Manufacturers overcome gloomy economy as output surge continues August 3, 2026 Manufacturers have overcome a gloomy economic outlook across the country as businesses boosted production to levels not seen in almost two years, new data has revealed. According to S&P Global’s monthly survey of output across manufacturers, business activity continued to increase in what was the ninth consecutive month of growth in the sector. The purchasing [...]
Triumph for Tesla as top court rules 5G licensing case should be heard in UK July 27, 2026 The UK’s highest court has given the green light for Tesla to revive a lawsuit over 5G licensing in its electric cars, after the case was previously dismissed by a panel of judges three years ago. Elon Musk’s carmaker, one of the largest global manufacturers of electric vehicles, sued Avanci, a Texan company that supplies [...]
UK economy grows despite Iran war hit July 16, 2026 The UK economy grew marginally in May after strong performance in parts of the services sector helped soften the impact of Iran war and narrowly prevented a contraction. Fresh figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) have revealed the economy grew 0.1 per cent in May, broadly in line with market expectations. The services [...]
UK economy tipped to stall as Iran war chokes growth July 12, 2026 The UK’s economy is expected to stall another month as the Iran war continues to choke growth and some industries face slowing output. Gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to have slipped again by 0.1 per cent in May, according to some economists. The UK’s growth update, delivered by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) [...]
Stockpiling helps manufacturing sector power through Iran war blows July 1, 2026 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 June 25, 2026 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 June 23, 2026 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, [...]