Rachel Reeves set for £20bn OBR productivity downgrade October 28, 2025 Rachel Reeves’ ballooning fiscal black hole is set to deepen as the fiscal watchdog hands the Chancellor its final productivity forecast on Friday. The Treasury is already battling to contain public finances after a U-turn on welfare reforms ruined hopes of £5bn in savings, and a £190bn spending splurge on government departments helped erode the Chancellor’s wafer-thin [...]
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 [...]
Consumer confidence remains downbeat amid Budget wariness October 24, 2025 A small lift in consumer confidence over October has failed to take a leading index into positive territory amid fears that the upcoming Budget could damage personal finances. Labour has made boosting living standards a central mission in government while Chancellor Rachel Reeves has recently talked up plans to lower the cost of living for [...]
Virgin Wines blames government for inflationary cost pressures October 22, 2025 Virgin Wines has said most of its cost pressures this year have been driven by government policy, including an alcohol duty revamp and a bottle tax. The online wine seller told markets that profit before tax dipped by five per cent to £1.6m in the 2025 financial year, despite flat revenue. CEO Jay Wright pointed [...]
Analysts dampen outlook for FTSE 100 banks as tax clouds gather October 21, 2025 The UK’s top banks are gearing up for a third-quarter reporting season where all eyes will be on the Labour government’s second Autumn Budget. Speculation of a bank tax hike has dominated chatter around the sector in recent months and elevated fears across the City. It also comes alongside flaring tensions between the lending industry [...]
European stadiums to bid for South Africa rugby Test vs New Zealand October 16, 2025 Top European stadiums are set to battle it out to host a special rugby Test match between New Zealand and South Africa. The All Blacks and Springboks have announced a British and Irish Lions-style tour for 2026 with New Zealand heading to the African continent. The tour will culminate in three Tests across Johannesburg and [...]
IPO woes: Can LED face masks and tinned tuna IPOs revitalise London? October 4, 2025 The City heaved a sigh of relief on Friday morning, as two companies ploughed ahead with their plans to list on the London market, signalling that an IPO drought that has long plagued the London bourse may soon come to an end. The Beauty Tech Group announced the successful pricing of its initial public offering [...]
Prem Rugby: Four business stories to watch this season September 25, 2025 English top flight rugby is back this evening with a snazzy new brand: the Premiership has become the Prem, and Thursday nights are the new Fridays. Sure, tonight’s opener between Sale Sharks and Gloucester is a one-off to accommodate the Women’s Rugby World Cup final at Allianz Stadium, but a lot is going on in [...]
The Capitalist: Reeves and Revolut get chummy at HQ party September 25, 2025 Revolut puts on a party, City AM pioneers the midday bash and finance bros trade blows; catch up on the latest Square Mile shenanigans in The Capitalist.
Charlie Kirk: Ryder Cup is at risk of an assassination attempt September 23, 2025 The Ryder Cup is at risk of an assassination attempt in light of Donald Trump’s attendance and the recent shooting of Charlie Kirk, say US police chiefs. The biennial golf match between the US and Europe in New York is set to begin this week, with President Trump in attendance. Right-wing activist and Trump ally [...]