The British Business Bank has pledged up to £45m to Redrice Ventures’ £75m Fund II, supporting seed-stage UK consumer brands and creative industry startups.
Category: News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
UK unemployment hits five-year high as wage growth cools
UK unemployment rose to 5.2% and wage growth slowed to 4.2%, increasing pressure on the Bank of England to cut interest rates next month.
Topshop returns to the high street in John Lewis stores
Topshop is returning to bricks-and-mortar retail in 32 John Lewis stores, marking its biggest high street comeback since Arcadia’s collapse in 2020.
Gender pay gap won’t close until 2056 at current pace, warns TUC
The TUC warns the UK gender pay gap, currently 12.8%, will not close for another 30 years without faster reform, with finance showing the widest disparity.
BrewDog put up for sale as advisers explore break-up options
BrewDog has appointed advisers to explore new investment options, including a potential sale or break-up, after losses and bar closures amid a challenging trading climate.
Andrew’s time as trade envoy should be investigated, says Vince Cable
Former business secretary Sir Vince Cable has called for a police investigation into Prince Andrew’s time as UK trade envoy after US files suggest he shared confidential material with Jeffrey Epstein.
Record profit for Sir Gerald Ronson’s forecourt empire
GMR Capital, parent of Rontec, posted a record £98.4m pre-tax profit as its forecourt estate surpassed £1.5bn in value despite falling revenues.
Greene King considers job cuts as soaring costs squeeze pub sector
Greene King is reviewing up to 100 head office roles as Britain’s second-largest pub operator battles rising taxes, labour costs and weakening consumer demand.
City stalwart Schroders to be sold to US rival in £9.9bn deal
Schroders has agreed a £9.9bn takeover by US asset manager Nuveen, ending more than 200 years of independence in a blow to the London Stock Exchange.
Norfolk police chief calls for tougher penalties for prolific shoplifters
Norfolk’s chief constable has urged swifter and tougher sentencing for repeat shoplifters as reported offences continue to rise and court backlogs persist.
Lloyds Banking Group to close 95 more branches across UK
Lloyds Banking Group will shut 95 more branches across Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland, citing falling footfall as customers shift to mobile banking.
Children ‘bombarded’ with weight-loss drug ads online, commissioner warns
England’s children’s commissioner says young people are routinely exposed to online adverts for weight-loss injections and cosmetic procedures, calling for tougher social media regulation.
Oatly loses ‘milk’ branding battle in UK Supreme Court
Oatly has lost a Supreme Court challenge over its “post-milk generation” slogan, after judges ruled plant-based drinks cannot use protected dairy terms under UK and EU-derived law.
Retail spending rebounds in January after weak Christmas
UK retail sales rose 2.7% year-on-year in January, according to the BRC and KPMG, as shoppers took advantage of post-Christmas discounts following a subdued festive period.
Tariffs and falling demand leave Scotch distillers under pressure
Dozens of Scottish distilleries are showing signs of financial distress as exports to the US and China weaken, tariffs bite and domestic demand shifts away from spirits.
