The Quayside base began as the global law firm’s innovation and technology hub

The Newcastle office of global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has hailed growth with the creation of 40 new jobs over the past 12 months.

Bosses at the Newcastle Quayside base say they have made a significant investment in local talent, including six new associate and senior lawyers, 20 new roles across the firm’s finance and IT departments and 15 new paralegals. It comes as the city office celebrates its 10th anniversary.

In the decade since its 2016 launch with just a small group of paralegals working on due diligence, the office has grown to employ more than 370 staff across 10 departments. Those teams offer a range of business and legal services to clients around the world.

The office is described as critical to Norton Rose Fulbright’s global operations as its specialist innovation and technology hub. Leaders there says the North East’s emergence as a UK AI Growth Zone will help shape the office’s future.

Rod Harrington, chief operating officer for Norton Rose Fulbright in Europe, Middle East and Asia Pacific, said: “10 years on, Newcastle has become one of the most important operational centres in our global firm. What began as our first innovation hub now delivers legal, technology and business services at a scale and quality that has genuinely changed how we serve clients across the EMEAPAC region and beyond.

“The office has shown what is possible when you bring lawyers, paralegals, technologists and business professionals together in a single team with a shared purpose. As we move into the next phase, with AI reshaping professional services, Newcastle is exceptionally well placed to play a critical role in that work on behalf of the whole firm.”

Peter Scott, global managing partner and managing partner for Europe, Middle East & Asia Pacific, added: “Newcastle has played a crucial role in advancing the firm’s transformation programme, and we thank everyone for their extensive contributions to our success. Reaching our 10-year milestone in Newcastle is a testament not only to the strength of our teams, but also to the relationships we have built across the city and the wider North East.

“As we celebrate this anniversary, we also look ahead with a shared ambition for Newcastle to help shape the future of our legal service delivery in the UK and globally.”

Dan Newcombe, head of Legal Services in Newcastle, who joined the office in 2016, said: “Alongside the Newcastle office leadership committee, I want to thank everyone who has contributed to the success and growth of our fantastic office over the past decade.

“We are incredibly proud of what has been built here and look forward to continuing to strengthen our impact, while cementing our position as an employer of choice in the North of England.”

The slowing labor market is posing a challenge to recent college graduates looking to begin their careers, with many new graduates finding work in Southern cities.

A study by ADP using anonymized data to compare the 53 largest metro areas in the U.S. based on hiring, wages and affordability for workers in their 20s with college degrees. 

It found that Birmingham, Alabama, and Tampa, Florida, were at the top of the list of destinations for fresh graduates embarking on careers. Birmingham was in the 85th or higher percentile in wages, affordability and hiring, while Tampa was buoyed by topping the rankings in hiring despite middling scores for wages and affordability.

Those cities were followed by San Jose, California, and Columbus, Ohio, in the rankings. 

PRIVATE SECTOR ADDED 109,000 JOBS IN APRIL, ABOVE EXPECTATIONS, ADP SAYS

Tampa, Florida, was once of the cities at the top of the list of destinations for fresh graduates embarking on careers. (Joe Sohm/Visions of America/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Four other cities in the top 10 were also located in the South, including Raleigh, North Carolina; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Nashville, Tennessee; and Charlotte, North Carolina. Two large metro areas rounded out the top 10, with San Francisco and New York City ranking seventh and tenth, respectively.

A report by The Wall Street Journal about the ADP study’s findings noted that the analysis suggests an emerging recovery in hiring for college graduates is playing out unevenly around the country.

The Journal noted that both Columbus and San Jose unexpectedly rose in the rankings this year despite some components of their overall ranking being less consistent, as San Jose ranked in the 12th percentile of metro areas in terms of affordability and Columbus was in the 50th percentile for earnings.

HOW AI EXPOSURE IS RESHAPING JOBS IN CREATIVE FIELDS

Raleigh, N.C., ranked in the top 10 of the list of metro areas hiring the most recent college graduates. (iStock)

Several prominent metro areas lost ground in their overall rankings, such as Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Baltimore, Maryland; and Austin, Texas, were in the top five of the rankings last year but fell below their peers this year. 

