Donald Trump is threatening to block Peter Mandelson’s appointment as the new UK ambassador to Washington unless strict limits are imposed on his actions.
Category: News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
ONS to spend millions on temp workers to fix ‘unusable’ UK employment data
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has signed a deal worth £8 million to hire hundreds of temporary workers in a bid to repair what economists warn is “virtually unusable” data on employment in the UK.
Dragons’ Den star Sara Davies’ crafting firm rescued in pre-pack deal
dragons’ den panellist sara davies invests personal funds to save her crafting business, crafter’s companion, in a pre-pack sale to modella capital. find out how the rescue plan preserves jobs and what it means for creditors.
Goldman Sachs predicts six interest rate cuts by mid-2026 as economy cools
Goldman Sachs forecasts the Bank of England will slash interest rates six times by mid-2026, citing weakened growth and easing inflation, with fresh rate cuts potentially arriving as early as February.
Sainsbury’s to cut 3,000 head office jobs and close cafés in £1bn cost-cutting drive
Sainsbury’s announces 3,000 head office job cuts and café closures in a £1bn cost-saving drive, as it contends with rising costs and redefines its store strategy.
Rachel Reeves to relax non-dom tax rules as millionaire exodus rises
Rachel Reeves unveils an amendment to ease non-dom tax rules amid a surge in UK millionaire departures, aiming to keep Britain attractive to global wealth.
UK to review visa system to entice top AI and science talent, says Reeves
Rachel Reeves unveils plans to reform the UK’s visa regime, targeting AI and life sciences talent to spur economic growth. Amid rising sponsor licence fees and tight compliance rules, experts warn UK businesses need assurances to attract overseas specialists.
Record surge in long-term sickness claims baffles experts amid mounting benefits costs
The UK’s long-term sickness bill is soaring to over £65bn, with 2.8 million claimants baffling experts and policymakers. A House of Lords committee suggests the benefits system itself may be fuelling the crisis, as figures reveal incentives to claim ill-health payouts over returning to work.
Reeves puts growth first in clash over net zero and Heathrow expansion
Rachel Reeves has declared that “growth must trump other things” as the Treasury backs plans to expand the UK’s main airports. In a move likely to spark tension with senior Labour figures, she told Davos delegates that Britain’s economy comes first, fuelling debate over net zero priorities and airport expansion.
Meta soothes ad giants with ‘community notes’ after US fact-checking overhaul
Meta’s abrupt decision to end third-party fact-checking in the US has sparked advertiser concerns, but global business head Nicola Mendelsohn insists it’s “business as usual” amid the shift to user-driven “community notes.”
Rishi Sunak returns to alma mater with new Oxford and Stanford fellowships
Rishi Sunak is set to embark on an academic chapter of his career after securing two high-profile posts at Oxford and Stanford universities.
UK borrowing overshoot stokes fears over fiscal rules
Government borrowing hit £17.8 billion in December, surpassing forecasts by £3.2 billion amid higher public sector pay, inflation-linked benefits and one-off spending, intensifying the debate over the chancellor’s fiscal rules.
Pocket money toys see sales surge as parents and ‘kidults’ hunt for cheaper fun
Cheaper ‘pocket money’ toys priced under £10 soared in 2024 as UK parents cut costs and adult collectors fuel demand for cuddly and collectible mini-figurines.
Volkswagen warns of ‘harmful’ consequences from Trump’s Mexico tariffs
Volkswagen warns that Donald Trump’s proposed 25% tariff on Mexican car imports could harm consumers and the global auto sector, risking a new North American trade war.
Treasury intervenes in car finance row as billions in compensation hang in the balance
The Treasury moves to intervene in a Supreme Court case over motor finance mis-selling, aiming to keep potential multi-billion-pound compensation claims “proportionate.”
