UK has ‘low capital gains tax rates’, Healey says September 27, 2026 The UK enjoys the lowest capital gains tax rate of any major European economy, Chancellor John Healey has said, raising the prospect of another hike at the Budget. Healey has said he wanted to improve the UK’s economic fortunes yet pointed to the UK’s competitiveness on capital taxes when speaking about business confidence. He told [...]
VW-backed car hire giant plunges to £43m loss as tax hikes bite September 25, 2026 One of the UK’s biggest car hire businesses has taken aim at government tax hikes after it plunged to a £43.2m loss. Europcar UK, which is backed by German carmaker VW, recorded a profit of £7m in 2024 but its fortunes went into reverse gear a year later amid rising costs and weak demand. Europcar [...]
‘Last days of the honeymoon’: Anxious bosses prepare charm offensive at Labour conference September 25, 2026 Ahead of the Labour Party Conference on Sunday, and one month away from the Budget, businesses are feeling nervous, write Mauricio Alencar and Felix Armstrong Stepping onto an early-morning Avanti West Coast train from London Euston is now a familiar feeling for the Prime Minister. Andy Burnham is set to make the journey more regularly [...]
Barbados holidays: The quieter side of the island, with true local charm September 25, 2026 For years travellers have flocked to the pristine West Coast of Barbados – but could the South Side of the island offer a different perspective? Yes, essentially: those hoping to experience authentic Bajan culture as well as stay in luxury accommodation now have a variety of options on this lesser-explored part of the island. I [...]
Minister tries to keep growth spirit alive amid bleak outlook September 25, 2026 A government minister has moved to keep people’s optimism about the UK economy and spending afloat amid fears that interest rate hikes and a difficult Budget could dampen spirits. Several analysts, such as those at the research company GfK, have recorded a boost in consumer confidence in the months since Andy Burnham became PM. The UK [...]
Abacus Global Management Completes Landmark $400 Million Securitization September 25, 2026 ~ Dual-tranche structure and investment-grade rating reflect a maturing securitization platform ~ ~ Transaction was oversubscribed and upsized amid strong demand from institutional fixed income investors ~ ~ Closing advances Abacus’s shift toward recurring, fee-related revenue ~
Diesel ban: UK to be ‘even more exposed’ if Trump follows through on export threat September 25, 2026 After Trump announced a ban on exports of diesel, Mauricio Alencar explores how it could impact the UK economy. President Trump’s newest trade threat sent markets into a frenzy once again on Friday. Earlier this week, Trump said he would back Republican proposals to halt exports of diesel in order to ease prices ahead of [...]
Eaton signs agreement to acquire COL Group, expanding manufacturing capacity and capabilities for data center and utility markets in EMEA September 25, 2026 Intelligent power management company Eaton (NYSE:ETN) today announced it has signed an agreement to acquire COL Group from Oaktree’s Power Opportunities strategy. COL Group is a leader in medium-voltage electrical distribution solutions, including SF₆-free switchgear, grid automation technologies and modular power systems. The acquisition will expand Eaton’s European power distribution capabilities and manufacturing footprint, enhancing [...]
KBRA Releases Research – UK Buy-to-Let Sector: Changing Dynamics Webinar Recap September 25, 2026 KBRA releases a recap of its UK Buy-to-Let Sector: Changing Dynamics webinar held on 24 September 2026. Hosted by KBRA’s European Macro Strategist Gordon Kerr, panelists shared their insights on the ongoing developments in the UK buy-to-let (BTL) mortgage and residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) markets. The webinar featured commentary from Kali Sirugudi, Managing Director in [...]
Consumer confidence hits two-year high but ‘could soon falter’ September 25, 2026 Consumer confidence has surged to a two-year high in a surprise rise which will hand a much-needed boost to Andy Burnham ahead of the Budget – but experts have warned that momentum could soon run out. GfK’s closely-watched consumer confidence barometer rose to -13 in September, a rise of about one point since last month [...]