UK economy grows 0.7 per cent in third quarter as AI lifts output
UK GDP growth rose to 0.7 per cent between July and September, ONS figures show, as AI investment lifted output, though economists expect a slowdown.
Friday 13 November 2026
Financial advice for owners and managers of small and medium sized business SMEs in the UK All your tax, borrowing and administration advice
UK GDP growth rose to 0.7 per cent between July and September, ONS figures show, as AI investment lifted output, though economists expect a slowdown.
Official figures show 787,120 UK companies dissolved in the year to March 2026, with nearly half of recent closures made by the Registrar, not directors
Binance founder Changpeng Zhao says crypto hacks now run at three or four a day as AI tools help attackers, a week after a $6.3bn heist…
UK high-growth firms yet to raise follow-on funding could rise 76 per cent to about 13,900 by 2035, according to Barclays Eagle Labs and Beauhurst.
![The Bank of England has raised interest rates for the first time in three years, lifting Bank Rate to 4 per cent. The monetary policy committee voted eight to one for the quarter-point rise, with Catherine Mann backing 4.25 per cent. The Bank now expects inflation to peak at 4.9 per cent in the second quarter of 2027, and governor Andrew Bailey said a further rise may be needed unless there is real progress towards settling the Middle East conflict. Analysts at JPMorgan, Premier Miton and Schroders are divided on how far the new cycle will go. How is your business planning for higher borrowing costs? [ARTICLE URL] #BankOfEngland #InterestRates #UKBusiness](https://bmmagazine.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/shutterstock_2535698407-420x236.jpg)
Andrew Bailey says the first interest rate rise since 2023 may not be the last, as the Bank forecasts inflation will peak at 4.9 per cent…
Andy Burnham calls on Gordon Brothers to sit down with the government as a Poundland administration deadline nears, with up to 12,000 jobs at risk.
Business minister Kate Dearden will meet Poundland's leadership this week as the Poundland administration threat puts 12,000 jobs and 600 shops at risk.
Two finance trade bodies have warned that loan stacking threatens the financial resilience of UK businesses, as the FLA calls for industry action.
Andy Burnham says side hustle earners can make up to £3,000 tax free from 6 April 2027 after the Budget tripled the trading allowance from £1,000.
The Poundland administration filing gives the high street discounter 10 working days of protection from creditors, with around 12,000 jobs at risk.
Analysis of the higher small business rate relief threshold finds Birmingham has most premises set to stop paying rates, outer London the largest share.
Founders relief will reach just 400 firms a year on HMRC's own figures, as the Treasury's adviser quits saying ministers treat scale-ups as a sideshow.
![Chancellor John Healey today increased both the National Minimum Wage and the National Living Wage by 3.9 per cent, a rise covering 2.3 million of the lowest paid workers. The Budget also makes self-employed fathers and partners eligible for paid parental leave for the first time, raises the higher mileage rate from 25p to 35p per mile and funds a £100m local apprenticeship service. 365 Finance, Menzies and CV-Library warn the rise could weigh on hiring. Read the full report: [ARTICLE URL] How will the wage rise affect your recruitment plans? #Budget2026 #MinimumWage #Employers](https://bmmagazine.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Healey_Budget_Money-420x236.jpg)
Healey confirms a minimum wage rise of 3.9 per cent for 2.3m workers, plus paid parental leave for self-employed fathers and a higher mileage rate.
