Andrew Bailey sends warning as officials say interest rate hikes ‘increasingly likely’ Economics Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey has said that it will become “harder” to leave interest rates on hold if energy prices remain higher for longer. At an event in Oxford on Friday, the Bank of England chief indicated that interest rates would have to be raised from 3.75 per cent if oil and gas [...]
‘Last days of the honeymoon’: Anxious bosses prepare charm offensive at Labour conference Politics 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 [...]
Minister tries to keep growth spirit alive amid bleak outlook Politics 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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
I’m a property developer – here’s why I’m still building in London September 25, 2026 Today’s housing market is hampered by higher interest rates, build cost inflation, weaker sales and headlines about war in the Middle East and Ukraine. But residential development has always been about managing cycles: with many projects taking more than a decade from conception through planning, construction to handing over the key to new homes. Property [...]
Class action vehicle lawsuit settles at £55m less than original value September 24, 2026 A class action lawsuit representing millions of UK motorists and businesses affected by inflated shipping fees has settled for £57m less than its original £150m target. The claim, brought by class action representative and former Which? campaigns specialist Mark McLaren, alleged that from October 2006 to September 2015, leading European shipping companies had breached competition [...]
Personal allowance hike on the menu at October Budget September 24, 2026 The Chancellor is weighing up proposals to raise the personal allowance at next month’s Budget in what could be the biggest shake-up to income tax rules in years. John Healey is reportedly considering unfreezing the income threshold at which earners start paying tax from £12,570 to as much as £15,570. The unfreezing would be the [...]
Why wearing a tie could boost your productivity September 24, 2026 The House of Lords may not require ties, but you should wear one. Yes, even if working from home, says Thomas Jackson Updated guidance published last week confirmed that while Peers in the House of Lords will still be expected to dress in business attire, they don’t have to wear a necktie. The tie itself [...]