Business Matters - The UKs largest Business Magazine
23 Must Read Articles
  • News
  • Advice
  • Finance
  • Legal
  • Opinion
  • In Business
  • Technology
  • Get Funded
  • Profiles

Latest News:

  • CBI launches Defence & Economic Growth Taskforce to align investment with national prosperity
  • UK office vacancy rate falls for first time since 2020 as firms rethink remote working
  • British Steel scraps redundancy plans after government intervention saves Scunthorpe site
  • UK borrowing overshoots forecast by £15bn, fuelling pressure on Reeves ahead of autumn budget
  • Government shelves slot machine reforms as concern grows over gambling harm
  • Reeves heads to Washington to champion free trade amid Trump tariff tensions
  • UK government accused of ‘sabotaging’ tourism as international visitor spending falls £2bn
  • Fiscal drag to push 8.3 million more Britons into higher tax brackets by 2030
  • TUC chief defends workers’ rights bill and dismisses business cost concerns
  • Pound hits seven-month high and gold surges past $3,500 as weak dollar and Trump-Fed row shake markets
The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has launched a new Defence & Economic Growth Taskforce aimed at unlocking the potential of the UK’s defence sector to drive long-term national growth, innovation, and economic resilience.

CBI launches Defence & Economic Growth Taskforce to align investment with national prosperity

The CBI has launched a Defence & Economic Growth Taskforce with government and industry leaders to unlock UK growth through strategic investment in the defence sector.

Made Smarter, the Government-backed programme helping manufacturers embrace digital technologies, has launched a new £1 million funding round aimed at accelerating digital transformation across the North West’s manufacturing sector.

Made Smarter launches £1M fund to drive digital adoption in North West manufacturing

Made Smarter unveils a £1M funding round for SME manufacturers in the North West, offering grants and expert support to boost digital transformation and productivity.

UK office vacancy rate falls for the first time since the pandemic began, signalling renewed demand for prime workspace as firms reverse remote working trends.

UK office vacancy rate falls for first time since 2020 as firms rethink remote working

UK office vacancy rate falls for the first time since the pandemic began, signalling renewed demand for prime workspace as firms reverse remote working trends.

British Steel has officially withdrawn plans to make up to 2,700 workers at its Scunthorpe plant redundant, following an emergency intervention by the UK government earlier this month that secured the company’s immediate future.

British Steel scraps redundancy plans after government intervention saves Scunthorpe site

British Steel halts plans for up to 2,700 redundancies at its Scunthorpe plant after emergency government intervention secures operations and raw material supply.

UK government borrowing hit £151.9bn—£14.6bn above forecast—piling pressure on chancellor Rachel Reeves to raise taxes or cut spending to meet her fiscal rules.

UK borrowing overshoots forecast by £15bn, fuelling pressure on Reeves ahead of autumn budget

UK government borrowing hit £151.9bn—£14.6bn above forecast—piling pressure on chancellor Rachel Reeves to raise taxes or cut spending to meet her fiscal rules.

The UK government has paused plans to relax rules on high-stakes slot machines in adult gaming centres, citing concerns for vulnerable customers. Industry backlash and regulatory scrutiny follow.

Government shelves slot machine reforms as concern grows over gambling harm

The UK government has paused plans to relax rules on high-stakes slot machines in adult gaming centres, citing concerns for vulnerable customers. Industry backlash and regulatory scrutiny follow.

Richard Alvin argues that Aaron Sorkin is our generation’s Shakespeare – swapping swords for Senate hearings, and soliloquies for Senate smacks. And yes, he can handle the truth.

Sorkin is the new Shakespeare — only with better suits and fewer dead kings

Richard Alvin argues that Aaron Sorkin is our generation’s Shakespeare – swapping swords for Senate hearings, and soliloquies for Senate smacks. And yes, he can handle the truth.

More than half of global web traffic now comes from mobile devices. People expect websites to load fast, look good on smaller screens, and function without issues.

