Murdoch, Musk, water firms … Here are the ‘winners’ in another torrid year for business

As 2025 dawns, we look back at the star players over the last 12 months of economic drama, mishap and scandal

The end of the year is a time for pausing, reflection and exhaustion. But before throwing ourselves into 2025, it's worth sifting through the remnants of 2024 to see who in the business world has done something worth remembering.

So, once more with gusto, the Observer Agenda page brings you its awards for the brightest - or perhaps most glaring - lights in the business world this year.