HMRC has come under renewed scrutiny after figures showed that over 44,000 callers were abruptly cut off while on hold last year, with some facing wait times of up to 70 minutes. The revelation arrives just as millions of taxpayers prepare to file their returns before the current tax year ends, sparking concerns that phone […]
Workers in the North of the UK have become more likely to receive a pay rise than their Southern counterparts, according to the new Salary Trends Report 2025 from Totaljobs. The research, drawing on 17.5 million online job adverts and a survey of 3,000 people, found that 84% of employees in the North East benefited […]
Marks & Spencer has accelerated its drive towards net zero by rolling out a fleet of lorries fuelled by biomethane, a gas derived from waste such as food, animal manure and wastewater. The retailer expects the biomethane-powered vehicles to help cut emissions by as much as 85% compared with diesel, while also offering significant cost […]
Amazon has placed orders for more than 150 electric heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) in a bid to create Britain’s largest zero-emission truck fleet. The online retail and logistics giant is also stepping up its commitment to rail transport, moving packages along the west coast main line for onward distribution. Amazon confirmed it has ordered over […]
The 2024 winner of the BBC’s The Apprentice, Rachel Woolford, has unveiled plans for her debut collaboration with Lord Alan Sugar—an extension to her North Studio fitness enterprise in Leeds, designed to meet surging demand for Reformer Pilates. Woolford, 28, secured a £250,000 investment from Lord Sugar earlier this year when she triumphed over rival […]
Virgin Group, led by Sir Richard Branson, is preparing to order a dozen high-speed trains—worth an estimated £500 million—as it pushes to become the first competitor to Eurostar on services through the Channel Tunnel. Project leader Phil Whittingham confirmed that Virgin aims to close the deal as early as this quarter, ahead of rival startup […]
HM Revenue & Customs is ramping up its scrutiny of “side hustle” earnings, requiring online platforms such as eBay, Vinted and Airbnb to submit information on users’ incomes for 2024 by the end of this month. However, concerns have been raised that the discrepancy between the UK tax year (April to April) and the OECD’s […]
Barry-based social enterprise, The Goodwash Company, has experienced a remarkable 20% increase in online sales after its appearance in the highly anticipated Gavin and Stacey Christmas special finale. The company’s luxurious, cruelty-free handwash was showcased in Pam and Mick West’s Billericay bathroom, marking a significant milestone for the Welsh brand. The cameo in one of the UK’s most-loved […]
Piers Morgan has parted ways with Rupert Murdoch’s media empire in a move set to expand his popular Uncensored show on YouTube, ending months of speculation about his future at News UK. The outspoken broadcaster will now operate independently, having acquired ownership of his Uncensored brand and its 3.6 million-strong subscriber base. Morgan, 59, opted […]
Taxpayers stand to save both money and headaches in 2025 by committing to better tax practices in the year ahead, according to leading audit, tax and business advisory firm Blick Rothenberg. Robert Salter, a Director at the firm, notes: “Most people make personal resolutions about health and lifestyle, but your financial health is equally important—and […]