UK job vacancies fell at a slower pace in February as services sector growth hit a one-year high, raising hopes the labour market downturn may be bottoming out.
Category: News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
Small businesses sceptical over tariff refunds after Supreme Court strikes down Trump’s tariffs
US small businesses doubt they will receive refunds after the Supreme Court struck down Donald Trump’s tariffs, potentially freeing $175bn but leaving firms facing legal uncertainty.
Government-funded mobile mast upgrades reach 50 milestone in Wales
Fifty government-funded 4G mast upgrades are now live across Wales under the Shared Rural Network programme, bringing improved mobile connectivity to rural communities, national parks and more than 3,400km of roads.
Royal Mail faces scrutiny as 219 million letters arrive late despite rising stamp prices
Royal Mail could deliver 219 million letters late this year as service targets are missed despite stamp price rises and parliamentary scrutiny over delivery performance.
OpenAI delays ‘adult mode’ for ChatGPT to focus on higher priorities
OpenAI has postponed the launch of ChatGPT’s “adult mode” as it prioritises improving AI performance, personalisation and safety features amid intensifying competition in the artificial intelligence sector.
Bank of England may raise interest rates as oil shock from Middle East war drives inflation fears
Markets now expect the Bank of England to raise interest rates after oil prices surged near $120 following the Middle East conflict, pushing UK inflation forecasts close to 4%.
Strait of Hormuz crisis sends oil price close to $120 as Middle East conflict rattles markets
Brent crude surged close to $120 a barrel amid the Strait of Hormuz crisis as Middle East tensions disrupted oil shipments. Analysts warn the shock could push inflation higher and threaten global growth.
Nick Clegg and Sheryl Sandberg join board of British AI start-up Nscale
Former UK deputy PM Nick Clegg and ex-Meta COO Sheryl Sandberg have joined the board of British AI infrastructure start-up Nscale following a $2bn funding round valuing the company at $14.6bn.
Nigel Farage invests in crypto firm led by Kwasi Kwarteng
Nigel Farage has invested £215,000 in crypto firm Stack BTC, chaired by former chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng, securing a 6.3% stake in the bitcoin-focused company.
UK taxpayer to fund more than £1bn of infrastructure for Universal’s Bedford theme park
The UK government will invest more than £1bn in transport and infrastructure for the new Universal Studios Bedford theme park, expected to boost the economy by £50bn.
Frasers Group builds 6% stake in struggling Puma
Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group has acquired a 5.77% stake in Puma, becoming the brand’s second-largest shareholder as the German sportswear giant battles losses and declining sales.
Glasgow opens new Health Innovation Hub to accelerate life sciences innovation
The new Health Innovation Hub in Glasgow has officially opened, creating a major life sciences facility supporting precision medicine, digital health innovation and clinical research.
Judicial review challenge launched over Home Office £40,000 voluntary departure payment scheme
A legal challenge has been initiated against the UK government over a pilot scheme reportedly offering payments of up to £40,000 to certain failed asylum seekers who voluntarily leave the country.
Net-a-Porter workers ballot for strike action over London Living Wage dispute
More than 100 Net-a-Porter warehouse workers in London are voting on strike action after the luxury retailer was accused of breaking a pledge to pay the London Living Wage.
US likely to introduce 15% global tariff as Trump administration revives trade strategy
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says a 15% global tariff is likely this week as the Trump administration moves to restore trade levies after the Supreme Court struck down earlier tariffs.
