British Business Bank cuts jobs in automation push Banking The British Business Bank slashed its headcount in the last year as the government-owned economic development bank underwent a major restructuring. The bank – which backs loans from financial institutions in a bid to drive up UK small business lending – said in its annual report “a number of colleagues were placed at risk under [...]
British business is using AI to survive, not grow Opinion British businesses cannot simply endure AI, they must find a way to positively embrace it, writes Adaora Geiger.
Hackney tops London’s entrepreneurial boroughs for startup loans Entrepreneurship Startup founders in Hackney racked up the highest volume of loans in London as fleets of British entrepreneurs launched their business in the capital. Some 1,309 loans were taken out by founders in Hackney through the Start Up Loans initiative since its launch in 2012 topping £11.4m in value. The borough has benefitted from being [...]
UK firms eye AI spending in 2026, but skills gap threatens rollout December 30, 2025 A third of British businesses plan to invest in AI in 2026, yet new data suggests the bigger challenge may be readying staff for the technology, rather than rolling it out at speed. Research from Lloyds Bank’s recent business barometer revealed that 33 per cent of firms intend to invest in AI tools next year, [...]
Business confidence hit by tax fears as Rachel Reeves’ headroom crumbles July 2, 2025 British business confidence has been hammered by Labour’s tax blows but fears remain heightened the government will return for more. A survey by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) revealed 56 per cent of firms were particularly concerned about their tax burden, which comes as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer failed to rule out further [...]
British Business Bank set on delivering Labour’s growth ambition June 28, 2025 Arguably one of the biggest winners from Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ latest spending splurge, the British Business Bank had its lending capacity beefed up and pledged to back the UK’s innovators with its expanded range. The bank had its funding capacity increased to £25.6bn in the Spending Review from near £15.6bn as it targets eight key [...]
Major Companies House change launched as business leaders called to action April 8, 2025 Business leaders can now verify their identity on Companies House as part of a major drive designed to slash economic crime. As of today, 8 April, directors can voluntarily verify their identity before it becomes a legal requirement later this year. More than six million individuals will need to comply in the 12 months after [...]
James Dyson: Reeves’ inheritance tax hike ‘is killing geese that lay golden eggs’ January 27, 2025 Billionaire Sir James Dyson has again hit out at Rachel Reeves for her tax raid budget, saying British family businesses are being “fleeced”. The British entrepreneur, 77, hit out at the Chancellor in a letter to The Times, writing that Reeves will “kill off” British family businesses with a “vindictive” budget, including inheritance tax hikes. [...]
British Patient Capital invests over £40m to boost UK cyber security firms April 25, 2024 The UK's cyber security industry is currently in high demand due to a rise in attacks, especially on businesses and high-income charities.
Chapel Down: Record harvest helps UK’s biggest winemaker fizz to the top April 16, 2024 Chapel Down has reported record company sales for the year ended 31st December following a strong harvest.