A prolonged dry spell is hampering crop growth across southern England, with farmers warning of failed germination and shifting weather patterns threatening spring harvests.
Category: News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
Lloyds accused of abandoning small firms as it cut lending after financial crash
Lloyds Bank faces accusations from whistleblowers and former clients of failing small businesses by mislabelling firms as distressed and cutting lending after the 2008 crash, despite bailout conditions.
UK house prices fall after stamp duty rush cools market momentum
UK house prices fell 0.5% in March — the steepest drop in a year — as demand slows following a rush to beat stamp duty changes in England and Northern Ireland.
One in four Brits scammed buying tickets for popular events, Nationwide warns
A quarter of Britons have fallen victim to ticket scams for in-demand events, losing £82 on average. As Glastonbury resale nears, Nationwide warns fans of fraud risks driven by FOMO.
UK bans £2.2bn in hidden fees and fake reviews under new consumer protection law
The UK has outlawed hidden online fees and fake product reviews under the new Digital Markets Act, saving consumers £2.2bn a year and ensuring more transparent pricing and trustworthy feedback.
Companies House collects just £1,250 in fines despite new powers to tackle fraud
Companies House has collected just £1,250 in fines under new anti-corruption powers, raising concerns over the UK’s ability to tackle fraud, money-laundering and sanctions evasion effectively.
UK economy under strain as Trump’s tariffs spark fears of global recession say KPMG
KPMG warns UK growth could slump to 0.8% as Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs risk triggering a global trade war. Business leaders brace for recession, tax hikes and further spending cuts.
Starmer eases green rules to shield UK carmakers from Trump tariffs
Prime Minister Keir Starmer relaxes EV targets and taxes to protect Britain’s auto industry from Trump’s 25% tariffs, aiming to sustain growth and encourage electric vehicle adoption.
US threatens to double tax rates on UK firms under obscure 91-year-old rule
The Trump administration is considering invoking a rarely used 1930s tax rule to double the rate on UK companies operating in the US, escalating tensions beyond tariffs.
iPhone prices could triple under Trump’s tariffs as Apple faces China tax blow
Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro could cost up to $3,500 as Trump’s 54% tariff on Chinese imports sends production costs soaring. Experts warn there’s no viable US-based alternative.
Wrexham’s Hollywood owners seek new investors to back Premier League dream
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are looking for new investors to support Wrexham AFC’s rise through the football leagues as the club’s financial losses grow despite record revenues.
Jaguar Land Rover halts US shipments as Trump’s tariffs bite placing 9,000 jobs at risk
JLR suspends vehicle shipments to the US after Trump’s 25% tariff on car imports, placing 9,000 British jobs at risk as Solihull braces for economic fallout.
Trump extends TikTok sale deadline amid ongoing talks with buyers and China
Donald Trump delays TikTok’s US ban deadline by 75 days as ByteDance continues sale talks with US buyers. A deal is yet to be finalised, pending approval under Chinese law.
Data blunder behind Trump tariffs on remote Norfolk Islands with no US trade
Mislabelled shipping records led to Trump’s administration imposing trade tariffs on uninhabited and remote territories like Norfolk Island and Heard Island, despite no direct trade with the US.
Leeds confirmed as host city for UKREiiF 2026 for fifth consecutive year
Leeds will remain the host city for UKREiiF in 2026, with the UK’s largest real estate and infrastructure forum expected to deliver over £20 million to the local economy.
