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Senior figures from across the UK’s night-time economy have hit back at suggestions that forthcoming business rates relief will apply only to pubs, warning that such a narrow approach risks devastating the wider nightlife and cultural sector. Industry leaders say recent briefings implying pubs could be singled out for protection ignore the interconnected ecosystem that underpins Britain’s evening economy, including nightclubs, bars, casinos, theatres, live music venues and late-night cultural spaces,  all of which are...

The government is expected to announce a partial U-turn on looming business rates increases for pubs within days, amid growing alarm over the financial pressure facing the hospitality sector. According to Sky News, ministers are preparing a targeted rescue package that would shield pubs from steep hikes triggered by business rates revaluations and the withdrawal of Covid-era reliefs. However, the move is understood to apply only to pubs, leaving other hospitality businesses such as hotels,...

The government has spent more than £30,000 of public money so far on rebranding England’s nationalised rail services under the new Great British Railways banner, amid mounting scrutiny over value for money. Great British Railways, the brand under which rail services in England will be brought into public ownership, was formally unveiled last month by Heidi Alexander. The new identity features a modernised version of the familiar double-arrow symbol last used when Britain’s railways were...

Hong Kong’s technology sector has enjoyed a standout presence at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, with local firms securing top industry awards and attracting strong interest from global buyers, investors and multinational brands. Led by Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), and supported by the Hong Kong Electronic Industries Association, the city sent its largest-ever delegation of 61 technology companies to the annual Consumer Electronics...

The cost to UK businesses of Labour’s flagship overhaul of workers’ rights has been cut by billions of pounds after ministers significantly watered down the legislation, according to the government’s own updated analysis. A revised Whitehall impact assessment published on Wednesday estimates that the Employment Rights Bill will now cost employers around £1bn, a sharp reduction from earlier projections that put the figure as high as £5bn. The government said the lower estimate reflects a...