Vance says ‘broken’ Britain must rebuild economy, not just change PM Politics US vice president JD Vance has branded Britain’s politics “broken”, saying the country’s revolving door of prime ministers reflects a deeper economic failure that has hollowed out industry, weakened productivity and left voters demanding structural reform. In an interview with The Sunday Times, Vance said Britain’s recent political instability was symptomatic of long-term economic decline [...]
City watchdog suspends parts of £9bn motor finance scheme after industry backlash Banking The UK’s financial watchdog has suspended parts of its under-fire £9bn motor finance redress scheme amid fierce backlash from industry and consumer groups. In a statement on Thursday, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said the suspension will require firms to continue preparations for its scheme but avoid work that “may need to be repeated” if [...]
Matalan kicks off turnaround under new boss as retailer slashes jobs Retail Matalan’s new boss has kicked off the fast fashion retailer’s wide-range turnaround which has revamped dozens of stores but caused the loss of more than 600 jobs. Henrik Nordvall, who took the reins as chief executive in November, said he is “encouraged by the progress already underway” as the clothes seller pushes to renew its [...]
WH Smith shares crater after outlook slashed on Iran war travel chaos June 10, 2026 WH Smith shares have cratered after the retailer slashed its profit forecast amid the prolonged slowdown in global travel and slump in consumer confidence caused by the Iran war. Shares in the FTSE 250 retailer slumped by 16 per cent on Wednesday’s market open to 415p, leaving the stock down more than 35 per cent [...]
Soaring petrol prices and Devil Wears Prada 2 help consumer spending return to growth June 9, 2026 Soaring fuel prices and box office hits helped consumer spending return to growth in May, according to fresh data from Barclays. Consumer card spending was up 0.8 per cent year-on-year last month, following a 0.1 per cent dip in April. The rise came as essential spending jumped 0.7 per cent, led by a near 12 [...]
UK has ‘lost control’ of its international narrative, says Barclays June 2, 2026 Barclays has laid bare the investment barriers facing the UK in a new report that states the nation has “lost control of its international narrative” leading to an impact on foreign capital. The banking giant has called for a drastic shake-up of how the UK attracts international capital, following its share narrowing to seven per [...]
House prices fall again as property market ‘deteriorates’ June 1, 2026 House prices fell again in May as the mortgage rate hikes and surging energy bills caused by the Iran war continued to take their toll on the UK’s fragile property market. The UK’s average house price fell by 0.6 per cent to £278,024 in May, compared to 0.4 per cent growth in April, according to [...]
Not just for lockdown: Pets at Home adapts to life after pet-buying boom May 27, 2026 Are pets for life, or just for lockdown? James Bailey, the new boss of Pets and Home, will be hoping it’s the former but the company faces a challenge in finding sustained growth without the influx of demand that came during the pandemic. Embarking on its turnaround – led by Bailey, a former Waitrose boss [...]
Hollywood Bowl strikes share boom to defy consumer spending fears May 27, 2026 Hollywood Bowl shares have rocketed after the firm said Brits are prioritising nights out to the bowling alley over going shopping as they cut down on non-essential spending. The UK’s largest tenpin bowling operator said it has seen a “robust” performance even as consumer confidence plummets amid the Iran war, sending its share price up [...]
Pets at Home hails ‘better momentum’ despite profit slip May 27, 2026 Pets at Home has hailed “better momentum” in its bit to return to growth, as profit and revenue fell again while its turnaround remains in its early stages. The FTSE 250 pet supplies retailer and veterinary group saw profit before tax dip by 28 per cent to £86.5m, while group revenue fell by one per [...]