Austin was in the 94th percentile a year ago but fell to 77th, while Baltimore also dropped from the 96th percentile to the 75th.

RECENT COLLEGE GRADS ARE LOSING THEIR EDGE IN THE JOB MARKET, STUDY SHOWS

San Francisco and San Jose represented the West in the rankings. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

The biggest risers in the report from last year included several members of the top 10 list. Tampa jumped from the 54th percentile to the 98th, while San Jose rose from the 76th percentile to the 96th, and Tulsa climbed from the 50th to the 90th percentile.

Fresno, California, was outside the top 10 but made a significant leap in the report from the 22nd percentile to 79th.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

Wetherspoon chair brands any limit on early morning airport alcohol sales a ‘Big Brother’ approach after Ryanair chief questions airport drinking

JD Wetherspoon’s Tim Martin has hit out at outspoken Ryanair chief Michael O’Leary over demands for airports to tighten restrictions on early morning alcohol consumption.

Mr Martin, chairman of the UK’s most recognisable pub chain, says regulating drinking at airports amounts to a “Big Brother” approach that could ultimately result in passengers being breathalysed.

Ryanair boss Mr O’Leary had called on airports to prohibit passengers from drinking pints ahead of early-morning flights, as reported by City AM.

The budget airline mogul claimed his carrier is forced to divert flights on an almost daily basis due to the unruly conduct of intoxicated passengers.

O’Leary told the Times earlier this week: “It’s becoming a real challenge for all airlines. I fail to understand why anybody in airports bars is serving people at five or six o’clock in the morning. “

“Who needs to be drinking beer at that time?”

The Ryanair chief executive accused airports of “profiteering” from disorderly behaviour which causes havoc for airlines and other passengers.

“The ones who are profiteering off it are the airports who have these bars open at five or six o’clock in the morning and during delays are quite happy to send these people as much alcohol as they want,” he said.

However Mr Martin, whose company runs sizeable pubs at major UK airports including Heathrow and Gatwick, has fired back. Any cap on alcohol consumption would prove extremely challenging to enforce, he said, adding: “It is in everyone’s interests to have good behaviour at airports and on flights.

“[But] a two-drink limit would be extraordinarily difficult to implement, short of breathalysing passengers, and would, in our opinion, be an overreaction – especially since many of the problems stem from incoming flights.”

Wetherspoon maintains that food, soft drinks, tea and coffee represent two thirds of turnover at its airport establishments, as the pub group attempts to challenge suggestions that it benefits from inebriated conduct.

A “significant proportion” of alcoholic beverages purchased in airports are accompanied by a meal, and introducing restrictions would simply drive passengers towards buying drinks from off-licences or supermarkets prior to reaching the terminal, Wetherspoon argued.

Shadow transport secretary Richard Holden described the proposals to restrict drinking as “slightly draconian”.

“There is something peculiarly British about the tradition of having a pint at 6am when waiting for your Ryanair flight,” he said.

This is not the first clash between Tim Martin and Michael O’Leary over airport pints, as the pair previously argued over the issue in 2024.

The New York Times

NYT

8.31%

increase; green up pointing triangle was sued by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission over allegations it passed over a white man for promotion in pursuit of what the agency called unlawful corporate diversity policies. 

In a complaint filed in Manhattan federal court Tuesday, the U.S. watchdog said the Times chose not to promote the staffer to an editor role in early 2025 because of his race and gender. Instead, it hired a nonwhite woman who, the agency alleged, had less experience than the man.

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Timberwolves superstar Anthony Edwards has made a stunningly fast return from a left knee hyperextension and bone bruise, playing in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the San Antonio Spurs just nine days after the injury, though he remains on a minutes restriction and is not yet considered 100% fully recovered as the team manages his workload carefully.

Edwards suffered the injury in Game 4 of the first-round series against the Denver Nuggets on April 25, 2026. Initial projections suggested he would miss multiple weeks, potentially the entire second-round series. However, aggressive rehabilitation—including hyperbaric chamber sessions, pool running and around-the-clock treatment—allowed him to make “unforeseen progress,” according to league insiders.

