UK Business Confidence Falls Ahead of May Elections
Lloyds Bank business barometer shows confidence in UK economy and own companies declined in January, despite rising hiring intentions, presenting challenge for government.
Category : Business
UK Smart Meter Compensation: £40 for Delays
UK households with smart meters will receive £40 compensation for installation delays and faults under new Ofgem rules. Automatic payments apply for 90-day failures and six-week appointment waits.
UPS Cuts 30,000 Jobs and Closes 24 Warehouses
Global delivery giant UPS confirms plans to cut 30,000 jobs and close 24 warehouses in 2026, representing 6% of its workforce, as part of a major network overhaul.
Two Million Missing Full State Pension
Just Group research reveals 2 million pensioners receive reduced state pension due to NI gaps. Experts urge checking records and exploring voluntary contributions.
AstraZeneca's $18.5bn Chinese Weight Loss Drug Deal
AstraZeneca partners with China's CSPC in an $18.5bn deal for exclusive global rights to monthly-dose weight loss technology, expanding its presence in the obesity treatment market.
Dunelm's £119 Side Table Slashed to £59, 'Brightens Rooms'
Dunelm has reduced its Albie Ceramic Side Table from £119 to £59.50, with customers praising its unique design and value for brightening living spaces.
Raising Cane's to Open First UK Store in London 2026
American fast food chain Raising Cane's confirms its first UK location will open in London's Piccadilly Circus in 2026, ending years of British fan campaigns.
HMRC Deadline: Millions Risk £100 Fines for Late Tax Returns
Around three million people risk £100 fines as HMRC's self-assessment deadline passes at midnight on Saturday, January 31, with daily penalties for further delays.
HMRC Brown Envelopes Sent to 1.3 Million People
More than 1.3 million individuals have received HMRC tax demands via brown envelopes, a sharp rise from 675,000. Experts cite frozen tax thresholds and state pension increases as key drivers.
DWP Work Mandate for 1M+ Universal Credit Claimants
Official figures reveal a seven-year low in welfare claimants securing employment, with only one in fourteen moving into work monthly. Political criticism mounts as DWP defends its initiatives.
Alpkit Saved by Dutch Investor in Pre-Pack Administration Deal
Major UK outdoor retailer Alpkit, with 20 stores nationwide, has been rescued from administration through a pre-pack deal with Dutch financier Jeroen van den Berge, securing jobs and operations.
Martin Lewis Urges Brits to Claim £225 with Simple Check
Money-saving expert Martin Lewis advises UK residents to perform a straightforward financial review to potentially secure £225, highlighting easy steps to boost household budgets.
48-Hour HMRC Warning for 3.3 Million Tax Returns
UK households face urgent deadline as HMRC warns 3.3 million Self Assessment returns remain unfiled. Late submissions trigger immediate £100 fines with escalating penalties.
Octopus Energy Launches Major China Joint Venture
Octopus Energy, the UK's largest energy supplier, has announced a significant joint venture with China's PCG Power during Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to China. The new venture, Bitong Energy, aims to trade substantial volumes of green power by 203
Quarter of Holidaymakers Return to Same Place Yearly
New research shows 29% of holidaymakers repeatedly visit the same destination, driven by emotional connections, safety, and ease of planning, with families particularly favouring familiar spots.
Greggs to Open New Wolverhampton Branch in Weeks
Greggs has confirmed plans to open a new bakery branch on Dudley Street in Wolverhampton within the coming weeks, expanding its presence in the city centre.
NatWest Offers 6x Income Mortgages Following Rivals
NatWest has become the latest major UK bank to offer mortgages up to six times a borrower's income, following similar moves by Barclays and Nationwide. This could allow higher earners to borrow significantly more for property purchases.
Labour Review of Lifetime ISA Sparks Bonus Calls
Chancellor Rachel Reeves launches review of Lifetime ISAs, with industry urging retention of the bonus scheme to support first-time buyers and simplify savings.
Santander Closes 44 Branches, 291 Jobs at Risk in Digital Move
Santander announces closure of 44 UK branches, putting 291 jobs at risk, as digital banking surges. New 'Santander Local' hubs in libraries to offer weekly services.
HMRC Deadline: UK Households Face Penalties
UK households must file self-assessment tax returns by midnight Saturday to avoid HMRC penalties including £100 fines and daily charges, with experts urging immediate action.
Santander Closing 44 UK Branches
Santander announces closure of 44 UK branches, citing digital banking trends. The bank will deploy Community Bankers and maintain 305 branches nationwide.
South West Business Confidence Dips, Firms Focus on Growth
Business confidence in the South West fell slightly in January according to Lloyds research, but firms remain focused on investing in teams, new products and technology for future growth.
Stelrad Forecasts Profit Growth Despite Market Slump
Radiator manufacturer Stelrad announces expected 3% growth in adjusted operating profit for 2025 to £32.5m, despite 4% volume decline, through cost-cutting and margin initiatives.
HMRC Tax-Free Allowance Boost: £16,000 Shield for Households
HMRC is increasing tax-free allowances to £16,000 for eligible UK households. Experts reveal five legitimate strategies to maximise tax-free income, including Marriage Allowance and rent-a-room schemes.
Martin Lewis: Get £255 with TSB Bank Switch
Money-saving expert Martin Lewis details how switching to TSB's Spend and Save account can earn you £225 in cash plus £30 cashback and a £25 Amazon voucher.
Quiz Fashion Chain on Brink of Collapse
Major UK womenswear retailer Quiz is on the verge of administration, putting 40 stores and approximately 1,000 jobs at risk amid rising costs and challenging trading conditions.
Co-op to Open 18 New or Upgraded UK Supermarkets
The Co-operative reveals plans to launch 18 new or revamped supermarkets across the UK in early 2026, enhancing local community hubs and expanding its high street presence nationwide.
Boots and Superdrug Criticised for Misleading Loyalty Deals
Consumer watchdog Which? warns shoppers about potentially misleading loyalty pricing at Boots and Superdrug, with hundreds of deals under scrutiny in Birmingham branches and nationwide.
Third Birmingham Bin Strike Megapicket Underway
A third major 'megapicket' protest by bin workers is taking place across Birmingham, causing ongoing disruption to waste services in the city in early 2026.
Asda's £55 Discount: 48-Hour Deadline for £20 Off
Asda shoppers must act before midnight on Saturday to claim the first £20 discount in a four-shop promotion offering total savings of £55. Limited to new online customers.
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