HSBC has lifted its bonus pool to $3.9bn after posting stronger-than-expected profits, as CEO Georges Elhedery pushes a “high performance culture”.
Category: News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
Reform vows to scrap Renters’ Rights Act, warning of ‘job-killing’ regulation
Reform UK has pledged to abolish the Renters’ Rights Act if elected, prompting warnings from property experts that scrapping the law could increase instability without lowering rents.
Reeves adviser sparks backlash after saying UK doesn’t ‘need any more restaurants’
Rachel Reeves’ entrepreneurship adviser Alex Depledge has faced criticism after saying Britain does not need more restaurants, angering hospitality leaders.
Lord Mandelson arrested amid concerns he was ‘flight risk’
Lord Mandelson was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, with police reportedly concerned he could leave the UK.
ICO fines Reddit £14.47m over children’s data protection failures
The ICO has fined Reddit £14.47m for failing to lawfully process children’s data and for inadequate age assurance measures under UK data protection law.
Most young Britons cannot name a single entrepreneur, survey finds
A YouGov survey shows 56% of 18–25-year-olds cannot name an entrepreneur, as Enterprise Britain calls for stronger government backing of startups.
‘Bloated’ HR sector costing UK economy £10bn a year, claims Policy Exchange
Policy Exchange claims the UK’s HR sector is disproportionately large and costs businesses £10bn a year, criticising equality and diversity regulations.
Violent attacks on shop staff fall by a fifth but remain ‘unacceptably high’
Daily incidents of violence against UK retail workers have fallen to 1,600, but industry leaders warn levels remain far above pre-pandemic norms.
FedEx sues US government seeking refund over Trump tariffs
FedEx has filed suit against the US government seeking a full refund of tariffs imposed under Donald Trump after the Supreme Court ruled them unlawful.
Trump’s new 15% tariff plan ‘will hit UK exporters and dent global growth’
The British Chambers of Commerce warns President Trump’s new 15% global tariff could harm 40,000 UK exporters and weaken global economic growth.
SEND overhaul unlikely to curb rising costs before 2030, government concedes
The government says special needs spending will continue rising until 2030 despite SEND reforms, with EHCP numbers expected to grow before stabilising.
Custom acrylic manufacturer Midton targets 20% annual growth after £429,000 tech investment at Argyll foundry
Argyll-based Midton is expanding its acrylic awards manufacturing capacity following a £429,000 investment in new biomass-powered technology.
Youth jobless crisis deepens as AI and higher taxes hit hiring
UK job vacancies have fallen to their lowest level since 2021, with graduate roles dropping sharply as national insurance rises and AI adoption curb recruitment.
Nadhim Zahawi joins UAE-backed fund investing £1bn in Mayfair hotels
Former chancellor Nadhim Zahawi has joined Evolution Investment Fund, which plans to invest £1.1bn in two luxury Mayfair hotel developments.
Tracy Brabin leads West Yorkshire trade mission to Switzerland and Germany
West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin is leading a business delegation to Switzerland and Germany to boost trade, investment and job creation across key growth sectors.