The Timberwolves officially cleared Edwards for on-court activities on May 4 and listed him as questionable for Game 1. He was upgraded to available shortly before tip-off on May 5 and came off the bench for 25 minutes in Minnesota’s 104-102 road victory. Coach Chris Finch confirmed a minutes restriction, though the exact limit was not publicly detailed.

Edwards’ Own Assessment

In a post-game interview, Edwards said he felt “great” and was “not limited at all.” He emphasized focusing on preventing stiffness, a common issue after hyperextensions. “I’m just trying to keep it from being stiff because that’s the usual outcome,” he told ESPN. Teammates and coaches have praised his work ethic and determination to return for the team’s playoff push.

Despite the positive comments, medical experts note that bone bruises can linger and require careful management to avoid setbacks. Edwards is listed as questionable for Game 2 on May 7, with the team expected to continue monitoring his knee closely.

Timeline of the Injury and Recovery

• April 25: Edwards exits Game 4 vs. Nuggets with left knee injury.
• April 26-27: Testing rules out ligament damage; initial timeline estimated at 1-4 weeks.
• May 3-4: Edwards begins light on-court work and travels with the team.
• May 5: Cleared and plays 25 minutes in Game 1 vs. Spurs.
• May 6-7: Listed questionable for Game 2 while continuing recovery.

The nine-day turnaround has drawn widespread praise as “miraculous,” though the Timberwolves are taking a conservative approach given Edwards’ importance to their championship aspirations.

Impact on the Timberwolves

Minnesota advanced past Denver without Edwards in the final two games, relying on strong team defense and contributions from Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert and others. His return in Game 1 provided an immediate boost, though he started on the bench to ease him back into action. The Wolves stole home-court advantage in San Antonio, highlighting the value Edwards brings even at less than full strength.

Edwards averaged 28.8 points per game during the regular season and remains the clear offensive engine for Minnesota. His presence changes defensive schemes and spacing, making the Timberwolves a more dangerous playoff contender.

Medical Perspective on Knee Injuries

Knee hyperextensions combined with bone bruises typically require 2-4 weeks for full recovery. Edwards’ rapid return is attributed to his youth (24 years old), elite conditioning, and intensive treatment protocols. However, rushing back carries risks of re-injury or compensatory issues in the opposite knee, where he has previously dealt with runner’s knee.

Timberwolves vice president of medical performance David Hines noted in a team video that Edwards hit key metrics for pain management, mobility and strength ahead of schedule. Long-term, the organization will prioritize protecting Edwards through the remainder of the postseason.

What’s Next for Edwards and the Timberwolves

The team will provide daily updates as the series progresses. Edwards is expected to play in Game 2, likely still on restricted minutes, with gradual increases possible if he responds well. Full recovery—meaning no limitations, full explosiveness and zero soreness—may take additional weeks, potentially aligning closer to the original 2-4 week timeline for complete healing.

For fans and fantasy managers, Edwards’ availability is a major positive, but expectations should be tempered. His explosiveness and lateral quickness may not be at peak levels immediately. The Timberwolves’ depth has proven capable of supporting him during the ramp-up period.

As the Western Conference Semifinals unfold, Anthony Edwards’ resilience has become a storyline in itself. While he is back on the court and contributing, he is not yet 100% fully recovered. The coming games will test both his knee and the Timberwolves’ ability to balance his health with their championship goals.

Minnesota’s medical staff, coaching decisions and Edwards’ own feedback will dictate his usage moving forward. For now, the star guard’s presence alone elevates the Wolves’ ceiling in a highly competitive Western Conference.

Retirement is meant to be the reward for a lifetime of corporate slog: long lunches, a forgiving handicap and the freedom to ignore a Monday morning inbox. For a small but growing band of senior British executives, however, the gilded sunset has proved rather less golden than the brochure suggested.

Bored, restless and quietly itching for a problem to solve, they have done what their younger colleagues might find unthinkable. They have gone back to work, and, more often than not, they are doing it for free.

The Sapient Foundation, set up last year, is the brainchild of Brendan Logan, a 72-year-old serial entrepreneur with three decades in telecommunications and four start-ups to his name. The trigger was a conversation with his old friend Larry Quinn, 69, who had reluctantly agreed to advise a local golf club on its governance, despite, as Logan tells it, having no interest whatsoever in the game. The reason? He had, in his own words, “nothing else to do”.

