Britain’s small businesses, community energy co-operatives and rural entrepreneurs are being urged to step into the spotlight as the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) opens nominations for its inaugural Centenary Awards, with a flagship category dedicated to rooftop solar deployment.

The awards, marking 100 years of the countryside charity’s campaigning work, will culminate in a ceremony at the Houses of Parliament on 29 October 2026. Of the six categories on offer, the Best Rooftop Solar Solution award is likely to attract the keenest interest from the SME community, coming at a moment when government policy is decisively tilting in favour of putting panels on roofs rather than fields.

That shift in mood music is no accident. Earlier this year, CPRE warned that nearly two-thirds of England’s largest solar farms have been built on productive agricultural land, with a third sited on the country’s most valuable fields — a finding that has only sharpened ministerial appetite for unlocking the estimated 250,000 hectares of suitable commercial and domestic roof space across the UK. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has since signalled a step-change in support for commercial rooftop solar, including business rates relief running through to 2035 and streamlined planning for installations above 1MW.

For the small and medium-sized firms that have long viewed solar as the preserve of the deep-pocketed, the timing could scarcely be better. Businesses generated record volumes of clean power last year, with wind and solar driving the UK’s renewable electricity record — and a growing slice of that came from SME-scale rooftop arrays rather than industrial-scale developments.

CPRE has set a deliberately ambitious bar. Successful nominations should demonstrate some, or ideally all, of four hallmarks: meaningful local community involvement in choosing and approving the site; sensitive design that minimises visual impact on the surrounding landscape; long-term economic benefit for the host community alongside maximised energy efficiency; and the use of innovative solutions or technology to overcome site-specific challenges.

The judging panel reflects that breadth of remit. Emma Fletcher, Innovation Director at Octopus Energy, brings the perspective of one of the country’s most disruptive clean-power players, a business currently investing billions in renewables on both sides of the Atlantic. She is joined by Richard Alvin, Editor at Capital Business Media’s renewable energy title Turning Electric, and a long-standing chronicler of the SME energy transition; Noël Lambert, a founding director of community-finance pioneer Big Solar Co-op; and Juliet Loiselle, Publisher at Warners Group Publications.

It is a line-up calibrated to spot the difference between solar projects that simply tick the carbon box and those genuinely embedded in the communities they serve, a distinction that increasingly separates winners from also-rans in the commercial clean energy market.

Crewenna Dymond, CPRE’s director of communities and participation, said the awards were designed to surface stories that too often go untold.

“As CPRE marks its centenary, these awards are a chance to celebrate the remarkable people and projects already making a difference to our countryside. From innovative housing solutions to community green spaces, there is so much inspiring work happening across England that deserves recognition,” she said.

“Whether you are an individual, a business or a community group, we want to hear your story. Nominations are open to all, and we encourage anyone who cares about the countryside to get involved.”

That open-door approach matters. Recent years have seen a wave of investment commitments aimed at smaller commercial sites — including Electron Green’s pledge to invest up to £1bn to kickstart a solar electricity revolution for UK businesses — yet many of the most ingenious SME-led schemes remain virtually unknown beyond their immediate locality. The Centenary Awards offer an unusually high-profile platform to change that.

Nominations close on 30 June 2026, with winners and highly commended entrants invited to the parliamentary ceremony in October. Self-nominations are accepted, and full criteria are published on CPRE’s National Centenary Awards page.

For SME owners whose rooftop schemes have quietly transformed their balance sheets, their carbon footprints and, crucially in CPRE’s eyes — their communities, this is a rare opportunity to claim a slice of national recognition.

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 — Morgan Stanley analysts have laid out four distinct potential outcomes following eBay’s swift rejection of GameStop’s unsolicited $56 billion acquisition offer, providing Wall Street with a structured roadmap as the high-profile drama between the two retailers continues to captivate investors.

In a detailed note issued Tuesday, Morgan Stanley’s equity research team described the situation as “highly unusual” and outlined scenarios ranging from a sweetened bid by GameStop to a complete withdrawal, a proxy fight, or even a counter-offensive by eBay. The report comes just days after eBay’s board unanimously rejected GameStop’s cash-and-stock proposal, calling it “neither credible nor attractive.”

GameStop, led by CEO Ryan Cohen, formally proposed acquiring eBay at $125 per share in early May. The surprise offer represented a significant premium and stunned analysts, given GameStop’s market capitalization was roughly one-tenth the size of eBay’s at the time. eBay quickly dismissed the approach, but the move has already triggered massive volatility in both stocks and renewed meme-stock enthusiasm around GameStop.

