EU Packaging Rules: The EU’s PPWR packaging regulation starts applying across the bloc on 12 August, bringing immediate duties on chemical safety and compliance, tighter rules for food-contact packaging with PFAS, and new documentation requirements for businesses selling into the EU. UK High Street Crackdown: Britain’s government is moving to curb the spread of vape shops and betting outlets, including changes that give councils more control over new gambling venues and require planning permission for vape shops. SME Finance Pressure (UK): A UK debt advisory specialist warns the Iran war is pushing up borrowing costs for SMEs, squeezing margins and investment as uncertainty spreads across manufacturing, logistics, hospitality and construction. Online Business Risk (Spain): Spain’s self-employed groups say bureaucracy is crushing time and cash, with new compliance obligations and EU AI-related rules adding to paperwork burdens. Data Centre Insurance & Risk (Europe): Allianz says the AI-driven data centre boom is creating bigger construction, climate and insurance risks, with Europe’s growth accelerating in places like Spain, Finland and Denmark. Payments Deal (Canada): RBC and BMO’s Moneris is set to be sold to Francisco Partners for C$2bn, highlighting ongoing consolidation in merchant payments. Local Retail Strain (UK): A Brighton stadium supplier says rising costs forced it to end a long-running Amex Stadium supply deal.