Category: 3. Business

Flat owners in England and Wales are set to get better access to fast and future-proofed broadband, under new proposals set out in a consultation government launched today (Monday 15 December).

The consultation is looking at proposed rights for flat-owning leaseholders to request a gigabit-capable broadband connection from their freeholder that cannot be unreasonably refused.

Currently, leasehold flat owners don’t have a formal right to request a gigabit-capable broadband connection, leaving them hamstrung by slower speeds, and many face extra challenges as they are not able to coordinate or agree to a rollout to the buildings they live in.

The measures being proposed today will remove barriers that slow down gigabit broadband upgrades for blocks of flats across England and Wales. Making it easier for people to access the high-speed connectivity they need for work, streaming, and staying connected with loved ones.

It is part of the government’s plan to drive national renewal, and deliver 99% gigabit broadband coverage by 2032, ensuring everyone can enjoy fast, reliable and futureproofed connections, including those living in leasehold flats.

Minister for Telecoms, Liz Lloyd said: 

Measures like these are about fairness and improving the playing field for consumers, giving them better broadband connectivity. Whether you’re in a block of flats, a house, or a rural property, we want everyone to have access to the fast, reliable broadband needed for modern life.

These proposed measures would help deliver better connectivity for properties that face additional challenges to gigabit broadband rollout, and will ensure all UK families can benefit from the digital age.

The measures would apply specifically to leaseholders. Leaseholder landlords would be able to apply the new right on renters’ behalf. The consultation seeks more information on whether renters are impacted by the challenges seen in connecting leasehold properties.

The consultation is running until 16 February 2026 with outcomes published when the consultation ends. This will inform any potential future legislation addressing gigabit-capable broadband rollout into flats.

This comes following work by government to ensure everyone can get online with the skills, access to devices and confidence they need, through the £11.7 million Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund. Through this fund government is supporting 80 projects in communities across the country, to get people the support they need to get online to access cheaper prices for everyday essentials and use digital services.

Ms Sánchez acknowledges that there is room for improvement for Spain’s electricity model, pointing to the Iberian peninsula’s relative isolation from the European grid compared to most of its EU neighbours. She also sees storage as an issue.

“While we have taken a good path when it comes to renewable installation, we cannot say the same regarding storage,” she says. “We need to foster storage installation.”

Spain’s political panorama adds an element of uncertainty to its energy future. The Socialist-led coalition has been mired in corruption scandals and its parliamentary majority appears to have collapsed in recent weeks, raising the possibility of a snap election in the coming months.

A right-wing government, which polls suggest would be the likely outcome, would almost certainly place less emphasis on renewables and advocate a partial return to more traditional energy sources.

But in the meantime, Spain’s renewable transition continues.

And for Figueruelas, in Aragón, that means not just cheap, clean energy, but investment. The town’s population, of just 1,000, is due to increase dramatically, with 2,000 Chinese workers scheduled to arrive to help build the new battery plant, which is expected to create up to 35,000 indirect jobs once it starts operating.

“These kinds of investments revitalise the area, they revitalise the construction sector, hostelry,” says local man Manuel Martín. “And the energy is free – it just depends on the sun and the wind.”

Stay informed with free updates

Simply sign up to the UK financial regulation myFT Digest — delivered directly to your inbox.

Landmark new laws to regulate cryptoasset companies in Britain will help the country “lead the world in digital asset adoption” and attract investment, City minister Lucy Rigby has claimed.

Rigby insisted that Britain’s new crypto regulatory regime, which will take effect in the second half of 2027, would be “proportionate and fair” and would provide certainty for digital businesses and protection for consumers.

Speaking to the Financial Times, Rigby said: “Bringing forward this legislation is a milestone. Our intention is to lead the world in digital asset adoption.

“The rules we are putting in place are going to be proportionate and fair. They are going to be good for growth, encourage firms to invest here and protect consumers as well. I don’t see any conflict between those things.”

Britain has been criticised for what some in the industry claim is an overly cautious approach to embracing cryptoassets, with Donald Trump’s US administration taking a much lighter-touch approach.

George Osborne, former Conservative chancellor and a member of Coinbase’s global advisory council, wrote in the Financial Times earlier this year: “On crypto and stablecoins, as on too many other things, the hard truth is this: we are being completely left behind.”

The co-head of crypto exchange Kraken, Arjun Sethi, has also criticised the UK’s approach, saying disclosures required in Britain were “worse for consumers”.

