Category: 3. Business

Getting safety ‘right’ before automated vehicles (AVs), and their operating systems, are approved for road use and ensuring ongoing in-use safety are key goals in defining the necessary regulatory framework for AV deployment.

Both are at the heart of the latest development from the government, this being a call for evidence issued on 4 December 2025 and open for responses until 5 March 2026. The new document is divided into two chapters covering each of these key goals and a series of associated technical matters summarised (non-exhaustively) below.

All are significant and important issues. The description, at a recent motor insurance market meeting, of the call for evidence as a “mega-consultation” is far from an understatement.  This “mega-consultation” label is reinforced by the government’s document running to 79 pages and asking 125 questions.

Chapter 1: “Getting AVs on the Road”

• Type Approval: AVs will be required to meet technical and safety standards aligned with international (UNECE) regulations.

• Authorisation requirements: These will ensure AVs can operate safely and legally without a driver. Each AV must be backed by an Authorised Self-Driving Entity (ASDE) responsible for safety and regulatory compliance throughout its lifecycle. ASDEs will be subject to authorisation requirements.

• User-in-Charge (UIC): This refers to the ‘disengaged driver’ while the AV is driving itself. The requirements here will define the UIC’s responsibilities, including transition demands and training requirements.
• No-User-in-Charge (NUIC) Licensing: Conditions will regulate operators running passenger services using vehicles without onboard safety ‘drivers’. Fully autonomous buses and smaller pod-style vehicles are typical use cases.
• Insurance and data access: Existing legislation requires motor insurers to cover both conventional and automated driving. The call for evidence focuses on key questions around access to data stored in the vehicle’s Automated Driving System (ADS)  to enable claims adjusting and subrogated actions by motor insurers.

Chapter 2: “Once AVs Are on the Road”

• In-Use Regulatory Scheme (IURS): Requirements here will provide ongoing oversight and compliance monitoring – in respect of the ADS, with the keeper remaining responsible for general roadworthiness – and allow for enforcement via civil and regulatory sanctions.

• Incident Investigation: Independent statutory inspectors will investigate AV-related incidents under a no-blame framework to improve road safety. This activity could be closely modelled on that of the existing rail and maritime investigation branches.

• Cyber Security: Requirements will be developed to align with UN Regulations 155 and 156, addressing risks from connectivity and remote operations. Given that thousands of connected vehicles are already on the roads – although they are all conventional vehicles – it follows that some of the potentially systemic cyber risks arising from vehicle connectivity are already present in the current driving eco-system. Whether these are fully understood / evaluated is another matter.
• Accessibility & Environment: Seeks evidence on inclusive design and environmental impacts, including end-of-life considerations.

What happens next?

The call for evidence runs (following consultations in the summer as analysed here) until 5 March 2026, inviting responses from industry stakeholders – which will of course include insurers and vehicle manufacturers – academics, road users, and accessibility groups. The responses received will inform future regulations to ensure the regulatory regime legal governing AV deployment is safe, equitable, and sustainable.

The government has already referred to the necessary secondary regulations on matters set out in chapters 1 & 2 as the “main regs” for automated driving. All these “main regs” will be made under powers set out in the Automated Vehicle Act 2024.

An AV timetable released by government earlier in the year envisaged the call for evidence on these “main regs” concluding by the end of 2025, with the next step towards implementing the “main regs” being a consultation on draft provisions in the second half of next year. This still feels like a realistic timetable despite the call for evidence emerging perhaps later than initially planned.

Initial concluding thoughts

The issues covered here are important for insurers interested in the development of AVs. That is not just all motor insurers – because cover for automated driving will be compulsory – but also casualty carriers offering product liability and cyber-related policies to manufacturers and software developers who will potentially be the ASDEs in the new regulatory framework.

The approach to access to data by insurers could be among the most controversial points. The way forward, whether mandatory or otherwise, will require a careful balance of the interests of insurers and the importance to manufacturers of commercial confidentiality as well as respecting data protection principles.

The purpose of this article is only to provide a high-level summary and we propose to address the detail of the chapters in further articles and events. Please contact any of the authors or your usual Clyde & Co contacts if you would like further information.

The first project in a council scheme to convert derelict hotels into rental homes has been completed.

Brampton Court in the seaside resort of Torquay has been redeveloped into 14 energy-efficient one and two-bedroom apartments.

Torbay Council, which came up with the scheme, said the apartments would be “let at social rents to local households” with the first tenants expected to move in before Christmas.

The council has acquired a second site in Torquay at the Seabury Hotel and said construction there was due to start in the middle of 2026.

There are about 1,600 people on the housing waiting list in the Torbay area of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham.

The council said it wanted to convert “small, prominent and under-used brownfield sites” in the area “such as unviable former hotels, guesthouses and bed and breakfasts”.

Torbay Council said it believed its scheme was the “first of its kind in England” to specifically convert former hotel accommodation to be let as council homes.

Alan Tyerman, Torbay Council’s cabinet member for housing and finance, said: “What has been achieved is excellent and proves that we can deliver the homes we need and protect our precious green spaces.”

Tyerman said the new homes would be “a wonderful Christmas present” for new residents and marked “a significant milestone as we deliver on our ambition to provide more affordable homes in Torbay”.

The new homes at Brampton House are being allocated through Devon Home Choice to households that can prove a local connection to Torbay.

