Russell & Bromley could disappear from UK high streets as Next moves to acquire the brand, putting 37 stores and 450 jobs at risk.
Category: News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
Jobs market stalls as permanent and temporary hiring both fall
UK hiring slowed again in December as permanent and temporary roles declined, with unemployment already at a four-year high.
Liz Kendall warns xAI over Grok images as UK moves to criminalise non-consensual AI deepfakes
The Technology Secretary warns xAI could be blocked in the UK as new laws target AI-generated intimate images without consent.
Aer Lingus moves closer to closing Manchester base as margins fail to stack up
Aer Lingus is set to stop long-haul flights from Manchester, putting 200 jobs at risk as the airline says margins are no longer viable.
Weight loss jabs are changing how Britain eats – and Greggs is feeling the impact
Greggs boss says weight loss injections are changing customer behaviour, driving demand for smaller portions and protein-rich food.
Soho House shares slide as investor pulls funding from $1.8bn take-private deal
Soho House shares slide after key investor MCR fails to fund a $200m commitment, putting a $1.8bn take-private deal at risk.
More than half of British workers making mistakes due to stress, research finds
New research shows workplace stress is driving mistakes, missed deadlines and sick leave for millions of UK employees.
5,500 small firms urge Reeves to halt ‘apocalyptic’ business rates shock
More than 5,500 small businesses warn Rachel Reeves that looming business rates changes could force permanent closures across UK high streets.
Great British Railways rebrand costs pass £30,000 as rollout gathers pace
The government has spent more than £30,000 rebranding England’s railways under Great British Railways, with full costs still unclear.
U-turn on pub business rates hike expected within days, ministers signal
Ministers are expected to reverse planned business rates hikes for pubs after warnings of closures, while hotels and restaurants remain exposed.
Berkshire Hathaway ends $100,000 CEO salary as Warren Buffett’s successor earns $25m
Berkshire Hathaway has ended Warren Buffett’s $100,000 CEO salary, paying successor Greg Abel $25m as the conglomerate enters a new era.
Trump threatens defence firms over slow weapons production
Donald Trump has warned US defence contractors he will block dividends and share buybacks unless weapons production speeds up, ahead of a $1.5tn defence budget.
Young entrepreneurs invited to pitch for £150,000 prize from easyJet founder Sir Stelios
easyJet founder Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou has launched the 2026 Stelios Awards for Young Entrepreneurs, offering £150,000 in cash funding.
Elon Musk’s xAI raises $20bn despite mounting backlash over Grok deepfakes
Elon Musk’s AI firm xAI has raised $20bn even as its Grok chatbot faces global backlash over sexualised deepfake images and regulatory scrutiny.
UK housebuilding sinks to deepest slump since Covid lockdowns
UK housebuilding fell at its fastest rate since 2020 in December, as fragile confidence and delayed investment hit construction activity.
Need data that holds up in the boardroom — and the press? Trends Research is the UK's specialist SME research company, with a 750,000-strong panel and a 2,000-response minimum on every survey. AI-augmented analysis, headline-ready insights, and 38 years of trust built through Business Matters magazine. Trusted by Vodafone, BT, O2 and top UK PR agencies. From brief to deliverable in 10 working days — or 3 for press-led work. Request a quote today at https://trendsresearch.co.uk/
