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 […]
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 […]
The appointment of Tom Hayhoe as the UK’s COVID corruption commissioner has been criticised as unlikely to recover significant taxpayer funds, according to leading audit and advisory firm Blick Rothenberg. Fiona Fernie, a partner at the firm, questioned the value of the role, particularly given the time elapsed since the alleged corruption took place during […]
A government-supported group is being established to represent the UK’s mid-sized businesses, often overlooked despite their significant contribution to the economy. According to a NatWest report, these “unsung” firms could add an additional £115 billion to the UK economy by 2030 with the right support, driving growth particularly in regions outside London and the southeast. […]
In a significant move to bridge the gap between elite sports and entrepreneurship, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has partnered with Alibaba.com to launch the fourth edition of the Athlete365 Business Accelerator programme. The initiative aims to equip current and former Olympians with the skills and resources needed to transition into successful business ventures. The […]