UK wage growth slowed to 5.6% while unemployment rose to 4.5%, as businesses braced for tax increases and a higher minimum wage, according to latest ONS data.
Category: News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
Barriers faced by disabled entrepreneurs cost UK economy £230bn, report warns
A new government-backed Lilac review reveals that systemic barriers faced by disabled business owners could be costing the UK economy up to £230 billion annually.
Kim Kardashian’s $4bn Skims brand set to open first UK store on London’s Regent Street
Kim Kardashian’s shapewear label Skims is launching its first standalone UK store on London’s Regent Street, marking a major retail expansion for the $4bn brand.
US and China agree 90-day tariff truce in bid to ease trade tensions
The US and China have agreed to suspend punitive tariffs for 90 days, reducing duties on imports and pledging further talks to stabilise global trade relations.
Bank of England governor urges UK to rebuild EU trade ties as key summit looms
Andrew Bailey says UK must rebuild EU trade relationship to boost long-term growth, as Starmer prepares to unveil a new UK-EU partnership at a summit in London.
John Lewis to open more cafés and restaurants to boost footfall
John Lewis to expand its in-store cafés and restaurants, including Ori Caffè and a new Jamie Oliver concept, as part of a wider strategy to revive its brand and increase footfall.
British Airways owner IAG splashes out $23bn on new planes despite US trade war fears
IAG, the owner of British Airways, announces $23bn aircraft order despite trade war concerns, as profits surge and transatlantic demand holds firm.
Trump announces UK-US trade deal on VE Day anniversary, cutting car tariffs and hailing ‘historic’ partnership
President Donald Trump has announced a new trade deal between the United States and the United Kingdom, marking what he described as a “historic day” for the transatlantic alliance. The agreement, unveiled on the 80th anniversary of VE Day, is the first major trade accord since the president introduced sweeping tariffs on dozens of trading partners earlier this year.
Drought conditions already hitting UK crop production, farmers say
Farmers report early crop failures due to the driest spring in 69 years, as reservoirs run low and the Environment Agency warns of hosepipe bans and potential drought.
British Steel to recruit 180 workers after government rescue secures future
British Steel begins hiring 180 new workers following government intervention to save 2,700 jobs, with production ramping up across key sites including Scunthorpe and Teesside.
Bank of England cuts interest rates to 4.25% amid global trade tensions and slowing growth
The Bank of England lowers rates to 4.25% as it warns of weaker UK growth due to Trump’s tariffs. Analysts expect further cuts as inflation eases and economic risks mount.
Trump set to announce major UK-US trade deal amid global tariff fallout
Donald Trump is expected to unveil a long-awaited trade deal with the UK on Thursday, as talks focus on tariffs, digital tax, and key export protections amid global trade tensions.
Record 299,000 tax returns filed in first week of new tax year, says HMRC
Nearly 300,000 people filed their Self Assessment tax returns in the first week of the new tax year — the highest number ever recorded during the opening week of filing, according to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
Amazon unveils ‘leap forward’ in robotics with Vulcan, a robot that can feel
Amazon introduces Vulcan, a robot with a sense of touch, marking a major breakthrough in warehouse automation — raising hopes for efficiency and fears over job losses.
Novo Nordisk cuts forecasts as Ozempic and Wegovy sales hit by US copycat versions
Novo Nordisk has slashed its full-year revenue and profit forecasts for the first time since launching its blockbuster weight-loss drug Wegovy, as unauthorised compounded versions of its GLP-1 drugs eat into sales — particularly in the United States, its largest market.
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