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 [...]
Itsu blames inflation and Labour tax hikes as rising costs bite September 9, 2026 Itsu has posted its third consecutive annual loss as the Asian food-to-to chain blamed surging inflation and Labour hikes to employment taxes for its rising costs. The edamame eatery, founded by the grab-and-go tycoon behind Pret a Manger, said the UK’s fast food industry is suffering from fragile consumer confidence and a rising tax burden. [...]
Gym Group upgrades outlook as Gen-Z shrugs off heatwave and World Cup September 9, 2026 Gym Group has upgraded its outlook after tempting Gen-Zers into its gyms throughout the summer, despite the distractions of the World Cup and multiple heatwaves. Will Orr, chief executive of the no-frills gym provider, said the group is still on course to deliver three per cent sales growth despite a “noisy macro [environment], some hot [...]
Oil hits $100 a barrel as Iran war escalates September 9, 2026 Oil prices hit $100 per barrel for the first time since July on Wednesday morning as new strikes in the Middle East sparked fresh concerns for global oil supplies. Brent crude – the international benchmark for oil prices – jumped more than two per cent, hitting $100 per barrel after making consistent gains from the [...]
As it happened: FTSE 100 dives as oil prices surge past $100 in blow to inflation September 9, 2026 Welcome back to City AM’s FTSE 100 liveblog. The UK’s blue-chip index fell on Wednesday as oil prices reared up yet again, reaching six-week highs. Speaking late on Tuesday, Andrew Bailey caused fresh speculation that the Bank of England could hike interest rates when he said that risks to inflation remain “on the upside”. The [...]
Food inflation set to surge next year as Iran war ramps up supply costs September 9, 2026 Food inflation could top six per cent next year as rising fuel prices triggered by the war in Iran ramp up supply chain costs, a top food industry body has warned. The Food and Drink Federation (FDF), which represents the UK’s food manufacturers, has urged the government to help the industry keep its costs down, [...]
Bailey warns on inflation risks as Iran war roils UK economy September 8, 2026 Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey has warned inflationary pressures are still buffeting the UK economy and energy prices could rise further next year if the war in Iran continues. Speaking to MPs on Tuesday, the Bank chief said inflation risks were “to the upside” and energy prices “could be higher still” due to the [...]
UK poised to pay highest borrowing costs since 1998 September 8, 2026 The UK is set to pay the highest yield on new debt in nearly 30 years in a sign of the growing economic pressures facing the Chancellor John Healey as he draws up his first Budget. The Debt Management Office is marketing a 30-year bond at 0.75 basis points over the yield of the government’s [...]
Five lenders hike mortgage prices as interest rate threat looms September 8, 2026 Five lenders hiked the price on their mortgage deals to kick off the week as the threat of the Bank of England increasing interest rates looms over the UK economy. Barclays has raised its rates on a fleet of products by nearly 0.2 per cent, with its two-year fixed rate rising to 5.53 per cent [...]
KBRA Releases Research – European Fibre: From Buildout to Maturity September 8, 2026 KBRA releases research examining the European fibre infrastructure sector’s transition towards a more operationally focused phase as networks move beyond peak construction, as well as key credit trends shaping the next stage of the European fibre market. While rollout and commercial risks have always been central to credit analysis, greater operating history is allowing investors [...]