A meeting in Newcastle has heard that the country’s first AI Growth Zone in the North East could bring thousands of jobs and billions of pounds in investment

A target for the North East AI growth zone to create 5,000 jobs and attract £30bn in private investment should be the “absolute minimum”, a leading official in the region has said.

Rob Hamilton, assistant director for economic strategy and innovation at the North East Combined Authority, made the confident claim as the new Government body to support companies in artificial intelligence – Sovereign AI – held its first roadshow in Newcastle yesterday.

The Government created the UK’s first AI growth zone in the North East last September, with other areas following in Scotland, Wales and Oxfordshire. It is hoped each area will accelerate the use of AI to boost local economies, as well as increasing skills in the technology for young people.

Mr Hamilton – speaking at Newcastle’s Pattern Shop, once part of the Stephensons’ railway works and now the home of Atom Bank – said he was “delighted” with the progress made on the North East growth zone in recent months, including work on data centres at Cambois and Cobalt.

He said the North East was better placed to have the energy needed for those data centres, which would lead to the region having nationally important assets to help greater adoption of AI.

He said: “In terms of the outcomes, it’s pretty simple really: it’s about jobs, it’s about productivity growth, it’s about engaging with young people, it’s about rising skills and it’s about growing tech businesses in the region.”

Mr Hamilton added that a fully worked-up plan for the growth zone would be produced in the coming months and that “getting on with it” had been the message from the Government and North East mayor Kim McGuinness.

The region is benefiting from a £10bn investment from global financiers Blackstone into a massive data centre at Cambois, near Blyth, which it is hoped will attract more technology businesses to the region. But plans for a second centre at Cobalt were dealt a blow when global AI firm OpenAI said its plans for investing in the UK were being shelved until the “right conditions” allow for long-term investment in the UK’s infrastructure.

Yesterday’s meeting also heard from Will Bushby, ventures lead at Sovereign AI, the new body that has been set up to invest in UK AI companies in an effort to keep the country at the forefront of adoption of the new technology. He said the organisation was “looking to back world leading companies”, particularly firms that were taking artificial intelligence into new areas.

Answering a question from BusinessLive, he had to admit that all three of the organisation’s investments to date had been into London firms, a pattern seen with other Government efforts to boost business growth and innovation. He said that “we want to invest in the best companies wherever they are in the UK” and that, as a native of Leeds, he was “passionate” about supporting companies around the UK.

Separately, 30,000 primary school children in the North East are to gain AI and digital tech skills and 1,000 teachers will be helped to teach AI thanks to new funding from North East mayor Kim McGuinness. The skills drive will see a £750,000 investment from the North East Combined Authority and £1.5m from the Government.

Science and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said: “The North East is already showing how AI can deliver for working people, with billions of pounds invested and thousands of new jobs on the way, as businesses and government work together to make the region a leader in Britain’s AI future. We’re investing in that progress for the long term. By giving young people the AI skills they need, supporting start-ups and acting to bring more women into tech we can keep talent and opportunity in the North East.

Ms McGuinness said: “The North East is the one to watch when it comes to cutting-edge tech and AI as we work to make sure everyone benefits from our AI growth zone. We’re already working closely with local employers, training providers and schools to make the North East the best place to live, work and thrive when it comes to tech.

“But we know we need to go further to make sure local people really benefit from more opportunities than ever before. That’s why we’re investing in training so our young people can make the most of the exciting opportunities around AI and working with some of the region’s brightest companies to support more women and girls in the tech sector.”

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The government introduced the import duty hike in order to stop the rupee’s free fall and moderate non-essential imports during a period of heightened global uncertainty linked to the Iran-US conflict, which continues to keep oil prices elevated above the $100 per barrel mark.

In the domestic market, MCX gold futures for June expiry jumped Rs 11,055 or more than 7% to Rs 1,64,497 per 10 grams today. The contracts with August and October expiries also surged more than 6% each.

The move came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged citizens to reduce purchases of non-essential gold over the next one year. Speaking at Hyderabad’s Secunderabad, Modi said that the move could help reduce the pressure on foreign exchange reserves and imports.

