Brompton Bicycle has scaled back its US expansion and accelerated investment in China, as uncertainty over trade policy under Donald Trump reshapes its international strategy.

The London-founded folding bike specialist closed its branded stores in New York and Washington last year when their leases expired. In contrast, it opened a new outlet in Shenzhen and doubled the size of its flagship Shanghai store following a major refurbishment.

Will Butler-Adams, Brompton’s managing director, said the decision reflected concerns about policy unpredictability in the US. “We decided the leadership was so unpredictable, anything could happen,” he said, adding that tariff volatility made long-term commitments difficult.

“If the tariff goes up to 25 per cent and we become uncompetitive, the whole store proposition is at risk,” he said. “I’m not going to sign a five-year lease in this environment.”

His comments follow a US Supreme Court ruling that many of the tariffs introduced since 2024 were unlawful. However, the administration subsequently confirmed a temporary 10 per cent global tariff, later raised to 15 per cent, adding to market uncertainty.

Brompton, founded in 1976, operates a factory in west London producing tens of thousands of bicycles annually and is the UK’s largest bike manufacturer. Its compact folding bikes are popular among urban commuters worldwide.

While Butler-Adams stressed that the company would continue investing in the US, he said its approach would be more cautious and flexible.

China, by contrast, offers greater stability from Brompton’s perspective. The company has operated in the country for 17 years and now runs three owned stores alongside 14 franchise outlets. It also distributes through third-party retailers.

“It’s our largest market and we know where we stand,” Butler-Adams said, suggesting that warmer diplomatic ties between the UK and China could further enhance demand for British brands.

The shift underscores how global manufacturers are recalibrating supply chains and retail strategies in response to trade tensions, seeking predictability as much as growth in an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape.

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.

As fears grow that a potential U.S. strike on Iran could choke off global oil supplies and send prices soaring, former Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette says strong American production is keeping a lid on a $100-a-barrel price shock for now.

“What we are not seeing is a lack of supply in the marketplace. That is traditionally what would drive prices higher. That is not the case today,” Brouillette said Monday.

Instead, he said the recent jump reflects traders factoring in the possibility that escalating tensions — including a potential Iran strike — could disrupt oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway that carries roughly 20% of the world’s petroleum liquids.

He told FOX Business that oil is “plentiful” in the marketplace thanks to the U.S. “producing more… than we ever have.”

SCOTT BESSENT SAYS IRAN UNDERSTANDS ‘BRUTE FORCE’ AS TRUMP WEIGHS OPTIONS AMID NUCLEAR STANDOFF

Oil pumpjacks stand in the Inglewood Oil Field on Nov. 23, 2021 in Los Angeles, Calif. (Mario Tama/Getty Images / Getty Images)

“We’re setting records, and that’s bringing stability to the marketplace,” he said, adding, “so rather than $100 a barrel oil today, we’re seeing prices in the mid-60s.”

His comments came as crude hovered around $66.59 per barrel at the time of broadcast, following a recent jump fueled by rising tensions with the Islamic Republic.

Brouillette said he expects prices to stabilize in the coming weeks, as uncertainty, rather than actual shortages, continues to drive short-term volatility.

“This is really a risk price today. It is not a supply price,” he said. “And I think we’re going to see that for some time to come.”

MADURO;S FALL PUTS IRAN’S DEEP ENERGY AND DEFENSE COOPERATION WITH VENEZUELA AT RISK

Oil tankers pass through the Strait of Hormuz on Dec. 21, 2018. (Reuters/Hamad I Mohammed / Reuters)

Brouillette argued that with supply remaining strong, prices should eventually stabilize rather than spike.

“I think you will see them stabilize over a period of time,” he told Maria Bartiromo. “We’re looking at mid-‘60s today. It won’t surprise me that we see it go down slightly, especially if we have a situation in Iran where they return to what might be referred to as polite society.”

A shift in Iran’s posture — or a broader political change that brings more Iranian crude back onto the global market — could further ease pressure, he said.

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“If this regime goes away and that oil becomes available, we’re looking at potentially another million, million-and-a-half barrels of oil coming onto the world market,” Brouillette said. 

“That’s going to significantly alter the supply situation, and it could push prices slightly lower.”

The BBC and Britain’s film academy issued apologies Monday after a guest with Tourette syndrome shouted a racial slur during Sunday night’s BAFTA Film Awards, an incident that drew sharp criticism from celebrities and sparked debate over disability awareness, live broadcasting and racial sensitivity.

The outburst occurred as Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo, stars of the film “Sinners,” presented the award for best special visual effects to “Avatar: Fire and Ash.” John Davidson, a Scottish Tourette syndrome activist whose life inspired the BAFTA-nominated film “I Swear,” shouted the N-word, which was audible on the live broadcast from London’s Royal Festival Hall.

Davidson, attending as a guest, had several involuntary verbal tics throughout the evening, including expletives during speeches and other moments. Host Alan Cumming addressed the audience twice, explaining that the outbursts stemmed from Davidson’s condition. “Tourette syndrome is a disability, and the tics you’ve heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette syndrome has no control over their language,” Cumming said. “We apologise if you are offended tonight.”

The BBC, which broadcast the ceremony live in the UK, initially did not edit out the language. A spokesperson apologized Monday for “strong and offensive language” that aired, stating it arose from “involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and was not intentional.” The corporation added that the offending segment would be removed from the on-demand version on BBC iPlayer. Producers later said they “didn’t hear” the slur during the live show due to working in a production truck.

BAFTA also apologized “for any offence caused,” emphasizing respect for all attendees and viewers while acknowledging the involuntary nature of the tics.

