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Next Welsh Government must look to deliver an M4 Relief Road says business body the CBI

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In its Senedd Election manifesto CBI Wales is also calling for the next Welsh Government to devise its own industrial strategy

The Brynglas Tunnels(Image: South Wales Echo)

The next Welsh Government should look to build an M4 Relief Road as part of a suite of measures to boost productivity, says business body CBI Wales.

Seven years after plans for a £1.3bn M4 Relief Road – aimed at easing traffic congestion on the existing motorway between Cardiff and Newport, particularly around the Brynglas Tunnels – were rejected by then First Minister Mark Drakeford, CBI Wales is calling for a fresh look at the project in its Senedd election manifesto. It is also calling for improvements to the other main road route linking Wales and England, the A55 in North Wales.

The business membership body had lobbied hard for the so called 14-mile black route, a new section of motorway south of Newport running partly through the Gwent Levels from Castleton to Magor.

The funding model for the project, estimated at £1.3bn, would have combined the Welsh Government’s capital borrowing powers with a £500m facility from the UK Government.

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With inflation any new project would likely cost more than £2bn. Any new funding model would require significant UK Government backing. While the CBI’s position is not to add to the cost of running businesses, any new relief road could potentially having a toll, even if a nominal amount.

Numerous versions of an M4 Relief Road were also previously rejected, including proposals before devolution in the 1990s and by the Labour-Plaid coalition Welsh Government in 2009. Those rejections resulted in improvements to the existing motorway, including increased lane capacity. Mr Drakeford went against the recommendation of an independent planning inspector by rejecting the black route on cost and environmental grounds.

Following the decision planning protection for the proposed route -which had been in place for 25 years to prevent other developments – was removed by the Welsh Government.

READ MORE: Swansea Council to fight WRU in court as announcement escalates Welsh rugby warREAD MORE: The man overseeing plans to transform the centre of Swansea

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Revisiting an M4 Relief Road, even along the original black route, would require a new legal and public inquiry process. However, most of the publicly-owned land for the route has not been sold or developed on, while the section that would have run through ABP’s Port of Newport, is still available.

When rejecting the project, Mr Drakeford established the Burns Commission to explore public transport investments that could alleviate traffic on the M4, particularly through Newport. Chaired by Lord Burns, the commission recommended five new train stations between Cardiff and the Severn Tunnel. Last month, the UK Government confirmed it would fund these stations, although additional funding will need to be secured in the next spending review ahead of the 2029 General Election.

While supportive of the M4 Relief Road while in Mr Drakeford’s cabinet, First Minister Eluned Morgan is not considering revisiting the project as a manifesto pledge. The Welsh Conservatives have committed to delivering a new relief road.

In Made in Wales: A Manifesto to Support Firms & Create Jobs 2026–30, the CBI calls for prioritising and fast-tracking infrastructure projects that unlock economic growth, including transport links (such as the A55 and M4 Relief Road) and digital infrastructure (achieving full-fibre broadband and 5G coverage, especially in rural areas).

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Director of CBI Wales Russell Greenslade

Director of CBI Wales Russell Greenslade said the case for an M4 Relief Road remains pressing with congestion on the existing and ageing M4 remaining a major concern for businesses. He added: “From a transportation and connectivity point of view, the more we have, the better, and an M4 Relief Road would be an example of that. It is not just the M4, but also the A55 in North Wales, which, to quote some of our members, can often be like a car park.

“There is a lot of growth happening in Newport with the compound semiconductor cluster. If we are going to attract more people to work there, then the transportation network needs to be improved. This feedback comes directly from our members and informs our manifesto. The message from business and investors is that infrastructure is needed if we want to grow the economy, though we are not advocating any particular route (M4 Relief Road) solution.”

While not as developed as the black route, there was also the proposed blue route, running through Newport and upgrading existing road infrastructure such as the Southern Distributor Road.

In its wide-ranging manifesto, the CBI calls on leaders to drive forward technology and innovation, remove planning system bottlenecks, invest in infrastructure, and reduce Wales’ high youth unemployment by giving young people access to skills, opportunities, and mental health support.

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It also calls for the next Welsh Government to develop its own industrial strategy, aligning Welsh and UK policies to leverage economic growth. Last year, the UK Government published its own ten-year industrial strategy based on eight industry pillars, including fintech and renewable energy.

The business group urges party leaders to work in partnership with businesses to capitalise on Wales’ enterprise, world-class universities, colleges, skilled workforce, and abundant natural resources to bring jobs and prosperity to every corner of Wales. By leveraging pension fund backing, it said the investment capacity of the Development Bank of Wales should be scaled up to £2bn to support the growth of indigenous businesses.