“India continues to remain the world’s second-largest consumer of gold after China, with demand primarily driven by the jewellery industry…Higher duties are expected to reduce precious metal imports, support the rupee, and help narrow the trade deficit,” said Sumit Singhania, Research Head at Bajaj Broking.

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Why are gold financier stocks rallying today?

Manappuram Finance, Muthoot Finance and IIFL Finance provide loans with gold as collateral. Rising gold prices will increase the value of the pledged collateral. Since gold loans are sanctioned based on the per-gram valuation of gold, higher prices can allow borrowers to access a higher loan amount without pledging additional jewellery, which in turn boosts demand.
IIFL Finance shares rallied nearly 11% to trade at Rs 493.20 apiece on Wednesday, the highest level since the end of February. Notably, the company said it has adequate factual and legal grounds to substantiate its position and does not expect any material impact on its financials or operations after Mumbai’s IT authority sent a tax demand notice for nearly Rs 476 crore.
Muthoot Finance shares jumped over 4% while Manappuram Finance shares surged around 5% on Wednesday. “Gold financing firms, including Muthoot Finance and Manappuram Finance, are likely to benefit from higher collateral values of gold loans,” said Sumit Singhania from Bajaj Broking.

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

LONDON — The FTSE 100 pushed higher Wednesday as mining stocks and specialist services firms dominated the leaderboard, with Intertek Group leading gains amid strong sector rotation toward commodities and industrial testing services.

By mid-morning on May 13, 2026, the blue-chip index had climbed around 0.5% to trade near 10,318, extending recent momentum. Mining heavyweights benefited from firm metal prices, while testing and certification leader Intertek surged on positive sentiment and possible contract momentum.

Here are the top five FTSE 100 gainers on the session:

1. Intertek Group (ITRK) — Up more than 6.7% to around 5,660 pence. The quality assurance and testing services provider saw its shares jump sharply, adding over 360 pence. Investors appeared to reward the company’s diversified global operations and resilience in industrial and consumer testing segments.

2. Metlen Energy & Metals — Advanced roughly 4.1% to 39 pence. The diversified energy and metals group continued to attract buyers on commodity strength and operational updates.

3. Anglo American — Rose nearly 3.8% to 4,045 pence. The diversified miner gained as copper and other industrial metals held firm amid global demand signals from Asia and infrastructure spending expectations.

4. Antofagasta — Climbed about 3.5% to 4,094 pence. The Chilean copper producer benefited from the same tailwinds lifting peers, with copper prices supported by supply concerns and long-term electrification trends.

5. Rio Tinto — Gained around 3% to 8,155 pence. The Anglo-Australian mining giant rounded out the top performers, riding higher iron ore and copper sentiment.

These moves highlight the FTSE 100’s heavy exposure to global commodities. Miners often lead or lag the index based on metal price cycles, and Wednesday’s action reflected renewed optimism in the resources sector.

Intertek’s outsized gain stood out in a session otherwise dominated by resource names. The company provides testing, inspection and certification across industries from oil and gas to pharmaceuticals and consumer goods. Analysts note steady demand for its services amid regulatory tightening and quality focus worldwide. Recent trading updates have shown resilience despite macroeconomic uncertainties.

Mining stocks’ performance tied directly to commodity markets. Copper prices remained elevated due to ongoing supply disruptions in key producing regions and expectations of increased demand from renewable energy and electric vehicles. Anglo American and Antofagasta, with significant copper exposure, have been standout performers in 2026 so far.

Rio Tinto, a major iron ore player, also drew support from steel demand indicators in China and elsewhere. The sector’s rebound comes after periods of volatility linked to global growth concerns and trade dynamics.

Broader market context showed selective buying. Energy stocks like BP and Shell traded modestly higher earlier but were not in the top tier Wednesday. Defensive names and financials saw mixed fortunes as investors weighed geopolitical developments and UK domestic data.

The FTSE 100’s year-to-date performance in 2026 has been solid, driven by international revenue exposure. Dividend yields remain attractive, and the index has often outperformed more tech-heavy peers during periods of uncertainty. Mining and energy names have contributed significantly to returns alongside insurers like Beazley and asset managers like Schroders.

Commodity analysts point to structural factors supporting prices. The global energy transition requires vast amounts of copper, nickel and other metals, while iron ore benefits from infrastructure cycles. Supply constraints, including labor issues and permitting delays, add upward pressure.