At Maersk, we believe multiple fuel pathways are essential for the shipping industry to meet its climate ambitions. That means consciously exploring different options and technologies.

Ethanol has a proven track record with an established market and existing infrastructure and offers an additional pathway for decarbonisation. By gradually increasing ethanol content, we gain valuable insights into engine performance and combustion impacts, informing fuel sourcing potential.

Gates Cambridge is seeking a Community Platform Officer to strengthen connections across our global community.

The Gates Cambridge mission is to build a global network of future leaders committed to improving the lives of others. We achieve this mission by selecting outstanding scholars from countries outside the UK and providing them with full-cost scholarships to pursue postgraduate degrees in any subject available at the University of Cambridge.

Gates Cambridge Scholars become part of a lifelong global community defined by its core value of commitment to improving the lives of others through leadership. Alongside the 250 or so Scholars who are studying in Cambridge at any point in time, there are over 2000 Scholars in the alumni section of the community, and this number grows every year.

The Gates Cambridge Trust, which was established in 2000 with a generous gift from the Gates Foundation, manages the Gates Cambridge Scholarship and a programme of events and activities for Scholars. The endowment has grown to almost £350 million (2024).

At the Trust, we are a small, friendly and diverse group of colleagues who are dedicated to delivering the Gates Cambridge mission while creating a welcoming and enjoyable working environment.

Purpose of the role

To strengthen connections across the global community of Gates Cambridge Scholars, the Gates Cambridge Trust is developing a digital community platform that enables Scholars to engage with one another and stay connected to Trust. The Trust seeks someone who enjoys working with technology and people; someone curious, adaptable, and excited about helping build a thriving global online community.

The Community Platform Officer will play a central role in supporting the daily operation, development, and engagement of this platform. The postholder will work closely with the Global Engagement Manager, Communications Officer, and the platform vendor to ensure the platform remains relevant and continues to facilitate connections across the global Gates Cambridge Scholar community.

The postholder will provide day-to-day support for the digital community platform, help deliver digital engagement activities that connect Scholars, ensure that content is accurate and engaging and that user queries are resolved promptly, and data remains accurate and up-to-date.

This position offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in digital engagement, communications, and community management within a small, diverse and supportive team.

Main Responsibilities

Platform management and support

• Approve new member registrations and maintain accurate user data.
• Monitor and help moderate online discussions, groups, and events to ensure a positive user experience and adherence to community guidelines.
• Upload and update resources, announcements, and other materials on the platform.
• Troubleshoot user and technical issues, liaising with the supplier and the Global Engagement Manager where required.
• Test and review new platform features and updates, providing timely feedback and suggestions for improvement.
• Produce regular analytics and engagement reports for internal review.

Content and communications

• Support the preparation and scheduling of digital content, including posts, and newsletters for the platform.
• Assist with the creation of campaigns that highlight community initiatives and opportunities.
• Ensure that communications are accessible, accurate, and consistent with the organisation’s tone and branding.
• Collaborate with colleagues to align platform content with broader engagement and communications strategies.

Community engagement

• Help to establish and maintain groups, mentoring schemes, and regional or thematic initiatives within the platform.
• Respond to user enquiries and provide timely, helpful guidance.
• Encourage participation and explore creative approaches to building online engagement.

Continuous improvement

• Identify opportunities to enhance user experience, streamline processes, and increase engagement.
• Stay informed about trends and best practice in digital community building and alumni relations.
• Contribute to wider team projects and initiatives as required.

The Trust actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

To apply for this role, you must submit a cover letter, CV, and names of two references. The deadline for applications is 9:00 a.m. on Monday 5  January 2026.

For full details about the role, including how to apply, please see the candidate pack.

Summary

The paper discusses Bulgaria’s public investment needs and its efficiency and assesses prospects for accelerating economic growth and income convergence through scaling up quality public investment. Utilizing substantial EU grants to fund public investment offers Bulgaria a unique opportunity to finance important infrastructure projects without relying on debt. However, slow absorption of these grant funds and inefficiencies in public investment management remain significant challenges. The analysis highlights the critical role of efficient public investment in boosting productivity and fostering sustainable growth. Using the DIGNAR model calibrated to Bulgaria’s economy, simulations suggest that full EU funds absorption and improved public investment efficiency could boost GDP by 2.3 percent in 2030. The findings underscore the importance of steadfast reforms to accelerate EU fund absorption and improve efficiency, including through enhanced investment planning and procurement processes, to boost growth.

Subject: Econometric analysis, Expenditure, General equilibrium models, Income, Infrastructure, National accounts, Public investment spending

Keywords: Bulgaria, DIGNAR model, dynamic general equilibrium modelling, economic growth, EU funds, General equilibrium models, Income, Infrastructure, public investment, Public investment spending

Global law firm White & Case LLP has advised a bank syndicate on Euronext’s €600 million bond issue and a cash tender offer for its existing €600 million bonds due 2026.

The transaction enables Euronext to proactively manage the overall maturity profile of its debt in an efficient manner.

Euronext is the leading European capital market infrastructure that provides markets for issuers, investors, trading members and market participants throughout Europe and beyond. It is a listed public limited liability company and its shares are admitted to trading on European regulated markets.

The White & Case team in Paris which advised on the transaction was led by partners Tatiana Uskova and Olga Fedosova. 

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