The new legislation would establish a “comprehensive regulatory regime”, said Rigby, where crypto companies were regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the same way as other providers of financial products.

She said the incoming laws would support responsible innovation and ensure open and competitive markets, bringing cryptoassets into the same regime as other regulated financial products such as stocks and shares.

The FCA has said it will waive or loosen some of its rules for crypto companies, for example on customer rights to cancel a purchase and on regulations designed to manage systemic risk.

Rigby said the regime was being designed for Britain, but noted that the UK and the US had this year created a transatlantic task force to explore areas for closer financial ties.

“Our regulation is designed with domestic circumstances in mind but it makes a good deal of sense to explore mutually beneficial market access opportunities and regulatory alignment, where that makes sense for the UK,” she said.

Rigby will table secondary legislation on Monday to introduce the new regime under the 2023 Financial Services and Markets Act. The aim is to enact the regime in 2026, alongside an FCA consultation on final rules and guidance for companies.

The Treasury aims for the new rules to be ready by mid-2026, giving groups sufficient time to secure authorisation before the regime goes live in the second half of 2027.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has been frustrated by what she believes has been excessive caution from the Bank of England over the use of stablecoins, according to government officials.

Last month the BoE diluted its planned rules for UK stablecoins in response to industry criticism by allowing some assets backing the digital tokens to be invested in short-term government debt and exempting certain businesses from ownership limits.

Rigby noted the change of stance and called on the industry to engage with the BoE as it shaped its new regime. “We are encouraging firms with strong views on this issue to respond to the bank’s consultation,” she said.

The City minister, appointed to her role in September, has reservations about one specific area involving cryptoassets: their use for party political donations.

Nigel Farage’s Reform UK has begun accepting donations in cryptocurrency, and Rigby said: “We want to ensure the right level of protection for democracy.”

Company’s secured lender and key supplier, Picea, to acquire iRobot through court-supervised chapter 11 process

Positions iRobot to continue delivering trusted robotics and smart home devices to consumers worldwide

BEDFORD, Mass., Dec. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — iRobot Corporation (NASDAQ: IRBT) (“iRobot” or the “Company”), a leader in consumer robots, today announced that it entered into a Restructuring Support Agreement (the “RSA”) with its secured lender and its primary contract manufacturer, Shenzhen PICEA Robotics Co., Ltd. and Santrum Hong Kong Co., Limited, (collectively “Picea”) for Picea to acquire iRobot through a court-supervised process. This agreement represents a critical step toward strengthening iRobot’s financial foundation and positioning the Company for long-term growth and innovation.

To efficiently implement this transaction, iRobot and certain of its affiliates voluntarily commenced a pre-packaged chapter 11 process in the District of Delaware (the “Court”). The Company expects to complete the pre-packaged chapter 11 process by February 2026.    

Under the terms of the RSA, Picea will receive 100% of the equity interests in the Company, which will delever the Company’s balance sheet and enable iRobot to continue operating in the ordinary course, pursue its product development roadmap, and maintain its global footprint. The transaction contemplated under the RSA provides a path forward to enhance financial stability, reduce debt, and support continued innovation across iRobot’s leading portfolio of robotics and smart home devices.

“Today’s announcement marks a pivotal milestone in securing iRobot’s long-term future,” said Gary Cohen, Chief Executive Officer, iRobot. “The transaction will strengthen our financial position and will help deliver continuity for our consumers, customers, and partners. Together, we will work to continue advancing the industry-leading Roomba robots and smart home technologies that have defined the iRobot brand for more than three decades. By combining iRobot’s innovation, consumer-driven design, and R&D with Picea’s history of innovation, manufacturing, and technical expertise, we believe iRobot will be well equipped to shape the next era of smart home robotics.”

Continuity of Operations During Pre-Packaged Chapter 11 Process 
During the chapter 11 process, iRobot will continue operating in the ordinary course with no anticipated disruption to its app functionality, customer programs, global partners, supply chain relationships, or ongoing product support. To maintain business continuity, iRobot has filed a series of customary motions with the Court that will allow the Company to operate in the ordinary course, including to meet its commitments to employees and make timely payments to vendors and other creditors in full for amounts owed before, during, and after the court-supervised process.