For Intertek, the rally may reflect relief after any prior weakness or anticipation of strong interim results. The firm operates in over 100 countries, providing a hedge against regional slowdowns. Its services are essential rather than discretionary, supporting steady cash flows.

Market watchers note rotation patterns. After earlier strength in defensives and banks, capital flowed into cyclicals on signs of stabilizing growth. However, caution persists around inflation, interest rates and Middle East tensions that could impact energy and transport costs.

Trading volume was healthy in the gainers, indicating genuine interest rather than thin-market moves. Anglo American and Antofagasta saw solid turnover alongside Intertek. This breadth suggests conviction among institutional buyers.

Looking ahead, analysts will monitor upcoming corporate results and macroeconomic releases. Earnings from major miners later in the season could validate recent share price strength. For Intertek, any contract wins or margin improvements would further underpin sentiment.

The top gainers’ performance underscores the FTSE 100’s diversified nature. While technology and growth stocks dominate headlines elsewhere, London’s market offers exposure to real assets and essential services. This mix appeals to income-focused and value-oriented investors globally.

Challenges remain for the broader index. A stronger pound could pressure exporters, while persistent geopolitical risks might cap enthusiasm. Domestically, political and fiscal developments continue to influence gilt yields and borrowing costs.

Despite these factors, Wednesday’s movers demonstrated resilience. Miners’ gains reflect confidence in commodity supercycle elements, while Intertek’s surge highlights opportunities in non-cyclical industrial services.

Investors considering exposure to these names should weigh sector-specific risks. Mining stocks face operational, regulatory and environmental challenges, while testing firms navigate competitive landscapes and client spending cycles. Diversification via ETFs tracking the FTSE 100 or resources sub-sectors remains popular.

As the trading day progresses, focus will shift to whether early gains hold into the close. Follow-through buying could push the index toward recent highs, while profit-taking might temper advances. Corporate news flow and commodity price ticks will likely dictate direction.

The session’s top five gainers encapsulate current market themes: commodity strength and quality industrial plays. In an uncertain global environment, these FTSE 100 constituents offer compelling narratives for investors seeking both growth and income potential.

LONDON — Royal commentator Hugo Vickers has suggested that Meghan Markle may feel “ashamed” of her estranged father, Thomas Markle, fueling ongoing speculation about the fractured family relationship even as the 81-year-old recovers from a serious health setback.

Vickers, a prominent royal historian and biographer, raised the possibility during a recent appearance on GB News. Speaking on May 9, 2026, he described it as one explanation for the continued silence between Meghan and her father, who underwent leg amputation surgery late last year and has since returned to the United States.

“I raise it as a possibility,” Vickers said, adding that he believes shame over past events might prevent reconciliation. “He was good to her when she was growing up. If you listen to what he says… you will find a decent man who must feel extremely let down.”

Thomas Markle, a retired lighting director who lives in Mexico but sought medical treatment in the Philippines, has faced declining health. Reports indicate he underwent amputation due to complications, spent time in rehabilitation, and recently returned to the U.S. Despite these challenges, sources close to the situation say Meghan, 44, has no immediate plans to visit or deepen contact.

The Duchess of Sussex’s team confirmed in December 2025 that she sent a letter to her father after his surgery, delivered through trusted contacts amid media scrutiny. A spokesperson cited difficulties contacting him privately due to a Daily Mail reporter’s presence at his bedside, describing it as an “unethical breach.” Thomas has publicly acknowledged receiving correspondence but maintains the relationship remains distant.

The father-daughter rift dates back to the days before Meghan’s 2018 wedding to Prince Harry. Thomas was photographed preparing for staged paparazzi pictures, an episode he later described as a mistake. He has spoken repeatedly in interviews about his desire to meet grandchildren Archie and Lilibet, whom he has never seen in person.

Vickers’ comments come as Thomas has found new companionship. In March 2026, the elder Markle revealed he is dating Rio Canedo, a 46-year-old Filipino nurse he met during recovery. The 35-year age gap has drawn attention, but Thomas described feeling “truly blessed” and at peace. He returned to the U.S. in early May after an emotional separation from Canedo in the Philippines.

