A recent report by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) found that whilst small and medium enterprises (SMEs) account for 60% of employment and 51% of turnover in the UK private sector, only 21% of the total value of UK business…
On 28 September 2026, John Healey delivered his first speech as Chancellor of the Exchequer at the Labour Party Conference identifying ‘Backing Britain’ as one of his main priorities. Business was identified as being of key importance and the speech…
In rules brought in under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, directors are required to verify their identity with Companies House or risk enforcement action and penalties. Since 18 November 2025, newly appointed directors must verify their identity…
Data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on 22 September 2026 showed the UK borrowed £18.3 billion in August 2026, up £2.9 billion on the same month last year. Increased debt levels were partly attributed to the impacts…
The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rose by 3.1% in the 12 months to August 2026, up from 2.9% the previous month. The largest contributor to the CPI increase was transport, particularly motor fuels. With expectations of further CPI rises over…
A study carried out by consultancy Oxford Economics has suggested that the UK has missed out on almost £2 trillion in investment in business and infrastructure over the past quarter of a century. The study, which was commissioned by Getlink,…
The Institute of Directors (IoD) has called on Chancellor John Healey to help restore confidence amongst UK businesses in the upcoming Autumn Budget. The IoD recently published its Autumn Budget submission in which it urged the Chancellor to restore confidence,…
The ONS have released their latest estimates of employment, unemployment, economic inactivity, and other employment-related statistics for the UK. Pay growth in the private sector fell to 2.9% in the three months to July, equalling the lowest rate since October…
In a speech ahead of the Autumn Budget on 28 October, Chancellor John Healey pledged to make Great Britain ‘growth Britain again’ by strengthening the UK’s economic growth trajectory. Mr Healey said that he understands that small businesses in the…
Research carried out by insurer Simply Business has revealed that 47% of UK small business owners are using artificial intelligence (AI) tools. The latest figure represents a significant increase compared to 2025, when just 22% of firms stated they actively…
