Up to £14bn of Rachel Reeves’s £22bn fiscal headroom could be wiped out by policy U-turns and lower migration, analysts warn.
Category: News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
New EV tax risks derailing electric car take-up, AutoTrader warns
New EV tax risks derailing electric car take-up, AutoTrader warns
UK economy returns to growth with 0.3% expansion in November
The UK economy returned to growth in November, expanding by 0.3 per cent after contracting in the month leading up to the autumn budget, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics.
High Court rules forced labour claims against Dyson will go to trial in 2027
The High Court has ruled that forced labour and modern slavery claims against Dyson will proceed to trial in April 2027, involving allegations in its Malaysian supply chain.
Government revives Northern Powerhouse Rail with phased £45bn vision for the North
The government sets out phased plans for Northern Powerhouse Rail, promising faster journeys, new stations and up to £40bn in economic growth for the north of England.
China posts record trade surplus despite Trump tariffs
China reports a record $1.19 trillion trade surplus in 2025, showing exports remained resilient despite Donald Trump’s tariffs and global trade tensions.
Gold hits record as investors seek shelter from Trump’s war on the Fed
Gold reaches a new high as markets react to Donald Trump’s attacks on the Federal Reserve, raising fears over central bank independence and dollar stability.
Starmer drops compulsory digital ID plan in 13th major U-turn
Keir Starmer drops plans for mandatory digital IDs for workers, making the scheme optional after backlash over cost, trust and complexity.
3,000 jobs at risk unless MoD confirms helicopter order, industry warns
Up to 3,000 skilled manufacturing jobs could be at risk unless the Ministry of Defence moves quickly to place a long-delayed helicopter order, according to industry sources close to the programme.
Labour MPs push banks to expand lending to small businesses and poorer communities
Senior Labour MPs are pushing for new rules forcing UK banks to improve access to affordable finance for small businesses and poorer communities.
UK retailers suffer ‘drab December’ as non-food Christmas sales disappoint
UK retailers suffered a disappointing Christmas as non-food sales stalled in December, with shoppers holding back and discount grocers outperforming the high street.
Google parent joins $4 trillion club after Apple selects its AI technology
Alphabet joins the $4 trillion club after Apple confirms it will integrate Google’s Gemini AI into Siri and other products, boosting Google’s AI ambitions.
Former Trump adviser Dina Powell McCormick joins Meta in senior AI strategy role
Meta has named former Trump adviser Dina Powell McCormick as president and vice chairman to drive AI strategy and infrastructure funding.
Business costs near tipping point as manufacturers warn investment is at risk
Rising costs are pushing UK manufacturers dangerously close to an investment tipping point, with businesses warning that planned spending could be cancelled or moved overseas unless pressures ease.
Nadhim Zahawi defects to Reform UK, calling Britain ‘last chance saloon’
Former chancellor Nadhim Zahawi defects to Reform UK, backing Nigel Farage and warning Britain is in the “last chance saloon”.
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