Business

Mortgage completions soared by 50 per cent in March — the sharpest monthly rise in more than three years — as homebuyers raced to complete purchases ahead of changes to stamp duty thresholds. According to an analysis of Barclays lending data, first-time buyer activity surged even more dramatically, with completions jumping by 70 per cent compared to February. The rush came ahead of the April 1 deadline, after which the stamp duty exemption for first-time...

China has been cautioned against retaliating to President Trump’s aggressive new tariff regime by offloading its massive holdings of US government bonds — a move that analysts warn could damage its own economy more than it harms Washington. Earlier this month, Trump imposed sweeping tariffs of up to 145 per cent on Chinese exports to the US, sparking fears of a renewed economic confrontation between the world’s two largest economies. The drastic escalation has led...

The head of Zopa has suggested that London’s political and regulatory stability could become a competitive advantage for the capital’s financial markets, as businesses increasingly look to escape growing uncertainty in the United States. Jaidev Janardana, chief executive of the digital bank, said concerns around a volatile tax and tariff regime in the US had prompted his company to reconsider the appeal of listing in New York. “I would be surprised if that’s not the...

The UK property market is constantly evolving, and today’s buyers are more demanding than ever. However, there are certain features that give any property a broader appeal and a better chance to sell. They also make a difference when it’s time to get a valuation on your property. So, what are the 5 key features that could mark your property apart? 1. Off-Street Parking Off-street parking is the first thing buyers and renters look for. According to...

Suppose you’re in the unfortunate situation of being offered a settlement agreement by your employer. In that case, there’s a little-known benefit you should be aware of: an employer in the UK usually covers the cost of your legal advice. This isn’t some generous act on their part but rather a legal requirement under UK law. The employer must ensure the agreement is fair, and you need independent legal advice for it to be legally...

Recovering from an injury is not only a personal challenge but can also have a significant impact on professional life. For businesses, it’s essential to recognise the importance of health and wellbeing during the recovery process — both for employees returning to work and for business owners managing their own healing journeys. This article explores practical ways to prioritise health and wellness after an injury while maintaining a balanced and productive lifestyle in a business...

Polish delivery group InPost has acquired Yodel in a major shake-up of the UK logistics sector, converting £100 million of debt into equity to assume control of the embattled courier company. The takeover marks the latest chapter in Yodel’s turbulent journey, following its separation from the Barclay family’s business interests and a near-collapse last year. Under the terms of the deal, InPost now owns a 95.5 per cent stake in Yodel’s parent company, Judge Logistics,...

A strategically vital British manufacturer teetering on the brink, thousands of jobs in jeopardy, and a government reluctant to intervene. It may sound like the story of British Steel in 2025—but more than fifty years ago, the same narrative played out with another great British name: Rolls-Royce. In the early 1970s, the luxury car and aerospace firm—then one of Britain’s largest employers—was facing financial collapse, largely due to cost overruns on the RB211 engine contract...

British officials have begun classifying sensitive trade documents as “secret” and “top secret” in a bid to shield key information from American counterparts, as relations between London and Washington strain under President Trump’s tariff war, Business Matters has learned. The move marks a significant shift in internal government protocols, underscoring concerns over the potential misuse or interception of UK economic data during ongoing trade discussions with the US. Sources confirmed that updated guidance has been...