Street food vendors face confidence crisis ahead of Budget October 28, 2025 Grassroots vendors are rapidly losing confidence in their future ahead of the Autumn Budget, according to new data. Just one per cent of respondents in a new hospitality survey described the UK street food sector as having a strong, viable future, according to independent hospitality group Kerb. “There’s a clear message here for the government,” [...]
Business rates burden to disproportionately hit London offices October 28, 2025 The upcoming change in how business rates are calculated will affect far more office-based firms in London than elsewhere and may cause a rise in closures, according to a new report. The business tax reforms, scheduled for next April, will introduce a higher rate of payment for properties worth over £500,000. The new multiplier for [...]
Fresh food inflation continues despite fall in overall shop prices October 28, 2025 The price of fresh food has continued to climb despite a broader softening in inflation at UK shops, according to new data. Fresh food inflation increased to 4.3 per cent year on year in October, against growth of 4.1 per cent in September and above the three-month average of 4.2 per cent, according to the [...]
The perfect ski holiday, with amazing slopes and yoga in the Alps October 27, 2025 It seems inevitable that these two most middle class of pursuits – a ski holiday and yoga – would be combined. Guy Taylor dons skis and attempts a downward dog I have always been a light sleeper, but to my delight, a snooze on the floor of an old gymnasium properly sends me under. The [...]
Housing market stalls as ‘fearmongering about budget’ hurts confidence October 27, 2025 House price growth in the UK has slowed and sales have dropped for the first time in two years as more buyers adopt a ‘wait and see’ strategy ahead of a tax-raising Budget next month. Zoopla found that the usual Christmas slowdown has “begun six to eight weeks early”, with buyer demand down eight per [...]
Ballooning office rents price creative industries out of UK cities October 27, 2025 The UK’s creative industries are under threat from a spike in rents and a shortage of suitable space, according to a new report. With rents up a third since 2019 and growth in the creative industries stalling, businesses are being priced out of urban areas as workspace costs soar and margins tighten. “If these threats [...]
JD Gyms eyes UK expansion after putting millions into refurbs October 27, 2025 JD Gyms is set to open its 100th gym in the UK as the chain muscles in on the 24-hour fitness sector and sets its sights on further expansion. The Wigan-based chain, which is part of the global retail group JD Sports Fashion, will mark the milestone with the launch in Enfield, north London, in [...]
Almost two thirds of charities axe jobs and services over financial strain October 27, 2025 Almost two thirds of charities have axed workers and vital services as they come under pressure from falling income, staff burnout and declining public donations, according to new research. The vast majority have warned they are considering leaving their roles amid intense conditions in the sector, experts at Rathbones have warned. Research by the investment [...]
Next expected to reveal sales momentum despite consumer pressure October 26, 2025 Next is expected to report further growth for the past quarter as the high street chain continues to shrug off the squeeze on consumer finances. Shares in the company lifted on Friday to a new record high as investors continue to buy into the group. The company has been a consistent bright spot across the [...]
Streeting: Labour needs to counter ‘growing sense of despair’ October 26, 2025 The British public have a sense of despair about the way the country is run and Labour must demonstrate it can deliver in office, Wes Streeting has said. The health secretary conceded Sir Keir Starmer’s government has not told a “compelling enough story” about its achievements, and acknowledged people were not yet feeling the change [...]
