The UK government has paused plans to relax rules on high-stakes slot machines in adult gaming centres, citing concerns for vulnerable customers. Industry backlash and regulatory scrutiny follow.
Category: News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
Reeves heads to Washington to champion free trade amid Trump tariff tensions
UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves will attend IMF talks in Washington to push for free global trade and urge the US to lift tariffs on British exports amid rising economic uncertainty and global market turmoil.
UK government accused of ‘sabotaging’ tourism as international visitor spending falls £2bn
The UK government has been accused of “sabotaging” its own tourism industry after new figures revealed that international visitor spending fell by more than £2 billion in 2024 compared to pre-pandemic levels, despite a global recovery in travel.
Fiscal drag to push 8.3 million more Britons into higher tax brackets by 2030
OBR warns 8.3 million people will pay more tax by 2029-30 due to frozen thresholds, as fiscal drag quietly raises the UK’s tax burden to its highest level since WWII.
TUC chief defends workers’ rights bill and dismisses business cost concerns
TUC’s Paul Nowak defends the Employment Rights Bill, dismissing claims it will damage economic growth. He says better job protections are vital to ending low-paid, insecure work in the UK.
Pound hits seven-month high and gold surges past $3,500 as weak dollar and Trump-Fed row shake markets
The pound hits a seven-month high and gold soars above $3,500 as investors flee stocks amid fears over Trump’s escalating attacks on the US Federal Reserve. Global markets respond to uncertainty.
UK to boost domestic weapons production to cut reliance on US and French imports
Britain plans major expansion of weapons manufacturing to reduce dependence on US and French imports amid rising global tensions. BAE Systems leads efforts with new explosive production sites.
Gatwick named UK’s worst airport for delays for second year running
Gatwick Airport was the UK’s least punctual in 2024, with flights delayed by over 23 minutes on average. Air traffic control issues cited, as other UK airports show improvement in delay times.
Drones set to deliver NHS supplies and inspect offshore sites under new UK rules by 2026
UK drone regulations could change by 2026, enabling beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations to deliver NHS supplies, inspect wind turbines and support offshore rigs. Discover how this innovation could transform public services.
Shift boss launches legal bid to stall InPost’s £106m takeover of Yodel
Jacob Corlett, CEO of Shift, seeks injunction to halt changes to Yodel following InPost’s £106m acquisition. Legal battle intensifies amid ownership disputes and High Court claims.
Mortgage completions surge 50% as buyers rush to beat stamp duty deadline
UK mortgage completions soared in March as homebuyers scrambled to complete before April’s stamp duty threshold cuts. First-time buyers saw a 70% spike, but signs of a slowdown are emerging.
China warned against dumping US bonds as retaliation for Trump tariffs
As tensions escalate over Trump’s 145% tariffs on Chinese exports, analysts warn Beijing against selling US bonds, highlighting risks to China’s currency, portfolio value and economic stability.
London IPO market could thrive as US instability mounts, says Zopa chief
Zopa CEO Jaidev Janardana says London’s political stability could boost its appeal for IPOs as US markets face growing uncertainty. Read more on why Zopa may favour a UK float over New York.
UK classifies trade documents as ‘secret’ to shield from US amid escalating Trump tariff tensions
UK officials have raised the classification of sensitive trade documents to “secret” to prevent US access amid Trump’s tariff war, reflecting strains in the special relationship.
Labour market data highlights urgent need for action on older workers, say leading think tanks
New labour market stats show employment rates for over-50s lagging behind, risking government’s 80% employment pledge. Experts call for targeted policies to support older workers.
