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Latest News:

  • UK inflation set for sharp rise in April after surge in household bills
  • Businesses urge Rachel Reeves to restore tax-free shopping as US tariffs hit UK exports
  • UK house prices rise in May for fifth year running amid rush to beat stamp duty deadline
  • Small business debt load doubles since pandemic, hampering access to finance
  • US tariffs drive invoice rejections to record highs as businesses scramble to preserve cash
  • Aviva warns against forcing UK pension funds to buy domestic assets
  • Gold set for steepest weekly drop in six months as trade fears ease and dollar strengthens
  • NatWest nears full reprivatisation as taxpayer stake falls below 1%
  • UK business investment surges at fastest pace in two years, defying tax hike fears
  • Wireless Logic valued at £3.5bn as founder sells minority stake to General Atlantic
Volumes of goods shipped directly from Ireland to the EU on new Brexit-busting ferry routes have rocketed by 50% in the past six months as exporters seek to avoid travelling across land through Great Britain, according to official data.

‘HMRC won’t speak to us’: exporters frustrated by post-Brexit border checks and red tape

UK exporters say post-Brexit border checks are causing delays, extra costs, and stress, with HMRC guidance unclear and communication poor, according to new Ipsos report.

Inflation in the UK is forecast to accelerate sharply this month, with figures due next week expected to show the steepest monthly rise since October 2022, as households absorb a fresh wave of bill increases.

UK inflation set for sharp rise in April after surge in household bills

UK inflation is expected to jump to 3.6% in April, its fastest rise since 2022, driven by higher energy, water, and payroll costs, according to City analysts.

James Dyson

Rich List tycoons warn Reeves that tax plans threaten family firms and UK wealth creation

UK billionaires warn Chancellor Rachel Reeves that capital gains and inheritance tax hikes will damage family businesses and drive top talent abroad amid record exodus.

Brands in London “suffering”: Fresh calls

Businesses urge Rachel Reeves to restore tax-free shopping as US tariffs hit UK exports

Retail, fashion and luxury leaders call on the chancellor to reinstate VAT-free shopping for tourists to offset US tariff impact and boost Britain’s appeal as a global shopping destination.

UK house prices rose for a fifth consecutive May, hitting a new record as sellers raced to list properties before the new lower stamp duty threshold took effect.

UK house prices rise in May for fifth year running amid rush to beat stamp duty deadline

UK house prices rose 0.6% in May to a record £379,517, driven by a surge in new listings before stamp duty changes, Rightmove reports, marking five years of gains.

Covid Fraud

Small business debt load doubles since pandemic, hampering access to finance

UK small businesses now carry double the pre-Covid debt levels, making it harder to secure growth finance, according to a report by marketplace lender Funding Xchange.

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.

US tariffs drive invoice rejections to record highs as businesses scramble to preserve cash

Global invoice rejections soared in Q1 2025 amid Trump’s tariff policy, with businesses delaying payments to renegotiate contracts and protect cash flow, says Basware.

In an effort to help its most vulnerable gamblers, the UK Gambling Commission introduced the GamStop self-exclusion scheme in 2018.

How Video Games Are Being Used in Education and Training

This article explores the rising role of video games in classrooms and professional settings. Discover how educators and trainers harness gaming to foster key skills and engagement.

In recent years, esports has emerged as a significant cultural and economic force within the global gaming landscape, influencing not only how games are played and consumed but also shaping a new generation of entertainment.

The Future of Cloud Gaming and Its Challenges

Explore the potential of cloud gaming. Learn about latency, security, and collaborations shaping this new frontier. Discover how it can revolutionize gameplay worldwide.

  1. ‘HMRC won’t speak to us’: exporters frustrated by post-Brexit border checks and red tape
  2. UK inflation set for sharp rise in April after surge in household bills
  3. Rich List tycoons warn Reeves that tax plans threaten family firms and UK wealth creation
  4. Businesses urge Rachel Reeves to restore tax-free shopping as US tariffs hit UK exports
  5. UK house prices rise in May for fifth year running amid rush to beat stamp duty deadline
  6. Small business debt load doubles since pandemic, hampering access to finance
  7. US tariffs drive invoice rejections to record highs as businesses scramble to preserve cash
  8. How Video Games Are Being Used in Education and Training
  9. The Future of Cloud Gaming and Its Challenges

Latest News…

Inflation in the UK is forecast to accelerate sharply this month, with figures due next week expected to show the steepest monthly rise since October 2022, as households absorb a fresh wave of bill increases.