Emerging Stronger Under New Ownership
Following Court approval of the transaction, iRobot expects to be better positioned to execute on its long-term innovation strategy under Picea’s ownership. Upon completion of the transaction, iRobot will be a private company wholly owned by Picea, and its shares of common stock will no longer be listed on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC or any other national stock exchange. The transaction is designed to deliver a more stable balance sheet and renewed ability to invest in its next generation of robotics, smart home innovations, and customer experience enhancements.

The Company expects that holders of the Company’s common stock will not receive any equity of the reorganized Company, and that all issued and outstanding equity interests in the Company will be cancelled and holders of common stock will experience a total loss and not receive recovery on their investment, if the chapter 11 plan is approved by the Court.

As part of iRobot’s chapter 11 cases, the Company’s claims agent, Stretto, Inc., will distribute standard court notices to parties of interest as required by the Court. These notices are routine and do not require action from customers, partners, or employees. Publicly filed documents will be available free of charge on the claims agent’s website at https://cases.stretto.com/iRobot. Stakeholders with questions may contact Stretto at (833) 228-5389 (U.S./Canada), +1 (949) 590-3576 (International), or via email at [email protected].

Advisors
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is serving as lead legal counsel, Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor, LLP is serving as Delaware counsel, Alvarez & Marsal is serving as investment banker and financial advisor, and C Street Advisory Group is serving as strategic communications advisor. White & Case LLP is serving as legal counsel to Picea.

About iRobot
iRobot is a global consumer robot company that designs and builds thoughtful robots and intelligent home innovations that make life better. iRobot introduced the first Roomba robot vacuum in 2002. Today, iRobot is a global enterprise that has sold millions of robots worldwide. iRobot’s product portfolio features technologies and advanced concepts in cleaning, mapping and navigation. Working from this portfolio, iRobot engineers are building robots and smart home devices to help consumers make their homes easier to maintain and healthier places to live. For more information about iRobot, please visit www.irobot.com.

About Picea
Picea is a global manufacturer and service provider of robotic vacuum cleaners, with research and development and manufacturing facilities in China and Vietnam. Picea has over 7,000 employees globally and serves a diverse, international customer base. Picea maintains long-term, stable partnerships with many leading global enterprises. To date, Picea holds over 1,300 intellectual property rights worldwide and has manufactured and sold more than 20 million robotic vacuum cleaners.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This communication includes “forward-looking statements,” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act, including, in particular, any statements about the Company’s plans, strategies, objectives, initiatives, roadmap and prospects. The Company generally uses the words “may,” “will,” “could,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “plan,” “intend,” “aim” and similar expressions in this communication to identify forward-looking statements. The Company has based these forward-looking statements on its current views with respect to future events and financial performance. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements, include, but are not limited to, statements related to the chapter 11 process (“Chapter 11 Process”), including the Company’s ability to complete the process on the terms contemplated by the RSA, on the timeline contemplated or at all, and the Company’s ability to realize the intended benefits of the financial reorganization. The Company’s actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain risks and other factors. Some of these risks and uncertainties include: risks and uncertainties relating to the Chapter 11 Process, including but not limited to the Company’s ability to obtain Court approval with respect to motions in the Chapter 11 Process and approval of requisite stakeholders and confirmation by the Court of the chapter 11 plan, the effects of the Chapter 11 Process on the Company and its various constituents, the impact of Court rulings in the Chapter 11 Process, the ultimate outcome of the Chapter 11 Process in general, the length of time the Company will operate under the Chapter 11 Process, attendant risks associated with restrictions on the Company’s ability to pursue its business strategies while the Chapter 11 Process is pending, risks associated with third-party motions in the Chapter 11 Process, the potential adverse effects of the Chapter 11 Process on the Company’s liquidity, the likelihood of the cancellation of the Company’s common stock in the Chapter 11 Process, uncertainty regarding the Company’s ability to retain key personnel and management, whether the Company’s vendors, suppliers and customers might lose confidence in the Company’s ability to reorganize its capital structure successfully and may seek to establish alternative commercial relationships as a result of the Chapter 11 Process and uncertainty and continuing risks associated with the Company’s ability to achieve its goals and continue as a going concern. Additional risks that could cause future results to differ from those expressed by any forward-looking statement are described in the Company’s reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024, the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Part II, Item 1A of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 29, 2025, June 28, 2025 and September 27, 2025 and the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 1, 2025. You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. You should understand that many important factors, including those identified herein, could cause the Company’s results to differ materially from those expressed or suggested in any forward-looking statement. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements to reflect new information or events or circumstances that occur after the date of this communication or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events or otherwise.