Quinn, who has co-founded and exited eight businesses, was clearly wasted on bunker disputes. Logan rounded up two more retirees of equal vintage: Eden Phillips, 61, formerly a software engineering manager at BT, and Mary Whatman, 62, a transformation specialist whose CV includes Bell Canada and Nortel. The Sapient Foundation was born.

In the year since, the quartet has worked with just over a dozen companies stretched across the UK and beyond. The model is unusual. Sapient looks at a client’s balance sheet, decides what the business can realistically afford, and charges accordingly. In several cases there is no upfront fee at all; instead, founders are asked to make a donation to one of the charities Sapient supports, but only once their company is generating revenue.

That arrangement suited DocComs, a London-based start-up developing an encrypted messaging platform for doctors. Co-founder Roseanna Jaggard, who runs the business with her husband Matt, had considered the various free online services on offer to founders, but found them generic. Sapient, by contrast, has been working with the team on an investment strategy tailored to the company’s clinical niche.

In its inaugural year, the foundation donated a four-figure sum to the Solidarity Teacher Training College, part of the Solidarity with South Sudan charity. Logan says other educational causes will follow.

The retirees are unapologetically picky about whom they help. Projects must genuinely interest them, and venture capital firms hoping to use the foundation as a back door to discounted consulting have been politely shown the door. Logan says one or two have “tried to pull a fast one”.

The recurring themes among Sapient’s clients are the trio that haunt almost every British SME: funding, technology and governance. Logan and his colleagues have used their address books to introduce founders to investors and capital sources they would never otherwise have reached.

One beneficiary is Oraczen, an agentic artificial intelligence company with offices in London and Texas. Co-founder Raghu Prasad credits Sapient with steering the business away from chasing broad AI opportunities and towards a more practical commercial wedge in contracts, procurement, supplier management and spend leakage. The intervention, Prasad says, helped the team “sharpen our focus very quickly” as they plan an expansion across the UK and Europe.

“In a traditional setting, advice of this depth and quality from senior telecom and enterprise experts would likely have cost us ten to twenty times more,” Prasad adds. “As an early-stage AI company building for enterprises across Europe and the UK, that level of access and strategic guidance would have been difficult to justify financially.”

The foundation operates under what Logan calls the “no heavy lifting” rule. Phillips, who spends a few hours a day on Sapient projects, still has time to tend his allotment, take guitar lessons and volunteer for Citizens Advice. The point, Logan insists, is that the work must remain enjoyable, the charities well funded and the queue of grateful founders steadily growing.

Britain’s SMEs have long complained about the cost and accessibility of senior strategic advice. It turns out the answer may have been sitting on the patio all along, quietly bored and reaching for the secateurs.

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.

Two of the six trustees at Tata Trusts, a group of charities that control two-thirds of Tata Sons Pvt., are set to propose that the group’s holding company prepare for a listing in line with India’s central bank regulations, said the people, who asked not to be named because the deliberations are private.

Venu Srinivasan and Vijay Singh will likely advocate for the need for Tata Sons to make this transition at an upcoming Tata Trusts board meeting on May 8, they said.

Their case, according to the people, is that a listing will bring necessary transparency and rigor to the conglomerate’s parent. That’s a departure from the Trusts’ previous position of resisting a public float due to concerns that a listing would dilute its control over the group’s listed companies. Noel still wants to keep Tata Sons closely held, they added.

The actions indicate that deep disagreements are emerging at the highest levels of the $180 billion conglomerate as India’s central bank takes steps to tighten oversight of what it considers systemically important shadow banks. This also illustrates the challenges that Noel, the scion and a great-grandson of the founder Jamsetji Tata, faces in solidifying his power over the group more than a year after he took over from his late half-brother.

