5 h. 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 h. ago Royal Mail move to scrap second class post on Saturdays to take ‘many months’

Royal Mail said it had started ‘detailed work’ ahead of rolling out the changes nationwide, but that it will continue well into 2026.

Politics

7 h. 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

3 d. ago Royal Mail owner set to return to profit in first figures since £3.6bn takeover

Daniel Kretinsky’s EP Group completed its takeover of Royal Mail owner International Distribution Services in June.

Economics

4 d. ago Royal Mail launches services to help customers post to US after new charges

Goods valued at 800 dollars or less will no longer be exempt from US import duties and taxes from August 29.

Economics

7 d. ago Some 70% of consumers have received scam message from ‘trusted source’ – survey

The UK’s most impersonated brands are Royal Mail and Evri, the study for TransUnion found.

Politics