Network capacity constraints cost UK consumers £250m in the first two months of 2025 as wind farms were paid to shut down and gas plants fired up.
Category: News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
Shop price inflation holds steady as retailers keep discounts flowing
Shop price inflation held at -0.7% in February, thanks to ongoing discounts and sales at fashion and non-food retailers, despite food price pressures.
Cryptocurrencies surge as Trump unveils us ‘crypto reserve’
Cryptocurrencies soared on Sunday as President Trump named five digital tokens set to form part of a United States “crypto reserve”.
Firms fear record cost surge ahead of Reeves tax raid
UK bosses brace for soaring costs as tax hikes, energy bills and wage pressures escalate, reveals an IoD survey. Almost half plan job cuts amid Reeves’s £25bn NI raid.
Asda faces staff backlash after scrapping 10,000 manager bonuses
Asda cancels bonuses for 10,000 managers amid a tough year of falling sales and market share, triggering staff concerns and highlighting the scale of the turnaround challenge.
Taxpayers lose largest-shareholder status in Natwest as Blackrock overtakes government stake
The government has relinquished its position as NatWest’s biggest shareholder for the first time in more than 15 years, with its stake slipping to 5.93 per cent.
Trump signals readiness for swift UK-US trade deal during Prime Minister’s Washington visit
Donald Trump hints UK-US tariffs “wouldn’t be necessary” with a rapid trade deal as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer visits Washington.
Millions locked out of wages as banking apps crash on payday
Millions of UK workers faced payday disruption after major banks’ online systems crashed, sparking fresh concerns over repeated IT failures and system resilience.
The Apprentice’s Jana Denzel quits series amid racism controversy
Jana Denzel has quit The Apprentice amid a racism controversy after using the term “coloured” on camera. Discover why he left the BBC show and what this means for his future business prospects.
Alibaba commits $50bn to AI and cloud amid Jack Ma’s return to the spotlight
Alibaba pledges $50bn in AI and cloud computing amid Jack Ma’s high-profile return to favour in China.
Covid inquiry to hear Michelle Mone – linked PPE Medpro evidence in closed session as NCA probe continues
Evidence on Michelle Mone-linked PPE Medpro will be heard behind closed doors at the Covid inquiry. The NCA’s investigation prompted this decision and how it affects scrutiny of the VIP lane.
Veuve Clicquot names 2025 Bold Woman Award finalists, celebrating the next generation of female leaders
Veuve Clicquot reveals its 2025 Bold Woman Award shortlist, honouring six outstanding female entrepreneurs reshaping finance, sustainability and social impact.
Heathrow welcomes record passengers as third runway plans take flight
Heathrow’s 2024 passenger numbers reach a record 83.9m ahead of plans for a new third runway.
Aston Martin’s new chief vows to reverse fortunes as luxury carmaker targets 2025 profit
Aston Martin’s new CEO Adrian Hallmark promises to turn the luxury carmaker profitable by 2025, tackling debt, improving quality control, and restoring investor confidence after years of losses and emergency fundraisers.
British LGBT Awards 2025 unveils shortlist of business leaders and corporate champions
Discover the business leaders and corporations championing workplace equality as the British LGBT Awards 2025 unveils its official shortlist.
















