#uk-economy

#uk-economy

According to Simply Business, rising prices and fluctuating consumer demand put mounting financial pressure on the UK's 5.5 million small businesses, leading to fears of permanent closures.

"As Amazon's dominance grows, there's a real risk that smaller sellers become overly dependent on the platform. If that relationship sours, or a seller is suspended or delisted for policy breaches - or even just because their products are deemed CRaP (Cannot Realise a Profit) - it can be devastating."

The suggestion that the Oasis gigs will inject 940 million into the UK economy is the type of thing said about any big events, but I suspect that there is no injection, as it's not new money being created: people chose to spend their pre-existing cash on one thing instead of something else.

The funding was backed by a group of leading financial institutions including Barclays, Bank of America, Citi, and the British Business Bank.

An estimated 40.7 billion held in savings by individuals who have ascended the income ladder could be harnessed to stimulate the UK economy, new research suggests.

The UK is on pace for its busiest year of takeovers since 2021, with £74 billion in bids tabled for British companies in the first six months of 2025.

Gold's price has risen significantly, culminating in a robust period of investing, with UK buyers overwhelming sellers by the widest margin in four years.

River Island has announced the closure of 33 of its 230 UK stores by January 2026, citing shifts in shopping habits and rising operational costs.

The Lindsey oil refinery is strategically important, and the government must intervene immediately to protect workers and fuel supplies.

A senior benefits official told the BBC the government did not have a 'properly considered or deliverable programme'. 'There hasn't been enough pace or passion to get the thing set up.'

The Vistage CEO Confidence Index for Q2 2025 indicates rising confidence among SMEs, despite serious concerns about the UK's post-Brexit competitiveness and economic challenges.

"I fully acknowledge that this year, as we've had to fix the foundations... we've asked a lot of you. I want to acknowledge that it has made a huge difference."

"The pound is in flight right now and we believe it is likely going higher," says Nigel Green, CEO of deVere Group. "Several key forces are aligning that will keep sterling on the front foot for the foreseeable future."

Camden leads with a score of 7.4 out of 10, recording 2,555 new businesses per 100,000 residents in 2023, despite a decline in registrations.

"The greater the net worth, the higher the tax contribution - not to mention consumer spending, employment, capital investment, VAT and philanthropy."

ISAs remain one of the most worthwhile and tax-efficient ways to save and invest money in the UK, whether it's a Cash ISA, a Stocks and Shares ISA, or a Lifetime ISA.

The Independent reports on critical issues, such as reproductive rights and climate change, emphasizing the need for accessible, quality journalism that does not charge users.

The number of green energy projects backed by overseas investors in the UK dropped by 57% in 2023, a significant decline reflecting decreased attractiveness.

We want de-escalation because it's the right thing for the Middle East, but we also want de-escalation because of the ramifications of conflict in the Middle East for the rest of the world, including the UK.

The unpredictable global outlook combined with rising employment costs and subdued investment intentions creates significant challenges for UK businesses and the economy.

Digital Catapult's Quantum Technology Access Programme aims to leverage quantum innovation for advanced connectivity, promoting industry growth and addressing complex operational challenges.

UK households are increasingly setting aside physical cash amid extreme economic uncertainty and to provide a safety net for possible banking system outages.

The fall in payroll employment serves as a reminder that increasing employment costs leads to a reduction in job availability, particularly in sectors vulnerable to these costs.

Farage emphasized that reopening domestic coalmines is crucial for ensuring the UK has a stable steel supply and highlighted the potential willingness of Welsh workers if wages are high.

We are deeply concerned that some of the Bill's provisions will have serious unintended consequences that could harm both good employers and the very employees that the bill seeks to protect.

The OECD's downgrade of UK growth forecasts to just 1% due to Trump tariffs emphasizes the need for businesses to adapt swiftly to changing economic conditions.