Monzo founder Tom Blomfield has joined Anthropic’s compute team, the latest coup in the AI talent war. What his move signals for UK founders and SMEs.
Category: News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
Small firms freeze hiring as Iran war drags growth to five-year low
Britain’s businesses have stopped hiring and slipped into “survival mode”, with economic output stuttering to a five-year low in June as the Iran war, weak consumer spending and relentless cost increases combine to squeeze firms from every direction.
‘Rotten to its core’: Apple accuses OpenAI of stealing its secrets
Apple sues OpenAI, alleging poached staff took trade secrets to its hardware venture. What the case teaches UK SMEs about protecting their own IP.
Have a plan ready, Reeves warns Burnham, as shocks loom from day one
Rachel Reeves warns Andy Burnham to expect shocks and challenges in No 10. What the handover means for UK business owners ahead of the autumn Budget.
Hugo Boss tells investors to snub Mike Ashley’s ‘inadequate’ £2.3bn bid
Hugo Boss urges shareholders to reject Mike Ashley’s £2.3bn Frasers Group takeover bid, calling the €38-a-share offer inadequate. Why UK firms are watching.
Two million could quit work as stealth taxes bite, OBR warns Burnham
OBR analysis warns stealth tax rises could shrink the UK workforce by two million and force a £120bn fiscal reckoning. What it means for SME employers.
Oasis reunion powers record £11.2bn music tourism boom
Record 24.7m music tourists spent £11.2bn at UK gigs in 2025, led by the Oasis reunion. What the live music boom means for SMEs and local economies.
Wayve staff cash in $85m in UK’s first private market share sale
Wayve’s $85m employee share sale on the LSE Private Securities Market is a UK first and the biggest PISCES deal yet. What it means for staff equity.
Xavier Niel seizes top spot at Vodafone with £4.4bn stake swoop
Xavier Niel is set to become Vodafone’s largest shareholder after a £4.4bn deal with e&. What the French billionaire’s arrival means for UK firms.
Covid support abuse behind more than half of 3,280 director bans
More than half of 3,280 UK director disqualifications since 2023 stem from Covid support abuse. See which sectors and regions face the greatest risk.
Start-ups raise record $17bn but British money misses the party
UK startup funding hit a record $17bn in H1 2026, but just 16% of large rounds involved British investors. What the boom means for firms raising now.
Iran strikes and Burnham jitters keep UK borrowing costs near highs
FTSE 100 swings and gilt yields hold above 4.9% as US strikes on Iran and Burnham uncertainty rattle markets. What it means for UK SME costs and borrowing.
Zuber Issa snaps up 85 Prax forecourts in dash to rebuild fuel empire
Zuber Issa has bought 85 forecourts from the collapsed Prax Group, taking EG On The Move to 285 sites. What the deal means for forecourt operators.
Gas prices leap 5% as Trump declares Iran ceasefire ‘over’
Wholesale gas prices jumped 5% after Donald Trump declared the Iran ceasefire over, reviving fears of another energy cost shock for UK businesses.
John Lewis calls time on currency desks, putting 200 jobs at risk
John Lewis job cuts put around 200 roles at risk as it plans to close in-store currency desks and gift wrapping, blaming the shift to digital payments.
