Over 400 pubs across England and Wales have closed in 2024, pushing the total below 39,000. Rising costs, looming tax hikes, and diminished rates relief threaten even more closures in the coming year.
Category: News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
UK businesses expect revenue surge and ramped-up hiring in 2025
British companies are gearing up for a stronger start to 2025, with fresh data suggesting that the majority expect higher turnover and increased hiring in the new year—welcome news for Labour’s pledge to revive the country’s sluggish economic growth.
Issa brothers consider £13bn flotation of EG group in the US
The Issa brothers plan to float their petrol station empire, EG Group, in the US at a potential £13bn valuation.
Sunseeker insists it ‘deeply values’ workforce despite temporary layoffs
Luxury yacht maker Sunseeker faces criticism after announcing temporary layoffs for early 2025, citing supply chain disruption. Discover how the firm is supporting affected staff and its response to “Scrooge-like” accusations.
Public sector suppliers shift NI and wage hikes onto the taxpayer
Government contractors including Mitie and Churchill Group are negotiating contract hikes to offset NI and minimum wage rises—passing costs on to the taxpayer. Discover how these changes could affect public services and the wider UK economy.
Labour says middle classes back 20% vat on private school fees
Middle-class parents have welcomed the government’s move to introduce a 20 per cent VAT charge on private school fees, according to education secretary Bridget Phillipson.
Over 4,000 Brits tucked into their tax return on Christmas Day
Over 40,000 UK taxpayers have already filed their 2023–24 Self Assessment returns during the festive period, according to HMRC. Discover how this early action could save you time—and stress—ahead of the 31 January deadline.
Pay gulf widens between public and private sectors under Starmer
Public sector pay has surged 6% above private sector wages under Labour, raising fears of higher inflation, extra taxes and fresh union disputes.
Stamp Duty hikes trigger 42 per cent slump in prime London property deals
Repeated stamp duty rises have caused a 42% drop in prime London sales, warning of a potential Laffer curve effect on Treasury tax revenue.
Boxing Day splurge forecast at £4.6bn despite cost-of-living concerns
Boxing Day spending set to top £4.6bn as Brits splurge £236 each, despite inflation worries, with more shoppers returning to high street deals.
Homebase lives on as CDS revives DIY chain within newly branded the range stores
Homebase is making a comeback in up to 70 rebranded The Range superstores next year, retaining its classic identity online and in key garden centre spaces.
BMW admits ‘irregularities’ with 100 Russian car sales despite sanctions
BMW admits over 100 luxury cars were sold to russian buyers in breach of sanctions, highlighting the rise in ‘back door’ exports via central asia.
Aviva agrees £3.7bn deal to acquire Direct Line, forming a UK motor insurance powerhouse
Aviva acquires direct line in a £3.7bn deal, creating a UK motor insurance giant. discover how this takeover drives cost savings, impacts jobs, and reshapes the competitive landscape for British insurers.
Flatlining economy prompts Starmer’s warning: ‘no overnight fix’ amid fresh tax hike fears
UK economic growth flatlined in Q3, prompting Sir Keir Starmer to warn of no rapid turnaround. With fresh fears of tax hikes and business sentiment sinking, discover what lies ahead for Britain’s stalled recovery in this Business Matters report.
Trump issues fresh trade threat: buy american oil or face heavy tariffs, eu told
Former US President Donald Trump warns the EU to buy more American oil and gas or risk steep tariffs. The move raises fears of renewed trade tensions as the bloc braces for potential challenges under a new US administration.
