US GDP contracts 0.3% in Q1, the first decline since 2022, as businesses rush to import goods ahead of Trump’s tariffs. Analysts warn of growing recession risks.
Category: News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
Greene King boss calls for business rates relief as budget adds £50 million in annual costs
Greene King CEO Nick Mackenzie urges government to reform business rates, warning that tax hikes from the autumn budget and rising wage costs could threaten future investment.
Families earning £100k ‘worse off than minimum wage’ after private school fees, says report
A new report warns families earning £100,000 face tighter budgets than minimum wage households if they send two children to private school, as VAT drives up costs.
Dame Julia Hoggett and Insiya Jafferjee named winners at 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Awards
Dame Julia Hoggett and Insiya Jafferjee honoured at the 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Awards for leadership in finance and innovation in sustainable packaging.
Amazon retreats from plan to show cost of Trump tariffs at checkout after presidential pressure
Amazon retreats from displaying Trump’s China tariffs at checkout after a direct call from the president, amid White House backlash over plans seen as politically hostile.
Duolingo to replace contract workers with AI in major shift to ‘AI-first’ strategy
Duolingo CEO Luis von Ahn says the company will phase out contract content creators and expand AI use across operations as part of a strategic pivot to become an “AI-first” platform.
Farage condemned by charities for ‘damaging’ claims on overdiagnosis of children with disabilities
Nigel Farage faces fierce backlash from charities and campaigners after claiming GPs are ‘massively overdiagnosing’ children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Disability Smart Awards 2025 winners announced: Celebrating innovation in disability inclusion
Thirteen winners announced at the Disability Smart Awards 2025, recognising outstanding work by organisations and individuals to improve accessibility and inclusion for disabled people.
Barclays profits jump 19% as Trump-fuelled market volatility boosts trading revenues
Barclays profits rise to £2.7bn in Q1, driven by strong trading revenues amid Trump-induced market volatility, offsetting rising bad loan provisions tied to US economic uncertainty.
Aston Martin limits US exports as Trump tariffs cloud outlook and losses narrow
Aston Martin cuts exports to the US amid tariff uncertainty, despite narrowing losses and rising average car prices, with net debt hitting a record £1.26bn.
Milkshakes could face sugar tax under Treasury plans to expand levy
The UK government proposes extending the sugar tax to milk-based drinks like milkshakes, aiming to tackle excess sugar consumption despite criticism over rising costs.
Labour’s benefit cuts could cost UK economy billions, warns Trussell Trust
Labour’s benefit cuts risk costing the UK economy over £38bn a year, says the Trussell Trust, as rising poverty places further pressure on public services and economic growth.
UK supermarkets spend hundreds of millions on promotions as grocery price war intensifies
UK supermarkets ramp up promotions, spending £347m on deals to stay competitive as grocery inflation rises to 3.8%, according to Kantar’s latest market report.
Trump poised to ease impact of car tariffs with reimbursement plan for US automakers
President Trump is set to ease the impact of car tariffs by reimbursing US automakers for imported parts and preventing double duties, offering relief to the industry.
Airbus finalises deal for Spirit plants in Belfast and Prestwick amid supply chain reshuffle
Airbus takes control of Spirit AeroSystems’ Belfast and Prestwick sites, securing key A220 and A320 components as it strengthens its UK wing manufacturing operations.
