The UK live events sector has urged the Prime Minister to review Business Rates changes, warning hundreds of venues could close and ticket prices rise as valuations and tax multipliers surge.
Category: News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
Falling gilt yields suggest Rachel Reeves has ‘won back market confidence’
Think tank IPPR says falling gilt yields show Rachel Reeves has restored market confidence, easing the UK’s risk premium and potentially saving taxpayers up to £7bn a year.
Goldman Sachs warns UK policy uncertainty is creating a ‘confidence overhang’ for small businesses
Goldman Sachs International co-head Kunal Shah says UK policy uncertainty, higher taxes and new employment rules are undermining SME confidence despite strong underlying optimism among entrepreneurs.
US defence giant eyes Isle of Wight for next-generation fighter drone production
US defence start-up Anduril plans to manufacture advanced autonomous fighter drones on the Isle of Wight with GKN Aerospace as part of a £100m British Army tender.
SpaceX planning $1.5 trillion IPO in 2026 as Elon Musk readies record listing
Elon Musk’s SpaceX is reportedly preparing a $1.5tn IPO for 2026—set to rival Saudi Aramco’s record listing—as the rocket maker expands Starlink, boosts launch capacity and cements its lead in the commercial space sector.
Trump to require all foreign tourists to hand over five years of social media data under sweeping new vetting plan
The Trump administration plans to force all foreign tourists—including those from visa-waiver countries—to provide five years of social media history, emails and phone numbers before entering the US, prompting major concerns ahead of World Cup 2026 travel.
Frasers Group snaps up Swindon Designer Outlet in latest retail property expansion
Frasers Group, owned by Mike Ashley, has acquired Swindon’s Designer Outlet — a top UK retail destination attracting over 3 million visitors a year — reinforcing its expansion strategy as both retailer and landlord.
Invest in Women Taskforce hits £635m as Nationwide and British Business Bank join first close of landmark ‘Women backing Women’ fund
The Invest in Women Taskforce has hit £635m in commitments and confirmed new anchor partners — Nationwide and the British Business Bank — for the targeted £130m first close of the UK’s groundbreaking female-led ‘Women backing Women’ Fund of Funds.
Government unveils £725m package to create 50,000 apprenticeships and tackle rising youth unemployment
The UK government has unveiled a £725m reform package to create 50,000 new apprenticeships, fully fund under-25 training at SMEs, and launch new digital and AI-focused pathways to tackle rising youth unemployment and skills shortages.
Keir Starmer to make Iceland boss Richard Walker a Labour peer
Iceland boss Richard Walker is set to become a Labour peer in a major political shift, strengthening Keir Starmer’s ties with UK business. The former Conservative donor will join the House of Lords as Labour seeks deeper engagement with industry.
UK’s biggest arenas hit by huge business rates surge as valuations soar up to 300%
Major UK arenas including The O2, Co-op Live and Manchester Arena face steep business rates rises after 2026 valuations soared by up to 300%, new analysis from Ryan shows.
Lando Norris crowned Formula One world champion after nail-biting Abu Dhabi finale
Lando Norris has become Britain’s newest Formula One world champion after holding his nerve through a tense title decider in Abu Dhabi, securing his first championship and ending the country’s five-year wait for another motorsport hero.
Airbus steps in to rescue 3,000 UK jobs as Boeing strikes deal on Spirit AeroSystems carve-out
Airbus is set to save nearly 3,000 UK aerospace jobs in Belfast and Prestwick after striking a major deal with Boeing over Spirit AeroSystems, securing wing-making facilities and stabilising the UK’s manufacturing base.
Hundreds of businesses hit by double charges under new packaging tax scheme
Nearly 500 UK businesses were double-charged under the new packaging tax scheme after a PackUK “technical issue” triggered duplicate direct debits, sparking anger across the industry.
Jamie Oliver revives Jamie’s Italian with Leicester Square relaunch six years after chain collapse
Jamie Oliver is bringing Jamie’s Italian back to the UK high street with a new Leicester Square restaurant opening in 2026, six years after the chain collapsed. The relaunch comes via a partnership with Brava Hospitality Group.
