AJ Bell says months of budget tax speculation triggered £600m in early pension withdrawals and attacks Rachel Reeves’s planned Isa reforms as “crazy” and over-complex. Profit rises but shares fall as the platform boosts investment for growth.
Category: News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
Jobs growth collapses ahead of budget as businesses cut staff at fastest rate since the pandemic
New Bank of England data shows UK employers cut staff at the fastest rate since 2021 as months of tax speculation before Rachel Reeves’s budget froze hiring. Private-sector jobs fell 1.8% in November and firms plan further cuts into 2026.
Netflix seals £54bn takeover of Warner Bros in era-defining entertainment shake-up
Netflix has agreed a £54bn takeover of Warner Bros, bringing HBO and iconic franchises under its control in a historic deal that could redefine the future of global entertainment.
Centuries-old Smithfield and Billingsgate markets secure new Docklands home on Albert Island
London’s historic Smithfield and Billingsgate markets will move to Albert Island in the Royal Docks, securing a new future for traders and creating 2,200 jobs under a City of London Corporation plan.
AI investment boom built on debt poses growing risk to financial stability, Bank of England warns
The Bank of England says the global AI boom is increasingly funded by debt, warning that a $5tn investment surge poses financial stability risks if valuations fall. Governor Andrew Bailey likens current tech valuations to the dotcom bubble.
Mercedes-Benz backs UK with £20m Formula 1–powered EV investment creating 150 high-skill jobs
Mercedes-Benz has placed a significant vote of confidence in the UK’s advanced manufacturing sector after confirming a £20 million partnership to develop high-performance electric vehicle technology, creating 150 skilled jobs across Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire.
Labour suspends MP Markus Campbell-Savours for defying party over inheritance tax raid on farmers
Labour MP Markus Campbell-Savours has been suspended after refusing to back the party’s inheritance tax reforms affecting farmers, highlighting deep rural anger and internal party unrest over changes to agricultural property relief.
Engineer loses discrimination case against Leonardo UK over transgender toilet access policy
An engineer has lost her discrimination case against Leonardo UK over its transgender toilet policy, with the tribunal ruling the approach lawful and proportionate despite wider legal debate following the Supreme Court’s biological sex judgment.
Jaguar ‘dumps designer’ behind pink rebrand after backlash over ‘car-free’ campaign
Jaguar Land Rover has removed long-time design chief Gerry McGovern after his widely mocked pink rebrand sparked global backlash and controversy. Here’s what led to the move.
Sunderland business students turn £25 into £12,700 for charity in record-breaking fundraising challenge
University of Sunderland business students turned £25 into £12,700 for The Children’s Foundation, breaking fundraising records in the annual Take £25 Challenge.
Businesses shed staff at fastest rate since February as pre-Budget jitters hit growth
UK firms shed staff at the fastest rate since February as November PMI data shows growth slowing amid Budget uncertainty and fragile business confidence.
Instagram orders staff back to the office full-time as Mosseri pushes for ‘creative and collaborative’ culture
Instagram will require full-time office working from February 2026 as Adam Mosseri ends remote work to boost creativity, collaboration and product development.
Disability Smart Impact Awards 2026 launch with new focus on measurable inclusion
Business Disability Forum has launched the Disability Smart Impact Awards 2026, highlighting organisations delivering real-world disability inclusion. Nominations are now open until 21 January 2026.
Businesses left ‘in limbo’ during Budget speculation as confidence slumps
New CBI data shows UK businesses froze investment and hiring as months of Budget speculation created “limbo”. Confidence plunged, activity fell at the fastest rate since 2020, and mortgage approvals dropped amid fears of tax rises.
Argos plunges to £223m loss as 2,000 jobs cut and sales slump
Argos has reported a £223m annual loss, cut more than 2,000 jobs and seen revenue fall amid weak demand and heavy promotional activity. The Sainsbury’s-owned retailer also ended talks to sell the business to JD.com.
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