Metier Solutions

Date: 16 January 2025 Subject: Investigation into Google’s compliance under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 Purpose:  This briefing addresses the Competition & Markets Authority (CMA’s) investigation into Google’s general search and search advertising services. The investigation evaluates Google's compliance under the digital markets competition regime and assesses whether Google should be designated as having Strategic Market Status (SMS). If designated, specific Conduct Requirements and Pro-Competition Interventions could be imposed to enhance competition, innovation and consumer protection. Key Context Market Dominance: Google accounts for over 90% of the UK general search market, generating high revenues from search advertising. Its market share and control over key access points create significant barriers for competitors. Economic Impact: UK advertising spend on search has doubled between 2019 and 2023 to £15 billion, with Google dominating the ...

Purpose: This briefing note outlines the UK government’s strategic framework to establish the nation as a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI), while addressing opportunities, challenges and implementation risks associated with this transformative technology. Key Objectives of the AI Action Plan 1. Expanding AI Infrastructure: Sovereign Compute Capacity: Commitment to increasing capacity by 20x by 2030 to meet the growing demand for computational resources, with the initial focus on facilities in Culham, Oxfordshire (AI Opportunities Action Plan, 2024). AI Growth Zones (AIGZs): Establishing dedicated zones, starting with Culham, to accelerate infrastructure development, attract investment and promote public-private collaboration (AI Opportunities Action Plan, 2024). (Might be worth investing in property round Culham) Supercomputing Facility: Development of a state-of-the-art facility to double the capacity of the national AI Research Resource and support cutting-edge resear...

I am happy to reflect on content shared throughout Metier Solutions first year of blogging and thank you for the support and encouragement. Something that started as a space to share ideas and fill some ideal hours has grown beyond anything I could have expect with a readership in over 20 countries! 77 articles in, we are still fighting to find our voice and the content that interests you most. Our commitment to providing in-depth analyses and practical guidance across various domains, including performance measurement, sustainability, technological adaptation and cybersecurity, remain. Below is a selection of key articles that have resonated with our readers and contributed to meaningful discussions over this year. Performance Measurement and Organisational Success Understanding and enhancing performance at individual, team and collective levels remain critical for organisational success. Our series of articles delved into this multifaceted topic: Article 1: Understanding Performan...