Investors are concerned about potential tax changes under a Government led by Andy Burnham, with fears that an exit tax could be introduced, imposing upfront capital gains tax (CGT) on entrepreneurs leaving the UK. Currently, founders can sell their businesses without incurring UK tax on capital gains. Louise Haigh, a close ally of Mr Burnham, has argued that “CGT should be brought closer to income tax rates,” while MP Noah Law says an exit tax could recoup some of the £500m in capital gains tax lost each year when shareholders depart. Miatta Fahnbulleh, the former head of the New Economics Foundation, is advising Mr Burnham on economic policy and has long backed increases to CGT. Dan Neidle from Tax Policy Associates warns that even discussing exit taxes could deter entrepreneurs, while Nimesh Shah, chief executive of Blick Rothenberg, predicts “wild, wild speculation” over Mr Burnham’s plans, saying this is “going to lead people to think about or reconsider their plans about leaving the UK again.”

James Reed, chairman and CEO of recruiter Reed, has criticised the Government for prioritising tax increases on jobs, particularly the £25bn rise in employers’ National Insurance, which he says will harm the labour market. Mr Reed suggests that taxing AI could help reduce taxes on work.

Shevaun Haviland, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, has urged the Government to prioritise economic growth and avoid further tax rises on businesses. Warning that taxing businesses more “would be a road to ruin,” she added: “The quickest way to destroy the fragile confidence that we have left. You must back businesses, not tax them, if you want to see growth.” Ms Haviland argues that successive governments have failed to deliver sustained growth and that restoring confidence is essential to encourage investment, innovation and trade. She said: “Weak confidence reduces appetite for risk, which reduces investment, which hampers growth, which knocks confidence further.”

Rob Perrins, executive chairman of Berkeley Group, says housebuilding is in crisis and that without “decisive intervention” from the Government, including tax cuts and reduced regulatory burdens, the situation will not improve. London is currently producing less than 10% of the homes it requires, with only 5,547 new homes started last year. This marks an 84% drop from a decade ago. Mr Perrins highlighted “excessive” stamp duty as a barrier to demand and called for it to be cut to 3% on all new homes. Stamp duty surcharges, he added, “deter vital investment in newbuild homes.”

Simon Hunt in City AM looks at the impact of the Brexit referendum on the City, noting concerns about job losses in the financial services sector when the UK voted to leave the EU in 2016. Initial fears suggested up to 80,000 jobs could relocate, but data shows that only around 7,000 have moved, with the City’s workforce growing from 500,000 in 2016 to 675,000 in 2026. Analysis suggests that the UK has retained its position as Europe’s leading financial centre, having recorded a total of 949 projects in the last ten years – more than double the totals seen in France (449) and Germany (452). The UK also saw a 16% year-on-year increase in financial services projects in 2025, despite a slowdown in wider investment into the UK.

Segro has rejected a £12.6bn takeover approach from US rival Prologis, saying the 925p-per-share offer significantly undervalued the business and its growth prospects, including its data centre expansion. The bid is the latest in a wave of foreign takeover attempts targeting UK-listed firms, fuelling concerns that depressed valuations are leaving British companies vulnerable. Analysts said the approach highlights growing international interest in UK assets and could place other property groups in the spotlight for potential acquisitions.

The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has announced revisions to auditing standards as it looks to reduce reporting workloads and enhance transparency. With concerns that auditor reports have become increasingly long and are often filled with boilerplate language, the changes seek to make the reports more valuable for investors.

Institute for Fiscal Studies analysis shows that the financial return on going to university is around a third lower than estimated in 2020, with many graduates facing higher taxes and loan repayments.

Hyundai workers in South Korea have voted to strike over plans to utilise humanoid robots in factories. Staff concerned about job security are demanding a greater say over how automation is introduced.