Why Mobile Optimisation and a Smooth User Experience Are Essential for Business Growth

More than half of global web traffic now comes from mobile devices. People expect websites to load fast, look good on smaller screens, and function without issues.

In the competitive landscape of healthcare diagnostics, MAKO Medical has emerged as a notable success story in North Carolina's capital.

Chad Price’s Veteran Hiring Program at MAKO Medical: A Model for Healthcare Employment in Raleigh, North Carolina

In the competitive landscape of healthcare diagnostics, MAKO Medical has emerged as a notable success story in North Carolina’s capital.

  1. CBI launches Defence & Economic Growth Taskforce to align investment with national prosperity
  2. Made Smarter launches £1M fund to drive digital adoption in North West manufacturing
  3. UK office vacancy rate falls for first time since 2020 as firms rethink remote working
  4. British Steel scraps redundancy plans after government intervention saves Scunthorpe site
  5. UK borrowing overshoots forecast by £15bn, fuelling pressure on Reeves ahead of autumn budget
  6. Government shelves slot machine reforms as concern grows over gambling harm
  7. Sorkin is the new Shakespeare — only with better suits and fewer dead kings
  8. Why Mobile Optimisation and a Smooth User Experience Are Essential for Business Growth
  9. Chad Price’s Veteran Hiring Program at MAKO Medical: A Model for Healthcare Employment in Raleigh, North Carolina

Latest News…

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has launched a new Defence & Economic Growth Taskforce aimed at unlocking the potential of the UK’s defence sector to drive long-term national growth, innovation, and economic resilience.

CBI launches Defence & Economic Growth Taskforce to align investment with national prosperity

The CBI has launched a Defence & Economic Growth Taskforce with government and industry leaders to unlock UK growth through strategic investment in the defence sector.

UK office vacancy rate falls for the first time since the pandemic began, signalling renewed demand for prime workspace as firms reverse remote working trends.

UK office vacancy rate falls for first time since 2020 as firms rethink remote working

UK office vacancy rate falls for the first time since the pandemic began, signalling renewed demand for prime workspace as firms reverse remote working trends.

British Steel has officially withdrawn plans to make up to 2,700 workers at its Scunthorpe plant redundant, following an emergency intervention by the UK government earlier this month that secured the company’s immediate future.

British Steel scraps redundancy plans after government intervention saves Scunthorpe site

British Steel halts plans for up to 2,700 redundancies at its Scunthorpe plant after emergency government intervention secures operations and raw material supply.

UK government borrowing hit £151.9bn—£14.6bn above forecast—piling pressure on chancellor Rachel Reeves to raise taxes or cut spending to meet her fiscal rules.

UK borrowing overshoots forecast by £15bn, fuelling pressure on Reeves ahead of autumn budget

UK government borrowing hit £151.9bn—£14.6bn above forecast—piling pressure on chancellor Rachel Reeves to raise taxes or cut spending to meet her fiscal rules.

The UK government has paused plans to relax rules on high-stakes slot machines in adult gaming centres, citing concerns for vulnerable customers. Industry backlash and regulatory scrutiny follow.

Government shelves slot machine reforms as concern grows over gambling harm

The UK government has paused plans to relax rules on high-stakes slot machines in adult gaming centres, citing concerns for vulnerable customers. Industry backlash and regulatory scrutiny follow.

Rachel Reeves is under pressure to ramp up government spending on research and development (R&D) to £30 billion by the end of the decade, as business leaders warn that the UK risks falling behind global innovation powerhouses.

Reeves heads to Washington to champion free trade amid Trump tariff tensions

UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves will attend IMF talks in Washington to push for free global trade and urge the US to lift tariffs on British exports amid rising economic uncertainty and global market turmoil.

The UK government has been accused of “sabotaging” its own tourism industry after new figures revealed that international visitor spending fell by more than £2 billion in 2024 compared to pre-pandemic levels, despite a global recovery in travel.

