The UK economy unexpectedly shrank by 0.1 per cent in October, marking its second consecutive monthly decline, according to official data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Category: News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
10,000 small business leaders enrol in government-backed management training scheme
More than 10,000 people running small businesses have enrolled in the Help to Grow: Management programme, a government-subsidised training initiative designed to enhance leadership and boost productivity.
UAE buys Mclaren’s automotive business following record losses
Discover how Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund has taken over McLaren’s automotive arm as the British supercar maker faces record losses, ongoing financial strains, and a push towards electrification.
Rent rises slow, offering hope to beleaguered tenants
Discover why UK rent increases are easing for the first time in years, what this means for tenants facing rising costs, and how housing shortages and policy changes may affect the future rental market.
McWin Capital eyes Gail’s in bid to pre-empt £500m auction
Discover why McWin Capital Partners may acquire Gail’s bakery chain before a planned auction, potentially valuing the fast-growing British brand at up to £500 million.
Farmers descend on Westminster amid inheritance tax row as Starmer faces MPs’ questions
Hundreds of farmers gathered in Westminster today, chanting “no farmers, no food” outside Downing Street, as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faced tough questioning in the Commons over proposed changes to inheritance tax.
Christmas rail travel at risk as staff shortages and strikes loom
Travel plans over the festive season are under threat as the UK’s rail minister warns of staff shortages and fresh strike action by Avanti West Coast train managers.
Energy bills likely to inch higher from April as gas costs climb again
Rising wholesale gas prices and network charges could push UK household energy bills to £1,762 under April’s price cap, piling more pressure on consumers amid volatile global markets.
Pound hits 20-month high against Euro as ECB rate cuts loom
Sterling strengthened to its highest level against the euro in nearly two years on Tuesday, climbing by 0.3 per cent to reach €1.21.
HMRC under fire as thousands of ‘bogus’ Chinese companies exploit lax rules to dodge VAT
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has come under renewed scrutiny for what critics describe as a failure to clamp down on widespread tax evasion by thousands of Chinese “burner” companies.
Vodafone faces £120 million franchisee legal battle over alleged ‘bad faith’ business practices
61 current and former Vodafone franchisees are suing the telecoms giant for more than £120 million, alleging contract breaches, commission cuts, and harsh penalties that pushed some to financial and emotional breaking point.
Ashtead to shift primary listing stateside, dealing fresh blow to London’s market allure
In a significant setback for the London Stock Exchange’s global standing, Ashtead, one of Britain’s largest equipment hire groups, has announced plans to shift its primary listing to the United States.
Thames Water risks running dry by spring 2025 without £3bn cash lifeline
Thames Water, Britain’s largest water supplier, has warned it will exhaust its cash reserves by March 2025 if it fails to secure urgent court approval for a £3 billion financial rescue package.
Thousands of UK jobs at risk as uncertainty grows over vital helicopter contract
Fears are mounting for the future of a West Country helicopter factory and its 3,000-strong workforce as the government drags its heels on a much-anticipated £1 billion defence contract.
Starmer pushes for Gulf trade deal to revive UK’s pro-business reputation
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has travelled to Saudi Arabia amid hopes of securing a long-awaited free trade deal with the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC), a move that could restore the UK’s bruised pro-business reputation.
