Proposed changes to planning and licensing rules aimed at supporting local high streets have been announced that will reduce the complexity of opening and operating hospitality venues. The reforms will make it easier to convert disused shops into hospitality venues. New dedicated ‘hospitality … [Read more...]
News for: General Business News
Government unveils Small Business Plan
The UK Government has unveiled its Small Business Plan that aims to support SMEs nationwide, particularly through tightening rules around late payments and improve access to finance. Small and medium sized firms employ 60% of the country’s workforce and generate £2.8 trillion in turnover. … [Read more...]
Warm weather offers boost to retail sector
Summer sunshine and sporting events have helped boost sales for the retail sector in June, the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures have revealed. Sales volumes rose 0.9% month-on-month, and offer some reprieve for retailers which had seen a 2.8% fall in May. Rises in sales for … [Read more...]
UK Export Finance delivers record support for businesses
UK Export Finance provided a record £14.5 billion in new financing in 2024-25, supporting over 650 UK companies to grow by selling overseas. The export credit agency, working alongside the Department for Business and Trade, provided the highest level of support in its 106-year history in 2024-25 … [Read more...]
UK inflation rises further to 3.6%
UK inflation rose in June to 3.6%, latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data from the Office of National Statistics, and follows a previous rise in May's data. The increase in inflation has been driven principally by a slowdown in price falls for motor fuel and the third consecutive month of food … [Read more...]
Electric Car Grant scheme aims to boost uptake of zero-emission vehicles
The UK Government has announced a £650 million Electric Car Grant scheme, worth up to £3,750 per car, to reduce costs of new zero-emission vehicles. The scheme for car manufacturers aims to close the gap in pricing between electric and petrol and diesel cars and enable more people to be able to … [Read more...]
Planning Inspectorate to roll out digital appeals service nationwide
The Planning Inspectorate has announced its digital appeals service is to be rolled out to all local planning authorities in England as part of ongoing digitalisation of planning processes. The national launch follows a successful pilot which has seen the scheme be trialled in five London … [Read more...]
National Emergency Alert test planned for 7th September
The UK government will send a test Emergency Alert to mobile phones nationwide on Sunday 7th September at around 3pm. The Emergency Alerts system is used to warn if there is a danger to life nearby, including extreme weather. It allows vital information and advice to be sent to people rapidly in … [Read more...]
Lloyds Business Barometer finds sustained rise in business confidence
A monthly business survey conducted by high street banking group, Lloyds, has revealed a sustained rise in business confidence across the UK. Business confidence increased by 1 point to 51% in June nationwide, with the North-west seeing a 3 point rise to 55%. The rise follows a sharper rise in … [Read more...]
Handelsbanken research reveals generational differences in financial habits
Research commissioned by Handelsbanken Wealth & Asset Management has revealed the generational differences in financial tasks and decision making. The relationship bank's research found found that 39% of 18-34-year-olds use their phones for mortgage and rental payments, compared to just 8% of … [Read more...]
Side hustlers urged to register for Self Assessment
HMRC is encouraging anyone with income outside of their regular employment to check if they need to complete a Self Assessment tax return for the 2024 to 2025 tax year. Anyone with additional income streams – such as from online selling, content creation, dog walking or property rental – is being … [Read more...]
Jobcentres and construction sector to create more training opportunities
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and construction industry groups have signed an agreement that will open up more on-the-job training opportunities in the sector to jobseekers. Under the plans, more than 40,000 industry placements will be funded through £100 million investment from … [Read more...]