UK and US agree to zero tariff deal on pharmaceuticals December 1, 2025 The government has agreed to a major deal with Washington that will see the UK become the only country to secure zero import tariffs on pharmaceutical products into the US for at least three years. The deal follows months of negotiations between the government and the Trump administration, after the June trade deal left the [...]
Ubigi Voted Most Reliable eSIM for Mobile Professionals According to Latency Report 2025 December 1, 2025 Ubigi, a pioneer in eSIM solutions for travellers and connected professionals, has been ranked number one worldwide for connection quality according to the Latency Report 2025. This independent study evaluates eSIMs based on three key criteria: latency, jitter and packet loss. Thanks to its cutting-edge international network infrastructure, Ubigi has established itself as the benchmark [...]
Starmer denies misleading public as fresh row with OBR erupts December 1, 2025 Prime Minister Keir Starmer has denied accusations that Chancellor Rachel Reeves misled cabinet colleagues – and the country – over the state of public finances in the lead-up to the Budget as tax rumours hinged on the belief that there was a £30bn shortfall in the fiscal headroom. In a press conference at a nursery [...]
‘Maximum’ 20p increase for Spoons breakfast next year, says Tim Martin December 1, 2025 JD Wetherspoon will make sure the price of its breakfast doesn’t rise by more than 20p next year, boss Tim Martin said on Monday. The confirmation comes despite serious pressure on hospitality from tax hikes and food costs, with warnings of inflation across the sector. Speaking on LBC radio this morning, Sir Tim Martin told [...]
UK manufacturing edges into growth territory for first time in over a year December 1, 2025 UK manufacturing has edged into growth territory for the first time in over a year following months of struggle piling onto the sector. The S&P Global UK Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index™ (PMI) hit a 14-month highof 50.2 in November, up from 49.7 in October. This placed the industry above the all-important 50 mark which indicates [...]
UK economy set to cool as weak consumer confidence damages spending December 1, 2025 The UK economy is expected to cool in 2026, as the softening labour market and subdued consumer confidence caused a drop in household spending. The economy is set to slow 1.0 per cent next year, down from 1.4 per cent in 2025, according to the latest economic outlook from professional services firm KPMG. Meanwhile, unemployment [...]
FCA pressed to investigate Treasury over Budget briefings November 29, 2025 The Financial Conduct Authority has been urged to wade into the row between the Treasury and the Office for Budget Responsibility and investigate government briefings about a so-called £20bn fiscal hole. Scottish National Party leader Stephen Flynn urged the City regulator to investigate Reeves and other Downing Street officials over “deliberately false and misleading” briefings [...]
KBRA Assigns Preliminary Ratings to RRE 17 Loan Management DAC (Reset) November 28, 2025 KBRA UK (KBRA) assigns preliminary ratings to five classes of refinancing notes and one loan issued by RRE 17 Loan Management DAC (Reset), a cash flow collateralised loan obligation (CLO) backed primarily by a diversified portfolio of Euro denominated corporate loans. RRE 17 Loan Management DAC is managed by Redding Ridge Asset Management (UK) LLP [...]
‘We’ve been lied to’: Hospitality in uproar over business rates overhaul November 28, 2025 A 5p reduction in business rates for hospitality and retail was held up by the Chancellor as a sign the government was listening to their concerns. But – writes Ali Lyon – as business owners calculated what it meant for their bottom line, they discovered that the devil was in the detail. It was supposed [...]
Reeves’ Budget tax hikes stopping Monsoon owner’s growth November 28, 2025 The owner of Monsoon and Accessorize has warned the tax rises introduced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves are forcing it to stop investing in its growth. Adena Brands, which is owned by Peter Simon, is “focusing on reducing our cost base over investing in growth” until it sees signs of strengthening consumer demand. The business added [...]