Jamie Young is Senior Reporter at Business Matters, covering SME finance, employment law and Westminster policy since 2016. He has reported on every Budget and Autumn Statement since 2018, helped make sense of the 'covid era' and the bounce-back loan scheme from launch through the fraud investigations, and broke the magazine's coverage of the 2024 late-payment reforms. He joined Business Matters straight from completing his BA in Administration from Exeter University and is NCTJ-qualified. Reach him at jyoung@cbmeg.co.uk
Optimism among UK SMEs continues to rise for the third consecutive year, with 69% feeling confident about the future. Businesses plan growth, investment, and AI adoption…
Middle-class homeowners are delaying kitchen renovations amid concerns of potential tax increases in the upcoming October Budget, impacting consumer confidence and kitchen retailers.
AI is driving unprecedented demand for data centres across the UK. As these facilities expand, they’re reshaping regional economies, creating jobs, and posing challenges for energy…
Labour is set to introduce new rules requiring companies to offer zero-hours staff a regular contract after three months, part of wider reforms to tackle "one-sided…
The Welsh Government is weighing the introduction of tax breaks to stem the tide of people leaving the country, particularly from rural areas, and to preserve…
Consumer confidence has plunged as concerns grow that Labour’s rhetoric is dampening economic optimism. With fears of tax rises and a painful Budget, households and businesses…
Next has warned that it may have to close stores after losing a significant legal battle over equal pay, which could cost the retailer over £30…
The pound hits a two-year high, reaching $1.33, after the Bank of England holds rates steady and signals gradual monetary loosening. Analysts predict further gains, though…
The UK’s borrowing bill once again exceeded expectations in August, adding pressure on Chancellor Rachel Reeves ahead of Labour’s first budget on 30 October.
Retail sales in the UK hit a two-year high in August, as shoppers spent more on food, summer clothing, and seasonal discounts, providing a boost to…
The UK government is set to introduce new measures aimed at tackling late payments by large firms to small businesses, an issue that contributes to the…
As the autumn budget looms, tax incentives and improved access to finance have emerged as key demands from UK SMEs, according to new research from Bibby…
The OECD has warned Chancellor Rachel Reeves of the need for significant fiscal reform to stabilise the UK's public finances, suggesting tax reforms, changes to pensions,…
Asda co-owner Mohsin Issa steps back from daily operations to focus on his role at EG Group, as the supermarket struggles with falling market share and…
New survey shows 36% of women believe they are paid less than men in their organisation, ahead of International Equal Pay Day on 18th September.