Business News

Donald Trump has threatened European Union member states with punitive tariffs if they fail to purchase more American oil and gas, reviving the prospect of a renewed transatlantic trade war. On Friday, the president-elect declared on social media: “I told the European Union that they must make up their tremendous deficit with the United States…

Shoe Zone, the beleaguered UK footwear retailer, has pinned the blame for a fresh wave of store closures on cost pressures stemming from October’s budget measures. The Leicester-headquartered chain, which currently employs around 2,250 staff across 297 stores, said new financial burdens—especially higher national insurance contributions and an increased minimum wage—had pushed some outlets beyond…

If you’re hurtling like a juggernaut towards year end with a demanding ‘To Do’ list flashing before your eyes as soon as your head hits the pillow, you are not alone. 2024 has been a year of upheaval, with the UK and US elections, a new UK government, and the Autumn Budget, all fuelling uncertainty….

The Business Secretary is facing accusations of failing to fully engage with Vauxhall’s parent company Stellantis ahead of its decision to close the van-making plant in Luton—a move that puts up to 1,100 jobs at risk. Critics claim the Government neglected to maintain meaningful dialogue for months despite an early warning of potential closure. Stellantis,…

Surrey County Council has admitted it does not have enough state school places to accommodate children transferring from private schools, following the government’s introduction of a 20 per cent VAT levy on independent education. Forecasts obtained through a Freedom of Information request show that for the September 2025 intake, there are expected to be no…

More than 10,000 people running small businesses have enrolled in the Help to Grow: Management programme, a government-subsidised training initiative designed to enhance leadership and boost productivity. By September, 10,635 individuals had signed up, with 7,860 completing the 12-week course since its launch in June 2021. The scheme, which costs business owners £750 each, is…

Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund is set to acquire the automotive division of McLaren, the renowned British supercar manufacturer, in a move that reshapes the ownership of one of the UK’s most iconic motoring brands. The deal follows a difficult period for the Woking-based firm, which recorded a record annual loss of £924 million in…

Energy bills for most British households are poised to rise again this spring, as an uptick in wholesale gas prices and escalating network charges put renewed financial pressure on millions of families. Forecasts from Cornwall Insight, the energy consultancy, indicate that Ofgem’s price cap could nudge up by around 1 per cent to £1,762 a…

UK employers cut their recruitment efforts sharply in November, with job vacancies falling at their fastest rate since the onset of the pandemic. Fresh data from KPMG and the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) reveal that demand for staff declined “at a sharp and accelerated pace,” pointing to a deepening malaise in the labour market…

Winter is coming, and with it comes the dreaded threat of frozen pipes. Frozen pipes can lead to burst pipes, water damage, and costly repairs. The solution? Effective pipe insulation. Investing in quality insulation materials can safeguard your pipes from freezing temperatures and ensure a worry-free winter. However, with so many insulation options, choosing can…

More than 80% of UK small businesses are planning growth-focused initiatives for 2025, reflecting increased optimism as enterprises report a two-year high in growth projections, according to a Novuna Business Finance study. Key areas of focus include boosting new business sales (43%) and reducing fixed costs (24%). Diversifying business models and developing new products or…

Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ upcoming visit to China in January for the long-awaited resumption of the UK-China Economic and Financial Dialogue has been hailed as a pivotal opportunity for economic cooperation. However, leading advisory firm Blick Rothenberg has urged her to adopt a pragmatic approach to secure meaningful outcomes for both nations. Winnie Cao, Head of…

HMRC has confirmed the settlement of its high-profile IR35 tax case with Gary Lineker, ending a long-running dispute over a £4.9 million tax liability tied to his presenting work with the BBC and BT Sport. The case, initially decided in Lineker’s favour by the First-tier Tribunal (FTT), was set for an Upper Tribunal hearing after…

As we prepare to step into a new year, it’s important to pause and reflect on where we are in our personal and professional lives. Are you working to make a difference? Are you driven to make a difference? Or are you making a difference at all? Do you want to? Or are you simply…