Royal watchers note the contrast between Meghan’s public image as a devoted mother and family advocate and her private family dynamics. Critics argue the lack of outreach during Thomas’s health struggles undermines her brand, particularly as she promotes lifestyle projects and maintains her Duchess of Sussex title.

“Thomas Markle must feel extremely let down following the break-up of his family,” Vickers emphasized. The expert pointed to Meghan’s apparent reluctance to introduce her father to Harry or the children as potential evidence of deeper embarrassment.

Meghan has previously described her father as having betrayed her trust by speaking to the press. In the couple’s 2021 Oprah interview and the Netflix series “Harry & Meghan,” she detailed feeling let down by family members on both sides. Thomas, for his part, has alternated between pleading for contact and expressing frustration in media appearances.

Recent reports paint a picture of no imminent reconciliation. Insiders told Radar Online that Meghan has “no plans to see her estranged father despite his ill health,” calling it potentially “one of the most brutal family moves” she has made. Thomas continues living independently in Mexico when not seeking treatment abroad.

The saga has played out publicly for years. Thomas missed the royal wedding due to health issues and the paparazzi controversy. Subsequent attempts at communication, including letters and calls, have reportedly failed to bridge the gap. He has criticized some of Meghan’s choices while insisting the door remains open.

Royal author and commentator Lady Colin Campbell has echoed sentiments that Meghan may have strategically distanced herself, viewing her father as not fitting the image she sought to project. Other observers suggest class or cultural perceptions play a role, with Thomas’s working-class background and straightforward demeanor clashing with royal-adjacent expectations.

Despite the tension, Thomas has built a life post-health scare. His relationship with Canedo brought moments of happiness after a difficult period involving hospitalization and surgery. Friends describe him as resilient, though lonely at times without family nearby.

Meghan’s representatives have pushed back against narratives of total neglect. The December letter was framed as a genuine outreach effort hampered by external interference. However, Thomas’s continued media interviews suggest he feels the gesture was insufficient for full reconciliation.

Experts analyzing the situation from a branding perspective warn that the ongoing feud could harm Meghan’s public image. Kinsey Schofield, host of a royal-focused YouTube channel, noted in late 2025 that Meghan’s push for a “wholesome family-oriented brand” contrasts with the visible estrangement.

The couple’s life in Montecito, California, centers on their children, business ventures like Archewell, and Meghan’s lifestyle initiatives. Harry has spoken of his own family estrangements, primarily with his father King Charles and brother Prince William, but has not directly addressed Meghan’s side in recent years.

Public opinion remains divided. Supporters of the Sussexes view Thomas’s media engagements as opportunistic and blame tabloid pressure for the rift. Critics accuse Meghan of coldness, especially given Thomas’s age and health vulnerabilities. Social media amplifies both sides, with hashtags and debates trending regularly.

Vickers stopped short of definitive judgment, framing shame as one hypothesis among others. He highlighted Thomas’s positive role in Meghan’s upbringing as a “daddy’s girl,” suggesting the current distance represents a significant emotional break.

As Thomas settles back in the U.S., questions linger about whether health concerns or time will prompt a meeting. Reports indicate no travel plans from Montecito to visit him, and his new relationship may provide personal support independent of his daughter.

The Markle family drama extends beyond father and daughter. Half-siblings Samantha and Thomas Jr. have also made public statements, often critical, adding layers to the narrative. Meghan has described her extended family dynamics as complicated long before royal life.

For now, the possibility raised by Vickers resonates with many royal observers. Whether rooted in shame, past betrayals, or irreconcilable differences, the estrangement persists despite opportunities for healing. Thomas Markle, recovering and finding new chapters, continues to express hope tempered by resignation.

Meghan Markle has built a post-royal identity focused on independence and forward momentum. Yet the unresolved paternal relationship remains a persistent shadow, periodically reignited by health updates and expert commentary. As both navigate their separate lives, the prospect of reconciliation appears distant, leaving observers to speculate on the emotional cost to all involved.

This article was written by

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HOUSTON — Kevin Durant’s future with the Houston Rockets has become one of the hottest topics in the NBA as the 37-year-old superstar’s team suffered a disappointing first-round playoff exit, sparking widespread speculation about a potential trade this offseason despite the franchise’s reported reluctance to move him.

