The aerospace heavyweight said the agreement would build a ‘digital shield’ in Europe

Airbus has agreed a deal to acquire a French cyber security firm less than a month after snapping up a British business operating in the same sector. The aerospace giant, which has UK bases in Filton near Bristol and Broughton in North Wales, said acquisition of Quakslab would “strengthen its presence” in the European cyber-security landscape.

Closing of the transaction is subject to consultation with social partners as well as customary regulatory approvals and is expected in the course of 2026, Airbus said.

Quarkslab is a privately-owned French cyber-security company founded in 2011, with around 100 employees, primarily based in Paris and Rennes. Since 2020, the firm, which is already an Airbus supplier and partner, has been backed by Tikehau Capital, a global alternative asset manager.

The company delivers cyber security solutions to help organisations protect critical assets, data, and users from cyber attacks.

“Quarkslab’s deep expertise and team are expected to join the fast-growing cyber activities within Airbus Defence and Space and to reinforce a resilient, sovereign cyber player in France and across Europe,” said François Lombard, head of connected intelligence business unit at Airbus Defence and Space.

“This acquisition will strengthen our ability to build the digital shield required to help keep our home nations and allies ahead in the cyber-security domain.”

The announcement follows the acquisition of UK-based Ultra Cyber in March. The company has more than 200 employees, who are mainly based at a state-of-the-art cyber centre of excellence in Maidenhead.

“This acquisition [of Ultra Cyber] testifies to our long-term commitment to the UK as a core home market,” Mike Schoellhorn, chief executive of Airbus Defence and Space said last month.

He added: “We are building the resilient, sovereign infrastructure required to help keep the UK and its allies ahead in the cyber domain.”

In February, Airbus reported a record financial performance over the year amid rising demand for commercial aircraft. The size of Airbus’s global workforce also rose by five per cent during the period to 165,294.

BRAIDWOOD, Australia — Hollywood actor Jack Quaid and his “The Boys” co-star Claudia Doumit exchanged vows in a closely guarded private ceremony Saturday at a picturesque farm venue in this sleepy New South Wales farming town, surprising fans who had followed their low-key romance for nearly four years.

The couple, both 33, tied the knot at Mona Farm in Braidwood, a historic town of fewer than 1,800 residents located about an hour’s drive from Canberra. The intimate event blended Hollywood glamour with rural Australian charm, drawing A-list guests including Quaid’s parents, Meg Ryan and Dennis Quaid, as well as fellow stars Tom Hanks, Kevin Costner, Alec Baldwin and Henry Golding.

Details of the nuptials emerged Tuesday after brief social media glimpses of the reception sparked widespread online buzz. Staff at Mona Farm signed nondisclosure agreements to maintain secrecy, yet fleeting Instagram posts — quickly deleted — captured the couple’s first dance to Donovan’s “Atlantis.” Locals reported spotting the pair casually exploring the town beforehand, including a relaxed visit to the Smokey Horse Himalayan bar and restaurant, where they posed for selfies and received warm congratulations.

Quaid, best known for portraying Hughie Campbell in the hit Prime Video superhero satire “The Boys,” and Doumit, who plays the ambitious and complex Victoria Neuman in the same series, first sparked dating rumors in 2022. They were photographed holding hands during a Season 3 press tour stop in Sydney. Quaid publicly confirmed their relationship in February 2024, describing it as a genuine connection born from shared time on set amid the show’s intense production schedule.

Their on-screen dynamic — often tense and layered with political intrigue and moral ambiguity — contrasted sharply with the quiet affection observed off-screen. Friends of the couple described their bond as supportive and grounded, with Doumit’s Australian roots providing a welcome contrast to Quaid’s Hollywood upbringing.

