Barclays research shows most UK firms face rising energy costs and disruption from the Middle East conflict, but confidence in their own prospects remains strong.
Category: In Business
Advice on growing your small and medium sized business, SME, in the UK. Hiring and managing staff and finance plus marketing all on one website
YouTube named world’s most influential brand as tech dominance grows
YouTube tops global influence rankings as tech giants dominate media impact, with AI brands rising and Elon Musk named most influential CEO.
Fuel price crisis risks pushing small firms to brink as pressure mounts on chancellor
Rising fuel prices risk pushing UK small businesses to collapse, with campaigners urging Rachel Reeves to cut fuel duty and reform pricing.
Iran war drives up costs and disrupts supply for London’s food markets
London food suppliers face rising costs and disrupted imports as the Iran war drives up fuel prices and strains global supply chains.
Octopus Investments to cut 20% of staff as AI reshapes asset management
Octopus Investments plans to cut around 20% of staff as it accelerates AI adoption, highlighting growing disruption across the asset management sector.
British start-up Comixit lands Disney deal to bring Mickey Mouse to mobile
UK start-up Comixit signs Disney deal to bring characters like Mickey Mouse and Frozen to mobile webtoon comics aimed at boosting children’s reading.
Octopus Energy sees 50% surge in solar demand as energy crisis deepens
Octopus Energy has seen a 50% surge in solar panel sales as rising oil and gas prices from the Iran conflict push households towards renewables.
ScottishPower secures £600m backing for major UK subsea power link
ScottishPower secures £600m from the National Wealth Fund for Eastern Green Link 4, a 2GW subsea cable boosting UK energy security and clean power capacity.
Imminent changes to Statutory Sick Pay: What employers need to know
In a recent Acas survey, employers and employees were asked which three changes in the Employment Rights Act 2025 would have the biggest impact in their workplace.
Tech trailblazers recognised at Salesforce Everywoman Awards
The Salesforce everywoman in Technology Awards 2026 celebrate outstanding women in tech, highlighting innovation, leadership and diversity across the sector.
UK pubs making just 3p profit per £1 as rising costs squeeze margins
UK pubs could make just 3p profit per £1 spent on a pint as rising wages, energy and beer duty squeeze margins and threaten closures.
Royal Mail staff allege pressure to hide undelivered post to meet targets
Royal Mail workers allege managers told them to hide undelivered post to meet targets, as MPs question the company over ongoing service failures.
Truro targets former Zipcar users with capital-light expansion in London
Turo is expanding in London targeting former Zipcar users with a capital-light peer-to-peer model, as traditional fleet-based car clubs struggle with rising costs.
SME lending rises to £17.5bn as small businesses drive AI-led growth across the UK
UK SME lending climbed to £17.5bn in 2025 as smaller firms drive AI adoption, though experts warn funding still falls short of what’s needed for long-term growth.
Uber commits up to $1.25bn to Rivian in major Robotaxi push
Uber will invest up to $1.25bn in Rivian to deploy 10,000 robotaxis globally, marking a major step in the race to scale autonomous ride-hailing.
