News

The UK government has recently launched a significant update to energy regulations that will profoundly impact the private rental sector. These new rules are designed to promote energy efficiency across the housing market and align with the nation’s broader net zero strategy, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy security. Government Mandate Ushers in New Era for Energy Efficiency Starting from 2030, all privately rented homes in England & Wales will be required...

Asda has sold Leon back to its co-founder John Vincent, ending four turbulent years of ownership under the Issa brothers that saw the once health-focused fast-food chain accused of losing its identity. The deal, which includes 46 company-owned restaurants and 25 franchise sites, comes amid growing criticism that Leon had drifted away from its founding principles of “natural fast food” in favour of higher-calorie, processed items. Vincent, who launched the chain in 2004 with food...

London’s top-tier property market has suffered its steepest fall in more than four years amid growing fears that Chancellor Rachel Reeves will unveil a mansion tax in her first Budget. New figures from Knight Frank show that the average price of “prime” London homes fell 4% in the year to October, the sharpest decline since February 2021. Analysts say the drop has been fuelled by prolonged uncertainty over potential new taxes on luxury properties. Tom...

The head of British luxury brand Mulberry has called on the government to reinstate VAT-free shopping for international tourists, warning that the “unfair” tax burden is stifling investment and driving wealthy shoppers away from the UK. Chief executive Andrea Baldo said the move would help revitalise Britain’s luxury and retail sectors — which have been hit hard by declining visitor spending since the 2021 abolition of the VAT rebate for overseas visitors — while boosting...

The Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation (SLDF) and the Institute of Directors (IoD) have joined forces to launch a groundbreaking scholarship programme aimed at accelerating the careers of exceptional Black business leaders across the UK. Launching in October 2025, the initiative will provide three outstanding leaders — one from a start-up, one from an SME, and one from the public or third sector — with a fully funded place on the IoD’s prestigious Certificate in Company...

Britain’s booming creator economy is fuelling a surge in “side hustles”, with millions of people turning content creation into extra income — but new research suggests many could face unexpected tax bills. According to Tide, the UK’s leading business management platform, the average social media earner now makes £1,223 a year — exceeding the HMRC £1,000 trading allowance that lets individuals earn small sums tax-free. Yet more than half of social media users remain unaware...

Innovate UK has announced the winners of the 2025 Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Awards, celebrating the 50th anniversary of one of Britain’s longest-running and most successful innovation programmes. Delivered by Innovate UK, the UK’s national innovation agency, the milestone event recognised half a century of collaboration between businesses, universities and graduates, highlighting projects that have driven productivity, sustainability and commercial impact across every corner of the economy. This year’s winners were praised for their exceptional...

The UK risks losing an additional 600,000 workers over the next decade due to long-term health conditions, according to new research by the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH). The report warns that unless the government and employers implement sweeping reforms to workplace health support, Britain’s productivity and economic recovery will face mounting strain. The analysis forecasts that 3.3 million adults will be economically inactive due to illness by 2035, a 26 per cent rise...

The government’s claim to have provided major financial support to Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has come under scrutiny after it emerged that the carmaker has not drawn down any of a £1.5 billion loan facility guaranteed by the state. The revelation has sparked anger among suppliers who accused ministers of misleading the public over the extent of their intervention following a devastating cyberattack that forced Britain’s largest carmaker to shut down all of its factories...