The wedding venue, Mona Farm, offered a secluded backdrop of rolling hills and elegant grounds ideal for privacy. The reception unfolded in a marquee at the back of the property, allowing guests to celebrate away from prying eyes. Doumit wore an off-white gown featuring delicate floral straps, a flowing billowing skirt and a matching satin floral headband. Quaid opted for a distinctive western-style red suit accented with yellow sunflower embroidery on the lapel, nodding perhaps to the rural setting.

Among the notable attendees were several “The Boys” cast members, including Karl Urban (Butcher), Colby Minifie and Nathan Mitchell, who flew in to support their colleagues. Australian actress Emily Browning and her partner Eddie O’Keefe also joined the festivities. The presence of Quaid’s parents, who divorced in 2000 but have remained amicable co-parents, added a personal touch. Ryan and Quaid reportedly slipped into Sydney before making their way to the countryside event.

Braidwood’s remoteness helped shield the celebration from paparazzi and uninvited attention. The town, known for its preserved 19th-century architecture and quiet lifestyle, suddenly found itself hosting one of the year’s most unexpected celebrity gatherings. Local businesses embraced the moment, with some sharing subtle well-wishes online before respecting the couple’s desire for privacy.

The union marks a new chapter for both actors. Quaid, son of screen legends Ryan and Dennis Quaid, has carved his own path with roles in “The Boys,” “Star Trek” films and other projects, often navigating the challenges of being a “nepo baby” with self-deprecating humor. Doumit, born and raised in Sydney, gained international recognition through “The Boys” and the video game “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare,” where she voiced Farah Karim. Her performance as the shape-shifting, power-hungry Neuman has earned praise for its nuance and intensity.

Fans of the series reacted with delight mixed with surprise at the real-life romance blossoming between two key cast members. Social media platforms lit up with congratulatory messages, memes referencing the show’s chaotic world and hopes that the marriage might influence future seasons in lighthearted ways — though showrunners have kept plot details tightly under wraps.

The couple’s decision to wed in Australia reflected Doumit’s deep ties to her home country. Choosing a small town rather than a glitzy international hotspot underscored their preference for authenticity over spectacle. Sources close to the pair noted that both value keeping personal milestones away from the constant glare of celebrity culture, especially given the satirical lens “The Boys” applies to fame and power.

No official statements have been released by Quaid, Doumit or their representatives as of Tuesday. Representatives for the couple and Warner Bros.-affiliated projects declined comment, consistent with the low-profile approach they maintained throughout their relationship.

The wedding comes as “The Boys” approaches its final season, with production on Season 5 wrapping amid high anticipation. The series, based on the comic by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson, has become a cultural phenomenon for its dark humor, social commentary and ensemble performances. Quaid and Doumit’s characters have shared significant screen time, fueling speculation among viewers long before their real-life romance became public.

Industry observers viewed the event as a refreshing departure from lavish, highly publicized Hollywood weddings. In an era where many stars opt for destination extravaganzas or social media-documented ceremonies, Quaid and Doumit’s choice of a quiet Australian farm highlighted priorities of intimacy and family. The inclusion of both Hollywood veterans and “The Boys” colleagues created a bridge between generations and professional circles.

Braidwood residents expressed a mix of pride and amusement at hosting such high-profile visitors. One local business owner told reporters the town appreciated the economic boost from the event while respecting the couple’s privacy. The historic setting, with its colonial-era buildings and peaceful atmosphere, provided a storybook contrast to the violent, satirical universe of “The Boys.”

As details continue to trickle out through secondhand accounts and deleted posts, the marriage has reignited interest in the couple’s journey. Their story began professionally on set, evolved through shared travels and press tours, and culminated in vows exchanged far from the spotlight. It serves as a reminder that even in the high-stakes world of blockbuster television, genuine connections can form and flourish quietly.

For “The Boys” devotees, the news adds an extra layer of intrigue to upcoming episodes. While the show’s creators have emphasized that real-life events do not directly influence scripts, the positive energy surrounding the cast could translate into on-screen camaraderie.

