Ofcom launches an investigation into TikTok’s child age checks, casting doubt on age inference tech. Why the clampdown matters for UK platform owners.
Category: News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
British Steel nationalised as ministers refuse to let it go bust
British Steel nationalisation secures 2,700 Scunthorpe jobs and the UK’s last virgin steel supply. What public ownership means for SME supply chains.
Stonegate faces £16m fine threat over treatment of pub tenants
The Pubs Code Adjudicator is investigating Stonegate over its treatment of tied pub tenants, with fines of up to £16m possible. What tenants should know.
Economy grows 0.1% as Burnham inherits ‘stagflationary’ Britain
UK GDP grew 0.1% in May 2026 as services rebounded. Andy Burnham inherits a stagflationary economy: what slowing growth now means for UK SME owners.
SpaceX slips below IPO price as UK investors’ £271m bet turns sour
SpaceX shares have fallen below their $135 IPO price for the first time, leaving UK retail investors who spent £271m in the float nursing paper losses.
Scrap the triple lock and save £60bn, Burnham told
OECD tells Andy Burnham scrapping the pension triple lock would save £60bn, urging broader taxes and deeper devolution. What it means for UK SMEs.
West Northants streets to gain 3,000 EV charging sockets in £2.85m rollout
West Northamptonshire will install over 3,000 on-street EV charging sockets via lamp posts under the LEVI fund. What the rollout means for local firms.
Stripe and Advent swoop on PayPal with $53bn takeover bid
Stripe and Advent International have made a $53bn takeover bid for PayPal. What the deal could mean for the fees and payment tools UK SMEs rely on.
Half of London firms fear policy will worsen growth, LCCI warns
Mansion House speech 2026: LCCI welcomes SME finance boost but 49% of London firms fear policy will worsen growth. What Reeves’ plans mean for SMEs.
Late payments fall to lowest level on record as landmark bill looms
New official data shows large firms paid just 15% of invoices late in 2025, down from 25% in 2018, as the UK’s late payments crackdown gathers pace.
$300 a kilo: space cargo costs falling faster than steam ever did
Space launch costs are falling faster than steamship freight in the 1800s and could hit $300 a kilo by 2040. What the space economy means for UK firms.
Festivals get longer licences and red tape cut in £45m music plan
The government’s new UK music plan promises festival licensing reform and a £45m growth fund. What Turn It Up means for venues, clubs and small firms.
Scrap green levies to cut energy bills by a fifth, Burnham told
Business energy costs must be Andy Burnham’s day-one priority, say CBI and Energy UK, with green levy cuts worth a fifth off bills and a £130bn boost.
Scrap National Insurance and the 45p rate, think tank tells Burnham
Policy Exchange urges Andy Burnham to abolish national insurance, stamp duty, inheritance tax and the 45p rate. What the plan would mean for UK SME owners.
Monzo founder Blomfield joins Anthropic as AI talent war escalates
Monzo founder Tom Blomfield has joined Anthropic’s compute team, the latest coup in the AI talent war. What his move signals for UK founders and SMEs.
