Loan enquiries for private school fees have risen by 25% as parents brace for potential tax changes under a Labour government, according to School Fee Plan.
Category: News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
Nigel Farage: Shein’s London Listing is a ‘Very Bad Idea’
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, has expressed strong opposition to the idea of Shein, the Chinese-founded fast-fashion retailer, listing on the London Stock Exchange.
David Davis Criticises Extradition Treaty Following Mike Lynch Acquittal
Former Tory chairman David Davis calls the US-UK extradition treaty ‘ridiculous’ after British entrepreneur Mike Lynch is acquitted in his American criminal trial.
Labour to Tackle Private Equity Tax Loophole in Election Manifesto
Labour plans to close the tax loophole for private equity investors, targeting ‘carried interest’ to raise £440 million for public services.
Labour to Make Mortgage Guarantee Scheme Permanent for First-Time Buyers
Labour pledges to make the mortgage guarantee scheme permanent to support first-time buyers, aiming to help 80,000 young people onto the housing ladder if they win the general election.
Rachel Reeves Faces Pressure to Raise Capital Gains Tax to Fund Public Services
Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves considers capital gains tax hike amidst Labour’s plans for an autumn budget, aiming to revitalise public services without increasing VAT, income tax, or NICs.
UK Wage and Price Growth Set to Slow, Bolstering Case for Interest Rate Cut
Businesses in the UK are planning to moderate both wage and price increases over the coming year, potentially paving the way for a reduction in interest rates this summer. This trend was highlighted in the Bank of England’s latest decision-maker panel survey.
Britain Urged to Triple Offshore Wind Farm Construction Pace
The Institute for Public Policy Research warns that Britain must accelerate offshore wind farm development to meet decarbonisation targets and compete with European rivals.
Ikea to Hire Virtual Staff for £13 an Hour in Roblox Metaverse Store
Ikea is set to pay £13 an hour for virtual staff in its new Roblox store, offering roles such as serving meatballs and guiding customers in a digital environment.
Rishi Sunak to Extend Child Benefit to Higher Earners
The Conservatives pledge to increase the child benefit threshold to £120,000 per household, extending support to 700,000 more families. The reform aims to narrow the polling gap with Labour.
Mike Lynch Acquitted of All Fraud Charges in Hewlett-Packard Case
British tech tycoon Mike Lynch has been cleared of all fraud charges related to the $11.1bn sale of Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard.
UK Economic Growth Forecast Upgraded as Optimism Rises
The British Chambers of Commerce upgrades UK economic growth forecast to 0.8% for 2024 and 1% for 2025, highlighting a modest recovery and cautious optimism.
Tourist Tax Diverts Wealthy Visitors from London to Paris and Milan, Claims Cadogan Estates Boss
Cadogan Estates CEO Hugh Seaborn criticises the UK’s “tourist tax,” arguing it drives affluent tourists to France and Italy, impacting luxury brands and the broader economy.
UK New Car Market Sees 22nd Month of Growth Amid Electrification Surge
The UK new car market records its 22nd consecutive month of growth in May, driven by rising sales of battery electric and hybrid vehicles, despite overall numbers being down 20% from 2019.
North Sea Oil Project Delayed Amid Windfall Tax Uncertainty Before Election
Jersey Oil and Gas, Serica Energy, and Neo Energy delay the £900m Buchan project due to potential Labour government windfall tax increases, postponing production until late 2027.
