Ports across the UK and mainland Europe are becoming increasingly congested as the US-China trade war forces hundreds of vessels to divert or stall, causing widespread disruption in global shipping routes.
News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
Lotus to axe up to 270 UK jobs amid “volatile market conditions” and US tariffs
Lotus will cut up to 270 UK jobs as part of a business restructure driven by volatile global conditions and new US tariffs on its UK-built sports cars, including the Emira and Evija.
Parliament to be recalled over British Steel
Parliament will be recalled on Saturday for an urgent debate on British Steel’s Scunthorpe plant, with the government considering taking control of the business.
Gold price hits record high as trade war and weak dollar drive safe-haven demand
Gold hits a record $3,223.72 an ounce as investors seek safe-haven assets amid escalating US-China trade tensions, a weakening dollar, and rising bets on interest rate cuts
UK economy grows 0.5% in February, easing fears over Trump tariffs
The UK economy grew 0.5% in February, beating expectations and easing concerns over Trump’s tariffs. Broad-based growth in services and manufacturing helped drive the rebound, ONS data shows.
Jobseekers rise at fastest rate in five years as hiring slows and redundancies grow
The number of jobseekers rose at the fastest pace since 2020 in March, as redundancies increased and job vacancies fell, according to KPMG and REC. Permanent placements continue to decline.
Penny Mordaunt criticised for role as British American Tobacco adviser
Former cabinet minister Penny Mordaunt faces backlash from health campaigners after becoming an adviser to British American Tobacco, despite abstaining from key anti-smoking legislation.
Conservatives launch major business policy drive as party pledges to be ‘open for business’
Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith MP unveils bold new Conservative business strategy, calling on UK entrepreneurs and industry leaders to shape policy ahead of the next general election
Gas boiler fittings outnumbered heat pumps by 15 to one in UK last year
Gas boiler installations in the UK outpaced heat pump fittings by more than 15 to one last year, highlighting how far the country still has to go in meeting its clean energy targets.
Royal Mail trials postbox with parcel hatch, solar panels and barcode scanner
Royal Mail unveils a hi-tech postbox featuring solar panels, a parcel hatch and a barcode scanner in its first major redesign in 175 years, aimed at tapping into the booming secondhand parcel market.
Eric Cantona accuses Sir Jim Ratcliffe of trying to ‘destroy’ Manchester United
Manchester United legend Eric Cantona has accused Sir Jim Ratcliffe of “destroying” the club, criticising plans for a new stadium and claiming his offer to help was ignored.
Gerry Adams considers suing Meta over alleged use of his books to train AI
Gerry Adams is weighing legal action against Meta over claims his books were used without permission to train its AI. The former Sinn Féin leader joins growing backlash from authors.
Oil price sinks below $60 for first time since pandemic, before Trump climbdown sparks rebound
Oil prices fell below $60 for the first time since early 2021 amid trade war fears and surprise Opec+ output hikes, before rebounding after President Trump paused global tariffs.
Tesco warns that supermarket price war will eat into profits
Tesco has warned of lower profits in the year ahead as a price war grips the UK grocery sector. Britain’s largest supermarket expects profits of £2.7–£3bn, down from £3.1bn last year.
Tariff suspension ‘marks return to economic sense’, says Bank of France governor
Bank of France governor hails Trump’s tariff suspension as a return to economic sense but warns of ongoing unpredictability and protectionism. EU leaders urge unity ahead of trade talks.
