UK Bank Closures 2026: Switch Urged as Branches Shut
Major UK banks including Lloyds and Santander are closing hundreds of branches in 2026, prompting experts to advise customers to consider switching accounts for better access and incentives.
Category : Business
Shoe Zone Shuts Salisbury Store, Blames Government Taxes
Shoe Zone, a major UK shoe retailer with over 260 stores, is closing its Salisbury branch, citing Labour government tax hikes and economic pressures. Black and yellow closing signs are now displayed.
ISA Warning: Savers Could Miss Out on Over £40,000
Millions of UK ISA users may be losing substantial long-term savings due to a widespread misconception about investment accounts, with experts highlighting a £42,000 potential gap over 20 years.
Martin Lewis: Married Couples Can Save Tax on £11,500
Finance expert Martin Lewis advises married couples and civil partners to transfer funds legally to maximize tax-free allowances, potentially saving hundreds on savings interest.
Swindon MINI Factory Partners with US Logistics Giant GXO
BMW Group has appointed US-based logistics leader GXO to manage warehouse operations at its Swindon MINI factory, aiming to boost efficiency and resilience in the supply chain for key vehicle components.
Schroders Agrees £9.9bn Takeover by US Rival Nuveen
British asset manager Schroders has agreed to a £9.9bn takeover by American investment firm Nuveen, ending over two centuries of independence for the UK's largest standalone asset manager. The deal creates a global giant with nearly £1.8 trillion in asset
Claim Forgotten £2,200 Child Trust Funds, HMRC Urges
HMRC urges 758,000 young adults to claim matured Child Trust Funds averaging £2,242 during National Apprenticeship Week, using free online tools to locate savings.
Singapore Tech Firm LogChain Moves to Liverpool
Global tech company LogChain is moving its headquarters from Singapore to Liverpool, investing £4 million and creating jobs, as part of a wave of international firms choosing the city.
GAME Retail Chain Faces Administration Again Amid Store Closures
The UK gaming retailer GAME has filed for administration for the second time in weeks, coinciding with plans to close all standalone stores, including the Merry Hill branch, amid ongoing financial struggles.
Morrisons Revives Paper Coupons in Loyalty Scheme Overhaul
Morrisons supermarkets, including those in Birmingham, are reintroducing physical coupons as part of a major loyalty scheme transformation, using AI-powered technology to personalize offers at checkout.
Universal Credit Health Element Cut for New Claimants (12.02.2026)
New Universal Credit claimants on health grounds will receive lower monthly payments from April, as part of welfare reforms aimed at reducing 'perverse incentives' and boosting employment support.
DWP Can Seize Cash from Six Bank Account Types in Crackdown
The Department for Work and Pensions has been granted significant legal authority to inspect and seize funds from six types of bank accounts as part of a benefits fraud crackdown under new legislation.
Spanish Fashion Brand Lefties to Open First UK Stores
Spanish clothing retailer Lefties, known as a budget-friendly alternative to Zara, will launch its first UK stores in Liverpool and Essex in 2026, with potential expansions to Kent and London.
BMW Recalls 575,000 Cars Due to Potential Fire Hazard
BMW has initiated a worldwide safety recall affecting 575,000 vehicles across 11 models due to a starter motor defect that could lead to overheating and fire.
Poundland Closes More Stores, Seven More Planned for February
Poundland confirms additional store closures, including a Bicester outlet in March, following recent shutdowns in Winton, Chichester, and Feltham. The discount chain plans seven more closures this month as part of ongoing restructuring efforts.
Martin Lewis: Zero Standing Charge Update Not Good News
Martin Lewis has revealed that Ofgem's promised zero standing charge energy tariffs have been delayed, with no confirmation yet on when suppliers must offer them.
Liverpool: Top Valentine's Spot for Lasting Love
Liverpool tops KAYAK's list as the UK's luckiest-in-love city for Valentine's getaways, boasting the lowest divorce rate and affordable hotel prices.
M&S Cheaper Than Aldi for Onions in Price Shock
A social media price comparison reveals M&S sells onions for 25p each, undercutting budget supermarket Aldi's 32p per onion, challenging perceptions of luxury retail pricing.
UK Savers Urged to Follow '60 20 15' Money Rule
Financial expert Nischa Shah recommends the '60 20 15' budgeting method based on net income to help Brits save effectively while maintaining financial sanity.
UK Construction Suffers Worst Performance in Four Years
The UK construction industry contracted by 2.1% in Q4 2025, marking its worst performance in over four years. High construction costs and market oversupply are squeezing the sector.
Magnum Ice Cream Profit Drop After Unilever Demerger
The Magnum Ice Cream Company, spun out from Unilever in December, sees operating profit fall to €599m in 2025 due to restructuring costs, despite 4.2% sales growth and plans for a £50m factory upgrade in Gloucester.
Brits Charged for Subscriptions Thought Cancelled
New research reveals 27% of Brits have been charged after thinking they cancelled subscriptions, with 23% struggling to cancel. Experts warn recurring card payments are hard to spot on statements.
Tesco Recalls Valentine's Day Mug Over Burn Risk
Tesco has urgently recalled its F&F Home 'Valentine's You'll Do' XL Mug due to a risk of burns, with customers advised to stop using it immediately and return for a full refund.
Butcombe Brewing Co Reports Exceptional Growth and Record Christmas
South West pub operator and craft brewer Butcombe announces outstanding financial results, with record Christmas trading and significant growth across its managed pubs, accommodation, and non-alcoholic beverage lines.
Over-65s Hold £64,000 in ISA Savings, Market Nears £1 Trillion
UK over-65s average over £64,000 in tax-free ISA savings, with the overall market approaching £1 trillion. Stocks and Shares ISAs surge 80% in a decade, while future allowance changes spark debate.
UK Economy Stagnates with 0.1% GDP Growth
Official data reveals UK GDP grew by just 0.1% in Q4 2025, below expectations. Experts warn the economy is 'stuck in a rut' with construction declining sharply.
Lloyds Group Closes 95 Branches, 4 in Birmingham
Lloyds Banking Group will shut 95 branches, including 53 Lloyds, 31 Halifax, and 11 Bank of Scotland sites, with four closures in Birmingham. This adds to an ongoing programme closing 49 branches by October.
BoE's Breeden: Rate Cut Should Come Soon as Inflation Eases
Bank of England MPC member Sarah Breeden predicts interest rate cuts could come soon as inflation falls, praising Northern business resilience during economic shocks.
UK Staycation Costs Rise £100 Under Holiday Tax
UK families face paying an extra £100 for staycations under a proposed holiday tax, with industry leaders warning it could harm tourism jobs and local economies.
UK Economy Grows 0.1% in Q4 2025, Services Sector Stalls
The UK economy expanded by just 0.1% in the final quarter of 2025, falling short of the 0.2% forecast as the services sector registered zero growth, highlighting ongoing economic challenges.
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