepreneurial growth while meeting fiscal needs.
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Half of UK business owners pledge to hire if Chancellor boosts Entrepreneur’s relief

Enate, founded by Kit Cox in 2011, is an enterprise AI and orchestration platform designed to help businesses streamline their operations.
Based in Cheltenham, Enate was born out of Kit’s frustration with the outdated tools, like spreadsheets and shared mailboxes, that many companies relied on to manage complex services. Enate’s solution offers a single platform that provides a clear view of tasks, enabling organisations to improve efficiency and automate processes.
Large enterprises such as TMF, Ernst & Young, and Acuity have integrated Enate’s software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform to manage their service delivery, often achieving operational savings of up to 20% within the first three months. The platform identifies gaps and opportunities, helping businesses deploy automation effectively across their processes.
Recognising the growing potential of generative AI, Enate has appointed Sam Ward as Head of AI Research and Development to spearhead innovations in this space. From sentiment analysis and email triage to intelligent document processing and data analysis, Enate’s AI tools have been a game-changer for its clients. Recent results show businesses saving up to 30 hours per 1,000 emails processed, which equates to two full-time staff members’ worth of time saved each year.
Built on Microsoft Azure Open AI Service, Enate’s solutions deliver high levels of accuracy, security, and compliance. The company is an official Microsoft ISV Partner and has been recognised as a leader in automation by Zinnov.
Backed by Mercia, Enate’s mission is clear: to free businesses from mundane, repetitive tasks, offering them insights that allow them to focus on customer service excellence and growth.
What was the inspiration behind Enate?
I was inspired to build Enate because, quite frankly, I was fed up with seeing business leaders having to deal with rubbish systems or, even worse, spreadsheets and shared mailboxes to deliver sophisticated services that were just not good enough for the job. We built Enate to cope with how the world really is. Many businesses have traditionally relied on things like IT service management systems to deliver services, but the problem is that while fixing a server in Brazil is the same as fixing a server in Belgium, that’s not the same as running a payroll in those countries. Enate helps standardize to a level that works but also allows you to flex to the variabilities in your business between countries and products, wrapping it all into delivering one superlative service.
Who do you admire?
Having just recently returned from two weeks at Glastonbury Festival – one at the fest, one at the clean-up operation – I have a lot of admiration for Michael and Emily Eavis. What they’ve built and cultivated is truly unique.
The whole concept of Glasto only works because so many people have bought into the idea of it, and are willing to behave somewhat out of character and give their time to do so: An idea I call Glastonomics. Acts like Coldplay perform for a tenth of their usual fee, campers give up creature comforts, doctors and dentists offer free care, and volunteers run the festival.
Post-festival, I joined 2,000 others in litter picking for five days to restore the site to its former glory. I got to spend time with such a diverse range of people from all corners of society, from students to mega high flyers, teenagers to pensioners, and academics. It’s a testament to how contributing to a community brings rich rewards.
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?
Yes, I wouldn’t have started a capital-intensive business until I had easier access to capital. The harsh reality is that you have to really struggle for a while. If I could go back in time, I would have started a services business first. Another thing I’d do differently is writing a shareholder agreement – don’t bother with shareholder agreements unless you need them.
What defines your way of doing business?
Working smart, entrusting our talented team to do their best, and ensuring the people around me are happy. I’m not someone chasing a specific endpoint, I define success as something more personal and immediate. If my way of doing business brings happiness to others and they’re engaged, then business is a success. Conversely, if my team and customers aren’t experiencing contentment, it’s a sign that there’s still work to be done.
What advice would you give to someone starting out?
Don’t wait years to get started. Get going and figure out if you’re cut out to run a business. Do you enjoy the feeling you get before an exam? If you can enjoy that, then go for it. You’ve got to be passionate about what you’re doing to be able to face all the challenges that will come along the way.
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Getting to know you: Kit Cox, Founder & CTO, Enate

Introduced to tackle growing concerns over the safety of internet users – particularly children and vulnerable groups, the Online Safety Act (OSA) marks a significant shift in the regulatory landscape for businesses operating online platforms in the UK.
Passed in October 2023 and progressively being enforced, it has introduced a wide range of new obligations, imposing stricter requirements for transparency, age verification and content moderation to create a safer online environment.
Under the Act, businesses operating online must now ensure transparency by regularly publishing their safety measures and reporting on their efforts to regulators. This means not only creating new policies where needed, but also providing evidence that these policies effectively mitigate risks associated with harmful content. The Act places specific emphasis on platforms accessed by children, requiring additional safeguards and age-appropriate design features.
