WH Smith warns on profit again as discounting hits margins September 16, 2026 WH Smith has cut its profit target again after warning that intense discounting and “inflation headwinds” are hitting its bottom line. The convenience retailer had initially told investors it could make as much as £105m in pre-tax profit this year, before slashing the target to between £75m and £90m. On Wednesday, the group reduced its [...]
London is expensive enough for tourists September 15, 2026 An overnight levy on top of the removal of VAT-free shopping is making London too expensive for tourists, writes Ros Morgan.
City policy chair: new taxes on financial services would threaten our prosperity September 14, 2026 The City stands ready to help the Chancellor deliver good growth in every postcode at the Budget, says Chris Hayward Recent years have been challenging for people, policymakers and industry leaders alike. Conflicts have been compounded by subsequent, successive economic shocks; damaging supply chains and leaving less well-prepared boardrooms bewildered. Globally, public finances are under [...]
Haigh and Healey to host business chiefs in Downing Street September 14, 2026 Louise Haigh and John Healey will lead meetings with top business chiefs in Downing Street this evening after Andy Burnham cancelled his official engagements following the death of his father. The First Secretary of State will host a roundtable with entrepreneurs, which is set to be followed by an evening drinks reception. The Chancellor and [...]
Wetherspoon boss Tim Martin attacks government’s ‘unfriendly’ attitude to business September 11, 2026 Wetherspoon boss Tim Martin has said he is “very concerned” by the wealth exodus gripping the UK as he hit out at Labour’s “unfriendly” attitude towards entrepreneurs. The pub tycoon said it is “madness” to blame the number of ultra-rich businesspeople leaving the country on anything other than the business conditions created by the government. [...]
Businesses urge Healey to reduce cost pressures in pre-Budget campaigns September 10, 2026 The bosses of Britain’s largest industry groups have urged Chancellor John Healey to reduce the cost of business in order to boost growth across the UK economy, City AM has been informed. Several business chiefs sent letters to the Treasury on Wednesday night with demands for the government to relieve pressures on employers. Correspondence landing [...]
One of Britain’s biggest taxpayers has left – who can replace Rokos? September 9, 2026 Christopher Rokos was Britain’s third largest individual taxpayer last year, handing over an estimated £330m. Now he’s moved to Greece and no British government seems to have a plan to replace that revenue, says Damian Pudner So, Chris Rokos is off to Greece. For those who don’t know the name, Christopher Rokos is one of [...]
Tax crackdowns means high net worth Brits continue to mull UK exit September 9, 2026 UK millionaires continue to keep their options open with a high percentage having considered leaving the UK over high taxes, according to a survey, deepening fears that the government has relied too heavily on the wealthy to boost receipts and fund higher expenditure. An in-house survey by the Wealth Club, which provides advice to rich [...]
Soho Square Capital Backs Strathberry September 8, 2026 Soho Square Capital, an investment firm focused on financing established and growing UK and European SMEs, is pleased to announce a growth investment in Strathberry, the Scottish luxury leather goods brand. This marks Soho Square’s first investment from Soho Square Partnership Capital Fund II. Established in 2013 in Edinburgh by husband-and-wife founders Guy and Leeanne [...]
Investors dump UK stocks as Budget rumours compound caution September 8, 2026 UK equity funds have been hit with another month of outflows after investors dumped stocks in favour of cash and bonds. Investors withdrew a net £601m from UK stock funds during August, driving a broader £315m net outflow across global equity strategies. The retreat marks the fourth consecutive month of net selling globally and the [...]