UK inflation set for sharp rise in April after surge in household bills

UK inflation is expected to jump to 3.6% in April, its fastest rise since 2022, driven by higher energy, water, and payroll costs, according to City analysts.

Brands in London “suffering”: Fresh calls

Businesses urge Rachel Reeves to restore tax-free shopping as US tariffs hit UK exports

Retail, fashion and luxury leaders call on the chancellor to reinstate VAT-free shopping for tourists to offset US tariff impact and boost Britain’s appeal as a global shopping destination.

UK house prices rose for a fifth consecutive May, hitting a new record as sellers raced to list properties before the new lower stamp duty threshold took effect.

UK house prices rise in May for fifth year running amid rush to beat stamp duty deadline

UK house prices rose 0.6% in May to a record £379,517, driven by a surge in new listings before stamp duty changes, Rightmove reports, marking five years of gains.

Covid Fraud

Small business debt load doubles since pandemic, hampering access to finance

UK small businesses now carry double the pre-Covid debt levels, making it harder to secure growth finance, according to a report by marketplace lender Funding Xchange.

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.

US tariffs drive invoice rejections to record highs as businesses scramble to preserve cash

Global invoice rejections soared in Q1 2025 amid Trump’s tariff policy, with businesses delaying payments to renegotiate contracts and protect cash flow, says Basware.

Aviva acquires direct line in a £3.7bn deal, creating a UK motor insurance giant. discover how this takeover drives cost savings, impacts jobs, and reshapes the competitive landscape for British insurers.

Aviva warns against forcing UK pension funds to buy domestic assets

Aviva CEO Dame Amanda Blanc says mandating pension funds to invest in UK assets would be “a sledgehammer to crack a nut”, urging government to prioritise fiduciary duty.

The price of gold could soar to $2,600 an ounce after reaching a new record, as traders increasingly anticipate that the US Federal Reserve will cut interest rates next month.

Gold set for steepest weekly drop in six months as trade fears ease and dollar strengthens

Gold prices are on track for their worst week since November 2024, falling 3.3% amid a stronger dollar and easing US-China trade tensions.

NatWest Group has disclosed its most substantial yearly profit since the period just preceding the financial crisis in 2007.

NatWest nears full reprivatisation as taxpayer stake falls below 1%

The government’s stake in NatWest has dropped below 1%, marking a near-complete exit from the £45.5bn bailout era and paving the way for full reprivatisation within weeks.

10 Tips to Pick Long-Term Investment Opportunities

UK business investment surges at fastest pace in two years, defying tax hike fears

UK business investment rose 5.9% in Q1 2025—the strongest growth since 2023—offsetting public spending cuts and defying fears over payroll tax increases.

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Business

Volumes of goods shipped directly from Ireland to the EU on new Brexit-busting ferry routes have rocketed by 50% in the past six months as exporters seek to avoid travelling across land through Great Britain, according to official data.

‘HMRC won’t speak to us’: exporters frustrated by post-Brexit border checks and red tape

UK exporters say post-Brexit border checks are causing delays, extra costs, and stress, with HMRC guidance unclear and communication poor, according to new Ipsos report.

James Dyson

Rich List tycoons warn Reeves that tax plans threaten family firms and UK wealth creation

UK billionaires warn Chancellor Rachel Reeves that capital gains and inheritance tax hikes will damage family businesses and drive top talent abroad amid record exodus.

MPs warn that rail subsidies remain unsustainable, urging immediate reforms as the establishment of Great British Railways is delayed.

University of Hull launches Railwhere to drive innovation in rail freight efficiency

Railwhere, a new spinout from the University of Hull, will deploy award-winning technology to help the rail freight industry cut emissions, reduce costs, and operate more efficiently.

48 percent of women said work had a negative impact on their mental health, compared to 40 percent of men. Women are also less confident in openly discussing their mental wellbeing with their employer.

Female founder numbers rise 45% in a decade, reveals new startup pitch data

Fuel Ventures’ ten-year pitch data shows a 45% rise in female founders, a rise in over-40 entrepreneurs, and the growing influence of cities like Birmingham and Manchester.

HMRC is set to receive income details from online platforms like eBay and Vinted, but tax experts warn that mismatched reporting periods could catch UK sellers off guard.

Vinted triples profits to £80m as second-hand fashion boom fuels expansion

Vinted reported a pre-tax profit of £80m in 2024, nearly triple the previous year, as second-hand fashion sales surged and the platform expanded into electronics and luxury goods.

Business planning. Two words that fill us all with joy. No?