It also calls for the establishment of a long-term Welsh innovation funding framework. This it said could involve merging and coordinating grants from agencies like Innovate UK (though non devolved), Medr, and Business Wales into a single, predictable fund that businesses can tap over a multi-year horizon.

The business body also highlights grid infrastructure capacity issues and consenting bottlenecks that” prevent renewables projects or factories from connecting to networks quickly.” It stresses that well-resourced planning is needed to avoid applications being ‘stuck’ for months or years awaiting approval.

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The manifesto also calls for every 16–24-year-old to be offered access to paid placements integrated with mental health support, alongside more flexible, employer-led skills routes aligned with real job opportunities. While it does not specify how it would be measured, the manifesto also “challenges party leaders to transform Wales into “one of Europe’s most competitive and sustainable small economies by 2035.”

Mr Greenslade said: “Welsh businesses have shown great resilience and a fierce competitive streak in dealing with both the high cost of doing business and the uncertainty experienced over the past decade. This election is an opportunity for party leaders to make Wales one of Europe’s most competitive and sustainable small economies by 2035.

“A new Welsh industrial strategy that capitalises on the UK’s modern industrial strategy, and other UK policies on technology such as AI, can be a game-changer in raising innovation and productivity, bringing prosperity and high-quality jobs to every corner of Wales. Getting more young people into work will improve their mental health and tackle skills shortages that limit firms’ prospects.

“Enterprising businesses, a world-class education sector, abundant natural resources, and a superb geographical advantage can all give Welsh businesses a competitive edge. Working with business, party leaders must focus on what unites Wales to drive long-term sustainable growth.”

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Faisal Islam: What people in power think the impact of the Iran war will be

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Faisal Islam: What people in power think the impact of the Iran war will be

Faisal Islam talks to some of the world’s most powerful people about the conflict and the economy.

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Renishaw expects higher profits amid rising demand from defence and electronics sectors

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The precision manufacturer told the stock market on Monday its order book had expanded

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Renishaw New Mills headquarters (Image: Renishaw )

Gloucestershire engineering firm Renishaw has raised its revenue and profit guidance for the full year after a “substantial” expansion of orders. The FTSE-250 company told investors on Monday (April 20) it had seen “particularly strong demand” from customers in the semiconductor and electronics manufacturing equipment, and aerospace and defence sectors.

This has led to the business increasing revenue expectations from £775m to £805m and adjusted profit before tax from £145m to £165m.

“We are actively managing the challenges and increasing costs imposed by ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainties and supply chain pressures,” Renishaw said in a statement.

The listed group, which was established by the late Sir David McMurtry and John Deer in 1973, said it would provide an update on its revenue performance for the 12 months to the end of March on May 6.

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Last month, Renishaw announced it had refreshed its board with three appointments, including a renowned British academic as its new chair.

The news came just months after the precision manufacturer confirmed it had made ownership changes to the business as part of a succession plan.

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Evercore ISI reiterates IBM stock rating on Q1 beat expectations

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Evercore ISI reiterates IBM stock rating on Q1 beat expectations

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Dr. Drasko Acimovic on Securing a Seat at the New Global Table

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Dr. Drasko Acimovic on Securing a Seat at the New Global Table

Renowned economist and diplomat Dr. Drasko Acimovic has officially unveiled his paradigm of the “Third Gutenberg Moment,” signaling a fundamental transformation in global institutional identity.

According to Acimovic’s latest analysis, the world has moved beyond mere uncertainty and has entered the operational phase of a new economic and social model.

“The world as we knew it is reaching its sunset,” states Dr. Acimovic. “Just as the printing press broke the monopoly on knowledge and financial management in the 15th century, today Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC) are redefining the core pillars of human power and national sovereignty.”

Acimovic outlines this historical cyclicity through three pivotal stages:

  1. The First Gutenberg Moment: The invention of the printing press, which democratised knowledge.
  2. The Second Gutenberg Moment: The internet and mobile revolution, which accelerated global flows.
  3. The Third Gutenberg Moment (Current): The definitive transition toward an AI-driven and digital-first economy.

According to Acimovic, this third stage signifies the end of the era of traditional intermediaries. He argues that CBDCs and advanced AI systems are not merely technical innovations but the foundations of a new architecture for the global economy and the future of international diplomacy.

