More than a third of children from poorer families are persistently absent from school, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies, highlighting a growing educational gap exacerbated by the pandemic.
Category: News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
McDonald’s Loses ‘Big Mac’ Trademark Battle Against Irish Chain Supermac’s
The European Court of Justice rules against McDonald’s in a trademark dispute with Supermac’s, blocking the use of the ‘Big Mac’ name for chicken burgers and marking a significant victory for small businesses.
Mark Carney Rules Out Role in Future Labour Government
Former Bank of England governor Mark Carney dismisses speculation about a political role in a future Labour government, affirming his departure from UK officialdom.
Asda Named Most Expensive Supermarket Fuel Retailer in the UK
New analysis reveals Asda as the UK’s most expensive supermarket fuel retailer, with petrol and diesel prices higher than Tesco, Morrisons, and Sainsbury’s.
Surrey Village Pub Suffers Amid Water Contamination Crisis
Bramley pub landlord reports significant business losses due to a ‘do not drink’ water notice caused by contamination concerns linked to a fuel leak from a local petrol station.
Ex-England Footballer Emile Heskey Ordered to Pay £200k in Unpaid Tax Battle
Former England striker Emile Heskey has been ordered to pay nearly £200,000 in legal fees to HMRC following a dispute over a £1.637m unpaid tax bill.
Conservatives Propose Cap on Migrant Visas Amid Election Push
The Conservatives plan to cap migrant visas annually, with MPs voting on immigration numbers, as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak promises “bold action” ahead of the election.
Labour’s Zero-Hours Ban Faces Backlash from Hospitality Leaders Over Economic Impact Concerns
Labour’s proposed ban on exploitative zero-hours contracts sparks concerns among hospitality leaders about potential economic drawbacks and reduced investment.
Nigel Farage to Stand as MP in Clacton, Leading Reform UK into Election
Nigel Farage announces his return to politics, standing as an MP in Clacton and leading Reform UK. This move shakes up the election landscape, with Farage pledging bold changes.
Technical Issue Leaves Half a Million Without Child Benefit Payment
A technical glitch at HMRC has left approximately half a million people without their scheduled Child Benefit payments, causing significant distress among affected families.
Monzo Achieves First Annual Profit Despite Surge in Bad Loans
Monzo, the digital bank, has turned its first annual profit, overcoming a significant increase in bad loan provisions. The bank’s revenue has doubled, and deposits have surged, marking a landmark year.
UK Manufacturing Rebounds: Factory Output Hits Highest Growth in Nearly Two Years
The UK’s manufacturing sector has shown its fastest growth in almost two years, according to the latest PMI survey. Despite inflationary pressures and high interest rates, factory output and new orders surged, signalling a stabilising economy.
Lady Bamford’s Daylesford Organic Faces Mounting Losses
Daylesford Organic, owned by Lady Bamford, reports a £3.6m loss due to inflationary pressures and stalling revenues, reversing its Covid-era growth and profitability.
CMA Launches Probe into Nationwide’s £2.9bn Takeover of Virgin Money
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigates Nationwide’s £2.9 billion acquisition of Virgin Money over potential anti-trust concerns, with a decision due by July 26.
Hunt Pledges to Safeguard Key Royal Mail Services Amid £3.6bn Takeover
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt stresses the need for stringent review of Daniel Kretinsky’s £3.6bn takeover of Royal Mail, ensuring key services and national security are protected.
