Around one million taxpayers missed the HMRC self-assessment deadline, triggering automatic £100 fines and potential interest charges for late filers.
Category: News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
Barnsley named UK’s first ‘tech town’ as US giants back AI rollout
Barnsley has been rebranded as the UK’s first “tech town”, with Microsoft, Google, Cisco and Adobe backing a government-led AI rollout across schools, healthcare and local businesses.
ICO opens formal investigation into Grok AI over data protection and harmful imagery concerns
The Information Commissioner’s Office has launched formal investigations into X Internet Unlimited Company and X.AI over their handling of personal data in connection with the Grok artificial intelligence system.
FTSE 100 hits record high as dollar rallies and gold extends sharp pullback
The FTSE 100 closed at a record high as a stronger dollar lifted UK equities, while gold, silver and oil prices fell sharply amid volatile global markets.
SpaceX acquires xAI as Elon Musk moves to unite rockets, satellites and artificial intelligence
Elon Musk’s SpaceX has acquired xAI in a landmark deal that brings rockets, Starlink satellites, X and the Grok chatbot under one roof ahead of a potential blockbuster IPO later this year.
British factories cut US exports as Trump tariff uncertainty bites
UK manufacturers are pulling back from the US market as Donald Trump’s tariff threats disrupt trade, with more than a third reporting a negative impact, according to Make UK and DHL.
Bank of England set to hold rates as inflation rise cools cut expectations
The Bank of England is expected to keep interest rates on hold at 3.75% this week after inflation ticked up, though governor Andrew Bailey may signal a spring cut.
UK unemployment set to hit five-year high as tax rises begin to bite, EY warns
UK unemployment is forecast to rise to a five-year high in 2026 as Rachel Reeves’s tax rises and global trade uncertainty weigh on growth, according to EY Item Club.
Trump warns UK it is ‘very dangerous’ to do business with China as Starmer visits Shanghai
Donald Trump has warned the UK it is “very dangerous” to do business with China, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer visits Shanghai following trade and investment agreements agreed in Beijing.
Octopus Energy strikes major China joint venture during PM visit
Octopus Energy has announced a new joint venture with China’s PCG Power to trade renewable energy, aiming to handle up to 140TWh a year by 2030 and export British energy technology into the world’s largest clean power market.
Apple posts record iPhone sales as Mac revenues fall
Apple has reported its best-ever iPhone sales in the final quarter of 2025, lifting overall revenues to $144bn, although Mac and wearables sales declined.
Tesla axes Model S and X as revenues fall and focus shifts to AI and robotics
Tesla has reported its first annual revenue decline as it cuts the Model S and Model X, pivots manufacturing to humanoid robots and deepens investment in AI.
China to allow visa-free travel for British visitors as UK seeks closer trade ties
China will allow British citizens to travel visa-free for up to 30 days after talks between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Xi Jinping, as the UK looks to boost trade and services exports.
Ministers again reject Waspi compensation claims after fresh review
Ministers have again ruled out compensation for women affected by state pension age changes, despite a fresh review, prompting fury from the Waspi campaign and opposition MPs.
Aldi to open 40 new UK stores in 2026 as part of £370m expansion
Aldi plans to open 40 new UK stores in 2026 under a £370m investment, targeting towns without an Aldi as it works towards a long-term goal of 1,500 locations.
