‘Bonkers’ founders’ relief criticised over rules that could punish startup growth November 3, 2026 John Healey’s flagship tax break for entrepreneurs has been branded “bonkers” by leading economists, who warn its restrictive rules could punish startup growth and encourage founders to make decisions that damage productivity. The new Founders’ Relief offers a 10 per cent capital gains tax rate on up to £10m of lifetime gains, but its complex [...]
‘The government needs to take us seriously’: Pub landlords brew plans to bar MPs – again November 3, 2026 Pub landlords across the country are poised to launch a fresh ban on hundreds of MPs after a campaign to cut VAT on hospitality fell on deaf ears in the House of Commons. Andy Lennox, who led a ban on Labour MPs following the surge in business rates bills caused by last year’s Budget, told [...]
Water Regeneration Technology Opens a New Path to Growth for Water-Scarce Caribbean Islands November 3, 2026 WOTA to present water circulation as a new path to island growth to governments and partners at the Commonwealth Business Forum 2026, 2-4 November
Nick Train flagship fund posts best month in its history as software bet starts to pay off November 3, 2026 Nick Train’s flagship fund has posted its best single-month performance in its 20-year history, in a sign the star stockpicker’s contrarian bets on unloved software stocks are fuelling a change in fortunes for the flagging vehicle. The £1bn Lindsell Train UK Equity fund returned 10.8 per cent to investors in October, in its best month [...]
Jenrick lends support to Poundland suitors November 3, 2026 Reform UK’s economic spokesman Robert Jenrick has revealed he is supporting potential bidders for discount retailer Poundland as he criticised the group’s “greedy” owner Gordon Brothers for pushing the business towards insolvency. Over the weekend, Jenrick suggested the government should intervene in the possible insolvency of Poundland, which would put some 12,000 jobs at risk, [...]
Voters expect ‘no difference’ to UK economy after Healey’s modest Budget November 3, 2026 John Healey’s Budget will make “no difference” to the UK economy, voters have said, as concerns over stealth taxes and defence spending overshadowed a series of giveaways in the Chancellor’s maiden fiscal statement. Polling by City AM/Freshwater Strategy showed that about half of voters expected the Budget to make “no difference” to Britain’s economic fortunes. [...]
City tourism boosted with £230m Farringdon hotel plans November 3, 2026 Developers have unveiled plans for a new 350-room hotel in Farringdon, setting up a £230m joint venture to revamp the historic site. Dublin-based aparthotel operator Staycity, which owns the Wilde brand, has founded a partnership with Penta Real Estate to deliver the new project. The 11-storey site, which will offer apartment living and co-working areas, [...]
Anthropic’s growth slows ahead of IPO as AI spending bill nears $900bn November 2, 2026 Anthropic’s revenue has surged twelvefold to nearly $17bn (£13bn), but the AI giant has slipped back into the red as its computing commitments approach $900bn ahead of a potentially record-breaking stock market debut. The Claude maker revealed the figures in an updated IPO filing on Monday, offering investors a fresh look at its finances just [...]
Commonwealth Games generated £223m for Scotland November 2, 2026 The Commonwealth Games delivered more in economic activity than it cost to host as organisers proved the viability of a slimmed-down iteration of the event. The 2026 Commonwealth Games, which took place this summer in Glasgow, cost less than £160m to stage after the Scottish city stepped in for Victoria when the Australian state pulled [...]
Can Marks & Spencer’s TikTok star help it ‘dump the frump’? November 2, 2026 Marks & Spencer will face shareholders on Wednesday, with hopes of presenting a lift from its breakout social media star, Kathryn Turner, writes Felix Armstrong. Ditch the fake blood and vampire fangs: Britain’s viral Halloween costume this year featured a white shirt, a blue sweater vest and a blonde wig. Kathryn Turner, Marks & Spencer’s [...]