UK government accused of ‘sabotaging’ tourism as international visitor spending falls £2bn

The UK government has been accused of “sabotaging” its own tourism industry after new figures revealed that international visitor spending fell by more than £2 billion in 2024 compared to pre-pandemic levels, despite a global recovery in travel.

More than eight million people will find themselves paying higher rates of income tax by the end of the decade due to the long-term freezing of tax thresholds, according to the UK’s official forecaster.

Fiscal drag to push 8.3 million more Britons into higher tax brackets by 2030

OBR warns 8.3 million people will pay more tax by 2029-30 due to frozen thresholds, as fiscal drag quietly raises the UK’s tax burden to its highest level since WWII.

TUC’s Paul Nowak defends the Employment Rights Bill, dismissing claims it will damage economic growth. He says better job protections are vital to ending low-paid, insecure work in the UK.

TUC chief defends workers’ rights bill and dismisses business cost concerns

TUC’s Paul Nowak defends the Employment Rights Bill, dismissing claims it will damage economic growth. He says better job protections are vital to ending low-paid, insecure work in the UK.

Previous Next

Business

Made Smarter, the Government-backed programme helping manufacturers embrace digital technologies, has launched a new £1 million funding round aimed at accelerating digital transformation across the North West’s manufacturing sector.

Made Smarter launches £1M fund to drive digital adoption in North West manufacturing

Made Smarter unveils a £1M funding round for SME manufacturers in the North West, offering grants and expert support to boost digital transformation and productivity.

Small and local businesses across the UK are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence (AI) tools to boost productivity and efficiency, according to new research that highlights the technology’s growing appeal for time-poor entrepreneurs.

Small businesses embrace AI for quick productivity wins, study finds

New research reveals UK small businesses are using AI to boost efficiency, with productivity gains of up to 133%. From marketing help to rota planning, AI is proving to be a powerful tool for SMEs.

UK charity shops are expanding online to compete with second-hand apps like Vinted and Depop, as high street sales decline due to rising costs and fast-fashion donations. Discover how leading charities are adapting.

Charity shops go digital to compete with booming second-hand fashion apps

UK charity shops are expanding online to compete with second-hand apps like Vinted and Depop, as high street sales decline due to rising costs and fast-fashion donations. Discover how leading charities are adapting.

The City of London’s financial services sector experienced a modest hiring rebound in the first quarter of 2025, according to Morgan McKinley’s latest London Employment Monitor.

London finance sector sees seasonal hiring boost, but Trump tariffs and global instability cloud outlook

The City of London’s financial services sector experienced a modest hiring rebound in the first quarter of 2025, according to Morgan McKinley’s latest London Employment Monitor.

Veterans bring leadership, loyalty and problem-solving skills to UK firms, says a new OVA study. Discover why hiring ex-military staff is a smart move for businesses.

Why hiring veterans makes business sense

Veterans bring leadership, loyalty and problem-solving skills to UK firms, says a new OVA study. Discover why hiring ex-military staff is a smart move for businesses.

Sales of English wine see dizzying increase

Hull tipped to become new Bordeaux as climate change reshapes Europe’s wine map

A new report predicts Hull could support cabernet sauvignon by 2100, as climate change pushes wine production north, with Yorkshire set to rival Bordeaux in the future of fine wine.

Labour has been cautioned that its plan to restrict zero-hours contracts could lead to economically damaging "unintended consequences" for businesses, particularly in the hospitality and leisure sectors.

Retail, hospitality and leisure sectors face fresh uncertainty amid Trump tariff chaos

Despite a 90-day pause in US tariffs, UK retail, hospitality and leisure sectors continue to face rising costs, disrupted supply chains and uncertainty, warns Clarke Willmott’s Amanda French.

Profiled…

Jeremy Clarkson’s ambitions for his premium beer brand, Hawkstone, are anything but modest. What began as a local collaboration using barley from his Diddly Squat farm is now Britain’s fastest-growing privately owned brewery — and it’s just getting started.

