Santander faces backlash from SMEs after introducing fees to business accounts once guaranteed to be “free for life” — a move some claim breaches written promises made in 2010.
Category: News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
EU and US close in on trade deal with 15% tariffs as Brussels prepares retaliatory strike
The EU and US are nearing a deal to impose 15% tariffs on most EU exports, but Brussels is preparing €93bn in countermeasures if Trump rejects the agreement.
Consensus grows that house prices will barely rise in 2025 as Savills and Rightmove slash forecasts
Savills and Rightmove cut UK house price forecasts for 2025, citing weak buyer demand, tariff uncertainty, and rising supply. Prices now expected to rise just 1–2% this year.
Tesla braces for turbulence as Musk warns of ‘rough quarters’ following sharp revenue decline
Tesla shares fall after Q2 revenue drops 12%, missing expectations. Elon Musk warns of “rough quarters” ahead amid EV demand woes, tax changes, and political distractions.
EV grant confusion ‘means carmakers could miss targets’, warns motor industry chief
Lack of clarity on EV grant eligibility could hinder carmakers’ ability to meet the UK’s electric vehicle mandate, says industry body SMMT, as manufacturers struggle to plan sales strategies.
General Motors profits tumble by a third as Trump tariffs deliver $1.1bn blow
General Motors’ Q2 profit fell 32% to $3bn due to a $1.1bn tariff hit from Trump’s trade policies, with the carmaker warning of deeper losses in the next quarter.
AstraZeneca to invest $50bn in US amid pressure from Trump administration
AstraZeneca plans a $50bn investment in US manufacturing and R&D by 2030, responding to Trump’s tariff threats and signalling a strategic pivot toward its largest market.
Andrew Bailey warns Rachel Reeves that City deregulation could reignite financial crisis
Andrew Bailey, the governor of the Bank of England, has warned Chancellor Rachel Reeves that her government’s plans to roll back banking regulations could destabilise the UK’s financial system and risk triggering a future financial crisis.
London Stock Exchange considers 24-hour trading to boost global competitiveness
The London Stock Exchange is exploring 24-hour or extended trading to attract global investors and rival US markets, amid concerns over UK market competitiveness.
Chippie owner hit with ‘devastating’ £40,000 fine for alleged illegal hire amid crackdown
A Surrey fish and chip shop has been fined £40,000 for hiring a worker who allegedly used a fake ID, sparking calls to reduce penalties on small businesses amid Home Office crackdown.
Vauxhall owner Stellantis warns of €2.3bn loss as US tariffs and Europe slowdown take toll
Stellantis expects a €2.3bn first-half loss as US tariffs, scrapped hydrogen projects, and soft demand in Europe weigh on the Vauxhall and Fiat owner’s global operations.
Mike Lynch’s estate hit with £700m bill as High Court rules in HP’s favour over Autonomy fraud
The estate of Autonomy founder Mike Lynch has been ordered to pay over £700m to Hewlett Packard in one of the UK’s biggest corporate fraud cases, with final damages likely to be higher.
Angela Rayner backs mayoral calls for hotel ‘tourist tax’ despite hospitality sector concerns
Angela Rayner has thrown her weight behind calls from regional mayors for the introduction of a local ‘tourist tax’ on hotel stays
British Business Bank returns to profit with £144m gain and expanded investment role
The British Business Bank posts a £144m profit after two years of losses, as its portfolio grows 19% and it prepares for an expanded role backed by £6.6bn in new government capital.
Inheritance tax haul hits £2.2bn in just three months amid rising property prices and frozen thresholds
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) collected a staggering £2.2 billion in inheritance tax (IHT) in the first three months of the current tax year, new data released this morning reveals—£100 million more than the same period last year.