To comply with these new regulations, digital platforms will be required to implement more stringent risk mitigation policies and are mandated to collaborate with Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator. Ofcom will oversee the implementation of the Act and enforce penalties for those not in compliance. To comply, businesses must maintain detailed compliance records by continuously updating and improving their safety measures to keep up with evolving risks.
Effective Age Verification and Safeguards for Children
One of the most critical elements of OSA is the focus on protecting children and young people as and when they access the internet. Come 2025, online platforms accessible to minors will be required to implement age checks to accurately determine whether or not users are children.
Ofcom will publish final guidance in early 2025, however, in the meantime it is clear that basic or outdated age-check systems – such as a simple ‘yes/no’ checkbox or self-declared age – will not suffice, and highly effective age assurance measures must be used. Innovative technologies that verify users’ ages while protecting their privacy are not a pipedream; they are available and ready to be deployed.
Platforms will also be expected to integrate further age-appropriate design features that reduce the risk of children encountering harmful content. This means filtering out explicit material, protecting personal data, and setting limitations on interactions with adults, all while maintaining a user-friendly experience. For example, social media platforms will need to assess how they moderate conversations, regulate social interactions, and structure the visibility of certain types of content.
The Need for Content Moderation and Transparency
Encouraging effective content moderation is another key element of the Online Safety Act. Businesses are obligated to implement systems to moderate harmful content – including hate speech, violence, and inappropriate material that could harm users, particularly minors. To achieve this, platforms must adopt proactive rather than reactive measures to prevent harmful content from being uploaded or spreading before it reaches their users. Content moderation efforts must also be transparent, with businesses documenting and publishing their policies, any actions taken, as well as their results.
The Act is designed to hold platforms accountable, not just for the safety measures they put in place, but also for how well the measures work in practice. Companies failing to demonstrate robust content moderation could face legal repercussions or fines from UK regulator Ofcom.
Technologies to Make the Internet Safer
Safety technology solution providers have been continuously innovating and developing solutions to keep up with the ever-changing and challenging online environment. In the age assurance space, technological advancements and the introduction of AI-driven techniques have meant that safety tech providers can now offer a range of highly accurate, privacy-preserving age assurance methods that protect user privacy, minimise friction, and ensure compliance with ever-evolving regulations.
While some methods require user interaction, such as uploading an image of an ID document or taking a short selfie video, other methods use existing user data. This data, such as an email address, can often be collected as part of the account creation process or during the checkout process on online marketplaces, and can be deployed in the background with no further user interaction required. Email address age estimation can accurately determine a user’s age without requiring sensitive personal information, allowing businesses to maintain compliance while protecting user privacy.
Within content moderation, Artificial Intelligence (AI) will play a critical role in helping platforms maintain an even safer environment. The technology can be utilised alongside human moderators to add an additional layer of support and scalability, quickly removing harmful material at scale.
An Opportunity for UK Businesses
For UK businesses, OSA is not just another regulation to follow but a hugely important opportunity to make the internet safer. By adopting cutting-edge safety measures and prioritising transparency, businesses can build trust with their users and demonstrate a commitment to protecting children when they venture online.
Businesses that proactively harness and implement effective age verification and content moderation will also benefit from the ability to avoid regulatory fines and quickly adapt to future regulatory changes. Considering the fast-paced nature of the internet, companies that are able to stay ahead of regulatory requirements now will be better positioned to thrive and grow in the years to come.
As a new piece of legislation, the OSA naturally requires businesses to change how they operate, which may initially prove challenging. However, by staying up to date on regulatory changes, leveraging cutting-edge technologies, and implementing them effectively, businesses can strategically position themselves to become a trusted voice in their space and ultimately better protect kids and young people online.
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The Impact of the Online Safety Act on UK Businesses

Some of Britain’s largest retailers are facing the prospect of paying millions in damages due to a wave of equal pay lawsuits, many of which are backed by contentious litigation funding arrangements.
Last month saw the latest development in a long-standing legal case against Asda, where tens of thousands of employees are suing the supermarket. The claim argues that shopfloor workers, predominantly women, are paid less than warehouse workers, who are mainly men, in violation of equal pay legislation.
