The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
Billionaire Lord Bamford’s family secures a £300m payout from JCB following a 44% profit surge, as Labour signals tax hikes for the wealthy. With budget discussions looming, concerns grow over potential capital gains and property tax changes in the UK.
Consumer confidence in the UK declined in October, with pessimism about the upcoming Budget outweighing optimism from falling inflation, according to GfK’s latest consumer confidence index.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announces a new investment-focused debt rule, unlocking £50bn for capital projects while maintaining fiscal discipline. Learn more about the Budget changes aimed at boosting UK growth.
With Labour’s Budget expected to introduce £35bn in tax hikes, PM Keir Starmer distinguishes “working people” from asset earners, signalling targeted increases on landlords and shareholders. Learn more about the proposed changes and their potential impact.
Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group calls for his appointment as Boohoo CEO, criticising the retailer’s leadership and declining performance. Learn more about the strategic review and the growing boardroom battle.
UK car production fell by 20.6% in September as manufacturers shifted to electric vehicles and export volumes declined. Learn more about how the industry is navigating the transition to zero-emission vehicles and the impact on key markets like the EU and China.
Rachel Reeves collects a record £2.2bn in inheritance tax as the UK government prepares potential reforms to the “death tax” ahead of the Autumn Budget. Find out more about the proposed changes and rising tax revenues.
Watches of Switzerland, the UK’s largest Rolex seller, is being urged by investor Gatemore to move its stock listing to the US for higher valuations, amid concerns about London’s struggling stock market and the UK’s luxury goods sector.
One-third of UK businesses are calling for a reduction in Brexit-related red tape to support trade, according to a survey by Santander. Learn more about their concerns and how they’re seeking government support.
UK government borrowing surged to £16.6 billion in September, exceeding forecasts and intensifying pressure on Chancellor Rachel Reeves ahead of her Autumn Budget. Find out how this will impact the economy.
Goldman Sachs predicts UK interest rates could fall to 2.75% by 2025, faster than market expectations, as inflation eases. Learn about the Bank of England’s challenges ahead.
UK business confidence hits a twelve-month low ahead of the Autumn Budget, with SMEs expressing growing concern over potential tax hikes and fiscal challenges. Learn more about how different sectors are being affected.
Retail bosses urge Rachel Reeves to scrap the tourist tax in her upcoming Budget, warning that the lack of VAT-free shopping is putting Britain at a “massive global disadvantage” and costing billions in lost GDP.
The UK hospitality industry is warning of a £900 million hit as business rates are set to quadruple in spring 2024. Industry leaders are urging Chancellor Rachel Reeves to reform the system before it’s too late.
Estate agents in the UK have the most homes listed in over a decade as falling mortgage rates attract more buyers, stabilising house prices. Find out how this is shaping the housing market recovery.
