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United Utilities under fire over share ‘allowances’ for bosses

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United Utilities’ chief executive Louise Beardmore is in line for the first tranche of a £435,000-a-year share ‘allowance’ in August

The logo of water company United Utilities seen through a glass of water

Water company United Utilities(Image: PA Archive/PA Images)

Water company United Utilities has been accused of “corporate greed in plain sight” after unveiling proposals to grant its chief executive a shares “allowance” worth £435,000 a year.

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The supplier’s latest annual report reveals that chief executive Louise Beardmore is set to receive the first instalment under the so-called shares allowance in August, with a second payment due in February next year.

According to United Utilities, she would be required to retain the shares for a minimum of two years.

The proposals – which are set to be put to a shareholder vote at the group’s annual general meeting on July 17 – have drawn fierce criticism from campaigners. The backlash comes after Ms Beardmore was stripped of a £417,000 annual bonus for 2024-25 by regulator Ofwat, following an incident at a reservoir in December 2024 that resulted in the deaths of thousands of fish.

James Wallace, chief executive of River Action, said: “Calling a £435,000 bonus an ‘allowance’ fools nobody.

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“This is corporate greed in plain sight.”

He went on to say: “The era of obscene executive payouts must end, with real personal sanctions, including custodial sentences for the worst offenders.”

United Utilities’ annual report also discloses that Ms Beardmore received an annual bonus of £830,000 for the most recent 2025-26 financial year, alongside long-term incentive awards valued at £712,000. Her total remuneration package surged by 44% to £2.5 million in 2025-26, up from £1.4 million in 2024-25, after the reservoir incident resulted in her bonus being cancelled and long-term share awards were also reduced to £567,000.

Liberal Democrat environment spokesman Tim Farron branded the share allowances plan “another incredibly out-of-touch move from a water company”.

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He said: “This proves that the Government’s bonuses ban isn’t worth the paper it’s written on, with the water industry never failing to find ways to evade accountability, rather than cleaning up our water and fixing the crumbling infrastructure.”

United Utilities said the proposed share “allowances” for Ms Beardmore and chief financial officer Phil Aspin – who stands to receive £280,000 a year under the award – will see the maximum potential annual bonuses reduced to 100% of annual salary, down from 130%, while long-term share awards will be trimmed from up to 200% of salary to 175%.

The company stated the move was made to “retain and ensure the stability of the executive team and provide a competitive overall remuneration opportunity”.

The group’s annual report also revealed that Ms Beardmore and Mr Aspin’s annual salaries were increased by a fifth to £870,000 and £560,000 respectively last July. In the report, United Utilities’ remuneration committee chairwoman Kath Cates said: “The committee has thought very carefully about how to construct a fair and balanced remuneration policy that will allow us to continue to retain and incentivise our experienced leadership team, and attract new talent.”

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She added: “We recognise that the proposals are somewhat unusual in the context of UK-market norms but believe that the unique circumstances which our sector faces (including competing stakeholder priorities and an ever-evolving regulatory environment) warrant adoption of a tailored approach.”

However, the company moved to allay concerns over executive pay by emphasising that director remuneration for 2025-26 would not be funded by customers.

“Recognising that executive remuneration in the water sector remains a contentious matter… the board has decided that for 2025-26 none of the pay received by the executive directors will be paid for by customers.

“This goes beyond our previous commitment that customers would not pay for performance-related pay outcomes.”

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Supplements sold on Amazon, Walmart recalled over possible salmonella risk

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Supplements sold on Amazon, Walmart recalled over possible salmonella risk

Organic moringa supplements sold through major online retailers including Amazon, Walmart, Target and TikTok Shop are being recalled nationwide after a supplier identified a potential salmonella contamination risk.

New York-based Total Nutrition Inc. voluntarily recalled two TNVitamins organic moringa products after its supplier recalled the raw organic moringa ingredient because of possible salmonella contamination. The company said no illnesses have been reported in connection with the recall.

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The recalled products include TNVitamins 100% Organic Moringa 1,200 mg Capsules (Product No. AB9917, Lot 2800, expiration date February 2028) and TNVitamins 100% Organic Moringa Powder (Product No. AB9904, Lot 2782, expiration date May 2028).

NEARLY 1 MILLION BOTTLES OF HEART AND KIDNEY MEDICATION RECALLED OVER FOREIGN SUBSTANCE FOUND ON TABLETS

moringa split image

Split image showing TNVitamins organic moringa capsules and moringa powder, two products recalled nationwide over possible salmonella contamination.  (TNVitamins)

The supplements were distributed nationwide through Amazon, Walmart, Target, TikTok Shop and the company’s website.

moringa ingredients

The back label of a TNVitamins organic moringa supplement bottle displays the product’s ingredients and supplement facts. (TNVitamins)

COSTCO-BRAND COLD AND FLU MEDICATION RECALLED BY FDA: ‘NOT EFFECTIVE’

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Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Healthy people infected with the bacteria often experience symptoms including fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare cases, the infection can spread to the bloodstream and lead to more severe illnesses.

