Gibraltar–Spain Border Deal: Gibraltar’s land border controls with Spain are set to end from 15 July, easing daily commuting for about 15,500 Spanish workers and helping local firms recruit and retain staff. UK Hospitality VAT Push: Celebrity chef Tom Kerridge backs Andy Burnham’s push for a VAT cut for pubs and restaurants, arguing “no successful business” is built by accountants, while critics warn of major revenue costs. SME Fraud Warning: Facebook-linked “Canadian boutiques” are misleading shoppers with fake Canada locations and steep discounts, prompting customer and police alerts. AI Governance Hiring Gap: Research across eight EU countries finds far more AI builder roles than AI governance roles, with many governance posts not even naming the EU AI Act. Payments for SMEs: Shift4 One launches across Europe (UK, Ireland, Spain, Germany first) combining payments, currency conversion and tax-free shopping in one device. Skills Funding: The UK opens an £800,000 AI skills challenge fund for Barnsley Tech Town to help workers and small businesses build practical AI capability. Trade Boost for SMEs: India–UK CETA begins operating, aiming to give Indian exporters duty-free access to the UK and cut tariffs for many labour-intensive sectors. Energy Poverty Focus: EU debate highlights that the clean transition may fail vulnerable households unless energy, housing and social policies are coordinated.