As Tuesday unfolded, well-wishes continued pouring in from fans worldwide. Many highlighted the couple’s chemistry both on and off screen, expressing excitement for whatever personal and professional adventures lie ahead. In a town better known for its heritage and tranquility than celebrity sightings, Jack Quaid and Claudia Doumit’s secret wedding has left a lasting, if understated, impression.

The couple is expected to enjoy a brief honeymoon before resuming work commitments. With “The Boys” finale season on the horizon and both actors pursuing other projects, their marriage represents a stable foundation amid demanding careers.

In the end, the event encapsulated a simple truth often lost in Hollywood narratives: Sometimes the most compelling stories unfold not with explosions or superpowers, but with two people choosing each other in a quiet corner of the world.

Barclays has been ushered into the second cohort of firms handpicked by the City watchdog for its artificial intelligence live testing scheme, as Britain’s banking establishment doubles down on the technology race reshaping financial services.

The FTSE 100 lender will rub shoulders with its high street rival Lloyds Banking Group, which is entering the programme through its Scottish Widows subsidiary, alongside credit reference agency Experian, payments outfit GoCardless and Swiss banking giant UBS.

Run by the Financial Conduct Authority in partnership with Advai, the British specialist in automated testing, evaluation and assurance of AI systems, the initiative offers successful applicants a regulatory safe harbour in which to put their models through their paces. The intention is to let firms iron out governance wrinkles well before those systems are turned loose on high-stakes decisions affecting consumers.

Speaking at Innovate Finance’s Global Fintech Summit, Jessica Rusu, the FCA’s chief data, information and intelligence officer, said the scheme “reflects our commitment to supporting the pace of change in AI, whilst demonstrating how regulators and industry can work together to harness innovation responsibly”.

The announcement lands at a moment when Britain’s traditional lenders are under acute pressure to demonstrate tech credentials that can stand comparison with the tech-native neobanks snapping at their heels. Investors have grown increasingly impatient for a convincing AI narrative, particularly one that sets out concrete implications for costs and headcount.

UBS analysts warned earlier this year that banks would be “pressed hard” to articulate a “coherent financial story for AI implementation: what is being spent now and what it means for the future shape of expenses overall and headcount in particular”.

The urgency is reflected in the flurry of alliances struck in recent months. Barclays has thrown in its lot with Microsoft AI in a deal that will put AI tools in the hands of some 100,000 of its bankers, while NatWest has signed with OpenAI and HSBC has turned to the French champion Mistral. NatWest, Lloyds and HSBC each sit within the top 20 of the Evident AI index, the global benchmark for AI adoption in banking.

Yet for all the enthusiasm, the risks have not gone unnoticed. American regulators recently summoned Wall Street chief executives to an emergency meeting amid concerns that Anthropic’s newly released “Mythos” tool could pose systemic risks to the financial system, a reminder that the cybersecurity implications of ever more capable models remain a live worry for supervisors on both sides of the Atlantic.

The FCA launched its first AI live testing cohort last December, with Monzo, NatWest and Santander among the inaugural participants. For smaller and mid-market firms watching from the sidelines, the expanding programme offers a useful weathervane on where the regulator will draw its lines as AI embeds itself deeper into British finance.

Jamie Young

Jamie is Senior Reporter at Business Matters, bringing over a decade of experience in UK SME business reporting.
Jamie holds a degree in Business Administration and regularly participates in industry conferences and workshops.

When not reporting on the latest business developments, Jamie is passionate about mentoring up-and-coming journalists and entrepreneurs to inspire the next generation of business leaders.

NEW YORK — Word game enthusiasts tackling the New York Times Strands puzzle on Tuesday found themselves navigating a grid filled with daring spirit, as the theme “Risky business” challenged players to uncover words describing bold individuals who thrive on adventure and courage.

The daily word-search style game, which debuted as part of the NYT Games lineup and quickly gained a devoted following, presents a letter grid where solvers must find themed words connected to a central spangram — a special word or phrase that typically spans the board and encapsulates the day’s concept. For Strands No. 779 on April 21, 2026, the puzzle rewarded those who embraced risk with a set of synonyms for bravery and thrill-seeking.

