Shadow business secretary slams Uber Eats for migrant comments September 6, 2025 Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith has hit out at Uber Eats for saying that a crackdown on illegal migration will cause takeaway prices to rise. Takeaway apps have become a route for undocumented workers to earn a living in the UK, with illegal workers drawn to the industry by historically limited right to work checks. [...]
Firefighters tackle blaze at BBC’s former HQ Television Centre September 6, 2025 Dozens of firefighters are battling a blaze at the old BBC Television Centre in London’s White City. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) said about 100 firefighters and 15 fire engines had been called to the nine-storey building on Wood Lane. Photos from the scene show crews at the Helios Building at the BBC’s former headquarters, [...]
Strong luxury watch sales amid Trump tariffs reassure investors – for now September 3, 2025 Steady demand for luxury watches in the face of Trump’s tariffs has reassured investors this summer, but analysts have warned that it might not last if prices rise. On Wednesday morning, Watches of Switzerland Group told markets that demand for timepieces has been “consistently strong” over summer, sending its share price up eight per cent. [...]
Gen Z prioritise fitness spending over pubs and restaurants September 3, 2025 Spending by Gen Z on fitness activities has jumped in the last year as Brits focus on fitness over pubs and restaurants, according to new data. With three quarters of Gen Z exercising at least twice per week, fitness spending has risen 17 per cent in the last year, according to a report by The [...]
How likely are property tax reforms in the Autumn budget? September 3, 2025 Rumours have been swirling in Westminster about a variety of property tax changes Rachel Reeves might introduce in this Autumn’s budget – or further down the line – in an attempt to plug a £40bn gap in the nation’s finances while overhauling a complex system of levies and charges. The Treasury is reportedly looking into [...]
Heston Blumenthal calls for VAT cut to ‘save British pubs’ September 2, 2025 Celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal has called on the government and licensees to take urgent action to halt the closure of thousands of UK pubs. The chef, who owns owner of the Michelin-starred gastropub The Hinds Head, is campaigning for a reduction to the UK’s VAT rate, which is one of the highest in Europe. He [...]
InPost nearly triples UK parcel volumes after Yodel acquisition September 2, 2025 InPost has reported a huge boost to UK parcel volumes and revenue after its takeover of competitor Yodel earlier this year. Revenue in the UK grew 303.1 per cent year on year in the second quarter to PLN 954.2m (£193m), making it the second-largest contributor to Group revenue after Poland, which has a 27 per [...]
Business rates reform set to give boost to Greggs, B&M and Halfords September 1, 2025 The government’s proposed reform of business next year is set to give a boost to companies with a large number of small stores like Halfords, Curry’s and Dunelm, according to analysts. Despite significant backlash against the reform from large high street retailers, analysts at Panmure Liberum have suggested the move would, overall, be good for [...]
Why have house prices run out of steam this summer? September 1, 2025 The average price of a UK home dipped in August for the fourth time in six months, in a sign that the property market is under real pressure. The average price of a house in the UK fell to £271,079, down 0.1 per cent from the month before – a surprise to market watchers, who [...]
Stamp duty overhaul could save prime London buyers £500k September 1, 2025 Buyers of prime London mansions could see huge benefits from a move to an annual property tax, according to new data. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is reportedly considering replacing stamp duty with a new national property tax on homes, as well as replacing council tax with an annual property tax. Stamp duty, which is paid in bands tied [...]