Discover how a US-China trade war could cost UK exports up to £8.5bn. Learn about the risks to manufacturing, global trade, and economic resilience in this insightful report.
Category: News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
Meta hit with €800m fine by EU for antitrust breach in Facebook Marketplace case
Meta faces a €800m fine from the EU for unfairly linking Facebook Marketplace to its social network, marking the latest antitrust action by regulators against the tech giant.
Bank of England governor highlights ‘substantial problem’ with UK labour data accuracy in Mansion House speech
Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey warns of “substantial” issues with UK labour data, impacting interest rate decisions, while the lord mayor proposes Isa reforms to boost domestic investment.
HMRC’s lower interest rate on late payments overshadows refund disparity
HMRC will reduce the interest rate it charges on late tax payments to 7.25% from 18th November, following the recent cut in the Bank of England’s base rate.
Post Office faces backlash over potential closure of 115 branches as jobs and services are at risk
The Post Office’s proposed closure of 115 branches amid a financial shake-up has sparked backlash, threatening jobs and vital community services as reliance on cash access grows.
Barclays launches £22bn fund and new business prosperity index to support UK business growth
Barclays has introduced the Business Prosperity Index, a new quarterly report offering a detailed view of UK business performance and growth opportunities.
Farmers to hold ‘national strike’ against inheritance tax changes, disrupting supermarket meat and crop supplies
UK farmers are set to withhold meat and crop supplies from supermarkets in a national strike protesting Labour’s inheritance tax changes, impacting food security and traditional family farming.
UK workforce split on working from home as hybrid model persists post-pandemic
Five years after the pandemic, 41% of UK workers still work from home at least part-time, with hybrid working common among educated professionals and parents. Discover the latest trends.
UK unemployment rises as wage growth slows, affecting interest rate cut prospects
UK wage growth slows to a two-year low, with unemployment reaching 4.3%. The Bank of England may hold interest rates as inflation pressures persist. Discover the latest data.
7.4 million miss out on career opportunities due to socioeconomic background, Co-op reveals
Co-op research finds that 70% of people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds face barriers to career or education opportunities, highlighting the need for improved social mobility in the UK.
Natwest buys back £1bn in shares from Treasury as government stake drops to 11%
NatWest has repurchased £1bn in shares from the UK Treasury, reducing the government’s stake to 11.4% in a move towards full privatisation. Discover more about the bank’s latest milestone.
Pressure mounts on Lloyds to release full report on £1bn HBOS fraud scandal
MPs and business groups are urging Lloyds to publish an unredacted review into the HBOS fraud, amid concerns of a cover-up and calls for transparency. Discover the latest on this long-delayed report.
UK could lose £22bn in exports if Trump imposes 20% tariffs, warn economists
A 20% tariff on UK imports to the US under Trump’s trade policy could cost the UK £22bn in exports, impacting sectors like fishing, petroleum, and pharmaceuticals. Read more on potential economic effects.
Bitcoin surges past $80,000 as Trump nears control of Congress and pledges crypto deregulation
Bitcoin hits a record $80,000 after Trump’s election victory, driven by promises to make the US a “crypto capital” and strip back regulations. Crypto markets brace for potential deregulation and SEC shakeup.
The Entertainer halts new store plans due to budget’s national insurance hike
The Entertainer toy chain has scrapped plans for two new UK stores, citing increased National Insurance costs announced in the Budget. Rising employer taxes are prompting businesses to reconsider UK investments.
