Labour should be honest about the tax rises to come September 11, 2025 Trying to raise tens of billions of pounds in revenue without touching the three taxes that account for the lion’s share of the total tax haul is like trying to build a bookcase without any nails, screws or glue. You could try it, but you’ll soon regret the attempt. As things stand, Rachel Reeves is [...]
Tube strikes driving you to drink? Good luck finding a pub that’s still open September 10, 2025 It’s not just frazzled commuters who’re suffering during the tube strike. London’s pubs – already under intolerable pressure from crushing business rates and burdensome and costly regulations – are taking another hit, says Emma McClarkin Listening to the radio this morning pushed home the far-reaching impact of the tube strike. We heard about a mother’s [...]
CBI boss calls for Rachel Reeves to break Labour’s tax pledge September 10, 2025 The boss of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has suggested the chancellor should tear up Labour’s manifesto pledge not to raise taxes on working people, as businesses brace themselves ahead of the Autumn Budget. Rachel Reeves is widely expected to introduce a fresh package of tax hikes in her 26 November Budget, in order [...]
Rayner scandal piles pressure on HMRC as tax surveillance force swells September 9, 2025 HMRC has increased the number of staff trained to physically monitor suspected tax evaders, as pressure mounts over Angela Rayner’s £40,000 stamp duty scandal. Official figures, obtained via Freedom of Information (FOI) and shared with City AM, show that 337 staff are now trained in covert surveillance, up from 171 people two years ago, in [...]
Central London Alliance comments on tube strikes September 9, 2025 Central London Alliance, a Community Interest Company, was founded because of the perceived lack of concern, relative silence and failure to consider the urgency of actions to mitigate the disastrous impact of COVID-19, lockdown and the government’s reaction to these. The original purpose of Central London Alliance (CLA) was to support a sustainable, economic recovery [...]
Tube strikes: Sadiq Khan urged to compensate hospitality sector September 9, 2025 Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has been told to ease the financial burden on the hospitality sector as firms face the crunch of tube strikes. Khan, who was criticised for his absence as the strikes got underway, has been urged to give the sector a “rent and rate holiday” so they can weather the strikes. [...]
Pret A Manger writes down value by a third amid £525m losses September 9, 2025 Pret A Manger has written off a third of the value it was handed after its 2018 acquisition by European investment group JAB as an uncertain UK economy puts pressure on the sandwich chain. The group made a £553m non-cash impairment to the £912m goodwill on its balance sheet created as part of the 2018 [...]
HSBC lands £333m in dividends from takeover of Silicon Valley Bank UK September 9, 2025 HSBC Innovation Banking has handed a £333m in dividends to its parent company amid a surge in profitability after completing its first full year as a subsidiary of HSBC Group. The lender, which had been the UK subsidiary of Silicon Valley Bank until the latter’s demise in 2023, paid HSBC a special dividend of £198m [...]
Losses balloon at Ryder Cup host Celtic Manor Resort September 9, 2025 Losses have ballooned at the company behind the former Ryder Cup host Celtic Manor Resort despite its revenue rising during its latest financial year, it has been revealed. The five-star golf, spa and hotel destination, which is located near Newport in Wales, has posted pre-tax losses of £11.3m for 2024, according to new accounts filed [...]
Dunelm shares plummet despite ‘successful year’ September 9, 2025 Dunelm’s share price dropped more 10 per cent to 1,114p on Tuesday after profit growth slowed, despite reporting a rise in sales and market share gains. City broker Peel Hunt said the company’s “operational grip shone through”, with numbers as expected. “Outgoing CEO Nick Wilkinson hands over a business in great shape, demonstrating increased relevance [...]