UK defies Brexit odds as investment hotspot, Monsoon Accessorize stores at risk, and more top news

The news professionals are talking about now, curated by LinkedIn’s editors. Join the conversation on today's stories in the comments.

The UK has topped a global ranking of the most attractive countries in which to do business, despite the uncertainty over Brexit. The UK knocked the US off the top spot, held since 2014, in the survey by professional services firm EY, accounting for 10% of global M&A activity worth a combined ￡305bn last year, its second-best year since the financial crisis. EY’s Steve Krouskos said that despite “continued uncertainty,” relating to Brexit, “what hasn’t changed is that the UK has great companies, great talent, great tech and great IP.” ? Here’s what people are saying.

The company behind Monsoon and Accessorize has appointed advisors to work on the potential closure of “dozens” of stores via a controversial Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA). Stores earmarked for closure are expected to be the largest shops within the company’s 270-outlet network. Meanwhile, Sports Direct has stunned workers by announcing it will close a warehouse in Wigan. Described as a “body blow” by the GMB union, workers at the Greater Manchester warehouse were told of the decision on Monday, which will result in the loss of 300 jobs. ? Here’s what people are saying.

Dangerous products could flood the UK market after Brexit, according to Which?. The consumer group warns that unless there is continued access to the European Safety Gate system – which sees countries alert each other to unsafe products – UK consumers will be at risk. Last year, the scheme reported a total of 2,064 unsafe non-food products, up 500 from a decade ago, with toys and vehicles the categories with the highest number of safety notices. ? Here’s what people are saying.

France’s Notre Dame Cathedral was engulfed by a massive fire on Monday, causing its medieval spire and parts of two-thirds of its roof to collapse. The building's structure and iconic towers were saved, and French President Emmanuel Macron vowed to rebuild the cathedral with an international fundraising scheme. The fire's cause was not immediately known, but the cathedral was undergoing renovation. Prosecutors are treating the fire as an accident. ? Here's what people are saying.

The former CEO of Volkswagen has been charged over his involvement in the diesel emissions scandal. Martin Winterkorn, along with four others, has been accused of fraud, the first time a VW board member has been charged in Germany in relation to the case. If found guilty, Winterkorn could face a jail term of between six months and 10 years. The scandal, which saw cars fitted with illegal devices to interfere with emissions tests, has so far cost the company $30 billion. ? Here’s what people are saying.

Idea of the Day: As a business owner, before you drop a client, consider who really is at fault, says Creative Plus Business Group director Monica Davidson.

“Have you exhausted every option to improve the relationship? My rule is to always take responsibility before laying blame. Is it them – or you?”

What's your take on today’s stories? Share your thoughts in the comments. 

— Natalie MacDonald