‘A clear thumbs down’: UK business confidence slumped post-Budget November 22, 2024 The UK’s business optimism “slumped” in a downturn after the Autumn Budget, according to a closely watched survey of the private sector. S&P’s ‘flash’ purchasing managers’ index (PMI) came in at 49.9 in November, now below the neutral 50.0 threshold, down from 51.8 last month, and the lowest since October 2023. Firms reported a fractional [...]
Why a 24 per cent drop in insolvencies is not all it seems November 19, 2024 At first glance, the Government’s new figures on insolvencies appear cheery, with the number of companies going bust over the last year down 24 per cent, from 2,293 to 1,747. But analysts have suggested figures may have more to do with falling interest rates than the general health of the economy, in addition to warning [...]
Budget Day dawns: Bosses are ‘concerned and apprehensive’ October 30, 2024 Business leaders are concerned and apprehensive as Budget day dawns and firms from start-ups to Square Mile stalwarts wait with bated breath for Rachel Reeves to reveal the extent of the tax rises contained in the government’s first fiscal event after 14 years out of power. Pollsters asked bosses and senior executives to select from [...]
Santander UK delays results following motor finance court case October 29, 2024 Santander UK has delayed the publication of a detailed set of results covering the third quarter as it waits to assess the impact of a landmark court ruling on motor finance commissions. Full results for the Spanish bank’s UK arm were meant to be published this morning, but the lender said on Monday that it [...]
Plus500: Expansion plans pay off as revenue jumps October 28, 2024 Fintech firm Plus500 said its expansion plans were paying off after reporting an increase in client numbers and higher revenue.
Budget tax grab will put hospitality jobs at risk, trade groups warn October 28, 2024 UK business leaders have threatened to scale back on jobs growth and investment if business rates relief is not extended in the upcoming Budget.
Expansion of class action is damaging trust in UK business, think tank warns October 23, 2024 Adam Smith Institute has issued warnings that the expansion of class action lawsuits in the UK is undermining trust in businesses
Empresaria shares plummet as staffing firm warns of challenging quarter ahead October 22, 2024 In the third quarter, Empresaria reported that net fee income was down four per cent year-on-year.
Government should consider Post Office mutualisation, ex-minister says October 20, 2024 The government should consider plans to turn the Post Office into a John Lewis-style mutual, a former business minister has said, amid reports Whitehall is looking at the viability. Conservative shadow business secretary Kevin Hollinrake has said he would support a proposal to transform the Post Office’s business structure into a mutual in which customers [...]
Professional services chiefs fear Gen Z workplace demands are a key ‘threat’ October 16, 2024 Managing a Gen Z workforce is a leading worry for professional service CEOs, as it was revealed they lack the confidence in handling the younger employees.