News

Four of the UK’s most influential businesswomen have been awarded damehoods in the King’s Birthday Honours, recognising their outstanding contributions to British industry, innovation and leadership. Emma Bridgewater, the celebrated homeware designer and founder of her eponymous ceramics brand, was honoured for services to ceramics. Since founding her company in 1985, Bridgewater has helped revitalise the traditional pottery sector in Stoke-on-Trent, growing the business to a £36 million enterprise. Her company, known for its distinctive...

HM Revenue & Customs is to dramatically cut the number of physical letters it sends, announcing plans to eliminate most outbound post — unless it directly generates revenue — as part of a broader shift to digital-first communications. The move, confirmed as part of Wednesday’s spending review, is expected to reduce HMRC’s post output by 75% by the 2028-29 tax year and save £50 million a year. Taxpayers will still receive letters about unpaid taxes...

Multinational companies are pulling back from sponsoring Britain’s largest Pride festivals, with organisers reporting a significant decline in corporate funding amid growing global backlash against diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies — particularly in the United States under the Trump administration. Brands such as Sony, Reckitt Benckiser, Costa Coffee, Deloitte, and Skyscanner are among those that have not renewed their support for major UK Pride events this year, despite high-profile involvement in recent years. Pride...

Metro Bank has received a takeover approach from private equity firm Pollen Street Capital, in a move that may see the high street lender taken private and intensify concerns about the shrinking roster of companies listed on the London Stock Exchange. The approach, made within the past fortnight, has not yet resulted in a formal bid and is understood to be in the early stages of discussion. Pollen Street, which owns a stake in Shawbrook...

One fine night, working late, an Uber car comes by your garage. The driver gets out and hands you a freshly baked muffin with a thank-you note. But it’s not just any regular note, it also says you’ve got a 10% discount on your next order. Turns out that Uber was a courier service delivering an order with instant gratification, i.e., the discount offer for purchasing a small bakery business. As a customer, how would...

When small business owners face divorce, the financial implications extend far beyond personal assets. The division of business interests, company valuations, and ongoing operations can all hang in the balance during settlement negotiations. For entrepreneurs and company directors, gaining awareness of potential financial outcomes becomes not just a personal concern but a major business continuity issue. Divorce calculators have become helpful planning tools for those navigating this challenging process. These tools help estimate potential settlements...