Leaders of private schools are urging the Treasury to delay the introduction of VAT on school fees, warning that a January implementation could trigger a mid-year surge of pupils into the state sector, placing unsustainable pressure on already stretched resources. Independent schools are set to raise fees by up to 20 per cent from January, […]
UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are setting their sights on ambitious growth plans following a year of strong performance, according to a recent survey by Shawbrook. The survey, which focused on businesses that experienced growth, found that 44% of these SMEs are considering an initial public offering (IPO) within the next five to ten […]
Pret A Manger has been revealed as the high street coffee chain with the steepest price increases over the past five years, with the cost of their most popular drinks rising by an average of 51%. According to research conducted by Stocklytics, Pret’s americano has seen the most significant hike, jumping by £1.41 since January […]
Rural councils across England will be required to approve a significant increase in wind and solar farms under a new set of planning rules introduced by Housing Secretary Angela Rayner. The changes, outlined in draft planning documents from the Housing, Communities and Local Government department, are designed to accelerate the UK’s transition to green energy […]
The second-hand ticket market for Taylor Swift’s highly anticipated Wembley concert has witnessed dramatic price drops, with some tickets falling by over 90% from their initial resale prices. Fans who have held their nerve and waited until the last minute have found themselves in a prime position to secure cheaper tickets. According to data tracked […]
The once clear-cut boundary between non-executive directors and senior management is becoming increasingly blurred, with a significant number of business leaders indicating a lack of full trust in their executive teams to effectively manage operations. According to an annual report by Heidrick & Struggles, the global headhunting firm, more than a fifth of directors surveyed, […]
New research has revealed the significant financial burden faced by UK working parents during the summer holidays, with childcare costs soaring by an average of £1,683 per month. This increase in expenses is forcing many parents to reconsider their work options, with some unable to stay in employment due to the lack of flexible working […]
The UK Government has announced a substantial investment of up to £800 million to upgrade broadband infrastructure for 312,000 rural homes and businesses across England, Scotland, and Wales. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to achieve full gigabit broadband coverage across the UK by 2030, targeting regions that have been left behind in […]
TalkTalk has narrowly avoided collapse, securing an emergency lifeline from its billionaire founder, Sir Charles Dunstone. Alongside other shareholders, Dunstone has agreed to inject £65 million into the struggling broadband business, a move crucial to sidestepping an impending debt default. This initial capital infusion will be supplemented by an additional £170 million, with assets such […]
Office properties in the UK are selling at the steepest discounts since the global financial crisis, with many buyers securing deals nearly 20% below the original asking prices. This marks the largest shortfall since 2009, highlighting the sluggish demand for older, less sustainable office buildings in the current market. According to data from property analytics […]