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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...]

Planning and licensing reforms aim to support hospitality sector

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...]

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...]