The Asda hearing comes on the heels of a legal victory for workers at Next, where an employment tribunal found that the retailer failed to justify the pay disparity between its warehouse staff, primarily men, and its shopfloor workers, who are mostly women. Next plans to appeal the ruling, which could see compensation amounting to £30 million for the claimants. The case was represented by law firm Leigh Day and funded by Harbour Litigation Funding.
Similar legal challenges have been launched against other retail giants, including Morrisons, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and the Co-op. Leigh Day has confirmed that all its supermarket equal pay cases are being pursued under a damages-based agreement, involving over 100,000 retail employees across the UK. Harbour Litigation Funding is also supporting claims against Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, and Tesco.
David Williams, an employment partner at the City law firm Fox Williams, noted that the retail sector is under significant pressure. “There’s quite a degree of concern [in the retail industry] and I think it’s coming from a variety of sources. The liabilities are potentially enormous because there are lots of people in the sector and there’s a history of businesses not taking equal pay seriously,” he said. “This is a wake-up call for many companies to audit their practices and address salary disparities.”
Therium Capital Management, another litigation funder, is backing the case against Tesco. Founded in 2008, Therium manages 12 separate litigation funds, collectively supporting claims valued at $36 billion. The company has a track record of backing high-profile cases, including legal action against the Post Office and supporting Noel Edmonds in his legal battle with Lloyds Bank over issues related to its HBOS subsidiary.
Litigation funders operate by raising capital from sources such as hedge funds and sovereign wealth funds. This money is pooled to finance various claims, with profits from successful cases enabling further investments in legal actions. While this funding model can facilitate access to justice, it has sparked controversy. Critics argue that it breaches the common law principles of champerty and maintenance, which historically prevented third parties from funding legal disputes for profit.
The rapid rise of class action lawsuits and third-party funding has led to concerns within the business community. A recent report by the Adam Smith Institute warned that these legal mechanisms expose many companies to claims worth billions. Meanwhile, the US Chamber of Commerce has been lobbying against the spread of class action litigation and associated funding models in the UK and Europe, arguing that they mirror contentious practices seen in the United States.
In England and Wales, two types of no-win, no-fee agreements are now prevalent. The traditional model, conditional fees, allows lawyers to take an uplift of up to 100% on their standard fees for winning cases. However, the newer damages-based agreements are more controversial. Resembling contingency fees in the US, these deals permit lawyers and their third-party backers to claim up to 50% of the damages awarded, leading to unease among defendant companies facing potential litigation.
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Equal pay lawsuits threaten to cost retailers millions as legal pressure mounts

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is facing renewed calls to implement a wealth tax, with economists, climate advocates, and high-net-worth individuals urging her to introduce a tax on the UK’s richest citizens to help fund essential public services and accelerate the transition to net zero.
In an open letter to the chancellor, notable economists Thomas Piketty (pictured) and Gabriel Zucman joined 29 organisations, including Greenpeace, Oxfam, and Unite the Union, in backing the proposal, which they claim could raise more than £100 billion.
The signatories argue that a wealth tax would ensure that “the wealthiest individuals in our society contribute their fair share during the government’s promised decade of national renewal.” The proposed levy targets assets rather than income and has gained traction as the chancellor prepares a substantial fiscal tightening of £40 billion, largely through tax rises, in her budget next week.
Greenpeace’s previous proposal of a temporary 2.5 per cent wealth tax on holdings over £10 million would affect fewer than 75,000 people, with estimates suggesting it could raise at least £130 billion over five years. Economists agree that a one-off wealth tax might be more effective than a recurring annual levy, as it would reduce opportunities for tax avoidance via asset relocation or disposal.
The letter stresses that substantial funds are available to address the UK’s pressing social and environmental needs. It notes that the combined wealth of the UK’s richest 250 households stands at £748 billion, and highlights that the carbon footprint of the wealthiest 0.1 per cent is approximately 12 times that of the average UK citizen.
Georgia Whitaker of Greenpeace criticised recent government decisions to restrict winter fuel allowances, arguing that taxing the wealthiest should be less controversial than cutting support for vulnerable pensioners: “How can the government think that taxing the vast wealth of the very richest in our society is more controversial than cutting winter fuel payments to poor pensioners?”
Despite these calls, the chancellor has previously indicated that she does not plan to introduce a wealth tax. Next week’s budget is expected to include tax increases in areas such as capital gains, inheritance, and employer National Insurance, alongside a potential shift in fiscal rules to allow for increased government borrowing to fund public investment.
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Economists and Activists Call on Rachel Reeves to Introduce Wealth Tax in Inaugural Budget