Today’s theme hint from the New York Times read simply “Risky business,” with an additional nudge: “Take a chance.” That subtle guidance pointed solvers toward traits of people unafraid to push boundaries, whether in extreme sports, stunts or everyday leaps of faith. Once players identified the spangram, the remaining theme words fell into place more readily for many.

The spangram for Tuesday’s puzzle was **DAREDEVILS**, a 10-letter term that perfectly captured the essence of individuals who court danger for excitement or performance. Sources described it as snaking vertically or spanning multiple directions across the grid, often starting near the left side and connecting key letters. Finding the spangram early provided a significant boost, as it highlighted letters tied to the theme and unlocked hints within the game interface.

The five non-spangram theme words were: **BOLD**, **GUTSY**, **INTREPID**, **COURAGEOUS** and **ADVENTUROUS**. Each word embodies a facet of daring personality — from the straightforward confidence of “bold” to the fearless exploration implied by “adventurous” and the gutsy resolve of “gutsy.” “Intrepid” evoked historical explorers or modern-day risk-takers, while “courageous” highlighted moral or physical bravery in the face of peril.

Solvers reported varying difficulty levels, with some rating the puzzle as moderately challenging due to overlapping letters and the need to distinguish theme words from filler terms. Common distractors included words like ROUTE, ROUTER, DIET, RATE and GATE, which appeared in the grid but did not fit the “Risky business” motif. Playing these extraneous words could trigger the in-game hint system, revealing the first letter or direction of up to three theme words at a time — a helpful tool for those stuck midway through the board.

To approach Tuesday’s Strands effectively, start by scanning for longer letter sequences that might form the spangram. Look for clusters involving D, A, R, E and other letters common in words about risk. Once “DAREDEVILS” emerges, pivot to shorter synonyms for bravery scattered around the remaining letters. Many players found success by focusing on the outer edges or diagonal paths after securing the spangram.

Strands has become a staple alongside other NYT Games such as Wordle, Connections and the Mini Crossword, appealing to fans who enjoy layered word puzzles without the strict rules of traditional crosswords. The game’s visual design — a honeycomb-like grid of letters — encourages both strategic scanning and intuitive leaps, mirroring the risk-taking theme of the April 21 puzzle.

For those who prefer gradual reveals, the official NYT Strands Sidekick provided progressive hints. Clicking each one uncovered partial information, such as the starting letters of theme words: BO for BOLD, GU for GUTSY, IN for INTREPID, CO for COURAGEOUS and AD for ADVENTUROUS. These built confidence without spoiling the full solution, allowing casual players to maintain the satisfaction of discovery.

The “Risky business” theme resonated widely on social media Tuesday, with players sharing screenshots of completed grids and celebrating streaks. One solver noted the puzzle felt thematically timely amid spring’s spirit of outdoor adventure and new challenges. Others drew parallels to real-world daredevils, from stunt performers and athletes to entrepreneurs betting on bold ideas.

Strands puzzles are generated daily, with themes ranging from everyday objects to abstract concepts, pop culture nods and seasonal references. Tuesday’s entry stood out for its motivational undertone, reminding participants that embracing a bit of risk — whether in a word game or life — often leads to rewarding outcomes. The spangram “DAREDEVILS” particularly delighted fans of action sports, circus arts and superhero lore, where the term carries cultural weight.

Beginners or those new to Strands can improve by practicing letter pattern recognition and expanding vocabulary around specific themes. Resources like hint articles from CNET, Mashable, TechRadar and Lifehacker offer balanced guidance, providing escalating clues before full answers. On April 21, sites emphasized avoiding spoilers until after personal attempts, respecting the community’s shared experience of solving together yet independently.