Employers show strong interest in ‘Dutch-style’ CDC pension schemes promising higher retirement payouts

More than 200 UK employers are exploring collective defined contribution (CDC) pension schemes, which could boost retirement income by up to 50% for the same cost and risk.

Often misunderstood as a "dark art," business development is actually the strategic powerhouse driving organisational growth.

UK hiring confidence hits 10-year low amid wage pressures and economic uncertainty

UK employers are cutting back on recruitment as rising minimum wages, higher NI costs and global uncertainty drive hiring confidence to its lowest level in a decade.

Profiled…

Warren Buffett, one of the most iconic figures in global finance, has announced plans to step down as chief executive of Berkshire Hathaway by the end of the year, marking the end of an era for the $1.1 trillion conglomerate he has led for over five decades.

Warren Buffett to step down as Berkshire Hathaway CEO by end of 2025

Warren Buffett, one of the most iconic figures in global finance, has announced plans to step down as chief executive of Berkshire Hathaway by the end of the year, marking the end of an era for the $1.1 trillion conglomerate he has led for over five decades.

Deliveroo founder and chief executive Will Shu stands to gain more than £172 million if a proposed £2.7 billion takeover by US food delivery giant DoorDash goes ahead, despite the company’s shares still languishing far below their 2021 flotation price.

Will Shu set for £172m payday as Deliveroo takeover looms

Deliveroo founder and chief executive Will Shu stands to gain more than £172 million if a proposed £2.7 billion takeover by US food delivery giant DoorDash goes ahead, despite the company’s shares still languishing far below their 2021 flotation price.

Marketing & Social Media

Ten of the world’s leading car manufacturers – along with two major automotive trade associations – have been fined over £77 million by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) after admitting to illegal collusion on green advertising practices.

UK fines 10 carmakers and two trade bodies £77m over green advertising cartel

Let's be honest - marketing isn't a straight path for any business, least of all SMEs.

SME Marketing ‘Mistakes’ You’ll Make – Don’t Beat Yourself Up

You don’t need to spend long in the world of digital marketing to encounter two of the most commonly used strategies: Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and Pay-Per-Click advertising (PPC).

SEO or PPC: Which is Better?

Newswire

Сrypto cards have emerged as a fascinating bridge between the futuristic realm of cryptocurrencies and our everyday lives. But these cards are far more than just a way to spend your Bitcoin on a cup of coffee.

The overall situation has been determined. The hottest money-making industry in the future is to make $5,000 a day with cryptocurrencies

Business Matters
  • Debunking Myths and Discovering the Benefits of UK Public Tenders
  • TikTok ousts Google to become favourite online destination
  • Customs Crunch – How this startup plans to take the friction out of brexit
  • EU stimulus package announced offers new confidence for investors

Get Funded

10 Tips to Pick Long-Term Investment Opportunities

UK business investment surges at fastest pace in two years, defying tax hike fears

UK business investment rose 5.9% in Q1 2025—the strongest growth since 2023—offsetting public spending cuts and defying fears over payroll tax increases.

Wireless Logic, a British telecoms firm specialising in Internet of Things (IoT) communications, has sold a minority stake to US private equity group General Atlantic, in a deal that values the business at £3.5 billion — a staggering 100-fold increase from its valuation when it was bought back from Dragons’ Den investor Peter Jones in 2011.

Wireless Logic valued at £3.5bn as founder sells minority stake to General Atlantic

Wireless Logic sells a minority stake to General Atlantic, valuing the IoT communications firm at £3.5bn—100 times its 2011 value. Former Vodafone CEO joins board.

MPs warn that rail subsidies remain unsustainable, urging immediate reforms as the establishment of Great British Railways is delayed.

University of Hull launches Railwhere to drive innovation in rail freight efficiency

Railwhere, a new spinout from the University of Hull, will deploy award-winning technology to help the rail freight industry cut emissions, reduce costs, and operate more efficiently.

Investor appetite for backing high-growth private companies through the UK’s flagship Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) has dropped significantly, with new HMRC figures showing a 20% fall in funds raised in the year to March 2024.

EIS investments fall sharply despite tax breaks, raising concerns over regional imbalance and complexity

EIS funding dropped 20% to £1.6bn in 2023–24 despite generous tax incentives, as investors grew cautious. SEIS funding rose 25%, driven by recent rule changes.

Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, is under fire for its recent decision to reduce the minimum age requirement for the messaging app from 16 to 13, sparking concerns over child safety.

Fuel Ventures backs Community Wolf with £340k to scale WhatsApp-based public safety platform

Fuel Ventures leads £340k investment in South African startup Community Wolf, expanding its WhatsApp-based crime reporting platform to improve public safety globally.

