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.
Category: News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
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.
Greggs Faces Profit Margin Pressure Amid Rising Wage Costs
Greggs, the UK’s largest bakery chain, reports increased first-quarter sales but faces profit margin pressures due to rising wage costs. The company plans further expansion with 140-160 new shops this year.
Britons Spend 800 Years Waiting to Speak to HMRC
Taxpayers spent nearly 800 years waiting on hold to HMRC last year, as the spending watchdog criticizes the decline in customer service and the inefficiency of digital alternatives.
Nigel Farage: I can’t think of any government which has done more to stop British food production
Nigel Farage has said he cannot think of any government in recent times which has done more to damage British food production.
Marston’s Optimistic for Euros Summer as Profits Surge
Marston’s pub chain reports strong first-half profits driven by food and drink sales, anticipates a profitable summer with major sporting events including the Euros.
UK Unemployment Hits 12-Month High as Job Vacancies Decline
UK unemployment rises to 4.3%, the highest in nearly a year, as job vacancies decrease. The ONS reports signs of a cooling job market, with wage growth continuing to outpace inflation.
Heathrow Urges Government to Reinstate VAT-Free Shopping to Boost UK Aviation Competitiveness
Heathrow Airport criticizes the UK government for hindering the global competitiveness of the aviation industry by withholding VAT-free shopping privileges for foreign visitors.
JPMorgan Chase Invests £40M to Empower Britain’s Disadvantaged Communities
JPMorgan Chase pledges £40 million in philanthropic investments over five years to enhance access to job opportunities and support financially struggling individuals in the UK.
Former Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi Appointed Chairman of The Very Group by Barclay Family
Nadhim Zahawi, former UK Chancellor, has been selected by the billionaire Barclay family to chair The Very Group, succeeding Aidan Barclay in this key role.
New homes built in the UK in 2024 plunges by fifth in blow to government house building targets
The UK’s housing construction sector faced a significant setback in Q1 2024, with a sharp drop in new home builds attributed to factors like high interest rates and adverse weather conditions.
MPs propose levy on arena concert tickets to raise funds for struggling small venues
MPs are proposing a ticket levy on concerts held at UK arenas and stadiums to support struggling grassroots music venues.