The incident ignited backlash, particularly from Black entertainers. Actor Jamie Foxx commented on social media that the outburst was “unacceptable,” adding, “Nah he meant that shit.” Wendell Pierce, production designer on “Sinners,” criticized the apologies as “throwaway,” writing that the insult to Jordan and Lindo should take priority: “It doesn’t matter the reasoning for the racist slur.” Journalist Jemele Hill echoed the sentiment, stating Black people “are just supposed to be ok with being disrespected and dehumanised so that other people don’t feel bad.”

Tourette syndrome, a neurological condition causing sudden, repetitive movements or sounds called tics, can include coprolalia — involuntary swearing or offensive language — in a minority of cases. Advocates stress that such tics are uncontrollable and not reflective of the person’s beliefs.

Davidson, a prominent campaigner, has worked to educate about the condition through “I Swear,” which was nominated in several categories. The film explores the challenges of living with severe tics and societal stigma. He was introduced to the audience early in the show, with Cumming noting his presence and the film’s inspiration.

The controversy overshadowed parts of an otherwise celebratory night. “One Battle After Another,” directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, dominated with six wins, including best film and best director. “Sinners,” directed by Ryan Coogler, earned three prizes — original screenplay, supporting actress for Wunmi Mosaku and original score for Ludwig Göransson — marking a historic night for a film from a Black director.

Other winners included “Sentimental Value” for film not in the English language and “My Father’s Shadow” for outstanding British debut. The ceremony highlighted diverse talent, but the outburst shifted focus to broader issues of inclusion and live event management.

Critics questioned why the BBC did not apply a delay or mute button, standard in some live broadcasts involving known risks. Others defended the handling, arguing that censoring Davidson could stigmatize disability further.

Tourette’s organizations released statements urging understanding: “Tics are not chosen, and associating them with intent harms the community,” one group said.

As discussions continued Monday, the incident highlighted tensions between disability rights and the harm of racial slurs, even when unintentional. BAFTA and the BBC pledged to review protocols for future events.

The 2026 BAFTAs, hosted by Cumming, aimed to celebrate cinematic achievement amid a competitive awards season, but the controversy ensured the night would be remembered for more than its winners.

Jack Hughes lost two front teeth to a high stick in the third period, then delivered the golden goal 1:41 into overtime, lifting the United States to a thrilling 2-1 victory over Canada in the men’s ice hockey gold medal game at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics on Sunday.

The win ended a 46-year drought for U.S. men’s hockey gold, coming exactly 46 years after the legendary “Miracle on Ice” upset of the Soviet Union at Lake Placid in 1980. Hughes, the New Jersey Devils star and U.S. captain, became the face of a new golden generation, scoring the dramatic winner on a cross-ice feed from Zach Werenski and slipping the puck through Jordan Binnington’s five-hole at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena.

Hughes took a high stick from Canada’s Sam Bennett in the third period, drawing blood and knocking out parts of two front teeth. He hit the ice briefly, looked down to see his teeth on the surface, then returned to the game almost immediately. The incident drew a four-minute power play for the U.S., though Hughes later negated part of it with his own high stick on Bo Horvat.

Despite the injury, Hughes showed grit in overtime. He won puck battles in his own end, raced up ice and buried the feed from Werenski to spark American celebration. Teammates mobbed him as the U.S. bench erupted, and Hughes smiled through a bloody, gap-toothed grin in postgame interviews.

“I looked on the ice and saw my teeth,” Hughes said afterward. “But I’m just proud that we won. So happy that this group of guys can win, and we’re the gold medalists. So I’m lucky I’m American, and they’re going to fix me right up.”

Connor Hellebuyck was monumental in net for the U.S., stopping 41 of 42 shots, including several highlight-reel saves during Canada’s second-period dominance. Matt Boldy opened the scoring for the Americans with a first-period goal, while Cale Makar tied it for Canada late in the second.

Canada controlled much of the play, outshooting the U.S. significantly, but Hellebuyck’s performance and timely U.S. defense kept it close. Sidney Crosby missed the game for Canada due to injury, a blow to the defending champions.

The victory capped an undefeated tournament for the U.S. (4-2-0-0 record including overtime wins), marking their third Olympic men’s hockey gold (1960, 1980, 2026). It also completed a sweep for American hockey, as the U.S. women’s team had defeated Canada for gold days earlier.

Hughes, who led the team in goals during the Games, was named tournament MVP by many observers. His performance echoed the grit and clutch play that defined the 1980 Miracle team, though this squad featured NHL stars rather than amateurs.

Teammates praised Hughes’ toughness. “He is an animal,” one U.S. player said postgame. The moment — bloodied mouth, missing teeth, overtime heroics — quickly became iconic, with videos and photos spreading across social media and broadcasts.

The game drew massive viewership worldwide, evoking memories of historic U.S.-Canada rivalries like the 2010 Vancouver final, where Crosby scored the golden goal for Canada. This time, the script flipped on the anniversary of the Miracle.

In the mixed zone, Hughes downplayed his personal role, focusing on the team effort and the honor of representing the country. He dedicated the win in part to late teammate Johnny Gaudreau, with the squad wearing patches in his memory.

Canada’s players were gracious in defeat, acknowledging the intensity of the rivalry and the quality of the U.S. performance. Makar, who scored the equalizer, called it “heartbreaking” but praised Hellebuyck’s goaltending.

The win boosted U.S. medal standings on the final day of competition, contributing to a strong overall showing at Milano Cortina. The Closing Ceremony followed Sunday evening, extinguishing the flame after two weeks of competition.

For Hughes, the night was bittersweet — a trip to the dentist awaited, but the gold medal around his neck made any pain worthwhile. “It’s such an incredible feeling,” he said. “This is all about our country.”

The goal will be replayed for generations, a new chapter in American hockey lore etched in overtime drama and unbreakable resolve.