Category: News

Downing Street remains cautiously optimistic that Lord Mandelson will secure approval as Britain’s next ambassador to Washington, despite reports that the incoming Donald Trump administration has raised questions over his “political baggage”.

Rachel Reeves plans to freeze major UK rail spending until after the next election, threatening key projects. Explore how private investment could reshape Britain’s rail network.

Britain has recorded its highest number of company closures for two decades, with the final quarter of 2024 seeing 198,046 businesses struck off the official register.

Tie-ups with leading retailers fuel deliveroo’s order growth and lift profit guidance for 2024. discover how will shu’s food delivery platform is diversifying revenues, despite tough overseas competition.

The Small Business Charter (SBC) has appointed entrepreneur Byron Dixon OBE, founder and chief executive of freshness-technology firm Micro-Fresh, as its new chair.

UK GDP rose by a weaker-than-expected 0.1% in November, fuelling concerns about stagnant growth. Discover how interest rates, inflation, and looming trade risks could shape Britain’s economic outlook in 2025.

Mark Carney, ex-governor of the Bank of England, launches a bid to succeed Justin Trudeau as leader of Canada’s Liberals, promising fresh economic solutions ahead of a likely general election.

First-time buyers could soon find it easier to step onto the property ladder under proposals to relax mortgage rules, as financial regulators explore ways to enable “responsible risk-taking” among borrowers.

Aston Martin eyes a historic £1bn deal to lure Max Verstappen, challenging Red Bull’s dominance and heralding a new era of big-money investments in Formula One.

Dyson scraps its £100m Bristol expansion and relocates 180 staff to Malmesbury in Wiltshire, citing the benefits of greater collaboration. The move follows job cuts and founder Sir James Dyson’s criticism of the UK’s tax regime.

Asos to close its main US warehouse in Georgia, taking a £200m impairment charge to boost profitability. The fashion giant will serve American shoppers from a UK facility and a smaller US site, cutting costs while slowing delivery times.

Mitchells & Butlers, operator of Harvester and Toby Carvery, reports strong festive sales but cautions on a “material adverse impact” from poor weather. Rising labour costs after the budget add further pressure, yet analysts highlight M&B’s underlying resilience.

Britain’s vital west coast main line faces up to ten years of closures in a £3.84bn upgrade of overhead wires, signals and track. Discover how these essential works will disrupt travel between Scotland and England, with weeks-long shutdowns each year from 2026.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves refuses to dismiss a second Budget in March, pointing to global market pressures and reaffirming her fiscal rules. Meanwhile, gilt sales signal rising yields and potential headwinds for her economic plans.

Regional hiring in the UK has plunged by 45pc amid Rachel Reeves’s NI increases, with recruitment firm Robert Walters citing waning confidence. Labour’s employment law overhaul could add further pressure on employers.