Reasons to be optimistic about the UK’s construction sector August 13, 2025 There are some early signs the UK’s beleaguered construction industry is turning a corner as higher demand, higher government investment and lower interest rates set shovels in the ground. Judging by the numbers so far this year, the UK’s construction industry is in a bad place: The sector contracted at the fastest pace since 2020 [...]
Ransomware ban won’t save councils or NHS without urgent cyber investment July 27, 2025 The UK government’s recent ban on ransomware payments by the public sector is a pivotal moment in cybercrime policy. While hailed as a decisive step, experts caution that without parallel investment in resilience, hospitals, councils, and schools remain dangerously exposed. Announced on 22 June, the policy prohibits pay-outs by NHS trusts, local authorities, and other [...]
Supermarkets hit out at government plans to cut calories from Brits’ baskets July 3, 2025 UK supermarket bosses have hit out at part of the government’s latest plans to reduce obesity in the UK, arguing that the strategy will up costs and won’t make any difference to public health. The government plans to set a new standard for products on supermarket shelves as part of its 10-year plan for the [...]
Astrazeneca chief ‘wants to shift London listing to US’ July 1, 2025 The boss of Britain’s most valuable company, Astrazeneca, has reportedly voiced his preference to move the firm’s stock market listing to the United States. Sir Pascal Soriot, who has been at the helm of the pharma juggernaut since 2012, is said to have spoken privately about his desire to abandon the UK listing in favour [...]
Government pledges to back UK fintech with regulation overhaul July 1, 2025 The government has pledged a regulation shakeup to support UK fintech as it seeks to slash the red tape blocking innovation. Speaking at City Week, technology secretary Peter Kyle said the government’s new Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO) would develop new smart tools to make navigating regulatory procedures “faster, clearer and more accessible”. This will include [...]
Government announces concessions to welfare bill in ‘screeching U-turn’ June 27, 2025 People who currently receive the personal independence payment (Pip) will continue to do so after the government made concessions to Labour rebels on controversial welfare reforms. A letter from Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall to MPs said adjustments to universal credit would also see incomes protected. The announcement comes after crisis talks with backbenchers, [...]
Government accused of ignoring SMEs as firms fight for survival June 26, 2025 Three in five small business owners feel ignored by the government, according to a fresh survey, an increasing amount firms raise the alarm on their fight to stay afloat. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are calling on Westminster to take further measures to support businesses after 57 per cent fear for their survival in the [...]
Entrepreneurs blast ministers: ‘They don’t get us’ June 25, 2025 Over eight in 10 entrepreneurs say the government does not understand their needs, a survey of founders has said, with over half citing taxes and burdensome red tape as major barriers to their growth aspirations. The poll’s stark findings reveal that just four per cent of business owners believe the Starmer administration has a grasp [...]
Creative industries in line for £380m government injection June 21, 2025 Britain’s film, music and video game industries are set to receive millions of pounds of investment as the Government seeks to ensure the UK’s place as a creative superpower. The investment, announced by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, will see £380 million spent on a range of projects intended to double private investment in the creative [...]
High street banks’ SME lending comeback won’t rattle challengers June 20, 2025 High street banks are flocking back to small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) lending but face a battle against fintechs which have captured their spot. The Big Four banks have shed their market stronghold in SME lending. Research from the British Business Bank in March revealed challenger banks make up around 60 per cent of gross [...]