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HMRC warns of Self Assessment scams

HMRC is warning the millions of its Self Assessment customers to be vigilant to scams claiming to to be from the department. Scammers often impersonate HMRC, offering fake refunds or demanding urgent payments to steal personal and banking information. And while scams will claim its safe to share … [Read more...]

Inflation rose to 3.8% in July

Latest annual inflation data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) has revealed the Consumer Price Index (CPI) has risen by 3.8% in July. The increase, up from 3.6% in June, has exceeded economists expectations and is well above the Bank of England's 2% target for inflation. The Bank of … [Read more...]

Message confirmed for national emergency alert test

The message that will be sent during a test of the UK's emergency alert system at around 3pm on 7th September has been confirmed. Mobile phones connected to 4G and 5G networks will will vibrate and emit a loud, siren-like sound for up to ten seconds. A message will appear on screen, making it … [Read more...]

Electric van and truck grant scheme extended

Drivers and businesses will continue to benefit from lower prices for electric vans and trucks following the announcement of an extension to government funding to reduce their costs. The plug-in van and truck grant currently offers discounts up to £2,500 for small vans, £5,000 for large vans, … [Read more...]

UK GDP grew 0.3% in three months from April to June 2025

The UK economy grew 0.3% in the three months from April to June 2025, according to the latest GDP estimates from the Office of National Statistics (ONS). While the latest growth figure represents a slight slowdown in the 0.7% growth recorded in the previous quarter, the UK economy has … [Read more...]

Claire’s Accessories enters administration

Around 2,000 retail jobs across the UK, including in Stockport, have been put at risk as high street fashion accessories chain, Claire's, goes into administration. Administrators from advisory firm, Interpath, were appointed to Claire’s Accessories UK Ltd, Claire's European Services Limited and … [Read more...]

£9.5 million fund launched to tackle digital divide

Charities and local authorities are to be supported in efforts to address digital inequality through the launch of a £9.5 million government Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund. With 7.9 million UK adults lacking basic digital skills, and 1.6 million living completely offline, the fund aims to … [Read more...]

The Entertainer becomes employee-owned

Family-run chain of toy shops, The Entertainer, has announced it will be the latest high street brand to become employee-owned. The chain's owner, TEAL Group Holdings, which also owns the Early Learning Centre and Addo brands, will transfer to a 100% employee-owned trust (EOT) in September. The … [Read more...]

Used car market returns to pre-pandemic levels

Sales of used cars in the second quarter of 2025 grew 1.7% to almost 2 million, new data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has shown. The rise, the 10th consecutive quarter of growth, brings half-yearly sales within 1% of pre-pandemic levels. The quarter saw petrol car … [Read more...]

Bank of England announces 0.25 point cut to interest rate

Economists at the Bank of England have voted to cut its base interest rate by 0.25 percentage points to 4%, its lowest level in two years. The bank's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted 5-4 in favour of the cut, with those against opting to hold rates at the previous level in light of … [Read more...]

Government moves to end age bands for National Living Wage

The UK Government has asked the Low Pay Commission to end age bands for the National Minimum and National Living Wage when it makes its recommendations for changes to the rates next year. The Low Pay Commission will consult with employers, trade unions and workers on narrowing the gap between the … [Read more...]