The economy contracted unexpectedly in August as a modest rise in construction output was offset by falls in manufacturing and services, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics.
Category: News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
Small firms call for action as job vacancies driven by long-term sickness hits record high
The number of working-age adults in Britain who are not in the jobs market because they are long-term sick has increased to a record high, official figures show, amid concerns over shortages of workers in the UK economy.
UK retailers hit by drop in footfall as slowdown in spending hits as energy bills rise
The number of visitors to shopping destinations dropped back last week in one of the first indications of a slowdown in spending amid rising energy bills.
PayPal admits policy to fine customers for ‘misinformation’ was an ‘error’
PayPal has said that it will not fine users for misinformation and an earlier policy update that said customers could have to pay $2,500 in damages was sent in error.
Germany to pay December gas bills for households and businesses
The German state is to pay this December’s monthly gas bill for all households and small- to medium-sized businesses, according to a phased two-stage cap on energy prices recommended by a government-appointed expert panel on Monday.
Joules hopes insolvency deal with creditors and landlords will stave off collapse
Joules, which has 130 stores, said an insolvency deal with creditors and landlords could be a way to head off a collapse that has led to its shares falling sharply
Festival of Brexit investigated by National Audit Office for ‘wasting £120m of taxpayer money’
The arts extravaganza once known as the Festival of Brexit is being investigated by the National Audit Office because MPs are alarmed by its “exorbitant” cost.
Urgent action needed to help UK SME exporters after falling sales take hold
More SME exporters are now reporting falling overseas sales than are reporting an increase.
UK company insolvencies hit highest since 2009
The number of company insolvencies in England and Wales hit its highest level in the April-June period in nearly 13 years as surging energy prices took their toll on business, data showed on Friday.
Government to push through revenue caps for renewable generators
The Government will go full steam ahead with its plans to cap revenues renewable electricity generators can make from sky-high wholesale power prices following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Barristers in England and Wales vote to end strike action
Criminal barristers have voted to accept the government’s pay deal on legal aid fees and end their indefinite strike.
Anger as Truss ignores her climate advisers’ call for energy-saving drive
Liz Truss has ignored the government’s own climate advisers in opposing an energy-saving campaign this winter, it has emerged, amid mounting frustration over her resistance to the plan.
Liverpool hotels cancel Eurovision bookings as rates hit £8,000 a night
While Liverpudlian music fans wait for the Eurovision Song Contest to take over the city of Lennon and McCartney, landlords and hoteliers are looking forward to collecting sky-high rents from the competition’s fans.
Amazon pledges £300M to boost delivery fleet with 700 e-lorries to cut UK pollution
Amazon will put 700 electric heavy goods vehicles on the UK’s roads in the next five years, it will announce today.
Kwarteng considers extending mortgage guarantee scheme after banks raise concerns
The chancellor is considering extending the government’s mortgage guarantee scheme, after UK bank bosses raised concerns over the state of the UK’s mortgage market at a high-level meeting at No 11 Downing Street.
