Donald Trump says Venezuela will transfer up to 50m barrels of oil to the US, but analysts warn production recovery could take years.
Category: News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
Ofcom demands answers from X over claims Grok AI generates sexualised images of children
Ofcom has contacted X and xAI after reports Grok AI generates sexualised images of children and non-consensual deepfakes.
Jaguar Land Rover cyberattack set to wipe £3bn off sales after production halt
Jaguar Land Rover faces an estimated £3bn hit to sales after a cyberattack halted production and slashed vehicle shipments.
UK government launches £210m cyber action plan to protect digital public services
The UK government has unveiled a £210m Cyber Action Plan to strengthen public sector defences and protect vital digital services.
Tech trade show boss criticises UK for lack of support at CES
The boss of CES has accused the UK government of failing to support British tech firms, warning the country is falling behind European rivals.
IoD: business confidence ticks up in December, but hiring and investment remain under pressure
UK business confidence rose slightly in December, but firms continue to freeze hiring and delay investment, the Institute of Directors warns.
Hospitality shift hours fall 30% as pubs and restaurants cut back amid rising costs
UK pubs and restaurants have cut shift hours by 30% since 2022 as rising wages, taxes and weak demand hit hospitality in 2025.
Farmers stage midnight blockade of supermarket depots over pricing pressure
Farmers block Tesco and Sainsbury’s distribution centres overnight in protest over low farmgate prices and rising production costs.
UK unemployment could hit 11-year high in 2026 as growth stalls, economists warn
UK unemployment is forecast to rise to its highest level since 2015 as weak growth, rising employment costs and tax changes hit hiring.
Brighton Palace Pier put up for sale as rising costs bite leisure sector
Brighton Palace Pier has been put up for sale after declining profits, highlighting the cost pressures facing UK leisure and hospitality businesses.
HSBC launches bankruptcy proceedings against Barclay brothers over logistics collapse
HSBC has launched bankruptcy proceedings against Aidan and Howard Barclay after recovering just £1.1m of a £143.5m loan from their collapsed logistics business.
Baroness Mone allowed to keep £15,000-a-week rent from Belgravia mansion amid PPE investigation
Baroness Michelle Mone can keep £15,000-a-week rental income from a Belgravia mansion despite a £75m asset freeze linked to the £148m PPE Medpro investigation.
China’s BYD set to overtake Tesla as world’s top electric vehicle seller
China’s BYD is on track to overtake Tesla as the world’s largest electric vehicle seller after reporting sales of more than 2.25 million EVs last year.
Uber and Bolt warn London fares will rise as ‘taxi tax’ loophole closes
Uber and Bolt say London fares will rise after Rachel Reeves closes a VAT loophole used by ride-hailing apps, a move expected to raise £700m a year for the Treasury.
Ikea pivots to city centres as ‘big box’ era stalls in the UK
Ikea is prioritising smaller city-centre stores in the UK, moving away from out-of-town megastores as rising business rates reshape retail strategy.
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