In a separate development shaking the UK corporate landscape, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched investigations into eight companies over concerns relating to additional online fees and questionable sales tactics.

Among the firms under scrutiny are online ticket marketplaces StubHub and Viagogo, driving schools AA and BSM, the gym chain Gold’s Gym, and retailers Wayfair, Appliances Direct and Marks Electrical.

The CMA is particularly concerned about practices such as drip pricing—where shoppers are shown a low upfront price only to see extra fees added during checkout—and misleading countdown timers designed to pressure customers into faster purchases. These probes mark the first major enforcement action under the regulator’s expanded consumer protection powers.

The watchdog has also sent advisory letters to 100 other businesses across various sectors, urging immediate improvements to pricing transparency. Under the new enforcement regime, the CMA can impose fines of up to 10% of a company’s global turnover and order compensation for affected consumers without first going through the courts.

FAQ Section

1. Why did Crest Nicholson issue a profit warning?
The developer reported weaker-than-expected summer sales and uncertainties surrounding upcoming government tax policies.

2. How many jobs will Crest Nicholson cut?
The company plans to cut around 50 jobs as part of its restructuring efforts.

3. What is drip pricing?
Drip pricing occurs when consumers see a low initial price but encounter extra charges during checkout.

4. Which companies are under CMA investigation?
StubHub, Viagogo, AA Driving School, BSM Driving School, Gold’s Gym, Wayfair, Appliances Direct and Marks Electrical.

5. What powers does the CMA now have?
The CMA can directly decide whether consumer laws have been broken and issue fines of up to 10% of global turnover.