Vodafone faces a landmark £85m High Court claim from franchisees alleging mistreatment, with MPs calling for tighter regulation of the UK franchise sector.
Category: News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
UK inflation holds at 3% ahead of expected post-war price surge
UK inflation remained at 3% in February, but rising oil prices from the Iran conflict are expected to push inflation higher later this year.
Blackrock chief warns $150 oil could trigger global recession
BlackRock CEO Larry Fink warns oil at $150 could trigger a global recession, as energy costs, inflation and geopolitical risks reshape the economic outlook.
UK factory costs surge at fastest rate since black wednesday amid energy shock
UK factory costs have risen at their fastest pace since 1992 as energy prices spike, with PMI data showing growth slowing sharply and inflation risks mounting.
Revolut posts record £1.7bn profit as it eyes UK credit card launch
Revolut reports record £1.7bn profit and plans UK credit card launch after securing banking licence, as customer growth passes 70 million globally.
Merlin writes down Madame Tussauds by £262m as visitor numbers fall
Merlin Entertainments takes a £262m writedown on Madame Tussauds as visitor numbers decline and the group pushes to reinvent the brand.
Mike Lynch estate faces wipeout after $1.24bn HPE damages ruling
Mike Lynch’s estate faces potential wipeout after a $1.24bn High Court damages ruling in favour of HPE over the Autonomy fraud case.
Government sets £7.4bn target to boost SME contracts across UK
The UK government will direct £7.4bn annually to small businesses by 2028, setting new departmental targets to boost SME growth and local economies.
Late-paying firms face multimillion-pound fines under new crackdown
Large UK companies face multimillion-pound fines for late payments under new laws, with a 60-day limit and stronger powers for the Small Business Commissioner.
US bans new foreign-made routers over national security fears
The US has banned new foreign-made consumer routers over security concerns, requiring approval for imports amid fears of cyberattacks and espionage.
Companies House disciplines over 100 staff amid compliance concerns
Companies House disciplined 132 staff over compliance breaches in three years, as thousands complete mandatory ethics and fraud training amid rising scrutiny.
Onlyfans owner Leonid Radvinsky dies aged 43
Leonid Radvinsky, billionaire owner of OnlyFans, has died aged 43 after cancer, following years of rapid growth and scrutiny of the platform.
HS2 speeds could be cut as government seeks to rein in spiralling costs
HS2 trains could run slower than planned as ministers explore cost-saving measures on the delayed £100bn rail project between London and Birmingham.
Danone to acquire Huel in €1bn deal as functional nutrition market heats up
Danone has agreed a €1bn takeover of UK nutrition brand Huel, delivering a major payday for founder Julian Hearn and celebrity investors including Idris Elba.
UK borrowing costs hit highest level since 2008 as markets reel from energy shock
UK borrowing costs surge to highest since 2008 as gilt yields hit 5%, driven by energy price spikes and inflation fears linked to Middle East conflict.