HMRC is set to receive income details from online platforms like eBay and Vinted, but tax experts warn that mismatched reporting periods could catch UK sellers off guard.

Vinted triples profits to £80m as second-hand fashion boom fuels expansion

Vinted reported a pre-tax profit of £80m in 2024, nearly triple the previous year, as second-hand fashion sales surged and the platform expanded into electronics and luxury goods.

Solitaire.io, the innovative online card game platform founded by Welsh creative entrepreneur Gaz Thomas, is launching a bold new physical product: Mosh Idols Punk Rock Playing Cards.

Solitaire.io launches Kickstarter campaign for “Mosh Idols Punk Rock playing cards” featuring XR Technology

Solitaire.io, the innovative online card game platform founded by Welsh creative entrepreneur Gaz Thomas, is launching a bold new physical product: Mosh Idols Punk Rock Playing Cards.

British energy software startup Zendo Energy has raised £1.75 million in pre-seed funding to accelerate development of its AI-powered platform designed to help data centres reduce energy costs and carbon emissions, as the sector grapples with soaring demand from artificial intelligence and cloud computing.

Zendo Energy raises £1.75M to help data centres decarbonise amid AI energy boom

British energy software startup Zendo Energy has raised £1.75 million in pre-seed funding to accelerate development of its AI-powered platform designed to help data centres reduce energy costs and carbon emissions, as the sector grapples with soaring demand from artificial intelligence and cloud computing.

More than £18 million has been raised for grassroots sport across the UK since 2018, thanks to a trailblazing partnership between Crowdfunder and Sport England — a milestone celebrated last week at a special event in the House of Commons.

Over £18M raised: How Crowdfunder and Sport England are shaping the future of community sports funding through matched crowdfunding

Crowdfunder and Sport England have raised over £18 million for grassroots sports through matched crowdfunding, marking a major shift in how community clubs secure vital funding.

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Legal

Tesla has encountered legal headwinds in its push to trademark the terms “Robotaxi” and “Cybercab”, dealing a blow to the company’s highly anticipated autonomous ride-hailing plans ahead of a planned June 2025 launch.

Tesla hits trademark roadblocks for ‘Robotaxi’ and ‘Cybercab’ ahead of planned June launch

Tesla’s plans for its summer ride-hailing launch face hurdles as the USPTO rejects its ‘Robotaxi’ trademark for being too generic, while ‘Cybercab’ applications are also delayed.

Tesco is fighting back against Amazon with its first “just walk out” store, where it is possible to buy groceries without having to scan items or visit a till.

Fire and rehire: the risks and alternatives

Fire and rehire, also known as dismissal and re-engagement, is a practice that’s been around in the business world for a long time.

Gender pay gap reporting for large employers was introduced in 2017. The Government’s view is that this has improved transparency and provided employers with important information about how to address inequalities.

Ethnicity and disability pay gap reporting: What employers need to know

Gender pay gap reporting for large employers was introduced in 2017. The Government’s view is that this has improved transparency and provided employers with important information about how to address inequalities.

A landmark tribunal ruling could provide major inheritance tax relief for families who engaged in historic ‘home loan’ schemes, potentially saving them six-figure sums in tax bills, according to national law firm Clarke Willmott LLP.

Landmark inheritance tax ruling could save families six-figure sums

A landmark tribunal ruling could save UK families six-figure sums in inheritance tax by overturning HMRC’s challenge to historic ‘home loan’ tax schemes. Find out what it means for estates and future tax planning.

Barings Law, a leading Manchester-based firm, has won a pivotal High Court appeal that could allow thousands of consumers to obtain swifter justice in motor finance commission claims.

High Court overturns ruling in landmark judgement, clearing way for thousands of motor finance claims

Barings Law, a leading Manchester-based firm, has won a pivotal High Court appeal that could allow thousands of consumers to obtain swifter justice in motor finance commission claims.

Neonatal

New Right to Neonatal Care Leave: What Businesses Need to Know

From 6 April 2025, businesses must prepare for a significant new workplace entitlement—neonatal care leave. Currently, 1 in 7 babies in the UK requires neonatal care due to premature birth, low birth weight, or complications.

High Court to rule on whether a debt buyer owned by Elliott management can collect on personal guarantees sold by funding circle, raising key legal questions.

Court to decide if Elliott-owned firm can enforce Funding Circle debts

High Court to rule on whether a debt buyer owned by Elliott management can collect on personal guarantees sold by funding circle, raising key legal questions.