Dr. Acimovic emphasises that this transition offers a unique window of opportunity. While the previous global hierarchy was largely static, the “Third Gutenberg Moment” acts as a great equaliser. Nations and organisations that proactively integrate these technologies today are securing a seat at the new global table where the rules of the next century are being drafted. For emerging economies, the adoption of an AI-CBDC framework is no longer optional it is the only way to ensure economic relevance in a decentralised world.

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Unlike abstract futuristic theories, Acimovic warns that this transformation is already functional. “We are not waiting for change; we are living it. The institutional framework is transforming in real-time. Those who fail to grasp this tectonic shift will remain tethered to obsolete structures,” the diplomat cautioned.

About Dr. Drasko Acimovic:

Dr. Drasko Acimovic is a distinguished diplomat and economist recognised for his strategic insights into global financial systems. His career includes high-level leadership roles, such as serving as Ambassador in Brussels and as the President of the largest financial services brokerage firm in Eastern Europe, managing operations across 11 nations. Currently, he serves as a Member of the Board of the NGO East West Bridge in Bosnia and Herzegovina, contributing to international strategic cooperation.

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At Close of Business podcast April 20 2026

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At Close of Business podcast April 20 2026

Mark Pownall speaks to Ella Loneragan about the recently-completed Perth Film Studios.

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Aussies to Get $1000 Work Expense Tax Deduction Without Receipts From 2027 in Major Tax Time Overhaul

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Aussies to Get $1000 Work Expense Tax Deduction Without Receipts

CANBERRA, Australia — Millions of Australian workers will soon have the option to claim a flat $1000 deduction for work-related expenses without keeping receipts or detailed records, under a landmark tax simplification measure set to take effect from the 2026-27 financial year, the Albanese government has confirmed.

Aussies to Get $1000 Work Expense Tax Deduction Without Receipts
Aussies to Get $1000 Work Expense Tax Deduction Without Receipts From 2027 in Major Tax Time Overhaul

The proposed $1000 standard or “instant” tax deduction, announced during the 2025 federal election campaign, aims to make tax time “easier, faster and better” for approximately 5.7 million taxpayers. It allows eligible individuals earning labour income to choose between claiming the flat $1000 amount or itemising actual expenses with full substantiation as they do now.

Importantly, the change is not automatic and does not provide a direct $1000 cash payment or refund. It reduces taxable income by up to $1000, meaning the actual tax saving depends on an individual’s marginal tax rate. For someone in the 30 per cent bracket, the benefit equates to roughly $300 in reduced tax payable, while higher earners could save up to $450 at the 45 per cent rate (excluding Medicare levy).

The Australian Taxation Office has clarified on its website that the measure applies from 1 July 2026 and will first appear on tax returns lodged from July 2027 onward. It does not affect the current 2025-26 tax year, for which taxpayers must continue using existing rules and keep receipts for all work-related claims.

Treasury and the Parliamentary Budget Office estimate the reform will simplify compliance for many while allowing those with higher expenses to continue claiming more than $1000 if they maintain proper records. Taxpayers who opt for the standard deduction will not need to collect or retain receipts for expenses under the threshold, potentially ending the annual ritual of shoeboxes full of crumpled invoices for items such as uniforms, tools, home office supplies and occupation-specific costs.

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Government figures and Labor MPs have promoted the policy as direct cost-of-living relief. “A new $1000 instant tax deduction will be created from 2026-27 … Taxpayers who claim the instant deduction won’t need to collect receipts for work expenses less than $1000,” one ministerial post stated, highlighting benefits for nurses, teachers, tradespeople and office workers who incur modest but recurring costs.

Critics and tax professionals have raised caveats. Accountants warn that the deduction is not truly “automatic” — taxpayers must still lodge a return and actively choose the standard amount over itemised claims. Those whose genuine expenses exceed $1000 are better off keeping records to maximise their refund. Switching between options after lodgement may also be limited.

H&R Block and other firms note the policy could reduce ATO audit activity for standard claims but may create confusion if people assume it guarantees a fixed saving regardless of income or actual spending. “Nobody will receive $1000,” multiple tax advisers have emphasised, stressing the distinction between a deduction and a refundable offset.

The initiative forms part of broader tax reforms, including proposed staged reductions in the lowest marginal tax rate from 16 per cent to 15 per cent in 2026-27 and further to 14 per cent in 2027-28. Combined, these changes are projected to deliver modest relief for lower and middle earners while simplifying administration.

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For the 2025-26 income year, which ends 30 June 2026, no such standard deduction exists. The ATO continues to scrutinise work-related expense claims closely, applying its long-standing “three golden rules”: the expense must be incurred by the taxpayer, directly related to earning assessable income, and supported by records. Claims for clothing, self-education, home office and travel remain common but require substantiation, with increased data-matching from banks and employers making unsupported claims riskier.