Morgan Stanley’s base case assumes GameStop will eventually walk away, but not before extracting some form of value or concessions. In this scenario, the bank expects GameStop shares to retreat toward pre-bid levels while eBay stabilizes after the initial shock. However, the analysts warned that Cohen’s history of aggressive activism suggests he may not back down easily.

A second potential outcome involves GameStop returning with a higher offer, possibly sweetened with more cash or better terms to address eBay’s governance and strategic concerns. Morgan Stanley noted that GameStop’s substantial cash reserves — approaching $9 billion — give it credibility to pursue a revised bid, though significant regulatory and financing hurdles remain.

The third scenario envisions a proxy contest or shareholder activism campaign by GameStop. Cohen, who owns a meaningful stake in eBay through derivatives, could attempt to influence the company’s direction or push for board seats. This path would likely lead to prolonged public conflict and additional volatility for both companies.

The fourth and most aggressive outcome, according to Morgan Stanley, would be eBay launching a counter-bid or pursuing its own transformative acquisition to demonstrate strategic independence. While considered less likely, this “tit-for-tat” escalation could dramatically reshape the e-commerce landscape.

Wall Street’s reaction has been mixed. Some analysts view GameStop’s move as a bold but ultimately unrealistic attempt by Cohen to reinvent the company beyond physical retail. Others see it as a clever use of GameStop’s cash pile and activist playbook to create value for shareholders. GameStop shares have remained elevated since the bid news, reflecting sustained retail investor enthusiasm.

eBay’s rejection letter emphasized its strong standalone momentum, including healthy growth in its advertising business, structured data initiatives and international expansion. The company has been streamlining operations in recent years, divesting non-core assets and focusing on its core marketplace.

Ryan Cohen has not publicly commented since the rejection, but sources close to GameStop say the company is evaluating its options and remains committed to exploring strategic alternatives that could accelerate its transformation. Cohen’s successful turnaround of Chewy before GameStop has given him significant credibility in activist circles.

For GameStop, the eBay pursuit represents a high-risk, high-reward attempt to pivot from a declining brick-and-mortar video game retailer into a broader e-commerce player. The company has been aggressively buying back shares and accumulating cash while closing underperforming stores. However, its core business continues to face secular pressure from digital downloads and competition from Amazon, Walmart and Best Buy.

eBay, meanwhile, has worked hard to reposition itself as a premium marketplace with strong first-party tools for sellers. The company has posted consistent revenue growth and improving margins under CEO Jamie Iannone. Analysts generally believe eBay is better positioned strategically than GameStop, though the unsolicited bid has forced management to defend its independence.

The saga has reignited interest in meme stocks and activist investing. GameStop’s loyal retail shareholder base has once again mobilized on social media, with some calling for Cohen to “go all in” on eBay. Others warn that overextending could jeopardize GameStop’s strong balance sheet.

Regulatory considerations add another layer of complexity. Any formal pursuit of eBay would likely trigger antitrust scrutiny given the size of the proposed deal and overlapping e-commerce operations. The Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice have become increasingly aggressive in reviewing technology and retail transactions.

Morgan Stanley’s analysis suggests the most probable near-term outcome is a negotiated settlement or quiet withdrawal by GameStop in exchange for certain concessions, such as a standstill agreement or minority stake. However, the bank cautioned that Cohen’s unpredictable style makes any prediction difficult.

As both companies prepare for their upcoming shareholder meetings and earnings reports, the chess match between Cohen and eBay’s board will likely remain in focus. Investors in both stocks face heightened volatility as the situation evolves.

For the broader market, the episode highlights the growing influence of activist investors with substantial cash reserves and strong retail support. GameStop’s move, whether successful or not, has already changed the conversation around eBay’s strategic options and valuation.

The coming weeks will be critical in determining which of Morgan Stanley’s four scenarios plays out. Whatever the resolution, the GME-eBay saga has already delivered one of the most entertaining and unpredictable storylines of the 2026 investment year.

The shares of the telecom major jumped to a fresh 52-week high of Rs 13.40 apiece on Tuesday morning. The shares of the company have jumped more than 39% in one month and have gained 15% in 2026 so far.

