Rising fuel prices as a consequence of war in Iran pushed inflation to 3.3% in March, according to the latest Consumer Price Index published by the Office of National Statistics (ONS). According to the ONS, the average price of petrol rose by 8.6 pence per litre between February and March 2026 to … [Read more...]
News for: General Business News
UK unemployment rate falls for first time since 2024
The unemployment rate has fallen to 4.9% in the three month period to February 2026, down from 5.2% where it had been predicted to stay. In the North West, the fall was even sharper, with unemployment at 4.6%, down 0.4 percentage points on the previous quarter. However, rather the rate of … [Read more...]
Azets responds to March 2026 insolvency statistics
Government data has revealed there were 2,022 corporate insolvencies in March 2026, 6.7% more than in February 2026 (1,895) and 1.4% more than in March 2025 (1,995). Matthew Richards, Joint Head of Restructuring & Insolvency at international accountancy and business advisory group Azets, … [Read more...]
Chambers of Commerce reveal gaps in reaching young people in skills system
In an analysis of Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs), the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) have?revealed their limits in engaging young people with the workplace. While the Chambers' report found the business-led skills planning approach has engaged thousands of people and employers in the … [Read more...]
New Martyn’s Law guidance published for venues and business premises
The Home Office has published new guidance for businesses and venues to help them put plans in place to protect the public from acts of terrorism and comply with Martyn's Law. The guidance, available from the GOV.UK website, supports the implementation of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) … [Read more...]
Increased minimum wage rates take effect
Increased rates of the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage have come into force from 1st April 2026. The new rates bring into effect recommendations made by the Low Pay Commission in Autumn 2025, which were accepted in full by Government in November's Budget. New rates, payable from … [Read more...]
Find the cheapest fuel near you using real-time petrol price data
A government scheme requiring petrol stations across the UK report their prices in real time is helping drivers access the cheapest fuel through price comparison tools. A growing number of apps and websites are available for drivers to help them shop around for the best price on petrol and diesel … [Read more...]
94% not ready for April MTD changes, finds Azets’ online poll
An online poll of businesses carried out by accountancy and business advisory firm, Azets, has found that 94% are not prepared for Making Tax Digital (MTD) which is being introduced for sole traders from 6 April. Landlords, sole traders and the self-employed with gross income above £50,000 per … [Read more...]
Inflation holds at 3% in February data
Inflation data for February 2026 published by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) has recorded the average annual rate of price rises has held at 3% for the second consecutive month. While the hold in inflation ends a downward trend in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), the ONS notes that … [Read more...]
New measures announced to address late payments for small businesses
New measures to ease the problem of late payments on small businesses and their finances have been announced by Government. The measures will tackle a problem costing the UK economy £11 billion every year, with entrepreneurs and SME owners often forced to wait months to receive money they have … [Read more...]
Grant scheme announced as part of support to address youth unemployment
Businesses will be able to receive a new Youth Jobs Grant £3,000 for every young person they hire aged 18-24 who has been on Universal Credit and looking for work for six months as part of government efforts to tackle youth unemployment. Support is expected to back jobs for around 60,000 young … [Read more...]
New V Level qualifications announced as part of reforms to post-16 education
Students will sit their first V Level qualifications in education, finance and digital in 2027, when the new qualifications launch as part of reforms to post-16 education. The new qualification will be equivalent to an A Level, with learning designed around the skills needed by employers. V … [Read more...]