SOURCE iRobot Corporation

With air traffic on the rise in recent years, airports have placed increasing urgency on labor-saving initiatives and efficiency improvements, particularly in ground operations. Against this backdrop, the MLIT, airlines, and airport operators are collaborating to promote the automation of towing tractors and buses used for passengers and crew transport. However, airports operate in a significantly different environment compared to public roads. Achieving autonomous operation requires extensive optimization across both technical and environmental aspects. Specifically, unique operating rules for runways, taxiways, and aprons need to be established, along with vehicle control systems that function in environments where aircraft and vehicles coexist. Furthermore, while safe traffic has traditionally relied on communication between human drivers, autonomous vehicles require new communication methods to ensure safety when they operate alongside human-driven vehicles.

NEC’s VME enable autonomous driving by leveraging over half a century of experience in air traffic control and airport-related systems, as well as close collaboration with stakeholders that include airlines and autonomous vehicle manufacturers.

The introduction of VME also enables automatic signal control at intersections within airport restricted areas. This facilitates safe and smooth traffic management among both human drivers and autonomous vehicles. Additionally, cameras placed in low-visibility areas send video to autonomous vehicle operators, helping to cover blind spots and support precise safety management.

Going forward, NEC will continue to leverage digital technologies to help build a next-generation mobility society, striving to create safe, secure, and efficient transportation infrastructure.

If you’ve driven past Sylvia Park lately, you’ll have noticed a giant blue-and-yellow newcomer has arrived!

Getting the green light for New Zealand’s first IKEA store at Sylvia Park wasn’t as simple as dropping in some flat-packs and grabbing an Allen key! The construction, now complete, was one of the most technically demanding resource consent processes planners say the city has seen and showcased the breadth of expertise within Auckland Council.

The application was lodged in October 2021 and, although limited notified to adjoining neighbours, IKEA secured written approvals from all parties. As no submissions were received, a hearing was not required, a rarity for a development of this scale.

Still, the technical work involved was substantial. Over 20 specialists contributed to assessments spanning urban design, ecology, transport, cultural effects, economics and stormwater.

The site’s location within the wider Sylvia Park retail precinct required several planning variations to ensure strong pedestrian connections and seamless integration with the existing metropolitan centre especially for people walking between shops, carparks and the train station.

Transport specialists played a significant role, shaping safer pedestrian links, vehicle-access arrangements, and a reconfigured parking layout. Auckland Council’s Transport Engineer Honwin Shen said:

“Our focus was making access intuitive for everyone, people walking from the train station, buses arriving more frequently, and motorists navigating a much busier precinct. The connections had to feel effortless.”

Mana whenua groups were strong partners in the process, providing guidance that influenced site layout, cultural artwork and the naturalisation of a stream corridor. They also delivered cultural inductions for contractors and put in place accidental-discovery protocols for any Māori artefacts encountered during excavation.

Council’s economic specialist Shyamal Maharaj considered how a retailer of IKEA’s international scale might influence nearby centres including Newmarket, Panmure and Botany.

“Our analysis showed that while IKEA draws significant footfall, its product range is sufficiently distinct that it complements rather than erodes the vitality of surrounding centres.”

Recently, Auckland Council’s resource consents team visited the construction site with Naylor Love and Kiwi Property to reflect on how several months of planning work has now materialised on the ground.

Processing planner Oscar Orellana says seeing their work turn into a real, physical project has been especially rewarding.

“Working across so many disciplines—transport, ecology, cultural heritage—really expanded my understanding of what it takes to deliver a major project. Seeing that work reflected in what’s being built on site has been genuinely motivating.”

For the team, IKEA is more than just a big blue box, it’s a reminder of the value of the resource consent system. Careful assessments across environmental, cultural and economic fronts are exactly what give major developments the confidence, and community backing, to go ahead.

IKEA Aotearoa: Key Facts

• Location: Sylvia Park, Mount Wellington
• Status: completed
• Opened: December 2025
• Consent lodged: October 2021
• Notification: limited-notified to adjoining neighbours including KiwiRail
• Submissions received: none (all neighbours provided written approval)
• Hearing: Not required
• Key considerations: transport, cultural effects, economic impacts, stream naturalisation, urban design, integration with Sylvia Park, contamination, construction impacts
• Mana whenua role: site design input, artwork, naturalisation corridor, contractor inductions, accidental-discovery protocols