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 [...]
Nick Clegg: Labour’s choices have left UK in ‘perilous’ place September 4, 2025 Former deputy prime minister Nick Clegg has blasted the Labour government for its poor preparations ahead of last year’s elections, which led to “ridiculous” decisions being made at least year’s £40bn tax grab in the Autumn Budget. Speaking to LBC, Clegg said Labour had made promises it could not deliver as it struggled to balance [...]
Lloyd’s of London BluePrint Two delayed, again September 4, 2025 The world’s leading insurance and reinsurance market, Lloyd’s of London, has delayed the rollout of its strategy to digitalise the market for the fourth time. Blueprint Two was launched six years ago, labelled an “ambitious strategy” by the market. The programme was pitched as delivering a “profound” change in the market through digitalisation. Lloyd’s, together [...]
Higher interest rates boost Lloyd’s of London September 4, 2025 Lloyd’s of London, the world’s leading insurance and reinsurance market, has reported a profit before tax of £4.2bn for the first half of 2025. Gross written premiums climbed to £32.5bn, up from £30.6bn reported for the same period last year. Its underwriting result fell to £1.5bn, down from £3.1bn the previous year, as the market’s [...]
Geopolitical instability hits the bottom line as businesses suffer investment losses September 3, 2025 Businesses have suffered losses in international projects or investments due to geopolitical and economic risks, with interest in political risk insurance (PRI) soaring as a result. According to a new report by insurer Howden, over half of the companies surveyed, comprising around 500 senior risk and treasury function decision-makers, reported suffering a political loss to [...]
A 0.5 per cent pension shift could secure Britain’s tech supremacy September 3, 2025 To solve the UK’s struggle to scale its world-class startups, we must unlock the nation’s vast pension funds for venture capital investment to fuel domestic growth and ensure technological sovereignty, says Dame Anne Glover This week, as leaders gather at Mansion House to celebrate British innovation, we must confront a hard truth: the UK is [...]
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 [...]
Hospitality bosses join Tories in opposition to Labour government September 3, 2025 Hospitality bosses have joined the Conservatives in condemning the Labour government for introducing higher taxes on businesses, rolling out red tape on employment and excluding the sector from growth strategies. Managers at pubs, restaurants and hotels across the UK have warned that the government’s taxes and regulations risk devastating the important sector. Now the Conservatives [...]
The Debate: Should workers be entitled to ‘digital downtime’? September 3, 2025 Would periods of 'digital silence' in the working week help make workers more productive? Two writers battle it out.
Reeves can’t tax Britain out of the gloom September 3, 2025 With growth stalling, inflation rising, and fiscal headroom gone, Chancellor Reeves must resist the urge to raise taxes and instead make government leaner, smarter and more efficient to keep the economy from sliding into darkness, says Brandon Lewis Winter in the UK is a normally sunless affair. The one we’re headed for will be gloomy [...]