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Category: News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
Businesses left ‘in limbo’ during Budget speculation as confidence slumps
New CBI data shows UK businesses froze investment and hiring as months of Budget speculation created “limbo”. Confidence plunged, activity fell at the fastest rate since 2020, and mortgage approvals dropped amid fears of tax rises.
Argos plunges to £223m loss as 2,000 jobs cut and sales slump
Argos has reported a £223m annual loss, cut more than 2,000 jobs and seen revenue fall amid weak demand and heavy promotional activity. The Sainsbury’s-owned retailer also ended talks to sell the business to JD.com.
Zipcar to shut down UK operations as London prepares new EV Congestion Charge
Zipcar will shut its UK operations after heavy losses and ahead of London’s new EV Congestion Charge. Bookings stop after 31 December 2025, with dozens of jobs at risk as the car-sharing giant pulls out of the market.
Steven Bartlett to launch new tech news website as media ambitions grow
Steven Bartlett is set to launch a new tech news website, Founded, hiring 10 journalists and expanding his £320m creator-focused business empire under Steven.com.
FCA to regulate ESG ratings providers amid transparency and conflict-of-interest concerns
The FCA plans to regulate ESG ratings providers for the first time, citing transparency issues and conflicts of interest in the fast-growing sector. The watchdog says the reforms could deliver £500m in benefits over a decade.
Starmer rejects claims government misled public as tensions with OBR escalate
PM Keir Starmer denies claims that Rachel Reeves misled the public over a supposed £30bn fiscal shortfall, as the OBR disputes Treasury briefings and tensions rise over the Budget’s tax decisions and productivity downgrade.
Cannumo secures record €1m Shark Tank investment to accelerate UK expansion
Cannumo, maker of the live-bacteria drink Goodie, has secured a record €1m investment on Shark Tank Lithuania — the largest in any European business reality show — as the start-up launches a 90-day push into the UK wellness market.
Accenture rebadges 800,000 employees as ‘reinventors’ as consultancy pivots to AI
Accenture has started calling its 800,000 employees “reinventors” as it restructures around AI, sparking criticism over corporate jargon and concerns about internal confusion. The consultancy is also cutting staff unable to adapt to new AI tools.
UK withdraws $1.15bn loan from Mozambique gas project over climate and security risks
The UK has withdrawn $1.15bn in support for TotalEnergies’ Mozambique gas project, citing climate risks, human rights concerns and regional terror attacks. Campaigners say the scheme is a “carbon timebomb” and urge global financiers to follow suit.
UK shoppers pull back on Black Friday as concerns grow over weakening economy
Fears over the strength of the UK economy appear to have kept shoppers away from high streets on Black Friday, adding to growing evidence that consumer caution will weigh heavily on growth into 2026.
UK and US set to strike zero-tariff pharmaceuticals deal as NHS drug spending rises
The UK is set to sign a zero-tariff pharmaceuticals deal with the US, lowering rebates, raising QALY thresholds and committing to higher NHS drug spending after drug makers paused major UK investments.
Christmas crisp shortage feared as Hula Hoops and McCoy’s workers vote to strike
Workers producing Hula Hoops, McCoy’s, Pom-Bears and Discos have voted to strike, raising fears of a Christmas crisp shortage as GMB accuses KP Snacks of imposing extra duties without extra pay.
Revolut surpasses Barclays in value after Nvidia-backed deal puts fintech at $75bn
Revolut has surpassed Barclays after a $75bn Nvidia-backed share sale, cementing its status as Europe’s most valuable private tech firm as it pushes toward global banking ambitions.
JP Morgan unveils £3bn Canary Wharf tower in major vote of confidence for UK economy
JP Morgan will build a £3bn, 3m sq ft headquarters in Canary Wharf, housing 12,000 staff. Rachel Reeves calls it a major vote of confidence in the UK economy as global banks expand UK operations.
