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 [...]
Beyond Barolo: The crisp joy of Italian white wine September 1, 2025 Though the reds are arguably more famous – the revered Barolos, the bold Super Tuscans, the classic Chiantis – the white wines of Italy are quickly on the rise. Often refreshing with notes of sun-ripened citrus and wild herbs, they are the orderable crowd-pleasers on any wine list. Who doesn’t like a Gavi? Everyone likes [...]
Angela Rayner under pressure to clarify property questions amid hypocrisy accusations September 1, 2025 Angela Rayner is facing mounting scrutiny over her property portfolio, with accusations that she avoided £40,000 in stamp duty and questions around a house valuation in her constituency. These suggestions are made more embarrassing by her dual roles as deputy prime minister and housing secretary. The Times has reported on the “remarkable coincidence” that, at [...]
There are no incentives to buy or move home, Rachel Reeves warned September 1, 2025 Chancellor Rachel Reeves has been warned there are no incentives for people to buy or move home and that the Labour government needs to take action to ‘tackle the malaise’ in the building materials industry. John Newcomb, CEO of national trade body BMF (Builders Merchants Federation), added that “immediate intervention is now needed to thwart [...]
The best restomods to buy in 2025 September 1, 2025 Restomods divide opinion like a famous jar of yeast extract, but clearly they are here to stay. And rightly so in our opinion – these modified classic cars are more exploitable and exciting to drive than almost anything sold new in 2025. We have driven some truly fabulous restomods, including cars based on iconic Porsche, [...]
Outlook for UK economy ‘remains subdued’ as bosses battle cost hikes September 1, 2025 Private sector bosses are predicting activity to shrink again over the next three months when a fresh bout of inflation is expected to compound cost pressures hoisted upon them at last year’s Autumn Budget. According to the Confederation for British Industry’s (CBI) Growth Indicator, more firms expect trading conditions to worsen in the three months [...]
Manufacturing recovery collapses amid spiralling costs September 1, 2025 Manufacturing output hit a three-month low in August, a new survey has suggested, after early signs in the summer indicated the sector was on a path to recovery. The Labour government is determined to deliver higher growth, with strategy papers outlining plans to boost production across the UK by lowering energy costs. But new purchasing [...]
The Hundred can be cricket’s equivalent of Wimbledon, says chief September 1, 2025 English cricket chiefs want to see The Hundred become its equivalent of Wimbledon as the franchise competition heads for the biggest changes in its short history. The Hundred board, comprising new investors, meets today to discuss next steps, with a change in financial distributions, commercial deals, team names and the titular format all on the [...]
Greene King landlords plea for Rachel Reeves to cut bills September 1, 2025 More than 600 Greene King landlords have called on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to lower taxes for pubs ahead of the Autumn Budget as the sector grapples with ever-rising costs. The hospitality industry has been vocal about the cost pressures it has been facing since the Covid-19 pandemic began in 2020, with businesses facing surging energy, [...]
Cazoo owner makes first profit since 2019 September 1, 2025 The owner of Cazoo has made its first pre-tax profit since 2019 after recusing the collapsed brand last year, it has been confirmed. Motors.co.uk has posted a pre-tax profit of £621,000 for 2024, up from the loss of £9.3m it made in the prior 12 months. It is the first time the business has posted [...]