UK SMEs brace for inflation strain as confidence slips Small business (SME) optimism is faltering as sticky inflation, labour shortages and rising borrowing costs pile pressure on firms already stretched by thin margins and political uncertainty. Small business confidence dipped in September, with recent Opinium polling suggesting that UK entrepreneurs are increasingly uneasy about the months ahead. The latest figures from the National Federation [...]
Fentimans returns to profit after cutting costs Retail Fentimans, the soft drinks and tonic water brand, has predicted higher profits in 2025 as it returned to the black during its latest financial year despite the “ongoing challenging backdrop”. The Northumberland-based business has reported a pre-tax profit of £1.4m for 2024, according to new accounts filed with Companies House. The total comes after Fentimans [...]
London rents rise again as Savills warns of double-digit UK increase Property Analysts have warned rents are being pushed to unsustainable levels amid another yearly jump and concerns there is no natural plateau in sight. The average UK private rent rose by 8.7 per cent in the year to October, up from 8.4 per cent in the year to September, according to the ONS. The increase was [...]