Up to half of all lorries bringing goods into Britain are returning to Europe empty as British companies put off resuming exports to the Continent to avoid getting caught by new customs regulations.
Category: News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
Rishi Sunak backs Covid quarantine hotels for all UK arrivals
Rishi Sunak has thrown his weight behind plans to force everyone entering Britain to quarantine in a hotel to prevent new coronavirus strains jeopardising the mass vaccination programme.
UK firms told ‘set up in EU to avoid trade disruption’
UK firms that export to the EU say they are being encouraged by the government to set up subsidiaries in the bloc to avoid disruption under new trade rules.
Barclaycard customers to face higher minimum payments
Some Barclaycard customers will see their minimum repayments rise from Tuesday, at a time when finances are already stretched owing to Covid and Christmas.
Ministers won’t commit to reopening schools in England after Easter holidays
The government has refused to commit to schools being open even after the Easter holidays, raising the prospect that parents will have many more weeks of homeschooling before even a phased return of most pupils to the classroom in England.
Boohoo to buy Debenhams’ online business for £50m closing all stores
Internet fashion retailer Boohoo has reportedly agreed to buy the online business of Debenhams, in a move which will see the department store chain close its remaining high street shops, according to sources close to the deal.
Asos lines up Topshop for its online wardrobe
Asos has emerged at the head of the race to acquire Topshop from the administrators of Sir Philip Green’s retail empire, although the new owners of Asda are also among those interested in the brand.
Medical records ‘unlikely’ to be shared with police for enforcement but lockdown could last until summer
Police officers are unlikely to be given access to people’s medical records to help them enforce lockdown restrictions, a cabinet minister has said.
Retailers warn they could burn goods stuck in EU
UK retailers could abandon goods EU customers want to return, with some even thinking of burning them because it is cheaper than bringing them home.
Electric vehicles close to ‘tipping point’ of mass adoption
Electric vehicles are close to the “tipping point” of rapid mass adoption thanks to the plummeting cost of batteries, experts say.
James Bond film No Time to Die delayed again over Covid
James Bond film No Time To Die has been delayed again as Hollywood grapples with the continued disruption caused by the pandemic.
Post-Brexit shoppers pay a third extra to get hold of EU goods
Tens of thousands of internet shoppers are being hit with unexpected customs, VAT and delivery charges on orders from the EU as retailers on the Continent struggle to cope with Brexit red tape.
Government plans £500 payments to self-isolate under plan to slow Covid
Everyone in England who tests positive for coronavirus could be given £500 to ensure they self-isolate under plans to stop hardship spreading the virus.
December house sales highest since 2006
Housing market transactions last month reached their highest level since 2006 as buyers raced to benefit from the stamp duty holiday.
Yorkshire-based start-up firm on a mission to save business borrowers money and ensure fairness
An experienced financial expert is striking a blow for business borrowers by checking commercial loans and mortgages for any overcharged interest or incorrect application fees.