Ratcliffe’s INEOS calls on Labour to reopen North Sea drilling Energy The chemical group owned by billionaire Jim Ratcliffe has urged the government to reopen the North Sea for drilling as it lashes out at its latest energy cost scheme for businesses. INEOS, which was founded by Ratcliffe in 1998, said Labour’s British Industrial Competitiveness scheme (BICS) fails to address UK industries relying “far more heavily [...]
Private sector slump to drag on to Spring 2026, businesses say Business UK business leaders have warned that the sharp downturn in the private sector is likely to continue until Spring 2026, after firms put plans for future investment on ice in the run-up to the Labour government’s Autumn Budget. The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) anticipates private sector output to fall in the fourth quarter after [...]
Small-tier accountancy firms facing worst talent crisis in years Business Small to mid-tier accountancy firms are facing “serious” barriers to growth due to staffing shortages, according to a damning new report into the sector. According to figures from outsourcing specialists Advancetrack, 94 per cent of firms say recruitment issues are now holding back growth, forcing them to outsource work overseas. These figures represent an increase [...]
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 [...]
‘Right to disconnect’ plans must offer firms flexibility, experts warn August 20, 2024 The government’s plan to give workers the ‘right to disconnect’ must offer companies some flexibility when it comes to implementing the changes, experts have warned. Staff who are frequently contacted by their bosses outside of their work day could be granted thousands more in compensation cash from employment tribunals under new worker reforms, The Times [...]