Discover how a US-China trade war could cost UK exports up to £8.5bn. Learn about the risks to manufacturing, global trade, and economic resilience in this insightful report.
Category: News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
Farmers to hold ‘national strike’ against inheritance tax changes, disrupting supermarket meat and crop supplies
UK farmers are set to withhold meat and crop supplies from supermarkets in a national strike protesting Labour’s inheritance tax changes, impacting food security and traditional family farming.
UK workforce split on working from home as hybrid model persists post-pandemic
Five years after the pandemic, 41% of UK workers still work from home at least part-time, with hybrid working common among educated professionals and parents. Discover the latest trends.
UK unemployment rises as wage growth slows, affecting interest rate cut prospects
UK wage growth slows to a two-year low, with unemployment reaching 4.3%. The Bank of England may hold interest rates as inflation pressures persist. Discover the latest data.
7.4 million miss out on career opportunities due to socioeconomic background, Co-op reveals
Co-op research finds that 70% of people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds face barriers to career or education opportunities, highlighting the need for improved social mobility in the UK.
Natwest buys back £1bn in shares from Treasury as government stake drops to 11%
NatWest has repurchased £1bn in shares from the UK Treasury, reducing the government’s stake to 11.4% in a move towards full privatisation. Discover more about the bank’s latest milestone.
Pressure mounts on Lloyds to release full report on £1bn HBOS fraud scandal
MPs and business groups are urging Lloyds to publish an unredacted review into the HBOS fraud, amid concerns of a cover-up and calls for transparency. Discover the latest on this long-delayed report.
UK could lose £22bn in exports if Trump imposes 20% tariffs, warn economists
A 20% tariff on UK imports to the US under Trump’s trade policy could cost the UK £22bn in exports, impacting sectors like fishing, petroleum, and pharmaceuticals. Read more on potential economic effects.
Bitcoin surges past $80,000 as Trump nears control of Congress and pledges crypto deregulation
Bitcoin hits a record $80,000 after Trump’s election victory, driven by promises to make the US a “crypto capital” and strip back regulations. Crypto markets brace for potential deregulation and SEC shakeup.
The Entertainer halts new store plans due to budget’s national insurance hike
The Entertainer toy chain has scrapped plans for two new UK stores, citing increased National Insurance costs announced in the Budget. Rising employer taxes are prompting businesses to reconsider UK investments.
Sainsbury’s sees food sales rise, but Argos drags on first-half performance
Sainsbury’s reported a 5% increase in food sales, bolstered by market share growth, yet struggled with a 5% decline at Argos due to challenging market conditions. Learn more about its performance and outlook.
Bank of England cuts rates to 4.75% as inflation cools and economic pressures ease
The Bank of England has reduced interest rates to 4.75% amid easing inflation and wage growth, providing potential relief for UK businesses and consumers facing economic pressures.
Loose Women’s Kaye Adams prevails in ten-year battle with HMRC over IR35 tax dispute
Loose Women’s Kaye Adams has won her decade-long battle with HMRC over a disputed £124,000 tax bill, with the tax authority deciding not to appeal. Read more on her fight for self-employment rights.
M&S warns of possible price hikes as national insurance hike impacts costs
Marks & Spencer faces £120m in extra costs due to national insurance changes and wage increases, raising concerns over potential price rises despite efforts to mitigate expenses.
Reeves reassures on trade as Trump tariffs threaten UK-US economic ties
Chancellor Rachel Reeves downplays concerns over potential tariffs under Trump, stressing Britain’s commitment to “free and open trade” with the US and highlighting the importance of their £311bn trading partnership.