Live Events

Representatives of Tata Trusts, Tata Sons and the Reserve Bank of India did not immediately respond to requests for comments. Singh and Srinivasan also did not comment on their plans for the upcoming board meeting.
At the center of the rift is the initial public offering of Tata Sons, the group holding company controlling a vast collection of companies that do everything from manufacturing salt to selling luxury Jaguar Land Rover vehicles and providing global IT services. Under new rules that go into effect July 1, the RBI will designate Tata Sons a shadow bank that will ultimately require it to be listed. It’s not the first time that the RBI has required Tata to list — in 2022, it classified Tata Sons as an “upper-layer” non-banking financial company with a three-year time line to go public. But the group managed to stay private by restructuring its debt and petitioning RBI that it be classified as a non-systemic entity.

That loophole appears to have closed now, with the latest RBI circular preventing Tata from trying to de-register as a shadow lender on the grounds it doesn’t directly accept funds from individuals and institutions.

The RBI separately proposed categorizing shadow lenders as systemically important, if their asset size exceeds 1 trillion rupees ($10.6 billion).

Delay Tactics

Now, trustees at Tata Trusts are questioning whether the delay tactics are worth the trouble given the listing is inevitable, and whether the group would be better off doing an IPO, according to the people.

But Noel, the patriarch who heads the Trusts, has been so opposed to the idea that he even demanded that the chairman of Tata Sons, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, give an assurance that the holding company won’t have to list when the latter’s reappointment for the third term was being discussed, Bloomberg News reported in February.

When Chandrasekaran declined to give that guarantee, the Tata Sons board deferred the vote on his reappointment. There were also differences over financial losses in some business units.

The rift has emerged as Noel seeks to assert his authority over the holding company. The May 8 meeting, the people said, will also focus on the appointment of new nominees by the charities to the Tata Sons board — a strategic move that will help Noel consolidate his influence over the group’s future direction.

The looming deadline adds pressure. With less than two months before the rules kick in, Tata Sons is awaiting informal guidance from the regulator while weighing whether to seek more time to comply, the people said.

No Exception

The RBI, however, has informally conveyed to the Tata trustees that it’s unwilling to make an exception for the conglomerate, according to the people. The regulator has already sought legal opinion on the matter and forwarded its view to the federal government for final review, they said.

The view is that any exemption to Tata Sons will trigger similar demands from other entities, the people said, noting it could complicate the regulatory landscape and set a bad precedent.

If Tata Sons is forced into an IPO, the Shapoorji Pallonji Group, a substantial minority shareholder, will likely be the biggest winner. The infrastructure conglomerate has pledged its 18.4% stake in Tata Sons to raise costly debt. It has publicly backed a listing — calling it a necessary step to unlock value.

Shapoor Mistry and family are valued at $32 billion by the Bloomberg Billionaires Index but nearly 75% of this net worth is tethered to their Tata Sons stake, which is currently illiquid.

LOS ANGELES — Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Orlando Bloom are teaming up for Reset, a high-stakes survival thriller that will begin filming in August, marking another major Hollywood project for the global superstar and a high-profile return to action for the Lord of the Rings veteran.

The film, directed by Matt Smukler (Wildflower), follows a woman (Chopra Jonas) who wakes up deep in the wilderness, days from civilization, with no memory of how she arrived. Her only hope for survival is trusting a charming stranger (Bloom) — a man whose true intentions may prove far more dangerous than the elements surrounding them.

Deadline first reported the casting on May 6, 2026, generating immediate buzz across entertainment circles. Fortitude International will launch international sales at the Cannes Film Festival this month, signaling strong commercial interest in the project.

A High-Concept Thriller with Global Appeal

Written by Jordan Rawlins, Reset blends psychological tension, intense survival elements and twists that question trust and memory. The remote wilderness setting promises stunning visuals and edge-of-your-seat sequences as the two leads navigate both the harsh environment and their growing suspicions of each other.

Chopra Jonas will also co-produce through her Purple Pebble Pictures banner. This marks another producing credit for the actress, who has steadily expanded her behind-the-camera influence in Hollywood. Bloom will produce via his Amazing Owl company. Additional producers include Jon Hoeber and Erich Hoeber (The Meg), Michael Lazarovitch and Matthew Rhodes.

