Private schools plan to sue Labour over VAT on fees, arguing it discriminates against special-needs and arts-focused institutions. Learn more about the legal challenge and its potential impact.
Category: News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
Budget 2024: Record £40bn tax hike set to slow UK economic growth, warns OBR
Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s £40bn tax increase, including hikes in National Insurance and Capital Gains Tax, is projected to slow the UK’s economic growth. Discover the implications for businesses, investors, and growth prospects.
Russia fines Google $20 Decillion – more than all the money in the world – in escalating sanctions dispute
In an unprecedented move, a Russian court fines Google $20 decillion over YouTube bans on pro-Kremlin channels. Discover the astronomical figure’s backstory and Google’s response.
Rachel Reeves first Labour Budget in 14 years in detail
Rachel Reeves announces the first Labour budget in 14 years, and the first to be delivered by a female Chancellor.
Reeves pushes Bank of England to prioritise climate change alongside economic growth
In her maiden Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves will urge the Bank of England to prioritise climate change on par with economic growth, reversing Jeremy Hunt’s 2023 decision. Learn how this shift could impact UK policy.
Investors pull £300m from UK stocks amid inheritance tax fears
With speculation mounting over an inheritance tax raid in the Budget, investors are withdrawing funds from UK stocks, particularly small and mid-cap firms. Discover how Budget uncertainty is impacting UK equity markets.
UK minimum wage to rise to £12.21 in 2025
The UK’s minimum wage will increase to £12.21 in April 2025, benefiting over three million workers. However, businesses warn the hike could impact hiring, investment, and consumer prices.
UK shop price inflation falls to three-year low as food prices ease
Shop price inflation in the UK drops to its lowest level in over three years, with food prices falling as interest rate cuts loom. Discover how economic shifts are impacting UK retailers and consumer spending.
UK car finance industry faces major disruption as lenders halt deals over commission ruling
The UK car finance industry faces turmoil after a landmark court ruling on commission disclosure. Major lenders pause credit services, raising fears of significant market disruption and possible financial fallout for banks.
Evri named UK’s worst delivery service as nearly half report issues
Evri has been rated the UK’s worst delivery company for the second consecutive year, with 44% of customers reporting service issues, according to Ofcom’s latest review.
Jeremy Hunt criticises OBR for timing of review release on budget day
Jeremy Hunt accuses the OBR of political bias over the timing of its review on budget day, scrutinising the past government’s transparency with the fiscal watchdog.
Bus fare cap to rise to £3 across England under new budget plan
The bus fare cap in England will increase to £3, up from £2, as announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The new cap will take effect until the end of 2025, impacting millions of bus users.
Doubts grow over release of long-awaited HBOS scandal report as Lloyds resists full disclosure
The long-delayed HBOS scandal review, examining Lloyds Banking Group’s handling of a £1 billion fraud, faces uncertainty as the bank declines to commit to releasing the full report, raising transparency concerns.
Lord Bamford’s £300m family windfall from JCB raises questions amid potential wealth tax
Billionaire Lord Bamford’s family secures a £300m payout from JCB following a 44% profit surge, as Labour signals tax hikes for the wealthy. With budget discussions looming, concerns grow over potential capital gains and property tax changes in the UK.
Consumer confidence dips ahead of Labour’s first Budget as concerns over tax rises grow
Consumer confidence in the UK declined in October, with pessimism about the upcoming Budget outweighing optimism from falling inflation, according to GfK’s latest consumer confidence index.