Claire’s and The Original Factory Shop collapse into administration, risking thousands of jobs January 6, 2026 High street chains Claire’s and The Original Factory Shop (TOFS) are being put into administration, after their owner said “last-ditch” measures had fallen through, putting about 2,500 UK staff at risk of redundancy. The two retailers had already undergone restructuring and were bought by investment firm Modella Capital last year. Modella said it had made [...]
UK investors plan to boost portfolios in 2026 December 29, 2025 Nearly two-thirds (62 per cent) of investors with at least £100,000 in assets plan to increase the amounts they put away in 2026 despite market uncertainties, a survey indicates. More than a fifth (23 per cent) said they will look to bolster their portfolio significantly, according to the research for Scottish Widows. Despite market challenges, [...]
Flight prices set to jump as regional airports set for rocketing tax bills December 29, 2025 Air passengers are being warned to brace for flight prices to jump as regional airports across the UK face “unprecedented” rises in property tax next year. Analysis of official Government data for the Press Association has revealed regional airports are among those facing the steepest increases in business rates of any sector in the UK [...]
Pizza Hut, Poundland and WH Smith: The high street brands that closed stores in 2025 December 29, 2025 A raft of major UK retail and hospitality brands shut down stores across the UK this year, with other high street mainstays closing their doors for good. It came amid a backdrop of pressure on consumer finances, rising inflation for most of the year and increased costs for businesses. As a result, numerous businesses launched [...]
Trump: Ukraine peace deal ‘closer than ever before’ December 29, 2025 Donald Trump said talks to secure a US-backed peace deal for Ukraine are “closer than ever before” after he met with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky in Florida. But the two leaders acknowledged there are still “thorny issues” remaining. Mr Trump, the US president, has said talks on a security guarantee – a key plank of [...]
‘Bumper’ Boxing Day provides boost to struggling high streets December 27, 2025 Boxing Day was a “bumper day” for all UK retail destinations as data shows shopper footfall was up 4.4 per cent on last year, making it the strongest increase in more than a decade, industry analysts said. The retail sector may end the year on a “positive note” as December 26 saw shoppers flock to [...]
FCA to increase scrutiny of home and travel insurers following ‘super complaint’ December 18, 2025 The UK financial watchdog is to increase scrutiny of home and travel insurers following a “super complaint” by consumer champion Which?. Following a year of campaigning against falling standards affecting tens of millions of customers, Which? used its statutory powers to make a super-complaint to the industry regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), back in [...]
Wild by Tart launch limited edition gin in national supermarkets December 17, 2025 The founders behind Wild by Tart have launched a limited edition gin in national supermarkets as they look to expand from their restaurateur roots. The duo, who started their culinary careers as food columnists for the Evening Standard Magazine, launched Wild by Tart in October 2019 in London Victoria. They have now collaborated with Bathtub [...]
Christmas attractions face sharp rise in property taxes after Budget December 15, 2025 London’s Winter Wonderland and Hamleys are set to be hit by sharp jumps in their property taxes from next year as UK Christmas attractions come under pressure from next year’s business rates overhaul. Analysis of official figures has shown that a raft of Christmas attractions, markets and destination-led retail will face increases in business rates [...]
Armed forces chief to warn ‘whole nation must step up’ amid Russian threat December 15, 2025 Growing threats faced by the UK will require “our whole nation stepping up” to ensure the country can continue to function in a crisis, the head of the British armed forces will warn. Chief of the defence staff Sir Richard Knighton will say the situation is “more dangerous than I have known during my career” [...]
