6:58 am, September 16, 2026
More than a third of small UK firms impacted by hacks – report
Nearly two in five small British businesses were hit by a cyber attack in the past year at a cost of nearly £27,000 each, according to new research.
The latest annual Hiscox Cyber Readiness Report shows 38% of small firms in the UK say they suffered a successful hack within the last 12 months.
The report – based on results of a global survey of nearly 7,000 cybersecurity decision-makers in smaller firms, including 1,000 in the UK – found British firms were the most vulnerable among their global counterparts, with 29% worldwide saying they were hit by a successful cyber attack.
Axa bets on AI and automation to deliver boost of up to £600m
Insurance firm Axa has said accelerating its use of AI could deliver a boost of as much as €700m (£599m) to help automate processes such as underwriting, claims management and customer contact.
The French company unveiled a new growth strategy which it hopes will bolster its earnings and make it more competitive in the insurance market.
This includes efforts to ‘systematically embed data and AI across its value chain, transforming the way the group operates’, the company told investors.
Volvo updates XC60 and XC90 with new long-range plug-in hybrids
Volvo has introduced new plug-in hybrid versions of its XC60 and XC90 SUVs with more electric-only range than before.
The increased range has come via a new large-capacity battery equipped in both cars, alongside a new electric motor.
With the smaller XC60, that means an electric-only range of up to 124 miles on a single charge, while the larger XC90 can return up to 99 miles.
Tuesday on Car Dealer
Profit Clinic Week: When holding out costs more – why independents need to rethink trade stock
As part of Profit Clinic Week – running from September 14 to 18 – we hear from Dealer Auction who explain that sometimes the biggest threat to profit is already sitting on a dealer’s forecourt.
Unreasonable car buyer customer behaviour ‘has got worse’, reveals Car Dealer Trust Survey
Car Dealer’s survey found 68.5% of readers believe unreasonable customer behaviour has worsened. Most said trust in dealers has stayed steady or improved, while tackling rogue traders was the preferred solution.
Car Planet shoots for the stars: How three brothers built successful used car supermarket
Car Planet has grown from 30 monthly sales to around 1,500, using AI and in-house technology to drive growth. The Miah brothers aim to become Britain’s biggest used car supermarket by 2030.
Cazoo launches AI call summaries to help car dealers identify high-value leads
Cazoo has launched a free AI tool that summarises dealer customer calls, identifying sales opportunities and follow-ups. The feature, developed with Kaisa, analyses conversations and highlights key details including finance, deposits and callbacks.
Government eases planning rules for EV charging on homes without driveways
The Government is easing planning rules for cross-pavement EV charging, removing the need for separate planning applications. Changes will also allow multiple charging equipment cabinets in car parks, potentially enabling more high-powered chargers.
The markets
The FTSE 100 ended lower on Tuesday, albeit well above early worse levels, as high bond yields, fears of higher interest rates and elevated oil prices kept buyers on the sidelines.
In London, the FTSE 100 index ended down 39.44 points, 0.4%, at 10,658.13. It had earlier traded as low as 10,586.39.
In European equities on Tuesday, the CAC 40 in Paris dropped 0.3%, and the DAX 40 in Frankfurt fell 0.2%.
Haigh warns of ‘huge risk’ from AI unless proper safety measures put in place
Artificial intelligence (AI) poses ‘huge risks’ to national security unless the proper safeguards can be put in place, First Secretary Louise Haigh has warned.
Ms Haigh, the de facto deputy prime minister, acknowledged AI has the potential to transform public services, increase business growth and scientific progress.
But she said people were rightly worried about the negative impacts of the technology’s rapid progress and the Government had a ‘solemn duty’ to act.
Four car registrations sell for more than £68,000 at auction
Four car registrations with a starting price of between £200 and £300 have ended up being sold for a combined £68,324 as buyers sought the unique plates.
Analysis of the DVLA’s recent September auction by specialists Regtransfers found that the plates which commanded the highest prices often included ‘recognisable words, phrases or references’.
It’s why headline lot H80 RSE – which can be read as ‘Horse’ – fetched £17,644 despite its initial £200 estimate, while MAF 71A, resembling ‘Mafia’ ended at £16,778 from its £300 starting price.
Weather outlook…
Northern England and Scotland will be mostly dry with sunny spells, though cloud thickens later and showers are possible.
Wales and Northern Ireland will see brighter intervals and scattered showers, while the Midlands and southern England should stay largely dry.
Overall, it will be breezy and cooler, with temperatures around average.