5 h. ago London small business confidence slumps to levels not seen since the pandemic

The proportion of firms predicting growth has fallen for four quarters on the trot since the election last year

Events

14 h. ago Business confidence at highest level in eight months, RBS finds

Private sector activity also had its strongest rise since November, the RBS growth tracker found.

Politics

5 d. ago Business confidence remains weak after NI and wage cost hikes, says BCC

The British Chambers of Commerce urged the Government to rule out further tax hikes for firms later this year.

Economics

8 d. ago UK business confidence levels hit highest since 2015, Lloyds says

UK business confidence levels hit highest since 2015, Lloyds says  Reuters

Events

1 week ago Alcaraz, Sinner, Sabalenka and Swiatek top Wimbledon bill but have work cut out

The margins in grand slam tennis have always been tight and the titles will be decided by who rises to the occasionAbout three hours and 45 minutes into his duel with Carlos Alcaraz three weeks ago, Jannik Sinner lowered himself into his return stance for what he hoped would be the last rally of a near-flawless fortnight. Sinner held three championship points for what would be one of the most monumental victories of his career.Just one of those three would have earned him a first grand slam title away from hard courts and redefined the terms of engagement with Alcaraz, the only player to beat him for 10 months. Sinner would then have drawn level with the Spaniard on four grand slam titles. Continue reading...

Economics

1 week ago Solar confidence shines, but industry trust casts shadow, finds report

Faith in solar savings is soaring, but a surge in sloppy installations and poor aftercare could derail the nation’s green progress, warns a new survey from a leading energy firm.

Politics

1 week ago ‘It will be months until I reach my level’: Rodri admits he faces long road back to his best

The Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder missed most of the 2024-25 season after suffering a serious knee injury.

Politics

2 w. ago Flight evacuating British nationals from Israel has departed, says Foreign Office – UK politics live

Foreign secretary David Lammy says further flights will follow in the coming daysBy the way, if you actually wanted to read the Modern Industrial Strategy document published by the government today, you can find it here.The government has just pushed out a joint statement from business leaders welcoming it, which says:The Industrial Strategy launched today marks a significant step forward and a valuable opportunity for the business community to rally behind a new vision for the UK – boosting confidence, sentiment, and enthusiasm for investment.From start-ups and small businesses to large corporates, businesses need a more attractive, stable environment that enables faster, easier, and more certain investment decisions.For too long high electricity costs have held back British businesses, as a result of our reliance on gas sold on volatile international markets.As part of our modern industrial strategy we’re unlocking the potential of British industry by slashing industrial electrici...

Politics

2 w. ago ‘High energy costs have held back businesses’, says Miliband as government announces industrial strategy – UK politics live

Prime minister says 10-year industrial strategy marks ‘turning point for economy’ as energy secretary says government will cut electricity costs for businessesBy the way, if you actually wanted to read the Modern Industrial Strategy document published by the government today, you can find it here.The government has just pushed out a joint statement from business leaders welcoming it, which says:The Industrial Strategy launched today marks a significant step forward and a valuable opportunity for the business community to rally behind a new vision for the UK – boosting confidence, sentiment, and enthusiasm for investment.From start-ups and small businesses to large corporates, businesses need a more attractive, stable environment that enables faster, easier, and more certain investment decisions.For too long high electricity costs have held back British businesses, as a result of our reliance on gas sold on volatile international markets.As part of our modern industrial strategy we’r...

Politics

2 w. ago Ukraine war briefing: Russia ‘on verge of recession’, Putin minister tells economic showcase

Drone attacks on Kharkiv and Odesa; don’t forget about Ukraine because of Iran-Israel fighting, say Kyiv officials. What we know on day 1,213 Vladimir Putin’s economy minister has warned that Russia is “on the verge” of recession as he spoke on the second day of a signature event meant to bolster economic confidence. The minister, Maxim Reshetnikov, said at the St Petersburg economic forum that his view was based on “current business sentiment and indicators” pointing to a slowdown. “Everything else depends on our decisions,” Reshetnikov said, calling for the central bank to show a “little love for the economy”.Russia’s central bank raised interest rates to an eye-watering 21% in October 2024 to combat inflation and kept them at that level until this month when it eased them to 20%. Russia’s economic growth slowed to 1.4% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, the lowest quarterly figure in two years. Prices are rising across the economy driven up by massive government spending ...

Politics

2 w. ago Covid alert: Catchy Nimbus variant DOUBLES in just one month, as total infections reach highest level this year

A highly contagious Covid variant is on the rise in the UK, with official data suggesting rates have doubled in a month.

Events

2 w. ago Covid Nimbus variant cases double in one month as infections hit highest level

Nimbus, a highly contagious Covid variant, is on the rise in the UK with official UKHSA data suggesting infections have doubled in the space of just one month

Events

3 w. ago Investor Index 2025: confidence holds firm amidst tariffs and turbulence

Now in its sixth year, the Investor Index, is an annual in-depth survey of investor behaviours conducted among 1100 UK adults (18+) with a minimum of £10,000 invested. Conducted jointly by London-based communications agency AML Group and The Nursery Research & Planning, the study has established itself as a rigorous barometer of investor practices based on hard data.

Economics

3 w. ago The number of Americans filing for jobless claims last week remains at the highest level in 8 months

U.S. filings for jobless benefits were unchanged last week, remaining at the higher end of recent ranges as uncertainty over the impact of trade wars lingers

Politics

3 w. ago Rasmus Hojlund 'shaking in his pants' as season goes from bad to worse

Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund has found things tough at club and international level over the last 12 months and he has been handed a painful wake-up call

Politics