3 d. ago Survey reveals high levels of trust in charities but concerns over duplication

However, the nationally representative survey of 1,000 people found that large portions of the population believe there is possible duplication of services and potential for mergers to cut costs and avoid overlaps

Politics

6 d. ago UK manufacturing downturn continues as new orders slide; Trump’s attack on Fed is ‘a serious danger’ – business live

Weak market conditions, US tariffs and downbeat client confidence blamed for drop in factory ordersOuch! The UK manufacturing sector shrank again last month, as factories were hit by weaker demand at home and abroad.The latest monthly poll of purchasing managers across Britain’s manufacturing sector found that new orders and new export business both fell at quicker rates in August, leading to another drop in production volumes.“Production volumes are still showing resilience in the face of global geopolitical uncertainty and US tariff policies, with both July and August having seen only slight contractions that were milder than those suffered earlier in the year. Business confidence has also lifted to a sixmonth high, reflecting hopes that the trading environment is starting to settle down.However, August also saw a steep drop in UK manufacturers’ new orders, with total order books and overseas demand both falling at some of the fastest rates seen over the past two years. Weak marke...

Politics

6 d. ago UK manufacturing downturn continues as new orders slide; Profits surge at Royal Mail – business live

Weak market conditions, US tariffs and downbeat client confidence blamed for drop in factory ordersOuch! The UK manufacturing sector shrank again last month, as factories were hit by weaker demand at home and abroad.The latest monthly poll of purchasing managers across Britain’s manufacturing sector found that new orders and new export business both fell at quicker rates in August, leading to another drop in production volumes.“Production volumes are still showing resilience in the face of global geopolitical uncertainty and US tariff policies, with both July and August having seen only slight contractions that were milder than those suffered earlier in the year. Business confidence has also lifted to a sixmonth high, reflecting hopes that the trading environment is starting to settle down.However, August also saw a steep drop in UK manufacturers’ new orders, with total order books and overseas demand both falling at some of the fastest rates seen over the past two years. Weak marke...

Economics

1 week ago Confidence drops across UK services in face of higher costs and weak demand

CBI survey shows firms cutting hiring and investment as profits squeezed, with outlook gloomy for rest of yearBusiness confidence plunged this month across the UK’s services sector as mounting cost pressures and weak demand hit profits and undermined the outlook for the rest of the year.The CBI’s latest service sector poll found that a majority of companies were gloomy about their prospects and discounted the acceleration in activity that usually follows the return to work after the summer break. Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago Royal Mail fail to deliver one in four first class letters on time in first months under new ownership approved by ministers

The postal service, which is already under scrutiny after it increased the cost of a first-class stamp to £1.70 in April, is failing to meet the targets imposed by the watchdog.

Politics

2 w. ago GRIFF RHYS JONES: My night with four young people (I paid, of course)...and why, in spite of all their witless opinions, I deplore the way their futures are being stifled

What's the legacy we're leaving to the young, beyond jobs that won't make them enough money, costs that keep rising, public services that don't work?

Politics

2 w. ago Falkirk finance chief warns economic outlook for all Scottish councils 'bleak'

Councillors were told years if rising costs meant local authorities across the country were facing serious financial challenges and struggling to cover the cost of services.

Events

2 w. ago Nationwide expands services to all customers with this savings account

The building society is soon to expand another one of its services

Economics

3 w. ago ‘Alarming’ drop in UK consumer confidence over last year – Which?

On average between this May and July, 56% of people thought the economy would get worse and just 16% thought it would get better, Which? found.

Events

3 w. ago Consumer confidence in UK economy falls to lowest level in two years

Which? says the sharp drop in confidence in the economy has been ‘alarming’

Politics

3 w. ago Claire's collapses into administration with Lanarkshire store at risk

Administrators will now attempt to find a rescue deal for the high street chain, which has seen falling sales due to recent weak consumer demand.

Events