Farmers and business owners launch a High Court challenge against UK inheritance tax reforms, arguing the government failed to properly consult on major APR and BPR changes.
Category: News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
UK sets 50% domestic steel target as tariffs ramp up on imports
UK aims to produce 50% of its steel domestically as import quotas are cut and a 50% tariff introduced, sparking industry support and political criticism.
Nearly 400 firms fined as minimum wage breaches hit 60,000 workers
Nearly 400 UK employers fined £12.6m after underpaying 60,000 workers £7.3m, as minimum wage rates rise again in April 2026.
Greene King to sell 150 pubs as operator reshapes estate amid mounting cost pressures
Greene King plans to sell 150 pubs and convert another 150 as it adapts to rising costs, changing consumer behaviour and pressure across the UK hospitality sector.
Innovate UK pivots funding to back high-growth firms and future ‘industry giants’
Innovate UK will refocus its £1.1bn budget on high-potential startups, scaling back broad support to prioritise early-stage tech firms and drive UK economic growth.
Peter Jones Foundation and FRP relaunch national entrepreneur of the year competition for 2026
The Peter Jones Foundation and FRP relaunch the UK’s National Entrepreneur of the Year competition for 2026, offering young founders grants, mentorship and national exposure.
Rolls-Royce scraps 2030 all-electric target as demand softens
Rolls-Royce abandons its 2030 all-electric pledge, citing softer customer demand and changing regulations as luxury carmakers rethink EV strategies.
Government urged to act as £2.5bn Chelsea sale funds remain frozen
Pressure mounts on the UK government to release £2.5bn from Chelsea’s sale as ministers prepare legal action against Roman Abramovich over Ukraine war funds.
MPs warn Treasury reforms risk undermining Financial Ombudsman independence
MPs warn Treasury plans to reform the Financial Ombudsman Service could threaten its independence, raising concerns over government-appointed leadership and regulatory changes.
Trustpilot profits soar as AI-driven traffic fuels sharp share price rally
Trustpilot reports £14m profit as AI-driven traffic boosts growth, with shares jumping 28% amid strong revenue and upgraded forecasts.
Close Brothers to cut 600 jobs as motor finance scandal pressures finances
Close Brothers will cut 600 jobs as it battles investor concerns over the motor finance scandal, with compensation costs potentially exceeding £1bn.
Tribunal ruling could cut public EV charging VAT to 5%, raising prospect of cheaper charging
A tribunal ruling could see public EV charging VAT reduced to 5%, potentially lowering costs for drivers and aligning rates with home charging.
Bentley to cut 275 jobs as profits slump amid global headwinds
Bentley will cut 275 jobs as profits fall 42% to £187m, with the luxury carmaker citing weak demand, China slowdown and rising costs.
Alcohol-free beer, hummus and pet grooming join inflation basket as UK spending habits shift
Alcohol-free beer, hummus and pet grooming join the UK inflation basket as ONS updates CPI to reflect changing consumer habits and cost of living trends.
Reeves vows to stop UK tech ‘drifting abroad’ with £2.5bn AI and quantum push
Rachel Reeves unveils £2.5bn investment in AI and quantum computing to stop UK tech firms moving overseas and boost economic growth amid global uncertainty.
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