Business News

This section contains the latest business news stories.

Government urged to 'harness optimism to grow economy'

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has called on the government to harness retail investor optimism to help grow the UK economy.

Government publishes Finance Bill supporting documents

The government recently published draft legislation for Finance Bill 2025-26 for consultation.

Pensioners 'set to be worse off', warns DWP

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has warned that pensioners retiring in 2050 are set to be worse off than those retiring today.

International companies 'underpaid £8.8 billion in tax'

HMRC estimates that US firms underpaid £8.8 billion in taxes in 2024.

More small firms expect to shrink than grow

The proportion of small firms expecting to contract, sell or close outnumbered the percentage hoping to grow, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has warned.

Recruitment static as firms assess NICs impact

Recruitment at UK firms remained static in the second quarter of 2025 as businesses continued to assess the impact of the rise in employer National Insurance contributions (NICs), says the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

Inflation rate jumps to 3.6%

Data published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed that the UK inflation rate unexpectedly jumped to 3.6% in the year to June.

UK trade stabilises after tariff hit

The UK's goods exports rose by 3.1% in volume in May, with a 4.2% increase to the EU, led by higher fuels, machinery, transport equipment and other manufactured goods, according to the latest data from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

HMRC warns of Winter Fuel Payment scams

HMRC has issued a warning to be on high alert for scams linked to Winter Fuel Payments after receiving 15,100 reports of bogus activity in June.

UK economy shrank in May

The UK economy shrank in May, according to latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Harsh personal guarantees will chill growth ambitions, warns FSB

Personal guarantees risk holding back the growth the economy needs, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has warned.

HMRC to fine crypto investors £300 for non-disclosure

UK-based holders of cryptoassets will have to provide personal details to crypto service providers or face penalties of up to £300 from HMRC.

IHT on pensions most unpopular of Labour's tax increases

Inheritance Tax (IHT) on pensions is the most unpopular of the tax raising measures introduced by the Labour government during its first year, according to a survey.