Land Securities reports an 18% increase in office occupancy, signalling a potential rise in commercial property values as employees return to the office and demand for premium office spaces grows.
Category: News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
Company Insolvencies Surge by Nearly 20% in April
UK company insolvencies surged by 18% in April, driven by rising debt, higher interest rates, and spending cuts. Construction sector hardest hit, while FRP Advisory benefits from the turmoil.
HMRC Seeks Another Bite in ‘Mega Marshmallow’ Tax Case
After losing twice in the long-running ‘mega marshmallows’ tax case, HMRC seeks permission to file another appeal, continuing its argument that the product should be standard rated for VAT.
Reddit Shares Surge Following OpenAI ChatGPT Partnership
Reddit shares soar over 10% after announcing a partnership with OpenAI, highlighting efforts to diversify income sources and integrate AI-powered features.
Jeremy Hunt Promises Further Tax Cuts and Criticises Labour’s Plans
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt promises tax cuts in the autumn, criticizes Labour’s financial plans, and aims to position the Conservatives as the party of tax reduction ahead of the next election.
More Than 6,000 UK Bank Branches Closed in Nine Years Amidst ‘Disastrous’ Impact
ver 6,000 UK bank branches have closed since 2015, with closures affecting local communities. Consumer group Which? calls for action to protect access to banking services.
Inflation ‘Turns UK into Nation of Savers,’ Reports Resolution Foundation
The Resolution Foundation reveals that inflation has led the UK to the highest savings rate in three decades, resulting in a £50 billion reduction in spending.
Relief for Homeowners as Major Lenders Reduce Mortgage Rates
Homeowners receive a financial boost as Barclays, HSBC, and TSB cut mortgage rates on over 100 deals, providing relief after weeks of rising costs.
Cost of British Lamb Soars Amid Rising Demand and Import Issues
The price of British lamb has reached record highs due to a combination of rising demand, import challenges, and adverse weather conditions. Morrisons drops its 100% British lamb pledge amid market pressures.
UK Could Finalise Gulf Trade Deal This Year, Says Deputy PM Dowden
Deputy PM Oliver Dowden expresses optimism about concluding a free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) by the end of the year, potentially boosting the UK economy.
Royal Mail Owner Ready to Accept Improved Offer from Daniel Kretinsky
International Distributions Services (IDS), owner of Royal Mail, is prepared to accept an improved £3.5 billion takeover bid from Czech tycoon Daniel Kretinsky, subject to government and shareholder approval.
Labour to launch ‘ambitious’ AI strategy to bolster technology credentials
Labour’s shadow science minister has said the party is planning to launch its strategy on artificial intelligence (AI) within the next couple of weeks, as it looks to bolster its technology policies ahead of the next general election.
40% of UK SME business owners plan to vote Labour in the General Election, research shows
New research of UK SME business owners shows that the Conservative Party is no longer the party of business.
UK Watchdog Urges Tech Industry to Embed Data Protection in AI Development, amid Rising Data Breaches
Over 3,000 cyber breaches were reported to the ICO, which regulates the collection and use of personal data over 2023
Brexit Border IT Outages Delay Import of Perishable Items to UK by Up to 20 Hours
UK businesses face significant delays importing perishable goods due to Brexit border IT outages, with lorries held for up to 20 hours and retailers rejecting some orders.