AIComputingResearch

UK’s STFC Launches 24.41 Petaflops AI Supercomputer Named After Computing Pioneer Mary Coombs

The UK’s Science and Technology Facilities Council has unveiled a powerful new AI supercomputer at its Daresbury facility. The system, named after computing pioneer Mary Coombs, delivers 24.41 petaflops of performance and will support drug discovery and climate research.

New AI Supercomputer Deployment

The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) has reportedly deployed a significant new computing resource at its Hartree Centre in Daresbury, UK. According to reports, the newly installed system delivers 24.41 petaflops of AI computing performance and has been named Mary Coombs in honor of the UK’s first female commercial computer programmer.

BusinessRealestate

Grainger Announces Strategic Exit from United Kingdom Operations

Industrial supplies giant Grainger has announced a strategic withdrawal from the United Kingdom market. The company reportedly plans to sell its Cromwell subsidiary and close Zoro UK operations as part of this restructuring.

Major Market Restructuring

Industrial supplies distributor Grainger has announced plans to completely exit the United Kingdom market, according to reports from the company. The MRO giant reportedly intends to sell its Cromwell subsidiary and shut down its Zoro web business operations in the country, marking a significant strategic shift for the industrial supplier.

EconomyPolicy

Major Asset Managers Take Bearish Positions on Sterling Amid UK Economic Concerns

Several prominent asset managers are reportedly positioning against the British pound as concerns mount over the UK’s economic outlook. Analysts suggest challenging growth prospects and looming fiscal decisions are driving bearish sentiment toward sterling.

Investment Firms Bet Against Pound

Multiple asset managers are reportedly taking bearish positions against the British pound as the United Kingdom grapples with economic challenges, according to recent market analysis. Sources indicate that firms including Candriam and RBC BlueBay Asset Management have established short positions against sterling, reflecting growing concerns about the UK’s economic trajectory.

CybersecurityPolicy

UK Faces 50% Surge in Major Cyberattacks, Government Issues “Call to Arms”

The UK has experienced a 50% increase in highly significant cyberattacks over the past year, according to the National Cyber Security Centre. Officials attribute the surge to rising ransomware activity and state-sponsored threats, prompting a government “call to arms” for organizations to strengthen defenses.

UK Cybersecurity Crisis Deepens

The United Kingdom is facing a dramatic escalation in cyber threats, with a 50% increase in highly significant cyberattacks over the past year, according to reports from the National Cyber Security Centre. The NCSC’s Annual Review 2025 reveals the UK is experiencing the highest level of malicious digital activity recorded in nearly a decade, with the organization facing a new nationally significant cyber incident roughly every other day.