Tax time 2025 has already seen heightened focus on inflated deductions, prompting reminders from the ATO and professionals about proper record-keeping. Many workers who previously claimed several hundred dollars in miscellaneous expenses may find the future $1000 option simpler, even if the net benefit is smaller than itemising.

Eligibility for the new deduction requires labour income, effectively covering salary and wage earners but excluding pure investors or those without employment-related earnings. Self-employed individuals and contractors may still need to claim actual business expenses under different rules.

Implementation details, including exact wording in tax return software and myGov integration, are expected in coming months. The government has indicated further announcements on rollout, with legislation required before the measure becomes law. As of April 2026, the reform remains a firm commitment but not yet enacted.

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Public reaction has been mixed. Social media and community forums show excitement over reduced paperwork, with some users celebrating the end of receipt hoarding. Others express caution, calculating potential losses if they routinely claim more than $1000 and worry the policy may discourage thorough record-keeping habits.

Tax agents report clients already inquiring whether they can “just tick the box” for 2026-27. Advisers recommend continuing to save receipts in the interim and comparing both options once the system is live. For low-expense earners, the standard deduction could provide a hassle-free boost; for high spenders such as construction workers with substantial tool costs, itemising will likely remain superior.

The proposal also aims to free ATO resources previously spent auditing small claims. By offering a standardised pathway, the agency could redirect efforts toward larger compliance risks, potentially improving overall tax system efficiency.

Economists and policy analysts note the measure’s cost to revenue, though exact figures vary. The Parliamentary Budget Office previously costed similar ideas, factoring in behavioural responses where some taxpayers might forgo higher legitimate claims for simplicity.

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In the wider cost-of-living context, the $1000 deduction joins other government measures such as energy rebates, wage growth policies and staged tax cuts. For a typical middle-income household, the combined effect could ease annual tax pressure, though the real value depends on individual circumstances and inflation.

As tax time 2026 approaches, the ATO urges Australians to track expenses normally and use tools like the ATO app or myTax for accurate lodgement. Pre-filled data from employers and banks will continue to streamline returns, with the new deduction expected to add another layer of simplicity in future years.

For now, the message remains clear: save your receipts for the current financial year. The $1000 standard deduction represents a significant shift toward streamlined compliance but arrives too late for 2025-26 returns. Taxpayers should consult registered agents or the ATO website for personalised advice and monitor updates as legislation progresses.

The reform underscores ongoing efforts to modernise Australia’s tax system for a digital age, reducing administrative burden while preserving choice for those who benefit from detailed claims. Whether it delivers the promised “six clicks” to a completed return will become clearer once software providers integrate the option in 2027.

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As April 2026 draws to a close, millions of workers are already mentally filing away the news, hopeful that next year’s tax season brings less stress and more straightforward relief at the keyboard rather than the kitchen table covered in paperwork.

The $1000 work expense deduction, while not a windfall, signals a pragmatic step toward balancing simplicity with fairness in one of the most complained-about annual rituals for Australian employees.

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Barclays cuts Vale stock rating on valuation after 35% rally

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Sify Technologies: All Eyes On Proposed Data Center Segment IPO – Buy (Rating Upgrade) (NASDAQ:SIFY)

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Data Center Server-Racks in Indien Konzept, 3D rendering

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I am mostly a trader engaging in both long and short bets intraday and occasionally over the short- to medium term. My historical focus has been mostly on tech stocks but over the past couple of years I have also started broad coverage of the offshore drilling and supply industry as well as the shipping industry in general (tankers, containers, drybulk). In addition, I am having a close eye on the still nascent fuel cell industry.I am located in Germany and have worked quite some time as an auditor for PricewaterhouseCoopers before becoming a daytrader almost 20 years ago. During this time, I managed to successfully maneuver the burst of the dotcom bubble and the aftermath of the world trade center attacks as well as the subprime crisis.Despite not being a native speaker, I always try to deliver high quality research to followers and the entire Seeking Alpha community.

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, but may initiate a beneficial Long position through a purchase of the stock, or the purchase of call options or similar derivatives in SIFY over the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

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Aer Lingus cancels some flights from summer schedule

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Aer Lingus cancels some flights from summer schedule

The airline said the “vast majority of customers” are being accommodated on same-day services.

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Matrix Composites backs $90m takeover offer

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Matrix Composites backs $90m takeover offer

Henderson-headquartered oil and gas equipment manufacturer Matrix Composites & Engineering has backed a $90 million takeover offer from Advanced Innergy Holdings.

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