The pairing brings together two charismatic leads with massive international followings. Chopra Jonas, fresh off The Bluff and Citadel Season 2, continues her Hollywood momentum. Bloom, known for Pirates of the Caribbean and The Lord of the Rings, returns to a physically demanding role that plays to his action-hero strengths.

Production and Creative Team

Filming is scheduled to begin in August 2026, with locations expected to include rugged natural landscapes ideal for a survival story. Smukler’s direction of the coming-of-age comedy-drama Wildflower showcased his ability to balance character-driven storytelling with visual flair, skills that should translate well to this tense thriller.

The project’s timing aligns with growing audience appetite for elevated genre films featuring strong female leads and complex interpersonal dynamics. Industry insiders anticipate Reset could appeal to fans of films like The Revenant, A Quiet Place and Don’t Breathe, while its memory-loss mystery adds a psychological layer reminiscent of The Bourne Identity.

Priyanka’s Expanding Hollywood Footprint

For Chopra Jonas, Reset represents continued diversification. After establishing herself in action (The Matrix Resurrections, The Bluff) and prestige drama (The White Tiger), the survival thriller allows her to showcase physicality and emotional depth simultaneously. Her husband, Nick Jonas, publicly celebrated the news on social media, calling it an “exciting” new chapter.

The actress has been vocal about seeking roles that challenge her and offer global representation. Reset fits perfectly as a lead-driven project with international sales potential and crossover appeal.

Bloom’s Return to Intense Roles

Orlando Bloom brings star power and proven action credentials. His last major on-screen outings included The Cut and various franchise appearances. A grounded, character-focused survival story offers him a chance to deliver a nuanced performance while delivering the physicality fans expect.

The chemistry between Chopra Jonas and Bloom is already generating early excitement, with fans speculating about the tension-filled dynamic their characters will share on screen.

Cannes Sales Launch and Market Outlook

Fortitude International’s decision to introduce the project at Cannes underscores confidence in its commercial viability. Survival thrillers with A-list talent have performed strongly in recent years, both theatrically and on streaming platforms. Netflix, Amazon and other buyers are expected to show keen interest.

The film arrives at a time when Hollywood is balancing big-budget spectacles with more contained, high-concept stories that travel well internationally. Reset appears positioned for both theatrical and premium streaming releases.

Broader Industry Context

This announcement highlights the continued globalization of Hollywood casting. Chopra Jonas represents one of India’s biggest exports to American cinema, while Bloom brings British and franchise appeal. Their collaboration exemplifies cross-cultural projects that appeal to diverse audiences worldwide.

As production nears, anticipation will build around casting announcements for supporting roles, filming locations and first-look imagery. With August start date confirmed, Reset is poised to become one of 2027’s most talked-about thrillers upon release.

For now, the pairing of Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Orlando Bloom in a memory-shrouded wilderness survival story has already captured imaginations. As cameras roll later this summer, audiences can expect a tense, visually striking ride filled with twists, breathtaking scenery and powerhouse performances from two of Hollywood’s most watchable stars.

Operator

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the Westwing Group SE Q1 2026 Earnings Call. [Operator Instructions] Now dear ladies and gentlemen, let me turn the floor over to your host, Andreas Hoerning.

Andreas Hoerning
CEO & Chairman of Management Board

Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us for our earnings call on the first quarter of 2026. My name is Andreas Hoerning, I’m the CEO of Westwing. I’m hosting the call together with my colleague, Sebastian Westrich, our CFO. Looking at today’s agenda, I will begin by providing key updates on our business for Q1, after which Sebastian will share the details of Westwing’s financial performance and how the current macroeconomic environment is impacting our business.

After our investment highlights, we will be happy to take your questions. Let’s take a look at the current state of Westwing. Overall, in Q1, we saw strong top line growth. Our revenue increased by 11% year-over-year to EUR 120 million. This was driven by 2 main factors. First, we benefited from a highly successful mega sales event in January, which we already mentioned in the last call.

Second, we saw continued top line contributions from our expansion initiatives. In Q1 of last year, we operated in only 4 new markets and ran 4 offline stores. Since then, we expanded to 8 additional markets and added 3 more stores. It is great to see that these expansion efforts are already delivering a strong top line impact even against rather weak