Landlords appear to be shrugging off the Government’s latest tax increases, according to fresh data suggesting that buy-to-let investors are now accounting for a larger share of property purchases than before the Chancellor’s recent reforms. The analysis, conducted by estate agency Hamptons on transaction data from its parent firm, Countrywide, shows that landlords were responsible […]
When Olivia Lott left her London job for a village in rural Devon, she expected a calmer pace of life—but not the near total absence of mobile reception. With patchy phone signals forcing her to trek up hillsides just to make a call, Lott eventually resorted to installing a landline, a rarity among her fellow […]
Make UK, the leading organisation representing British manufacturers, has announced Lord (Richard) Harrington as its new Chair. He will succeed Lord (John) Hutton, who has served as Chair since 2022, and will formally take up the position in early 2025. Lord Harrington brings a wealth of experience from both business and government. After a successful […]
The cost of your morning cup of coffee could soon increase, after the price of arabica beans—the most widely produced variety—soared to a record high on international commodity markets. On Tuesday, the price of arabica surpassed $3.44 per pound, reflecting an increase of over 80% since the start of the year. Robusta beans, which are […]
Mencap, one of Britain’s leading charities supporting people with learning disabilities, has warned it may have to close at least 60 of its services due to mounting cost pressures following changes announced in the Budget. The organisation says the rise in employers’ National Insurance contributions (NICs), combined with a sharp increase in the national minimum […]
Strong consumer solidarity prevailed on Small Business Saturday despite blustery conditions sweeping the UK. According to new research by American Express, more than 10 million Britons shopped at independent retailers on 7 December, braving the impact of Storm Darragh to inject an estimated £634 million into small businesses both in-store and online. The study, which […]
With Grimsby making headline news earlier this week as the ‘worklessness’ capital of Britain, Stallingborough-based renewable energy tech manufacturer myenergi is calling for local businesses to stand up to the criticism, champion the region and celebrate the thriving community that makes the town great. While the publicity may paint a bleak picture, co-founder Jordan Brompton […]
A sense of unease hung over the British Motor Museum in Warwickshire last month, where classic cars and cinematic icons gave way to rooms filled with anxious lawyers, bankers, and compliance officials from the motor finance industry. They had gathered for the annual motor finance convention held by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA), against […]
The deepening car finance crisis could deliver a major blow to Britain’s economic prospects, according to the head of the country’s largest retail bank. Charlie Nunn, chief executive of Lloyds Bank, warned that uncertainty caused by recent court rulings was undermining investor confidence and risking a multi-billion-pound claims storm reminiscent of the PPI scandal. Mr […]
Frasers Group has warned that Rachel Reeves’s budget will cost it at least £50 million next year, likening the impact on retailers to a “punch in the face”. Michael Murray, the chief executive of the British retail group, said the recent fiscal measures will force businesses to cut costs and could hit consumer confidence to […]