Business News

This section contains the latest business news stories.

Government publishes UK Sustainability Reporting Standards

On 25 February, the Department for Business and Trade issued the final versions of the UK Sustainability Reporting Standards (UK SRS).

Government urged to cut business energy costs

The government must deliver a robust national strategy to cut business energy costs, according to the UK's business and trade bodies.

Warning over April cost crunch for small businesses

A looming cost crunch this April that could push many small firms to breaking point, warns the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

Uptick in tax receipts helps boost government finances

Data published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has shown that increases in Capital Gains Tax (CGT), employers' National Insurance contributions (NICs) and Income Tax receipts helped the government reach a record surplus in January.

Employment Rights Act risks being a handbrake on hiring

More than a third of UK employers plan to reduce the recruitment of permanent staff due to the Employment Rights Act's (ERA) reforms, says the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

Fiscal policy 'needs a rethink', says business group

The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has warned the government that the UK's current fiscal policy 'needs a rethink'.

Uncertainty hanging over UK trade prospects

UK import and export trade prospects remain uncertain, according to the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

Inflation rate falls to 3% in year to January

The UK inflation rate was 3% in the year to January, down from 3.4% in December, according to the latest date from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Government urged to scrap 'unfair holiday tax'

Over 200 hospitality and leisure CEOs have urged the government to scrap plans for a Visitor Levy in England.

Vaping businesses urged to prepare for Vaping Products Duty registration

HMRC is urging manufacturers, importers, and warehousekeepers involved with vaping products to prepare for new duties.

HMRC urges young people to claim Child Trust Funds

HMRC is urging young people who have yet to claim their Child Trust Fund (CTF) to do so.

Economy grew by 0.1% in final quarter of 2025

The UK economy grew by 0.1% in the final quarter of last year, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Get tax affairs back on track if you missed the self assessment deadline

The Low Incomes Tax Reform Group (LITRG) is urging the estimated one million taxpayers who failed to file their tax return on time to get their tax affairs back on track.

Apprenticeship system reform must go further

The government must reform the apprenticeship system to make it fit for the 21st Century, according to a new report published by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).