After completing the theme words and spangram, the grid typically fills with neutral letters, signaling victory with a celebratory animation. Tuesday’s board, once solved, showcased the interconnected nature of daring traits: A bold move often requires gutsy follow-through, intrepid exploration and courageous conviction, all wrapped in an adventurous mindset.

The New York Times Games platform tracks player statistics, including solve times and streaks, fostering friendly competition among millions of daily users worldwide. For Tuesday’s puzzle, early data suggested average solve times aligned with a standard difficulty, though the thematic cohesion helped some finish faster than Monday’s “sparkly” edition focused on light-related verbs.

Looking ahead, Strands continues to evolve with fresh themes, keeping the game engaging without major rule changes. Fans appreciate its accessibility — free with a NYT subscription or limited plays — and the absence of ads during core gameplay. The April 21 edition reinforced why the puzzle has carved a niche: It combines mental exercise with thematic storytelling, turning a simple letter hunt into a narrative about human boldness.

If you missed Tuesday’s puzzle or want to revisit it, the NYT Games app and website archive previous Strands entries for practice. For those seeking similar challenges, Connections tests category grouping, while Wordle hones five-letter precision. Together, these games form a robust daily routine for word enthusiasts.

Whether you nailed “DAREDEVILS” on the first scan or needed multiple hints to uncover “INTREPID” and “ADVENTUROUS,” the puzzle delivered a satisfying mental workout. In the spirit of its own theme, tackling Strands requires a touch of daring — committing to letters that might lead nowhere before striking gold.

As solvers wrapped up their grids on April 21, many reflected on personal “risky business” moments, from career shifts to travel adventures. The game subtly encourages that mindset: Spot the pattern, take the chance and reap the reward of a completed board.

For Wednesday’s Strands and beyond, check the New York Times Games section promptly after midnight Eastern Time for the latest grid. With hints available through official channels and community discussions, even tricky themes become conquerable. Today’s “Risky business” served as a perfect reminder that sometimes the boldest path through the letters — or through life — yields the greatest thrill.

The visitor attraction is looking to double visitor numbers and boost revenue growth

Aerospace Bristol has appointed its first chief operating officer as it pursues an ambitious 10-year strategy to double visitor numbers and grow its commercial operations. Lloyd Hughes will take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the Filton site, which is home to Concorde.

He will lead the museum’s visitor experience, finance, commercial and operations functions, and will help deliver and evolve the commercial strategy, including driving revenue growth across events and venue hire, ticket sales, retail and hospitality.

Mr Hughes, who was previously a director at vet charity PDSA and has led commercial activities at organisations such as English Heritage, will also deputise for the chief executive and represent Aerospace Bristol at industry and networking events.

He said: “Aerospace Bristol is an extraordinary place – one that sits at the heart of a globally significant industry and tells stories about the wonders of flight to inspire people of all ages.

“I’m hugely excited to be joining at such a pivotal moment – there is enormous potential to grow both the commercial reach and resilience of the museum, and I’m looking forward to working with the brilliant team here to unlock it.”

Aerospace Bristol said the newly created position reflected its “determination to build a sustainable, high-performing organisation” and grow visitor numbers.

Sally Cordwell, chief executive of Aerospace Bristol, said: “This is a landmark appointment for Aerospace Bristol. Lloyd brings exactly the blend of commercial sharpness and charity sector understanding that we need as we look to deliver on our 10-year growth strategy.

“Creating this COO role signals our intent – we are serious about being an organisation that is operationally excellent, commercially strong and well positioned to serve our visitors, our community and the story of flight for decades to come. We’re delighted to welcome Lloyd into our team.”

Aerospace Bristol is based in Patchway on Bristol’s northern edge and is run by the Bristol Aero Collection Trust. The museum exhibits the Concorde Alpha Foxtrot, the final Concorde plane to be built and the last to fly.

Concorde’s airframe and engines were largely developed in Bristol, where its UK assembly line was located, while all UK Concordes made their maiden flight from the former Filton airfield site near the museum.