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Charity mergers fall 11% as economic uncertainty dampens deal activity

Stuart Mitchell

Mergers in the charity sector fell 11% last year from a record high in 2024 as economic uncertainty took hold, according to analysis of Charity Commission data* by leading audit, tax and consulting firm RSM UK. The number of charities recording mergers declined from 142 in 2024 to 126 in 2025. There are over 171,000 registered charities in the UK**, suggesting there’s scope for further consolidation in the sector, particularly where two or more charities are looking for economies of scale, and also have shared goals. Hannah Catchpool, partner and…

CIPR calls for transparency over Mandelson lobbying links

Stuart Mitchell

The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) has called for the immediate release of full transparency information relating to Peter Mandelson’s lobbying firm and its role in securing government contracts for Palantir, warning that the current lobbying system is “failing the public”. The call follows The Guardian reporting that Global Counsel, the firm co-founded by Mandelson, may have been involved in the awarding of public contracts to Palantir after helping to arrange a meeting between the company’s chief executive and the prime minister, Keir Starmer. Global Counsel is registered with…

The First Minister’s Start Up Challenge

Stuart Mitchell

Young entrepreneurs will be supported to turn their ideas into successful businesses through a new Scottish Government programme. The First Minister’s Start Up Challenge will empower young people aged 18 – 30 from disadvantaged or underrepresented backgrounds to start innovative businesses. Delivered in partnership with The King’s Trust and social enterprise Dechomai, around 20 participants will be selected for a six-month accelerated entrepreneurial apprenticeship. This will provide tailored support and access to masterclasses, workshops and hands-on experience. Participants will receive a £500 “Test Your Business” grant, with those ready to…

OAAA Announces Call for Entries for 2026 Future Leaders Program

Stuart Mitchell

The Out of Home Advertising Association of America (OAAA), the national trade association representing the out of home (OOH) advertising industry, today announced applications are now open for its 2026 Future Leaders Program, inviting emerging professionals to apply to shape the future of OOH advertising. Up to ten selected applicants will receive a sponsored trip to the 2026 OOH Media Conference, taking place May 11–13 in Dallas, Texas.  “Out of home has always been powered by people, and if we want a strong future for OOH, we have to invest…

Platform for Change: New RNIB report reveals barriers to accessible train travel for blind and partially sighted people

Stuart Mitchell

Accessible train travel is essential for blind and partially sighted people to live independently, get to work, visit friends and family, and access healthcare. Yet, RNIB’s new report, Platform for Change: Making rail journeys more accessible for people with sight loss, shows that too many journeys are still impacted or prevented by unnecessary barriers such as inconsistent passenger assistance, difficult ticket buying methods and the inaccessible design of trains and stations. What you told us The Platform for Change report is based on a survey of nearly 1,200 blind and…