Hiring appetite among UK businesses has slumped to its weakest point in 13 years, as rising taxes, policy uncertainty and cost pressures weigh heavily on employer sentiment.
Category: News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
Apple pays £304m in UK tax as profits soar past £1bn
Apple’s UK tax bill surged last year as the American tech giant’s operating profits in Britain soared past £1 billion, fuelled by rising sales and the continued expansion of its local operations.
Tesla sees UK sales rebound in June as EV market accelerates
Tesla sold 7,700 cars in the UK in June 2025, up 3.7%, as EV sales surged 39% year-on-year. But total Tesla registrations for the year remain slightly down.
‘Invest in Women’ fund criticised for slow rollout as MPs call for bolder action
MPs accuse the £250m Invest in Women Taskforce of lacking urgency, as committee members express frustration over delays in funding support for female entrepreneurs.
The real Formula 1: British Grand Prix highlights UK’s £16bn motorsport economy
The British Grand Prix is more than sport—it’s the visible tip of a £16bn motorsport and tech economy that fuels over 50,000 jobs and 4,500 businesses across the UK.
UK Finance urges bold reforms in Mansion House 2025 submission to unlock UK growth potential
UK Finance has submitted proposals ahead of the Chancellor’s Mansion House speech, calling for reforms to unlock UK capital markets, clarify FOS powers, and drive digital finance innovation.
Propel Finance secures £1.5bn to boost UK SME lending
Propel Finance has secured £1.5bn in funding from major financial institutions including Barclays, Bank of America and the British Business Bank to expand SME lending across the UK.
MPs slam Home Office for failing to track foreign workers after visa expiry
A cross-party report says the Home Office has not tracked when skilled worker visa holders leave the UK, raising concerns over illegal working and weak immigration oversight.
Smaller firms escape Companies House rule change as government pauses ‘burdensome’ filing reform
Smaller UK businesses will retain the right to file simplified accounts as the government pauses Companies House reform over concerns it could increase red tape.
Rachel Reeves hints at fresh tax hikes amid fears of £40bn Budget black hole
Rachel Reeves hints at new tax rises to cover a potential £40bn Budget shortfall, as economic growth falters and Labour’s welfare U-turns pile pressure on the public purse.
Wimbledon winners to pay up to £1.3m in tax as HMRC claims £17m from prize pot
HMRC is set to collect £17m from Wimbledon 2025’s £53.5m prize pot, with singles champions losing up to £1.3m to UK tax under rules targeting international athletes.
Ryanair and EasyJet cancel hundreds of flights over French air traffic control strike
Ryanair and easyJet cancel nearly 450 flights as French air traffic controllers strike, prompting calls from airlines for urgent EU reform to protect passengers.
UK bond yields fall as markets welcome Starmer’s backing of Reeves
UK government bond yields dip after Keir Starmer backs Rachel Reeves, calming market fears over fiscal uncertainty and future borrowing plans.
Skills crisis threatens 1.5 million homes target as construction sector struggles to recruit
New research by City & Guilds reveals 76% of UK construction businesses face recruitment struggles, threatening the government’s 1.5 million homes target.
All companies trialling four-day working week opt to keep it after successful pilot
All 17 companies in the UK’s latest four-day working week trial will continue with reduced hours after reporting improved wellbeing, productivity and job satisfaction.
