Airlines face soaring fuel costs as jet fuel prices hit a three-and-a-half-year high following disruption in the Middle East, with European carriers warning profits could be squeezed despite hedging strategies.
Category: News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
Morgan Stanley to axe 2,500 jobs despite record revenues
Morgan Stanley plans to cut 2,500 jobs—around 3% of its workforce—despite reporting record revenues of $70.6bn, amid growing debate over AI’s impact on white-collar employment.
Labour urges businesses to drop ‘masculine’ words in job ads
The UK government has urged employers to remove “masculine-coded” words like competitive and ambitious from job adverts to encourage more women to apply, sparking criticism from opposition politicians.
New car sales hit 20-year high as electric vehicle share shrinks
UK new car registrations topped 90,000 in February, the highest for the month in more than 20 years, but electric vehicle market share slipped again, raising concerns about EV adoption targets.
Government launches gender pay gap and menopause action plans ahead of International Women’s Day 2026
The Government has launched voluntary gender pay gap and menopause action plans for large employers, aiming to help women thrive at work and narrow workplace inequality.
Iceland supermarket drops decade-long trademark dispute with Iceland and offers “rapprochement discount”
UK supermarket Iceland has ended its 10-year EU trademark battle with the country of Iceland and plans to offer Icelandic shoppers a “rapprochement discount” as the dispute concludes.
UK stock market steadies while oil prices climb as Iran conflict rattles energy markets
The FTSE 100 steadied as oil prices rose above $83 amid fears the Iran conflict could disrupt global energy supplies and push UK inflation and interest rates higher.
Heathrow third runway plans questioned over costs and timeline
Heathrow’s £49bn third runway expansion faces criticism from a new report warning its timeline and funding claims may be unrealistic, with airlines fearing soaring landing charges.
Spring Statement 2026: Reeves downgraded growth as business leaders demand urgent action
Rachel Reeves’ Spring Statement 2026 downgraded UK growth forecasts as Middle East tensions fuel inflation fears. Business leaders warn stability rhetoric must be matched with urgent economic action.
Bank of England rate cuts at risk in 2026 as Middle East conflict sparks inflation fears
Experts warn Bank of England base rate cuts could be delayed in 2026 after Middle East conflict triggered surging gas prices, rising gilt yields and fresh inflation concerns.
UK shop price inflation slows to 1.1% in February as retailers cut prices
UK shop price inflation eased to 1.1% in February, driven by discounting in fashion and beauty and slower food price growth, according to BRC and NielsenIQ.
Energy bills could hit £2,500 as Iran conflict threatens global gas supplies
UK household energy bills could rise to £2,500 a year if the Iran conflict disrupts LNG supplies from Qatar and the Strait of Hormuz, analysts warn.
BrewDog sold to Tilray in £33m rescue deal as 38 bars close and 484 jobs cut
BrewDog has been sold to US cannabis and brewing group Tilray in a £33m deal, preserving 733 jobs but triggering the closure of 38 bars and 484 redundancies.
BrewDog closes all bars for a day amid sale talks as advisers oversee potential deal
BrewDog has shut all its bars for a day as it moves closer to a potential sale, with advisers AlixPartners overseeing the process after years of losses and restructuring.
Complaints about HMRC surge to five-year high as redress payments rise
Complaints made by taxpayers about HM Revenue & Customs have climbed to their highest level in five years, with the proportion of cases resulting in compensation also reaching a recent peak.