Jeremy Clarkson’s Hawkstone beer taps into global growth ambitions

Hawkstone, Jeremy Clarkson’s premium craft beer brand, is expanding fast with ambitions to go global. Backed by Heineken and British-grown barley, the brand now sells in 500 UK pubs.

Technology entrepreneur Tom Adeyoola has been named as the government’s preferred candidate to head Innovate UK, the country’s £1.1 billion-a-year innovation agency, at a pivotal moment for the organisation.

Tech entrepreneur Tom Adeyoola to lead £1.1bn Innovate UK amid funding review

Tom Adeyoola named preferred candidate to lead Innovate UK as the £1.1bn innovation agency faces scrutiny and potential budget cuts in government spending review.

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

Channel 4’s chief executive, Alex Mahon, has warned that artificial intelligence companies are “scraping the value” from the UK’s £125 billion creative industries, and called on the government to impose stricter copyright protections to safeguard the sector’s future.

Channel 4 boss warns AI firms are ‘scraping the value’ from UK’s £125bn creative industries

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

Get Funded

Made Smarter, the Government-backed programme helping manufacturers embrace digital technologies, has launched a new £1 million funding round aimed at accelerating digital transformation across the North West’s manufacturing sector.

Made Smarter launches £1M fund to drive digital adoption in North West manufacturing

Made Smarter unveils a £1M funding round for SME manufacturers in the North West, offering grants and expert support to boost digital transformation and productivity.

Manychat raises $140 million in funding led by Summit Partners to expand globally and enhance its AI-driven customer engagement platform used by over a million businesses worldwide.

Manychat secures $140m to scale AI-powered customer engagement across social platforms

Manychat raises $140 million in funding led by Summit Partners to expand globally and enhance its AI-driven customer engagement platform used by over a million businesses worldwide.

Fuel Ventures has led a £3 million investment round in 51toCarbonZero, a fast-growing climate-tech platform helping businesses transition to net zero while driving operational performance.

Fuel Ventures backs £3m investment in 51toCarbonZero to drive global expansion

Fuel Ventures leads £3 million investment in climate-tech firm 51toCarbonZero to expand its AI-driven platform and support international growth across the UK, Europe and the US.

Strava has acquired UK-based coaching app Runna in a multimillion-pound deal, delivering a major payday for its founders and boosting Strava’s fast-growing running community.

Strava acquires UK running app Runna in multimillion-pound deal

Strava has acquired UK-based coaching app Runna in a multimillion-pound deal, delivering a major payday for its founders and boosting Strava’s fast-growing running community.

A fast-growing talent platform already working with global brands such as Louis Vuitton, Virgin Group, and WHSmith has raised £3.65 million in seed funding to scale its recruitment solution for the next generation.

Vizzy raises £3.65m to reinvent the CV for a new generation of talent

Talent platform Vizzy, used by Louis Vuitton, Virgin Group, and WHSmith, secures £3.65m seed funding to transform CVs for digital natives and revolutionise early careers recruitment.

Coventry-based FinTech innovator Inicio AI has secured £2.6 million in seed funding to scale its AI-driven affordability assessment platform, in a move that could reshape how organisations evaluate financial wellbeing.

Inicio AI secures £2.6m to transform affordability assessments after pitch win triumph

Coventry-based FinTech Inicio AI lands £2.6M seed funding to scale its AI-powered affordability solution, following victory at Birmingham Tech Week’s OneToWin competition.

Booked it, a fast-growing technology provider specialising in advanced booking, CRM, marketing and loyalty solutions, has secured a £2.5 million investment from Calculus Capital to accelerate its expansion plans.

Booked it secures £2.5m investment as it eyes £1bn in bookings

Booked it lands £2.5m from Calculus Capital to fuel expansion and hit £1bn in bookings. The tech firm powers advanced digital booking for social and entertainment venues.