Vodafone Idea on Saturday released its results for the January-March quarter of the financial year 2026. It reported a net profit of Rs 51,970 crore for the quarter under review as against a net loss of Rs 7,166 crore in the year-ago period, primarily driven by a one-time accounting gain related to the reassessment of AGR dues and recognition of the present value of future AGR payments.

Also Read | Vodafone Idea shares drop 4% on muted Q4 revenue growth, one-time gain in profit

The firm’s revenue from operations meanwhile rose 3% year-on-year (YoY) to Rs 11,332 crore during the quarter which ended on March 31, 2026, from Rs 11,017 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year. EBITDA grew 4.9% YoY to Rs 4,889 crore, while Average revenue per user, or ARPU, rose to Rs 190 from Rs 175 in the year-ago quarter, marking an 8.3% increase.

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Nomura on Vodafone Idea

Nomura downgraded the shares of Vodafone Idea from ‘Buy’ to ‘Neutral’, but increased its target price to Rs 12.60 apiece. This implies a downside potential of more than 2% from the stock’s previous closing price.
The international brokerage highlighted that the company’s management has outlined a three-year strategic plan in which VIL is going to invest Rs 45,000 crore over the next three years. “To support liquidity, VIL plans to raise Rs 25,000 crore of bank funding and Rs 10,000 of non-funded facility in the near term. We think that if VIL is able to raise this bank funding, it would be a key positive for the business given its capex plan is dependent on it, which may eventually translate into arresting its subscriber loss, and realising higher ARPU from a mix of customer upgrades and higher tariffs. We also note that the government’s 27% AGR relief, with payment moratorium and issuance of preferential warrants worth Rs 4,730 to promoter entity, should support VIL’s ability to raise debt capital sooner rather than later,” it added.
However, Nomura downgraded its rating on the stock due to limited potential upside from current levels. However, it values the stock based on 14x FY28 EV/EBITDA, higher than 12x that it assigned to Bharti Airtel and Jio, given Vodafone Idea’s higher earnings CAGR potential.

“We prefer Bharti Airtel among the telecom stocks under our coverage,” Nomura said, while highlighting the key catalysts for Vodafone Idea, which include successful debt-capital raise, industry tariff hikes, a reversal of the subscriber loss trend, and a strategic equity investment that may provide the much-needed confidence capital. However, key risks include a slowdown in subscriber addition and ARPU growth that could disappoint investors and might push stock back into bear territory, the brokerage added.

Nuvama retained its ‘Hold’ rating on the stock, but increased its target price to Rs 13.5 apiece. The brokerage highlighted that the company reported a decent Q4 performance. “KPIs like subscriber addition, ARPU and churn rates are improving but a lot more needs to fall into place for VIL to become an investible idea,” it highlighted.

“VIL appears to be making steady progress with improvement in ARPU and subscriber additions on one hand and reassessment of AGR dues and the 10-year moratorium on the other. However, investor attention remains focused on the delayed debt fund raise, which is critical to support capex, along with sustainability of subscriber net addition and ARPU growth,” Nuvama further said.

Motilal Oswal on Vodafone Idea

Motilal Oswal Financial Services maintained its ‘Neutral’ rating on the shares of Vodafone Idea, with a target price of Rs 10 apiece, implying a downside potential of 22% from the stock’s previous closing price. “Everything must go right for the long-term revival,” the domestic brokerage said.

“We believe Vi’s revival hinges on sustained tariff hikes or a change in tariff construct, stabilization in consumer wireless subs trends, more rational competition on subscriber acquisition, and continuation of a benign regulatory regime, with further relief on spectrum payments,” Motilal said, adding that not all of these variables are within management’s control.

Additionally, if Vodafone Idea begins to emerge as a competitive third player, Motilal expects peers with superior FCF generation, network, and product offerings to respond with heightened competitive intensity.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

This article was written by

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NEW YORK — Dunkin’ Donuts is treating coffee lovers across America to a massive giveaway Tuesday, offering the first 1 million customers a free standard hot or iced coffee as part of a one-day promotion designed to celebrate loyal fans and drive foot traffic to its stores nationwide.

The promotion, announced late Monday, kicks off at participating locations on May 19, 2026. Customers do not need to make a purchase to claim the free coffee, though participating Dunkin’ shops may apply standard size limitations and basic customization rules. The offer is available on a first-come, first-served basis until the 1 million drinks are redeemed or stores close for the day.

