Britain is now the least favoured market among global fund managers, says Bank of America, as slow growth and stubborn inflation deter investment.
Category: News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
Restaurants brace for Reeves’s £25bn tax raid as hospitality job cuts loom
Hospitality and retail brace for a £25bn National Insurance hike and rising wages this April, prompting layoffs, price hikes, and fears of closures as businesses scramble to manage soaring costs.
UK pay growth accelerates as real wages climb, fuelling BOE concerns
UK pay growth rose 6% at the end of 2024, outpacing inflation and lifting real wages by 3.4%. Find out what this means for workers, the jobs market, and the Bank of England’s next move.
Stamp duty deadline sparks property sales surge
Property sales climbed 15% in January as UK buyers scrambled to beat the new stamp duty hike.
Barclays and Natwest remove climate targets from annual executive pay
Barclays and NatWest are removing climate targets from their annual executive bonuses, shifting sustainability goals into long-term incentives amid a broader move away from ESG-linked pay.
Gordon Ramsay combines UK and US restaurant businesses in Lion Capital deal
Gordon Ramsay merges his UK and US restaurant operations into a London-headquartered group with Lion Capital, bolstering global expansion for his Michelin-starred and casual dining portfolio.
Lloyds under fire to publish full £1bn HBOS fraud review
Lloyds must release the unedited Dobbs review on its alleged £1bn HBOS fraud cover-up, says Dame Meg Hillier, citing transparency concerns amid delays.
UK firms plan biggest layoffs in a decade as business confidence collapses
UK businesses are preparing for mass layoffs as confidence hits a decade low, with rising taxes and wage costs driving fears of higher unemployment and stalled economic growth.
Blue Origin to cut 10% of workforce as it ramps up rocket launches
Jeff Bezos’ space firm Blue Origin is laying off 1,400 employees as part of a strategic shift to scale up rocket manufacturing and launch cadence. The move follows the successful first flight of the New Glenn rocket.
UK economy posts surprise growth at end of 2024, but concerns remain
The UK economy unexpectedly grew by 0.1% in the final quarter of 2024, boosted by construction and services. However, rising taxes and cautious business sentiment raise fears of sluggish growth ahead.
UK pushes for exemption from Trump’s steel tariffs
The UK government is seeking an exemption from Donald Trump’s proposed 25% tariffs on steel exports, arguing Britain’s small export share and defence links justify special treatment. Industry fears price rises and market disruption.
Deliveroo sacks over 100 riders in crackdown on illegal workers
Deliveroo has dismissed 105 riders for illegally sharing accounts with undocumented workers. The food delivery giant is tightening identity checks as the government increases pressure on platforms to combat illegal employment.
TikTok returns to US app stores as Trump delays ban enforcement
TikTok is back on Apple and Google app stores in the US after Donald Trump postponed the enforcement of a ban. With the deadline now extended to 5 April, speculation grows over potential buyers for the Chinese-owned platform.
Trump’s tariff threat: UK businesses could face higher trade taxes
Donald Trump’s latest tariff proposal could see UK exports hit with higher trade taxes, as VAT is included in tariff calculations. Analysts warn of potential 20% levies on British goods, impacting key sectors like cars, pharmaceuticals, and food.
Government urges public sector buyers to award more contracts to small businesses
The government is urging public buyers to award more contracts to small businesses, unlocking billions in potential work for SMEs. New rules aim to simplify procurement and boost local economies.
