Marston’s pub chain reports strong first-half profits driven by food and drink sales, anticipates a profitable summer with major sporting events including the Euros.
Category: News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
UK Unemployment Hits 12-Month High as Job Vacancies Decline
UK unemployment rises to 4.3%, the highest in nearly a year, as job vacancies decrease. The ONS reports signs of a cooling job market, with wage growth continuing to outpace inflation.
Heathrow Urges Government to Reinstate VAT-Free Shopping to Boost UK Aviation Competitiveness
Heathrow Airport criticizes the UK government for hindering the global competitiveness of the aviation industry by withholding VAT-free shopping privileges for foreign visitors.
JPMorgan Chase Invests £40M to Empower Britain’s Disadvantaged Communities
JPMorgan Chase pledges £40 million in philanthropic investments over five years to enhance access to job opportunities and support financially struggling individuals in the UK.
Former Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi Appointed Chairman of The Very Group by Barclay Family
Nadhim Zahawi, former UK Chancellor, has been selected by the billionaire Barclay family to chair The Very Group, succeeding Aidan Barclay in this key role.
New homes built in the UK in 2024 plunges by fifth in blow to government house building targets
The UK’s housing construction sector faced a significant setback in Q1 2024, with a sharp drop in new home builds attributed to factors like high interest rates and adverse weather conditions.
MPs propose levy on arena concert tickets to raise funds for struggling small venues
MPs are proposing a ticket levy on concerts held at UK arenas and stadiums to support struggling grassroots music venues.
John Lewis cut 3,500 jobs last year while hiring new chief on £1.2m pay deal
The John Lewis Partnership (JLP) underwent significant restructuring last year, resulting in the reduction of 3,500 jobs amidst efforts to streamline operations and save costs.
British tech firm Raspberry Pi set for £500m float
Raspberry Pi, the Cambridge-based computer business known for its low-cost, credit-card-sized computers, is finalizing plans to float on the stock market this month, potentially valuing the company at up to £500 million.
British Steel nearing multibillion-pound taxpayer rescue
British Steel, owned by Jingye, is nearing a rescue deal with the UK government that could unlock hundreds of millions of pounds in taxpayer aid.
Shein turns its back on New York steaming ahead with £53bn London listing plan
Shein, the Chinese-founded online fast-fashion retailer, is reportedly accelerating its plans for a record-breaking £53 billion float in London.
BA owner IAG boosts staff by 1,700 to meet summer demand surge
British Airways has created 1,700 jobs as it gears up for a summer boom allowing its parent company IAG to match last year’s operating profit bonanza of €3.5 billion.
Bank of England expects inflation to fall faster than previously predicted
The Bank of England now anticipates that inflation will decline more rapidly than previously forecasted, dropping below the central bank’s 2 per cent target for a sustained period.
Used car darling Cazoo on brink of insolvency
Cazoo, the used-car business founded by Alex Chesterman, is facing the possibility of administration as it struggles to secure emergency funding to address its significant losses.
UK economy exits recession with fastest pace of expansion in two years of 0.6%
The UK economy has rebounded from a short-lived recession, posting a growth of 0.6% in the first quarter of 2024, marking its fastest pace of expansion in two years.