The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
A cyberattack on Carpetright’s head office in Essex has left the flooring chain unable to trade online or in its 400 shops for almost a week, impacting both customers and staff. Despite hopes of resuming trading by Wednesday, the incident adds to the challenges the company faces amidst a slowdown in demand and stiff competition.
The UK government’s borrowing exceeded expectations by £6.6 billion over the past year, raising concerns about Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s ability to implement significant tax cuts ahead of an anticipated general election.
The Aslef union has declared a series of rolling 24-hour strikes from May 7th to May 9th, affecting various national rail operators contracted by the Department for Transport (DfT).
Independent shopkeepers have accused Tesco of undercutting them by selling products for less in its stores compared to its wholesale business, Booker.
Asda, the UK’s third-largest supermarket chain, has disclosed a slowdown in sales growth for the fourth quarter of its latest financial year, posing challenges for its owners who are focused on enhancing sales while reducing costs
Under proposed reforms to the sick note system, individuals will soon have the option to sign themselves off work for minor illnesses using an NHS algorithm.
Former Heathrow Airport CEO John Holland-Kaye has come under scrutiny after it was revealed that he received a record pay package amounting to £6.4 million, according to the airport’s annual report.
Eurostar’s CEO has announced that an app designed to streamline border checks for UK travellers crossing the Channel will not be ready in time for the implementation of the EU’s Entry Exit System (EES) in October.
The UK government has informed port health authorities of its decision to postpone the initiation of health and safety checks on EU imports as part of new post-Brexit border controls.
Sir Dave Ramsden, the Bank of England’s deputy governor responsible for markets, suggests that inflation is projected to stabilize at 2% this year, potentially paving the way for interest rate cuts
The Conservative Party is contemplating a stamp duty cut in the upcoming autumn statement as a pre-election incentive.
India is pressing for an exemption from the UK’s proposed carbon tax as part of ongoing negotiations to finalize a free trade agreement before the UK election.
Despite expectations of a boost from the early Easter holiday, retail sales in the UK unexpectedly stalled in March, signaling subdued consumer spending amidst high interest rates and persistent inflation.
Thames Water has submitted a revised business plan to the regulator, proposing a sharp 56% increase in customer bills over the next five years.
Bernard Arnault, the world’s wealthiest individual, has further consolidated his family’s control over the LVMH luxury conglomerate by appointing two additional children to its board of directors.
