Shein has been fined €1m by Italian regulators for misleading environmental claims, just weeks after a €40m penalty from France over deceptive commercial practices.
Category: News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
Tesla’s UK sales slump nearly 60% in July amid market pressures
Tesla’s UK car sales fell by almost 60% in July, with just 987 registrations, as EV competition intensifies and wider market uncertainty dampens consumer demand.
Companies House confirms identity verification rollout to tackle fraud and phoenix firms
From 18 November 2025, all UK company directors and people with significant control (PSCs) must verify their identity, in a major Companies House reform to curb fraud and phoenixing.
British spending on EU VAT-free shopping soars fivefold as UK policy faces backlash
UK shoppers spent £742m on VAT-free purchases in the EU last year after Britain scrapped tax-free shopping, fuelling calls for the government to reverse the policy.
More than 50 private schools close as Labour’s VAT policy hits sector
Over 50 private schools have announced closures in 2025 following Labour’s VAT on school fees, as families withdraw and pressure mounts on local state schools.
Rachel Reeves urged to apply VAT to private healthcare in bid to fund NHS
Former Labour leader Lord Kinnock calls on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to remove VAT exemption on private healthcare, arguing it could raise £2bn to support NHS recovery.
UK business leaders call on Labour to introduce skills tax relief for training Neets
Over 125 business leaders urge Chancellor Rachel Reeves to introduce tax relief for firms training young people not in employment, education or training (Neets), as numbers near one million.
Green energy tariffs fall to five-year low as UK households prioritise cost
The number of green energy tariffs has dropped sharply as UK consumers shift to cheaper energy deals during the cost of living crisis, new data reveals.
UK high street banks lose £100bn in savings as customers chase better rates online
KPMG warns UK high street banks have lost £100bn in deposits as savers switch to online rivals and building societies offering better rates, with profits under pressure.
Millions of UK drivers could receive £950 each in car finance compensation scheme
The FCA plans a redress scheme that could pay millions of UK drivers up to £950 each for mis-sold car finance, with payouts starting as early as 2026.
Jeremy Hunt: ‘We’re over-medicalising anxiety and depression with sick notes’
Former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt warns against signing off workers with anxiety and depression, saying it risks worsening their condition and fuelling economic strain.
Aston Martin sells F1 team stake for $146m amid financial struggles
Aston Martin has sold its stake in the Formula 1 team for $146 million as the luxury carmaker battles falling revenues, export tariffs, and weak supercar demand.
Supreme Court ruling blocks car finance payouts for millions of consumers
The Supreme Court has overturned key elements of a motor finance ruling, dashing hopes of payouts for millions of consumers amid a potential £44bn compensation scandal.
Meta and Microsoft add $500bn in value overnight as AI boom fuels investor euphoria
Meta and Microsoft added over $500bn in value overnight, with soaring share prices driven by AI momentum, cloud computing growth and bullish investor sentiment.
Heathrow reveals £21bn third runway plan with potential completion by 2039
Heathrow Airport has unveiled updated £21bn plans for a third runway by 2039, aiming to boost capacity, trade and jobs—amid climate concerns and rival proposals.
