Britain set new solar generation records on consecutive days this week, hitting 14.4GW, as the government approved the Springwell solar farm in Lincolnshire — the UK’s largest.
Category: News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
John Lewis chairman’s pay climbs 21% to £1.2m as 3,300 roles disappear across the partnership
John Lewis Partnership chairman Jason Tarry received a 21% pay rise to £1.2m while the retailer shed 3,300 jobs across its department stores and Waitrose supermarkets.
The spectre of stagflation returns as Britain’s private sector grinds to a near-halt
Britain’s private sector barely grew in March as the Middle East conflict drives up costs and dampens confidence, raising the spectre of stagflation for SMEs already under pressure.
SpaceX woos the small investor as Musk eyes the biggest flotation in stock market history
SpaceX is planning the largest IPO in history, targeting a $2tn valuation with up to 30% of shares reserved for retail investors. Here’s what UK investors need to know.
UK petrol prices approach 155p a litre as Iran conflict drives fuel costs to highest level in over two years
UK petrol prices have surged to nearly 155p a litre amid the Iran conflict, with diesel at its highest since late 2022. Experts weigh in on whether a new ceasefire could signal the peak.
Oil price surges past $111 as Strait of Hormuz deadline looms
Brent crude climbs above $111 a barrel as fears grow that US-Iran negotiations may collapse before President Trump’s Wednesday deadline, threatening further disruption to global energy supplies.
Higher defence spending could unlock £30bn annual boost for UK economy
EY analysis reveals that raising UK defence expenditure to up to 5% of GDP by 2035 could generate £30bn a year in additional economic output and support domestic manufacturing and R&D.
Vince calls on Miliband to halt North Sea oil exports as Iran war rattles supply
Labour donor Dale Vince tells Ed Miliband to halt North Sea oil exports and shield Britain from Iran-driven fuel shortages, as crude tops $109 a barrel.
Easter and Eid collision sends British lamb prices to a record high
British lamb prices surge to record highs as Easter and Eid drive demand, with supermarket legs topping £16/kg and the UK flock at its lowest in living memory.
OpenAI’s flagship UK data centre hits the buffers in blow to Starmer’s AI ambitions
OpenAI’s flagship Stargate data centre in Tyneside has stalled with no updated timeline, casting doubt over the government’s AI infrastructure ambitions and Keir Starmer’s growth agenda.
Amazon bets on Whole Foods to salvage its troubled UK grocery ambitions
Amazon is repurposing its shuttered Fresh convenience stores as Whole Foods outlets in London, but with cumulative losses exceeding £200m, questions remain over the strategy’s viability.
Barclays bets on the high street once more with new branches and the return of the bank manager
Barclays is reversing years of branch closures by opening new outlets and reinstating the bank manager title, as its UK chief bets on human touch to fend off digital-only rivals.
Inflation fears surge as rate cut hopes fade for UK businesses
UK businesses expect higher inflation and fewer rate cuts as energy prices surge following the Iran war, according to Bank of England data.
SpaceX files for record-breaking IPO with $1.75tn valuation target
SpaceX is preparing for what could become the largest stock market debut in history after confidentially filing for an initial public offering that may value the company at more than $1.75 trillion.
Regions from Teesside to Cornwall awarded up to £20m to boost innovation
Regions across England and Wales will receive up to £20m each to boost innovation in sectors including AI, clean energy and advanced manufacturing.
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