Stockpiling helps manufacturing sector power through Iran war blows Industrials The manufacturing sector has powered through the turmoil brought by the Iran war as output grew at the fastest pace in 21 months, according to a business survey. S&P Global researchers said that output growth accelerated as firms rushed to stockpile goods ahead of further expected trade turmoil in the Middle East. The overall purchasing [...]
US glue maker swoops on AIM-listed manufacturer in £659m deal Industrials A US glue maker is set to hand London’s junior stock market another blow after snapping up medtech firm Advanced Medical Solutions. HB Fuller said on Thursday it would acquire the AIM-listed company in a deal that values it at £659m. The US manufacturer – which specialises in industrial adhesives and chemical products – offered [...]
Warning lights: UK services suffer worst shock since January 2023 Economics Business activity across the UK economy is at a 14-month low, research has suggested, as growth has taken a toll from Labour’s political woes and the impact of the continued trade disruption. The initial estimate for S&P Global’s purchasing managers’ index (PMI) dropped to a score of 49.4 in June, falling further below the neutral [...]
Government warned ‘unworkable’ new healthy food rules will backfire June 8, 2026 The food and drink industry has warned Labour its new healthy food red tape will backfire, as manufacturers insist they are already investing millions in making products healthier. Food and drink manufacturers are racing to prove to the government that they are cutting salt, sugar and calories from their products – as Labour plans to [...]
UK manufacturing survives Iran war impact June 1, 2026 The UK’s manufacturing sector appeared to survive the immediate impact of the Iran war in May, new data has suggested, as researchers suggested that production rose to a four-year high. S&P Global’s purchasing managers’ index (PMI) for the sector hit 53.9 in May, well above the neutrality figure of 50 and higher than April’s recording [...]
Labour has not delivered on planning reform, manufacturers say May 26, 2026 UK manufacturers have hit out at the country’s archaic planning system, claiming the Labour government has not delivered on stated aims to back builders over blockers. A new report from industry body Make UK found that almost half of manufacturers (46 per cent) believe the current planning system is still hampering the UK’s economic potential, [...]
UK businesses stall investments and cut headcount due to Iran war May 18, 2026 Over half of UK firms said they have halted investment and hiring plans due to the economic fallout of the Iran war, contributing to supply chain pressures and higher energy and fuel costs. According to new research from accountancy and advisory firm BDO, 57 per cent of 500 businesses with revenues between £10m and £500mn, [...]
Industry chief calls on government to water down steel tariff plans May 14, 2026 Government plans to double tariffs on steel imports pose an enormous threat to Britain’s already ailing manufacturing industry, pushing up costs at a time when many are already in the jaws of an inflationary energy shock, Britain’s largest industry body has warned. In a letter seen by City AM, British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) boss [...]
Investing in space tech is the new frontier May 13, 2026 After SpaceX, more investors are looking to the stars. Maisie Grice talks to the co-founder of Seraphim Space Investment Trust about investing’s final frontier Twelve years ago, investing in space technology was perceived as science fiction, but Mark Boggett saw an opportunity. While some investment trusts had fund allocation to companies investing in the technology, [...]
FTSE 100 Live: Stocks jump; oil dips below $100 as Trump says Iran deal close May 6, 2026 Good morning and welcome back to the City AM liveblog. Brent crude dipped below $100 at Wednesday lunchtime after Donald Trump has hailed “great progress” towards a “final agreement” with Iran, prompting a rally in the FTSE, Asian markets and Wall Street. In a sudden reversal late last night, President Trump said he will pause [...]