Consumers who purchased the affected products should not consume them and should dispose of them immediately. Products with lot numbers that do not match the recalled lots are not affected.

NEARLY 6,000 POUNDS OF FROZEN MEATLOAF RECALLED OVER UNDECLARED SOY, USDA SAYS

grocery aisle

Consumers who purchased the affected products should not consume them and should dispose of them immediately. (Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

The recalled moringa capsules come in a white bottle containing 90 clear capsules filled with green organic moringa powder, while the moringa powder is sold in a white HDPE jar containing 96 grams of green organic moringa powder.

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Customers seeking additional information can visit TNVitamins’ recall page or contact the company via email.

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Alphabet debuts in Dow Jones Industrial Average as index tilts toward tech

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Alphabet debuts in Dow Jones Industrial Average as index tilts toward tech


Alphabet debuts in Dow Jones Industrial Average as index tilts toward tech

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Flaws In The Dow Jones Index: Can Alphabet Make It Better?

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Flaws In The Dow Jones Index: Can Alphabet Make It Better?

Flaws In The Dow Jones Index: Can Alphabet Make It Better?

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New technology addresses plant-based formulation challenges

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New technology addresses plant-based formulation challenges

Amano Enzyme’s ProBoost Neutra may enhance functionality and flavor of plant-based foods. 

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Business

What Walmart wants from food entrepreneurs

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What Walmart wants from food entrepreneurs

Buyers from the retailer explain how they work with startups.

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Business

Starbucks Shares Gain 1.3% as Coffee Giant Navigates Recovery and Menu Innovation

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Iluka Resources Shares Sink 11% as Mineral Sands Miner's Volatile

NEW YORK — Shares of Starbucks Corp rose modestly Monday, reflecting investor optimism around the coffee chain’s ongoing efforts to revitalize its U.S. business through menu innovation, operational improvements and digital enhancements amid shifting consumer preferences.

The stock advanced about 1.3% to around $103.26 in morning trading, adding to recent performance as the company works to address sales softness while capitalizing on its global brand strength and premium positioning in the competitive quick-service restaurant sector.

Starbucks has faced challenges in its largest market with slower traffic and increased competition from value-oriented rivals. Management has responded with a multi-pronged strategy emphasizing new beverages, food offerings and loyalty program enhancements to drive customer engagement.

The company’s latest quarterly results showed sequential improvement in U.S. comparable sales trends, though challenges persist in certain regions. Executives highlighted progress in simplifying operations and introducing products tailored to evolving tastes.

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Starbucks continues investing in its digital ecosystem, with mobile ordering and rewards programs playing key roles in customer retention. The Starbucks app has become one of the industry’s most successful loyalty platforms, offering personalized recommendations and seamless transactions.

International operations remain a growth engine for Starbucks, with strong performance in markets across Asia, Europe and Latin America. The company has expanded its store footprint globally while adapting menus to local preferences and cultural contexts.

Menu innovation has become central to Starbucks’ North American strategy. Recent launches include new refreshers, seasonal beverages and food items designed to appeal to health-conscious and value-seeking customers.

Operational changes aim to improve speed of service and reduce complexity behind the counter. These efforts include streamlined workflows and technology investments to enhance efficiency during peak hours.

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Monday’s share movement occurred without major company-specific news, suggesting continuation of positive sentiment from recent strategic updates and broader consumer discretionary sector stability. Starbucks shares have shown resilience despite industry headwinds.

Analysts maintain mixed but generally constructive views, with some highlighting potential for margin recovery as cost pressures ease and comparable sales stabilize. Price targets reflect expectations for gradual improvement in the U.S. business.

Starbucks’ premium brand positioning differentiates it in a fragmented coffee market. Its focus on quality ingredients, ethical sourcing and community engagement supports customer loyalty even during economic uncertainty.

The company has faced labor relations challenges in recent years, with unionization efforts at select stores. Management continues emphasizing direct communication with partners while implementing wage increases and benefit enhancements.

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Sustainability initiatives remain integral to Starbucks’ identity. The company has set ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions, responsibly sourcing ingredients and advancing diversity and inclusion goals.

Digital and third-place experience investments aim to enhance both convenience and in-store ambiance. Starbucks stores serve as community gathering spots beyond mere transaction points, supporting higher average tickets.