Durant joined the Rockets in a massive blockbuster deal from the Phoenix Suns in July 2025, marking one of the largest trades in league history involving multiple teams, players and draft assets. The move was intended to provide veteran leadership and scoring punch to a young, rising Rockets core featuring players like Alperen Şengün and Amen Thompson. However, Houston’s early postseason departure has fueled debate over whether Durant remains the ideal fit or could serve as a valuable trade chip for further roster upgrades.

While insiders emphasize that the Rockets hold “no immediate intention” of trading Durant this summer, the veteran forward’s expiring contract elements and the team’s competitive timeline have kept his name prominent in rumor circles. Multiple outlets have floated hypothetical packages, with interest reportedly coming from several contending and rebuilding teams.

Potential Landing Spots and Trade Scenarios

Miami Heat: One of the most frequently discussed destinations, the Heat could pursue Durant to pair with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo for a veteran-heavy title push. Proposed packages often center on Tyler Herro as the headliner, along with young talent like Nikola Jović and future picks. Miami’s culture of development and championship pedigree could appeal to Durant, though salary matching and asset value remain hurdles.

Portland Trail Blazers: Scenarios involving the Blazers have gained traction, with packages built around Jerami Grant, Shaedon Sharpe and draft capital. Portland could view Durant as a short-term star to accelerate their contention window alongside existing pieces, providing mentorship while chasing playoff success.

Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic: Eastern Conference teams like the Pistons and Magic have been linked in more speculative talks. Detroit’s young core and Orlando’s defensive identity could theoretically complement Durant’s scoring, though such deals appear less likely given the teams’ current trajectories and reluctance to part with key assets.

Other Contenders: Names like the Los Angeles Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks and Minnesota Timberwolves have surfaced in broader discussions. Some analysts suggest the Rockets might keep Durant and instead pursue even bigger moves targeting stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo or Kawhi Leonard, using his presence as leverage.

Why Trade Rumors Persist

Durant’s age and injury history played roles in Houston’s playoff struggles, with the forward missing games due to ankle and knee issues. While he delivered strong regular-season production, questions remain about his long-term fit alongside a young roster still developing chemistry. The Rockets’ front office, led by Rafael Stone, must weigh whether retaining Durant accelerates contention or if reallocating his salary and value better serves the franchise’s future.

Durant, a 15-time All-Star and four-time scoring champion, carries a player option and significant trade value. His elite scoring, length and basketball IQ remain unmatched, making him an attractive target despite the mileage. However, teams must consider luxury tax implications and the need for supporting pieces to maximize his impact.

Rockets’ Stance and Strategic Outlook

Recent reporting indicates Houston prefers to build around Durant rather than move him immediately. The organization sees him as a mentor and closer who can elevate the young core. Offseason priorities likely include adding complementary talent through free agency and the draft while addressing depth and defensive versatility.

If a trade does materialize, it would likely require a substantial return of young talent, future picks and salary relief. The Rockets have draft assets and flexibility but would be cautious not to dismantle their promising foundation.

Broader NBA Implications

A Durant move would reshape multiple rosters and spark a chain reaction across the league. Teams acquiring him would gain instant playoff elevation, while Houston could accelerate its rebuild or retool for sustained contention. The situation also highlights the challenges of integrating aging superstars with developing groups in today’s parity-driven NBA.

Durant has a history of impactful trades, from Oklahoma City to Golden State, Brooklyn, Phoenix and now Houston. His next chapter could define the final years of a Hall of Fame career that already includes two championships and Olympic gold.

As the 2026 NBA Draft and free agency approach, all eyes remain on Houston’s decision-making. While no deal appears imminent, the rumor mill will continue churning until clarity emerges. For now, Kevin Durant remains a Rocket, but the possibility of another destination keeps fans and executives speculating about one of the league’s most accomplished scorers.

The coming weeks promise more developments as teams position themselves for what could be a transformative offseason. Whether Durant stays to chase a title in Houston or finds a new home elsewhere, his presence will continue influencing NBA narratives and roster construction across the league.

