A proposed UK holiday tax could cost 33,000 jobs and reduce tourism spending by £1.8bn, with industry leaders warning it would harm growth and competitiveness.
Category: News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
Singapore wealth fund targets £1bn takeover of UK self-storage chain
Singapore’s Temasek, via CapitaLand, has agreed a £1bn deal for Access Self Storage, highlighting strong overseas demand for UK property assets.
Labour to allow 30m wind turbines at schools and hospitals in planning shake-up
Labour will allow 30m wind turbines at schools, hospitals and farms without planning permission, aiming to cut energy bills and boost UK renewables.
Luke Littler moves to trademark his face in bid to combat AI fakes
Darts champion Luke Littler applies to trademark his face to prevent AI deepfakes and counterfeit products, highlighting gaps in UK IP law.
Surge in UK borrowing limits scope for energy bill support as fiscal pressures mount
UK borrowing jumps to £14.3bn, raising concerns over limited government capacity to support households as energy bills rise amid Middle East tensions.
Record-breaking British Steel order secured in £746m UK–Nigeria ports deal
British Steel secures a record £70m order as part of a £746m UK-Nigeria ports deal, supporting UK jobs and boosting trade through major infrastructure investment.
HSBC could cut 20,000 jobs as AI reshapes global banking workforce
HSBC could cut up to 20,000 jobs globally as it embraces AI to streamline operations, signalling a major shift in banking workforce strategy.
Farmers launch High Court challenge over inheritance tax reforms amid consultation row
Farmers and business owners launch a High Court challenge against UK inheritance tax reforms, arguing the government failed to properly consult on major APR and BPR changes.
UK sets 50% domestic steel target as tariffs ramp up on imports
UK aims to produce 50% of its steel domestically as import quotas are cut and a 50% tariff introduced, sparking industry support and political criticism.
Nearly 400 firms fined as minimum wage breaches hit 60,000 workers
Nearly 400 UK employers fined £12.6m after underpaying 60,000 workers £7.3m, as minimum wage rates rise again in April 2026.
Greene King to sell 150 pubs as operator reshapes estate amid mounting cost pressures
Greene King plans to sell 150 pubs and convert another 150 as it adapts to rising costs, changing consumer behaviour and pressure across the UK hospitality sector.
Innovate UK pivots funding to back high-growth firms and future ‘industry giants’
Innovate UK will refocus its £1.1bn budget on high-potential startups, scaling back broad support to prioritise early-stage tech firms and drive UK economic growth.
Peter Jones Foundation and FRP relaunch national entrepreneur of the year competition for 2026
The Peter Jones Foundation and FRP relaunch the UK’s National Entrepreneur of the Year competition for 2026, offering young founders grants, mentorship and national exposure.
Rolls-Royce scraps 2030 all-electric target as demand softens
Rolls-Royce abandons its 2030 all-electric pledge, citing softer customer demand and changing regulations as luxury carmakers rethink EV strategies.
Government urged to act as £2.5bn Chelsea sale funds remain frozen
Pressure mounts on the UK government to release £2.5bn from Chelsea’s sale as ministers prepare legal action against Roman Abramovich over Ukraine war funds.
