Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Amazon announces major UK film studio investment

AMAZON streaming service Prime Video announced a major "long-term" deal for the exclusive use of new production facilities at studios near London, further boosting Britain's booming film industry.

The "landmark multimillion-pound... contract with Shepperton Studios" was for "original TV series and movie productions", its owner Pinewood Group said in a statement on Wednesday (9).


On completion of the new facilities next year, Shepperton Studios will be the second largest in the world with 31 purpose-built stages, according to Pinewood Group chairman Paul Golding.

"This... commitment to Shepperton supports our considerable investment in this fantastic studio," he added.

Finance minister Rishi Sunak said the Amazon deal represented a boost to the UK economy.

"The investment will drive growth and create jobs," he added in the joint statement.

Britain's renowned film industry has been boosted in recent years by online players, including also Netflix, seeking facilities for their own productions.

At the same time, the pandemic has triggered a surge in the streaming of films and television shows, benefitting also the likes of Disney+.

Shepperton studios, situated just south of London, has also struck an agreement with Netflix, broadcaster of "The Crown" -- the hit series chronicling the life of Queen Elizabeth II.

"Shepperton has long been synonymous with top-tier television and movies and we're proud that it will be home to many Prime Video original productions in the years to come," Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios, added.

Amazon Studios recently announced that it was switching production of the second season of its Lord Of The Rings series to the UK from New Zealand.

It comes as US-owned entertainment groups Sky and Sunset Studios are in the process of building separate film and television studios close to London to help meet strong demand for streamed content.

(AFP)

More For You

London Tech Week: Indian firms show investment intent

Keir Starmer at London Tech Week in London on Monday (9)

London Tech Week: Indian firms show investment intent

MORE THAN 350 technology companies from India joined London Tech Week, which began on Monday – making it the largest-ever delegation from the country to attend the event.

London mayor Sadiq Khan’s office, City Hall, described the rise in Indian participation as a reflection of deepening ties between India and London’s tech sectors, following the recent signing of the India– UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Keep ReadingShow less
London Tech Week

The discussion around inclusivity and parenthood is likely to remain in the spotlight.

Getty Images

London Tech Week: Woman entrepreneur says she was humiliated after being denied entry for bringing baby

A female entrepreneur has said she felt “absolutely humiliated” after being denied entry to London Tech Week because she was accompanied by her 18-month-old daughter.

Davina Schonle, founder and chief executive of AI start-up Humanvantage AI, had travelled from her home to attend the event at Olympia on Monday, 10 June. She said she had made a three-hour journey to London with her daughter, Isabella, only to be turned away on arrival because children were not allowed into the venue.

Keep ReadingShow less
Smartless Mobile launched by podcast trio

The move marks the first commercial spin-off from the Smartless podcast

Getty Images

Smartless podcast trio launches Smartless Mobile as low-cost phone service

The hosts of the popular Smartless podcast, actors Will Arnett, Jason Bateman and Sean Hayes, have launched a new mobile phone service in the United States. Called Smartless Mobile, the service offers a budget-friendly alternative to traditional phone plans and is aimed at users who spend most of their time connected to WiFi.

The move marks the first commercial spin-off from the Smartless podcast, which is known for its celebrity interviews and humorous tone. The new venture was announced in early June 2025 and has already begun accepting sign-ups across the US mainland and Puerto Rico.

Keep ReadingShow less
bestway

Bestway began its anniversary year in January with its annual ‘Thank You’ campaign, offering deals on products in-store and online.

Getty images

Bestway celebrates 50 years in wholesale sector

BESTWAY Wholesale is marking its 50th anniversary in 2025. Founded in 1975, the company opened its first warehouse in Acton, West London, and has since grown into one of the UK’s largest independent wholesalers.

The business was started by Sir Anwar Pervez. He was awarded a knighthood in 1999 for his contributions to the food wholesale sector. Under his leadership, Bestway achieved £12 million in turnover within its first 18 months, launched the best-one symbol group in 2002, acquired Batley’s in 2005, Costcutter Supermarkets Group in 2020, and Adams Foodservice in 2024.

Keep ReadingShow less