Somewhere between the third price hike and the fourth “we’ve updated our terms” email, the average subscriber starts running the numbers, not the kind any churn dashboard wants to surface, but the slower, more deliberate sort that ends with a thumb hovering over a cancel button at 11pm on a Sunday.

Subscription companies across SaaS, fitness apps, meal kits and the legacy media now leaning on paywalls still treat that moment as a marketing problem, when streaming figured out years ago it was a product problem in a marketing costume.

The numbers from the entertainment world are brutal and instructive in roughly equal measure: new research from Parks Associates found that almost a third of consumers now cancel a video service primarily to cut household costs, and that the cheaper ad-supported tiers nobody initially wanted to launch have become a sharper retention tool than any prestige drama. Affordability, it turns out, is not a discount tactic but an architecture.

Downgrade paths beat off-ramps

Streaming platforms learned, expensively and in public, that bolting on premium features while raising prices was building them a beautifully engineered cancellation funnel, and their response was strange for an industry trained almost exclusively on growth: they began constructing downgrade paths instead of off-ramps. A Spotify Premium user who suddenly finds the household ledger tighter doesn’t vanish; she slides into the free tier and keeps the habit warm until things ease.

The same logic spread well beyond music and video, with gaming hubs, fantasy sports apps and the new wave of iGaming operators rebuilding their loyalty mechanics around session frequency rather than single big purchases, treating every visit as a renewal of sorts. What separates the best online casino brands from the rest at this point is rarely the catalogue; it is how the platform behaves between sessions, and anyone who has watched how piratepots casino structures progression, daily missions, tiered rewards and social leaderboards will recognise the same instinct streaming taught the industry, which is to give the user a reason to think of herself as part of the platform rather than a temporary visitor passing through. Most subscription businesses, by contrast, are still firing off generic “we miss you” emails twelve hours after a cancellation and filing that under retention.

Why do so many operators keep mistaking acquisition for loyalty? It is the cheapest question on the table and the most expensive one to leave unanswered.

The bundle as cancellation friction

Bundling, the other lesson, has been sitting in plain sight, and the data around it is almost embarrassing: a survey of 1,600 US consumers published this year found that more than four in ten users are far more likely to keep bundled services than they are to keep the same titles bought separately. Disney, Hulu and Max, three brands that ought to be locked in trench warfare, now share a single billing line because the combined cancel button is psychologically heavier than three separate ones queued up on a Tuesday morning.

Personalisation, the third lesson, has been mishandled almost everywhere outside the platforms that perfected it: Netflix and YouTube turned recommendation engines into invisible furniture, the kind of system the user never notices working and only notices in its absence. A meal kit service that emails the same six recipes to every customer is not personalising anything, and a fitness app suggesting the same beginner workout in the eighteenth month of a subscription is not personalising anything either; these businesses already have the data, what they don’t have is the willingness to act on it before the subscriber decides the relationship has become one-sided.

A lot of operators also learned to make signing up effortless and cancelling deliberately tedious, betting that friction would do the work loyalty wouldn’t, an approach streaming flirted with before getting slapped down by regulators and by its own retention figures, because forcing someone to stay produces a particular kind of customer, a resentful one, primed to leave the second she remembers the password. Loyalty built on friction is not loyalty; it is a deferred cancellation with interest.

The other detail executives quietly underestimate is the value of the comeback, since lapsed subscribers are not lost subscribers, not most of them. Streaming has known this for a while, and built its retention models around the assumption that a meaningful share of cancellations are pauses rather than exits, which changes how a service designs offboarding, win-back campaigns, even the tone of the final email someone reads before disappearing for six months. The same logic shows up in any decent breakdown of what makes a retention strategy actually work, and most of those principles travel intact into industries that have nothing to do with screens.

The deeper, slightly uncomfortable point is this: streaming services learned humility before most subscription businesses did, forced into it by the post-pandemic crash and the discovery that customers had options, attention spans were finite, and brand affinity offered no real defence against a household budget meeting on a Sunday night. The companies still pretending their product is special enough to escape that conversation are the ones currently writing increasingly worried board memos, while the ones that started copying the entertainment playbook with any seriousness are quietly outlasting the rest.

None of this is glamorous work; it is mostly the slow business of treating subscribers as if they might still be around next year.