The new year is an excellent opportunity for businesses to review their finances and plan effectively for the months ahead.

Looking ahead to 2025: Increased costs for employers     

The new year is an excellent opportunity for businesses to review their finances and plan effectively for the months ahead.

HMRC is set to receive income details from online platforms like eBay and Vinted, but tax experts warn that mismatched reporting periods could catch UK sellers off guard.

New tax checks on side hustles like eBay and Vinted risk confusion over different reporting periods

HMRC is set to receive income details from online platforms like eBay and Vinted, but tax experts warn that mismatched reporting periods could catch UK sellers off guard.

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Made in Britain

As the Labour Party Conference kicks off this weekend, Made in Britain, a trade association that unites domestic manufacturers through the official Made in Britain Trademark, has issued a cross-party call for MPs to actively support local manufacturers.

Made in Britain applications surge following Trump tariffs as businesses embrace UK-made goods

The UK’s leading manufacturing trade organisation, Made in Britain, has reported a 20% surge in membership applications in the wake of President Trump’s sweeping new tariffs on imported goods, as interest in “buying British” grows among businesses and consumers alike.

Made in Britain, the not-for-profit organisation behind the official trademark for UK manufacturing, has forged a new partnership with Lincoln-based digital marketing agency Carrington.

Made in Britain teams up with Carrington to drive UK manufacturing growth

Made in Britain, the official trademark for UK manufacturers, has appointed digital marketing agency Carrington to boost visibility for 2,100+ members, championing British-made products and sustainable growth.

A centuries-old craft at the heart of British manufacturing is under mounting pressure to navigate complex global trading obstacles, as fresh data reveals that 80% of UK-produced saddles are shipped overseas—particularly to the USA, Europe and Australia.

Incredible British craftsmanship in demand as 80% of UK-made saddles sold worldwide despite export hurdles

A centuries-old craft at the heart of British manufacturing is under mounting pressure to navigate complex global trading obstacles, as fresh data reveals that 80% of UK-produced saddles are shipped overseas—particularly to the USA, Europe and Australia.

Roach Bridge Tissues, a specialised printer and converter of wrapping tissue paper, serves the retail POS and e-commerce markets with a diverse clientele that includes designer apparel, footwear, cut glass, pottery, wine bottle wrapping, interleaving for sheet metals, optical lenses, and home removals packaging.

Secrets of Success: Insights from Camilla Hadcock, Director of Roach Bridge Tissues

Roach Bridge Tissues, a specialised printer and converter of wrapping tissue paper, serves the retail POS and e-commerce markets with a diverse clientele that includes designer apparel, footwear, cut glass, pottery, wine bottle wrapping, interleaving for sheet metals, optical lenses, and home removals packaging.

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Opinion

As part of upcoming changes to the UK government’s employment bill, agency workers look set to be included in a ban on so-called “exploitative” zero-hours contracts.

Expert View: Simply Contact’s John Cole On the Strategic Rise of Nearshore BPO

The Power of No: Why, When and How to Say It

US trade deal is not a win for UK automotive industry

Technology

Tesla has encountered legal headwinds in its push to trademark the terms “Robotaxi” and “Cybercab”, dealing a blow to the company’s highly anticipated autonomous ride-hailing plans ahead of a planned June 2025 launch.

Tesla hits trademark roadblocks for ‘Robotaxi’ and ‘Cybercab’ ahead of planned June launch

Blockchain technology is transforming industries like healthcare, e-commerce, finance, and supply chain management. With the blockchain market expected to surpass $68 billion by 2026, businesses are increasingly turning to Blockchain Protocol Development to optimize operations and enhance security.

Endpoint Security Management, SecOps Operations, and PKI

Duolingo is set to phase out its use of contract content creators and increase its reliance on artificial intelligence as part of a major strategic shift to become an “AI-first” company, according to a message from co-founder and CEO Luis von Ahn.

Duolingo to replace contract workers with AI in major shift to ‘AI-first’ strategy

Business

In an effort to help its most vulnerable gamblers, the UK Gambling Commission introduced the GamStop self-exclusion scheme in 2018.

How Video Games Are Being Used in Education and Training

This article explores the rising role of video games in classrooms and professional settings. Discover how educators and trainers harness gaming to foster key skills and engagement.

Business Champion Awards

Business Champion Awards | Finalists at Awards Awards 2023 | Cherry Martin

Business Champion Awards is a finalist in the Awards Awards 2023

Two years of rewarding SMEs across the country and The Business Champion Awards are finalists themselves

UK's leading SME magazine

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