Dunkin’ officials described the giveaway as the largest single-day coffee promotion in the brand’s history. With more than 9,500 Dunkin’ locations across the United States, the company expects strong turnout, particularly during morning rush hours. Many stores are preparing extra staff and inventory to handle anticipated demand.

“This is our way of saying thank you to the millions of guests who start their day with us,” a Dunkin’ spokesperson said. “We know how important that first cup of coffee is, and we’re excited to share it for free on May 19.”

To claim the free coffee, customers simply need to visit any participating Dunkin’ store and request the promotion. While no app or digital coupon is required, the company encourages guests to use the Dunkin’ app for faster ordering and to check real-time store availability. Mobile orders placed through the app will also be eligible for the free coffee offer, subject to the same first-come, first-served limitations.

The promotion covers standard hot or iced coffee. Specialty drinks, espresso-based beverages, or add-ons like flavored syrups and whipped cream are not included. However, customers can still purchase those items separately if desired. Dunkin’ franchisees have the flexibility to extend the offer slightly beyond the 1 million national cap at their own discretion, but the core commitment remains the first million redemptions.

Industry analysts view the giveaway as a smart marketing move in a highly competitive quick-service beverage market. With major rivals like Starbucks and Dutch Bros also running frequent promotions, Dunkin’ is leaning into its core strength — accessible, high-quality coffee at everyday prices — to reinforce brand loyalty.

Social media reaction has been swift and enthusiastic. The hashtag #DunkinFreeCoffee began trending within hours of the announcement, with users sharing excitement, planned store visits, and tips for beating the morning rush. Some coffee enthusiasts are already planning to visit multiple locations throughout the day to maximize their chances before supplies run out.

Dunkin’ has a long history of successful promotional campaigns. Previous giveaways, such as National Donut Day offers and app-based rewards, have consistently driven significant traffic. This large-scale free coffee event is expected to be one of the most impactful, potentially introducing new customers to the brand while rewarding longtime fans.

For store operators, the promotion represents both an opportunity and a logistical challenge. Many franchisees are increasing morning staffing and pre-brewing extra batches of coffee to avoid long lines and disappointed customers. Corporate support teams are providing additional supplies and marketing materials to ensure smooth execution.

The timing of the giveaway is particularly strategic. May marks the unofficial start of summer in many regions, a period when iced coffee demand traditionally surges. By offering free coffee on May 19, Dunkin’ aims to kick off the warmer months with strong momentum and increased brand visibility.

Customers with dietary preferences should note that the free offer includes both regular and decaf options. Plant-based milk alternatives may be available for an additional charge, consistent with standard Dunkin’ pricing. The promotion is valid at participating U.S. locations only and does not extend to international markets.

Dunkin’ has prepared for potential high demand by coordinating with suppliers and distribution centers in advance. The company has also set up a dedicated customer service line for questions related to the giveaway. Guests experiencing any issues at specific locations are encouraged to use the Dunkin’ app’s feedback feature or contact corporate support.

Beyond the immediate caffeine boost, the promotion carries longer-term benefits for Dunkin’. Marketing experts predict it will generate substantial earned media coverage and social sharing, amplifying the brand’s reach far beyond the 1 million physical redemptions. User-generated content featuring free coffee cups and happy customers is expected to flood platforms like Instagram, TikTok and X.

For budget-conscious consumers, the event offers a welcome opportunity to enjoy a premium coffee experience at no cost. With inflation still affecting everyday expenses, free promotions like this resonate strongly with working professionals, students and families looking to stretch their dollars.

As stores prepare for Tuesday’s rush, Dunkin’ enthusiasts are setting alarms and mapping out their routes. Some loyal customers have already planned group visits, turning the promotion into a social event. Others are coordinating workplace runs to bring free coffee back to colleagues.

The 1 million free coffee giveaway underscores Dunkin’s continued dominance in the everyday coffee segment. While competitors focus on premium experiences and elaborate seasonal drinks, Dunkin’ doubles down on accessibility, speed and value — qualities that built its massive national footprint.

Whether you prefer a classic hot coffee with cream and sugar or a refreshing iced version on a warm spring day, Tuesday offers a rare chance to enjoy it complimentary. With careful planning and a bit of luck, coffee lovers nationwide can start their day with a free Dunkin’ pick-me-up.

The promotion runs only on May 19 while supplies last. Early birds will have the best chance of claiming their free coffee before the daily allocation runs out at individual locations. Dunkin’ encourages all participants to enjoy responsibly and share their experiences using the official brand hashtags.

