Download IPFS Business confidence in the North East surged to 73% in July, according to the latest results from The Business Barometer, marking the region as the second most optimistic in the United Kingdom. The confidence index, compiled through monthly surveys of 1,200 firms nationwide, reflects a significant rise of[Read More…]

Download IPFS Social enterprises across Northern Ireland are now contributing close to £1 billion in turnover annually and supporting over 17,000 jobs, according to a newly released and comprehensive sector report. The findings underscore the growing economic and social importance of these organisations, many of which operate on a not-for-profit[Read More…]

Download IPFS British energy firm Drax Group reported a decline in earnings for the first half of 2025, as weaker wholesale electricity prices in the United Kingdom weighed on performance. However, the company moved to reassure investors by announcing a substantial extension to its existing share buyback programme. Drax, which[Read More…]

Download IPFS The recently signed India–United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (FTA), concluded on 25 July 2025, introduces provisions that will allow up to 1,800 Indian professionals to obtain UK work visas each year. Targeted at niche service providers such as chefs, yoga instructors, and classical musicians, the FTA aims to[Read More…]

Download IPFS The UK Government has unveiled a new Small Business Plan as part of its broader “Plan for Change”, targeting the persistent issue of late payments that continue to hinder small business growth. The policy includes tougher enforcement measures and financial support aimed at creating a more stable and[Read More…]

Download IPFS Richard Walker, Executive Chairman of Iceland Foods, has voiced support for raising income tax rather than introducing a wealth tax as a means to improve the United Kingdom’s public finances. Speaking in an interview with Sky News’ Sophy Ridge, Walker emphasised that adjusting income tax brackets would be[Read More…]

Download IPFS British luxury car manufacturer Aston Martin is urging the United Kingdom government to renegotiate the terms of a recent tariff deal with the United States, citing serious concerns over export limits that could hinder profitability. The company’s appeal comes as the U.S. sets a new financial milestone in[Read More…]

Download IPFS British Water, the supply chain membership organisation for the UK water industry, has appointed Stephen Slessor, Chief Executive Officer of RSE (Ross-shire Engineering), as its new chair. Slessor succeeds Dr Mark Fletcher, Director and Global Water Business Lead at Arup, at a time when the sector is undergoing[Read More…]

Download IPFS A new report from KPMG UK reveals promising signs of recovery in the venture capital (VC) sector alongside strategic energy reforms, signalling renewed economic confidence in Britain. The developments highlight investor optimism in UK tech and fintech, coupled with government policy shifts aimed at accelerating renewable energy deployment.[Read More…]

Download IPFS India and the United Kingdom have reached a key understanding under the ongoing trade negotiations that will provide targeted relief to Indian poultry exporters. Rather than a blanket ban during disease outbreaks, the deal allows for only partial restrictions, applying specifically to affected regions. This more nuanced approach[Read More…]