The British Retail Consortium cautions that the Competition and Markets Authority’s tough stance against greenwashing risks deterring businesses from pursuing sustainability initiatives. Retailers urge for clarity in regulatory expectations to ensure genuine environmental progress.
Category: News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
UK Economy Shows Signs of Recovery as Growth Reaches Turning Point
Recent surveys by BDO and Deloitte indicate that the UK economy has emerged from recession, with growth gaining momentum. Key indicators such as output levels and business confidence suggest a positive trajectory for economic stability and expansion.
Beckham backed vehicle electrification company Lunaz makes substantial job losses after entering administration
Lunaz, an electric vehicle company backed by David Beckham, has undergone substantial job losses after entering administration, marking a significant setback for the Silverstone-based enterprise.
Google Mulls Charging for Premium AI-Powered Search Results
Reports suggest Google is contemplating charging users for exclusive AI-driven search results as part of its subscription services. This potential move could mark a significant shift for the tech giant’s core products.
London restaurant chain faces criticism as it replaces card tips with ‘Brand Charge’ amid pending law changes
Ping Pong, a London restaurant chain, sparks controversy by replacing card tips with an optional 15% ‘brand’ fee, just months before new legislation mandates full tip distribution to staff. Critics argue the move undermines fair compensation for workers.
Billionaire Joe Lewis avoids prison in US insider trading case
British billionaire Joe Lewis, the former owner of Tottenham Hotspur, has avoided a prison sentence in the United States for insider trading.
Housing market springs into life over Easter
The housing market sprang into action over the Easter period, with more homes put up for sale on Thursday last week than on any other day this year, according to Rightmove, the property search website.
Wet weather and shaky consumer confidence give retailers longest dip in sales since pandemic
Retailers in the UK are facing the longest dip in sales since the Covid-19 pandemic, with high street sales and footfall dampened by wet weather and shaky consumer confidence, according to a recent survey by BDO, a consultancy.
Brexit Import Charges Unveiled: Fears of Food Price Surge
The UK government has disclosed the import charges for EU food products post-Brexit, raising concerns over potential increases in food prices.
Ofgem Raises Concerns Over ‘AI Collusion’ in Energy Market
Ofgem proposes explicit regulations on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the energy sector, citing concerns about potential tacit collusion among companies.
Virgin Atlantic to soar to record profits as passenger numbers recover
Virgin Atlantic, once teetering on the brink of collapse during the pandemic, now anticipates reaching new heights with record operating profits this year as passenger numbers soar back to pre-Covid levels.
Eurozone Inflation Rate Drops to a Two-Year Low of 2.4%
Pressure mounts on the European Central Bank as inflation in the eurozone hits its lowest point in over two years, prompting expectations of interest rate cuts. Business Matters analyses the implications of slowing consumer prices amid economic uncertainties.
Britons Consuming 50% More Takeaways Post-Covid, Threatening Health and High Streets
Analysis reveals a significant surge in takeaway consumption in the UK, outpacing dining at pubs and restaurants. While economists attribute this shift to enduring effects of the pandemic, anti-obesity campaigners raise concerns over its impact on public health. Business Matters delves into the evolving eating habits reshaping the nation’s food landscape.
6 in 10 businesses prefer to buy UK-made products, new research finds
Almost six in ten of businesses prefer to buy UK-manufactured products over alternatives imported from other countries as ‘buy British’ sentiment rises 20% at businesses across the economy, according to nationwide research.
Sadiq Khan Unveils Plan to Create 150,000 High-Quality Jobs in London by 2028
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has announced a bold initiative to generate 150,000 “high-quality, well-paid jobs” by 2028.