Global supply chain management has proven critical amid geopolitical tensions and commodity price fluctuations. Starbucks’ scale provides advantages in securing quality coffee beans and other inputs.

Monday’s trading reflected measured buying interest. The stock has navigated volatility while trending in a range as investors assess the effectiveness of turnaround initiatives.

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Starbucks’ leadership transition and strategic refresh have drawn attention. New executives bring experience from consumer and technology sectors to support innovation and operational excellence.

The quick-service restaurant industry faces evolving consumer behaviors with greater emphasis on value, convenience and health. Starbucks adapts through tiered pricing, mobile-first experiences and menu diversification.

International expansion provides diversification from U.S. challenges. Markets like China continue offering significant growth potential despite periodic economic fluctuations.

Loyalty program enhancements and personalized marketing leverage customer data to increase visit frequency and spending. These capabilities represent competitive advantages in a digital-first retail environment.

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As Starbucks progresses with its transformation plan, key metrics include U.S. traffic trends, average ticket growth and margin performance. Consistent improvement could support further share price appreciation.

The company’s brand strength and global reach provide a foundation for long-term growth. Starbucks has demonstrated adaptability through previous industry disruptions.

Monday’s gains contribute to Starbucks’ steady performance amid broader market movements. The stock reflects confidence in management’s ability to execute strategic priorities.

Starbucks continues balancing growth investments with returns to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. This balanced approach appeals to income and growth investors.

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The coffeehouse experience remains core to Starbucks’ identity even as digital channels expand. Physical stores drive brand discovery and community connection that complement app-based ordering.

Industry analysts expect continued innovation in beverages and food as Starbucks seeks to differentiate from competitors. Seasonal offerings and limited-time collaborations generate excitement and incremental sales.

As consumer spending patterns evolve, Starbucks’ premium positioning may benefit from aspirational purchases even in value-conscious times. Its rewards program helps maintain engagement across economic cycles.

Monday’s session highlighted Starbucks’ relative stability within consumer discretionary names. The company’s defensive characteristics in food service support consistent performance.

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Starbucks’ role in popular culture and daily routines underscores its market position. The brand’s ubiquity creates both opportunities and expectations for continuous improvement.

Looking ahead, Starbucks will focus on operational excellence, customer-centric innovation and sustainable growth. Its trajectory depends on successful navigation of competitive and economic challenges.

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Burnham’s Manchesterism could change the UK, but is not yet a full economic plan

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Andy Burnham turning and facing cameramen before he passes through green door

“True to the motto of this city, I am going to do things differently,” Andy Burnham declared, a reference to the film 24 Hour Party People.

His speech in Manchester did indeed show a rather different way of seeing and running the UK.

The departing Greater Manchester mayor presented a diagnosis of what has caused economic malaise, rooted in his own experiences running the city and when he was previously in Cabinet.

At its heart it is a critique of an unresponsive British state, adept at arguing with itself, rather than achieving real change and rebuilding the country.

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His solutions were ambitious, and mostly rather general, taking power from the centre and giving it to regions and cities, as occurs routinely in other advanced countries.

Burnham tells a story of his time as chief secretary to the Treasury, two decades ago, wishing to build a northern equivalent to London’s Crossrail, but being told it would not pass the Treasury cost benefit equation.

His speech today was not a detailed plan for the economy, with assessments of appropriate levels of tax, spend, investment and infrastructure and strategies for trade, AI and Europe.

Perhaps that is partly because this is still officially a Labour leadership campaign. It rather appears that he is trying to keep as much powder dry as possible on the precise trade-offs, for as long as possible.

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There was general policy direction on changes to business rates, housebuilding, technical education, and infrastructure. The upbeat and optimistic tone was also notable.

In two specific areas Burnham appeared to want to communicate a capacity for being prudent on spending and borrowing. He confirmed he will stick to existing borrowing rules, and also backed the Milburn Review into young people’s employment outcomes, which could lead to welfare savings.

These are two parts of what has been described to me as a broad five-part plan. Devolution, and industrial policy are two other legs. The remaining part was referred to by Burnham as quicker help on the cost of living.

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BlackRock Global Allocation V.I. Fund Q1 2026 Commentary

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BlackRock Global Allocation V.I. Fund Q1 2026 Commentary

BlackRock Global Allocation V.I. Fund Q1 2026 Commentary

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AAK names Erhan Yildiz as innovation team leader

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AAK names Erhan Yildiz as innovation team leader

Yildiz replaces Jeffrey Fine, who retired in early 2026.

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Form 144 BillionToOne For: 29 June

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Form 144 BillionToOne For: 29 June

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