At a glance for businesses: The European Commission’s 2030 Consumer Agenda (published on 19 November 2025) (the “Agenda”) sets the direction of EU consumer policy for the next five years, with potential implications for digital platforms, retailers, financial institutions and manufacturers.

Fiona Chalk, Governance Consultant & Trainer at Governance4FE has been named Governance Champion of the Year by ICSA: The Chartered Governance Institute, the professional body for governance. Fiona, founder of Governance4FE, a community organisation that specialises solely in Further Education governance, received the award for the work that she has done to improve outcomes for students by increasing the effectiveness of those tasked with the oversight of governance in the further education and skills sector.

The Chancellor's first budget contained much which had already been trailed over the previous days. Although there was some better news on the economy, it’s clear that we are still in difficult times.

Of general interest to all members.