The Bank of England has reduced its base rate to 4.5 per cent — the third such cut in six months — as policymakers seek to shore up Britain’s weakening economy.
Category: News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
Bank of England poised for interest rate cut amid slowdown concerns
The Bank of England is expected to lower its key interest rate later today, moving from 4.75% to 4.5%, in a bid to counter the UK’s sluggish economic performance.
Estée Lauder to axe up to 7,000 jobs as global sales decline
Estée Lauder is set to shed up to 7,000 jobs amid sliding sales and uncertainty over President Trump’s new tariffs.
US Postal Service restarts China deliveries as Trump tightens import tax rules
The US Postal Service restarts China parcel deliveries as President Trump’s new tariff rules take effect.
Delay to new sign language GCSE branded ‘a disgrace’ by deaf community
The long-awaited British Sign Language GCSE faces delays beyond 2025, sparking frustration among deaf advocates and families.
UK retailers call on government to end China’s tax-free advantage
British retailers are urging the UK to close a “de minimis” tax loophole benefiting Chinese giants like Shein. Discover how calls to end duty-free imports could shake up the industry and protect the high street.
Lloyds braced for £1bn tax clash in Ireland losses row
Lloyds faces a £1bn tax demand over Irish loan losses following a tribunal ruling.
BT scraps diversity targets from managers’ bonuses
BT drops diversity metrics from manager bonuses while Google and other US firms also scale back DEI targets.
US Postal Service halts china parcels following new Trump trade measures
Discover why the US Postal Service has halted parcels from China and Hong Kong, how new US tariffs are shaking up global trade, and what it means for retailers.
Citigroup bucks ‘return to office’ trend by committing to hybrid working
Citigroup is holding firm on its hybrid working policy, offering two remote days each week for most employees, even as other banks and businesses push for a full office return.
British Virgin Islands accused of ‘shameful’ bid to sidestep financial crime crackdown
The British Virgin Islands’ draft proposals on financial transparency face fierce UK backlash, prompting accusations of shielding illegal funds and risking a constitutional showdown.
Santander UK staff brace for fresh job cuts after profits tumble 38%
Santander UK faces more job cuts after a 38% fall in full-year profits, amid mounting regulatory pressures, a costly motor finance scandal, and speculation over a possible sale of its British arm.
EU set to tighten customs checks for online retailers in crackdown on unsafe goods
Online platforms including China’s Shein and Temu are braced for tougher customs controls after the European Commission vowed to stem the influx of what it calls “dangerous products” into EU markets.
Grocery inflation eases as supermarkets ramp up promotions for savvy shoppers
UK grocery inflation dropped to 3.3% in January, its first dip in six months, as supermarkets upped promotions to attract budget-focused shoppers, Kantar data reveals.
Court to decide if Elliott-owned firm can enforce Funding Circle debts
High Court to rule on whether a debt buyer owned by Elliott management can collect on personal guarantees sold by funding circle, raising key legal questions.