This large-scale act of generosity is expected to strengthen customer loyalty and generate positive brand sentiment heading into the busy summer season. For millions of Americans, it will simply be a delicious way to start the day — on the house.

Younger workers bore the brunt of a cooling labour market

Unemployment edged back upwards despite a decline in last month’s figures, as data revealed the UK jobs market deteriorated over the last quarter. The Office for National Statistics reported the UK unemployment rate stood at five per cent in the three months to March 2026. This marked a rise from the 4.9 per cent recorded in the previous month’s release.

Youth unemployment also climbed to 16.2 per cent, with activity rates for the age group falling simultaneously.

WPI Strategy economist Martin Beck highlighted that the drop in payrolled employees among those under 35 was more pronounced, falling by 296,000 since October 2024, compared to a rise of 18,000 for older workers.

“In other words, the slowdown is not being felt evenly. Younger workers continue to bear the brunt of a cooling labour market,” Beck said, as reported by City AM.

Vacancies declined further to a five-year low, laying bare the challenges facing job seekers in an increasingly subdued market.

The number of payrolled employees fell by 20,000 over the quarter, while an early estimate for the three months to April suggests a potential drop of 100,000 over the same period.

Bank of England officials are likely to take close note of fresh wage growth figures that may unsettle some policymakers.

Including bonuses, wage growth came in higher than anticipated at 4.1 per cent. Pay growth over the three months to March was 3.4 per cent when bonuses were excluded from the calculation, in line with economists’ forecasts.

“Latest figures suggest the labour market remains soft, with vacancies at their lowest level in five years and unemployment higher than a year ago,” said Liz McKeown, director of economic statistics.

The latest employment data provides additional insight into the condition of the British economy following the first quarter of the calendar year.

Jack Kennedy, senior economist at Indeed, described youth unemployment as a “flashing warning signal”.

“Vacancies are falling, payrolled employment is declining, and the jobless rate is rising – a combination that signals the squeeze on businesses from rising costs and uncertainty is now feeding through into tangible job market deterioration,” Kennedy said.

“The spike in joblessness among young people is a reminder that the workers at the beginning of their careers feel these pressures first and hardest.”

Separate GDP figures offered Rachel Reeves encouragement as the ONS estimated that the economy expanded by 0.6 per cent in the first three months of the year.

Projections for the employment market have been varied, with economists at the Office for Budget Responsibility and the Bank of England forecasting a peak unemployment rate of approximately 5.3 per cent.

Some City analysts have cautioned that joblessness could climb higher.

Welfare secretary Pat McFadden said a rise in the employment rate was “encouraging” yet the war in the Middle East was “casting a shadow on the labour market”. Shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith attributed the deterioration to the Labour government’s policies.

Monetary Policy Committee members, who determine interest rates every six weeks, will be scrutinising any signs of wage pressures closely.

This heightened focus on salaries comes as economists fear that rising inflation driven by the Iran war could push up wages, triggering a spiralling effect on price pressures.

The International Monetary Fund indicated that the Bank would not need to raise interest rates this year, despite a number of City firms predicting a hike.

The IMF cautioned that interest rates were heavily contingent on whether data remained in line with expectations.

Economists at both the Bank and across private sector firms will now be keeping a close eye on anticipated government welfare reforms.

The initial findings from the Alan Milburn review into young people not in education, employment or training (Neets) are expected to be released within days, outlining potential job market reforms to be put forward by any Labour leader.

Ahead of Tuesday’s jobs figures, a report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies revealed that only half of young people were on the payroll, as the Neets crisis has proven worse than anticipated.

According to the think tank, just 50.6 per cent of 16 to 24-year-olds were in employment between late 2022 and 2025. This represented a decline from a previous proportion of 54.9 per cent.

Two thirds of the population were participating in the labour force, while nearly one in nine young people, or 640,000 individuals, were claiming an out-of-work benefit, the research revealed.

Jed Michael, research economist at IFS and an author of a report on Neets, said there was insufficient evidence to explain why the Neets crisis had worsened beyond previous projections.

“The job of the Milburn review is made much harder by a lack of clarity as to what is driving the fall. While it does not seem to be down solely to a temporary cyclical downturn in the economy, more evidence is needed to understand the roles of minimum wages, youth mental health, AI and other factors,” Michael said.