OUTLOOK Zombie businesses face imminent collapse Daily Mail The Times Tens of thousands of UK firms are nearing collapse as they come under pressure from high tax rates, rising employment costs and weak demand, according to a report by Begbies Traynor. The number of...

OUTLOOK Insolvency rates remain alarmingly high The Times Insolvency activities in the UK reached 28,616 in 2024, according to R3's Annual Business Health report. This figure, while slightly lower than in 2023, remains significantly above pre-pandemic levels. The...

TAX Pubs to get 15% off business rates bill Sky News The I BBC News The Guardian Pubs and music venues in England will be given a 15% discount on their business rates bills from April and will not see increases for two years. It comes after a backlash against...

FINANCING Banks commit to £11bn lending package to help firms expand Business Money Reuters SME Web Britain's five largest banks - NatWest, HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds and Santander - have pledged a combined £11bn to support firms seeking to invest and expand into overseas...

OUTLOOK CBI warns of 'disappointing outlook' for private sector activity Daily Mail Analysis by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) shows that private sector activity declined in the three months to January, with all sub-sectors reporting a fall. The CBI's...

OUTLOOK Government bets big on business growth The Guardian Peter Kyle, the Business Secretary, says the Government is "betting big" on businesses by taking direct stakes in growing companies as ministers look to boost economic growth. Mr Kyle, who emphasised the...

OUTLOOK London remains top global financial hub The Times London has maintained its status as the leading global financial centre, according to the City of London Corporation's latest report. The city scored 57, down from 58 last year, based on five categories:...

TAX Chancellor attempts to reassure on tax stability Daily Mail Rachel Reeves has attempted to reassure business leaders in Davos by saying that no further tax increases are anticipated to support public finances. She said: "We will not need to do more on that front."...

OUTLOOK UK investment appeal remains strong, for now City AM Daily Mail The Times The UK has maintained its position as the second-most attractive destination for international investment, according to PwC's latest survey. Both Germany and India now share this...

ECONOMY Outlook for the UK economy this year is poor The Daily Telegraph The UK economy is projected to grow by only 1% this year, primarily driven by public sector output, which is expected to rise by over 3%. Writing in the Telegraph, Roger Bootle, senior...