AI workplace platform Dosen.io secures $2.3m in an oversubscribed pre-seed round to help companies combat ‘quiet quitting’ by aligning employee purpose with company goals.

Dosen.io raises $2.3 million in oversubscribed round to stop ‘quiet quitting’

AI workplace platform Dosen.io secures $2.3m in an oversubscribed pre-seed round to help companies combat ‘quiet quitting’ by aligning employee purpose with company goals.

Sipay, the rapidly scaling Turkish fintech specialising in embedded finance and payment solutions, has raised $78 million in a Series B funding round, pushing its valuation beyond $875 million.

Sipay, Europe’s fastest-growing fintech, raises $78m Series B, hitting $875m valuation

Turkey’s leading fintech Sipay has raised $78 million in a Series B round led by Elephant VC, reaching a valuation of over $875 million as it eyes international growth following rapid domestic success.

Previous Next

Legal

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.

Hundreds of current and former McDonald’s employees – some as young as 19 – have joined a legal action against the fast-food giant over allegations of bullying, sexual abuse and harassment across more than 450 UK outlets.

McDonald’s faces legal challenge from over 700 workers amid harassment claims

Over 700 McDonald’s workers have launched a legal case alleging bullying, racism, and sexual harassment at over 450 UK outlets. Discover how the fast-food giant is responding, the role of the EHRC, and why zero-hours contracts may exacerbate abuse concerns.

Previous Next

Made in Britain

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.

Almost six in ten of businesses prefer to buy UK-manufactured products over alternatives imported from other countries as ‘buy British’ sentiment rises 20% at businesses across the economy, according to nationwide research.

6 in 10 businesses prefer to buy UK-made products, new research finds

Almost six in ten of businesses prefer to buy UK-manufactured products over alternatives imported from other countries as ‘buy British’ sentiment rises 20% at businesses across the economy, according to nationwide research.

Previous Next

Receive the latest news daily direct to your inbox

* indicates required

Opinion

Richard Alvin argues that Aaron Sorkin is our generation’s Shakespeare – swapping swords for Senate hearings, and soliloquies for Senate smacks. And yes, he can handle the truth.

Sorkin is the new Shakespeare — only with better suits and fewer dead kings

The slow death of the fourth estate – and why George Clooney’s Broadway revival hits harder than he thinks

Rolls-Royce’s 1970s rescue offers a blueprint for British Steel’s survival

Technology

Google has agreed to pay US$700m and to allow for greater competition in its Play app store, according to the terms of an antitrust settlement with US states and consumers disclosed in a San Francisco federal court.

Google faces £5bn UK lawsuit over claims it shut out rivals and overcharged advertisers

Royal Mail is trialling a high-tech, solar-powered postbox equipped with a barcode scanner and a larger hatch designed to accept parcels — in what it calls the biggest transformation to postbox design in more than 175 years.

Royal Mail trials postbox with parcel hatch, solar panels and barcode scanner

US authors filed a lawsuit

Gerry Adams considers suing Meta over alleged use of his books to train AI

Business

More than half of global web traffic now comes from mobile devices. People expect websites to load fast, look good on smaller screens, and function without issues.

Why Mobile Optimisation and a Smooth User Experience Are Essential for Business Growth

More than half of global web traffic now comes from mobile devices. People expect websites to load fast, look good on smaller screens, and function without issues.

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

Capital Business Media
Forty Bank Street
London E14 5NR

Tel: 020 7148 3861

Home

  • > About us
  • > Business Matters Podcast
  • > Contact us
  • > Advertise with us
  • > Subscribe to our magazine
  • > Subscribe to our newsletters

More from the CBM Group

  • > Travelling For Business
  • > EV Powered
  • > Electric Home
  • > Property Portfolio Investor
Copyright © 2025 The Business Matters Brand Ltd - A Capital Business Media Company
  • Terms
  • Our Privacy Policy
  • Cookies
top