News
Nearly 400 firms fined as minimum wage breaches hit 60,000 workers
Nearly 400 UK employers fined £12.6m after underpaying 60,000 workers £7.3m, as minimum wage rates rise again in April 2026.
Sunday 18 October 2026
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
Nearly 400 UK employers fined £12.6m after underpaying 60,000 workers £7.3m, as minimum wage rates rise again in April 2026.
Greene King plans to sell 150 pubs and convert another 150 as it adapts to rising costs, changing consumer behaviour and pressure across the UK hospitality…
Innovate UK will refocus its £1.1bn budget on high-potential startups, scaling back broad support to prioritise early-stage tech firms and drive UK economic growth.
The Peter Jones Foundation and FRP relaunch the UK’s National Entrepreneur of the Year competition for 2026, offering young founders grants, mentorship and national exposure.
Rolls-Royce abandons its 2030 all-electric pledge, citing softer customer demand and changing regulations as luxury carmakers rethink EV strategies.
Pressure mounts on the UK government to release £2.5bn from Chelsea’s sale as ministers prepare legal action against Roman Abramovich over Ukraine war funds.
MPs warn Treasury plans to reform the Financial Ombudsman Service could threaten its independence, raising concerns over government-appointed leadership and regulatory changes.
Trustpilot reports £14m profit as AI-driven traffic boosts growth, with shares jumping 28% amid strong revenue and upgraded forecasts.
Close Brothers will cut 600 jobs as it battles investor concerns over the motor finance scandal, with compensation costs potentially exceeding £1bn.
A tribunal ruling could see public EV charging VAT reduced to 5%, potentially lowering costs for drivers and aligning rates with home charging.
Bentley will cut 275 jobs as profits fall 42% to £187m, with the luxury carmaker citing weak demand, China slowdown and rising costs.
Alcohol-free beer, hummus and pet grooming join the UK inflation basket as ONS updates CPI to reflect changing consumer habits and cost of living trends.
Rachel Reeves unveils £2.5bn investment in AI and quantum computing to stop UK tech firms moving overseas and boost economic growth amid global uncertainty.
Challenger banks retained a 60% share of SME lending in 2025, raising questions over whether high street banks are regaining ground in the UK small business…
Nigerian banks, fintech firms and creative businesses are expanding in the UK, creating hundreds of jobs as part of millions of pounds of investment linked to…