UK economy stalls with 50,000 job losses ahead of Autumn Budget September 23, 2025 The UK economy was hit by a “litany of worrying news” in the three months to September with thousands of jobs lost ahead of Rachel Reeves’ second Autumn Budget. The latest ‘flash’ PMI from S&P Global showed business activity expectations for the year ahead slumped to a three-month low in September as firms braced for [...]
Bank of England predicted to not cut interest rate until 2026 September 12, 2025 Interest rate cuts are unlikely to take place this year, according to some of the most dovish forecasters, with City analysts split on where they will settle given the UK’s battle against high inflation and low growth. The Bank of England is set to hold its next monetary policy committee (MPC) meeting next week, a [...]
US inflation jumps to 2.9 per cent, setting up key rate decision September 11, 2025 US inflation edged up to 2.9 per cent in August, leaving the Federal Reserve with a difficult decision to make on interest rates next week and all but vanquishing any chance of a ‘super-sized’ 50 basis-point cut. The Bureau of Labor Statistics said on Thursday that the annual consumer price index (CPI) figure for inflation [...]
John Lewis blames higher taxes as it swings into the red September 11, 2025 A rise in national insurance contributions and a packaging levy has ‘significantly’ impacted John Lewis, with the retailer reporting a half-year loss despite an increase in revenue. The company, which also owns Waitrose, reported a loss before tax and exceptional items of £33m for the 26 weeks ended 26 July. It has been “significantly impacted [...]
Kendall faces tough test to rescue UK’s broken AI policy September 5, 2025 Liz Kendall is expected to replace Peter Kyle as science and tech secretary in a major reshuffle by Keir Starmer, inheriting one of the government’s most urgent briefs: artificial intelligence. Kyle is reportedly moving to the Department for Business, with the skills brief carved out of the Department for Education. His departure from the tech [...]
UK firms race into AI as Peter Kyle urges regulators to keep pace September 5, 2025 Tech consultancy firm Capgemini has urged that, despite businesses racing to roll out generative artificial intelligence (genAI), most remain aptly unprepared for the governance challenges it will bring. This warning comes just as the UK government leans on the technology to sharpen its competitive edge and cut red tape. The French consultancy’s AI survey, published [...]
Construction firms are ‘lagging behind’ as confidence plummets September 4, 2025 Construction firms are struggling to kick back into growth, fresh data has suggested, as more bosses are becoming worried about a bleaker future ahead. The Labour government is pinning hopes on a revival of the construction sector to build 1.5m homes by 2030. However, a new survey has raised doubts about whether Labour can achieve [...]
UK startups at risk of scaling overseas, warns Lord Mayor September 3, 2025 The UK is “in danger of becoming an incubator economy – a place where start-ups develop transformative products and services before selling up or moving abroad”, the Lord Mayor of London is set to warn tonight, urging ministers and investors to act before Britain loses the rewards of its own innovation. Speaking at the innovation [...]
How likely are property tax reforms in the Autumn budget? September 3, 2025 Rumours have been swirling in Westminster about a variety of property tax changes Rachel Reeves might introduce in this Autumn’s budget – or further down the line – in an attempt to plug a £40bn gap in the nation’s finances while overhauling a complex system of levies and charges. The Treasury is reportedly looking into [...]
Peter Kyle pushes AI regulation changes to support UK businesses September 3, 2025 Technology secretary Peter Kyle will use his speech at Mansion House tonight to urge UK regulators to adopt AI in a bid to cut approval times for businesses, as Britain seeks to keep pace in the global race for tech leadership. Kyle is set to pledge £2.7m in government funding to help regulators trial AI [...]