Budget sparks 13 per cent jump in business insolvencies December 17, 2024 The number of business insolvencies in England and Wales rose 13 per cent in November, as the impact of the Budget continues to hit firms hard. Experts have also warned that things are not going to get better, with April’s looming Employers’ National Insurance increase leaving firms in a “perilous position”. Nearly 2,000 firms went [...]
Fraud watchdog makes arrest in collapsed Arena Television probe December 17, 2024 The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has arrested a man in connection to its investigation into the collapsed broadcaster Arena Television
London law firm DAC Beachcroft to launch in US December 17, 2024 DAC Beachcroft is set to launch into the US with offices planned in New York and Los Angeles, as the push for English firms to go stateside continues
Frasers Group CEO measured up for Hugo Boss board seat December 17, 2024 The chief executive of Frasers Group, Mike Ashley’s retail giant which owns the likes of Sports Direct and House of Fraser, is in line to take a board seat at Hugo Boss. Michael Murray will take part in an election to become part of the German fashion retailer’s supervisory board. Frasers Group currently holds a [...]
China accuses Britain of causing ‘trouble’ over spy linked to Prince Andrew December 17, 2024 The Chinese embassy in the UK has launched an incendiary attack on the British government today, saying London should stop causing “trouble” after it banned from Britain an alleged spy with links to Prince Andrew. Beijing’s representative in Britain issued its statement amid a furore over an alleged Chinese spy with links to the Duke [...]
UK wages continue to surge as Bank of England set to decide on interest rates December 17, 2024 UK unemployment remained steady over the last three months as wage growth surged over the quarter to October. Unemployment was unchanged at 4.3 per cent for the second straight month during October, data from the Office for National Statistics revealed. The number of people claiming jobless benefits climbed by just 300 in November, beating the [...]
Lies, damned lies and statistics: Why we can’t trust numbers anymore December 17, 2024 If we are serious about reform and achieving economic growth, we must first ensure that our understanding of our country is underpinned by accurate statistics, says Ben Sweetman There are lies, damned lies and statistics, as the saying goes. But robust and reliable data is the foundation of good governance. If we are to have [...]
We ignore security threats in space at our peril December 17, 2024 The next battlefields will operate in orbit and failure to prepare will leave Britain vulnerable to new forms of conflict and economic disruption, says Ben Bridge If anyone was in any doubt the world is in its most precarious state since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, then news that Vladimir Putin plans to spend more [...]
Reeves’ pension review pause could be ‘hugely detrimental’ December 16, 2024 Experts have slammed the chancellor’s decision to pause a review into pensions, saying failure to act could “leave millions of people at greater risk of an income shortfall”. Rachel Reeves has reportedly shelved plans to reform pension adequacy in a bid to avoid piling more pressure on business. The Financial Times first reported that it [...]
Ministers warned not to cave to ‘short-sighted’ carmakers on EV targets December 16, 2024 The government is currently considering relaxing new rules enforcing certain electric vehicle sales targets each year.