HMRC data reveals national insurance contributions have risen nearly 40% to £198bn since 2019-20, as employer NIC hikes, minimum wage increases and rising costs pile pressure on British businesses. Read more: Businesses shoulder £200 billion National Insurance bill as payroll tax receipts surge 40% since pandemic
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Budget measures expanding EMI scheme eligibility, EIS and VCT limits now in force, with the government expecting £100m in additional investment for Britain’s fastest-growing companies. Read more: Budget tax breaks worth £100m come into force for founders and start-ups
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Labour donor Dale Vince tells Ed Miliband to halt North Sea oil exports and shield Britain from Iran-driven fuel shortages, as crude tops $109 a barrel. Read more: Vince calls on Miliband to halt North Sea oil exports as Iran war rattles supply
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British lamb prices surge to record highs as Easter and Eid drive demand, with supermarket legs topping £16/kg and the UK flock at its lowest in living memory. Read more: Easter and Eid collision sends British lamb prices to a record high
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Two-thirds of Britain’s ultra-wealthy have considered leaving the UK, with inconsistent tax policies cited as a bigger factor than high rates, according to a new BDO survey of multi-millionaires. Read more: Labour’s tax uncertainty is pushing Britain’s wealthiest towards the exit
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Reform UK is launching a weekly podcast offering behind-the-scenes access to Nigel Farage and senior party figures, becoming the first British political party to produce its own show. Read more: Reform UK becomes first British political party to launch its own podcast
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OpenAI’s flagship Stargate data centre in Tyneside has stalled with no updated timeline, casting doubt over the government’s AI infrastructure ambitions and Keir Starmer’s growth agenda. Read more: OpenAI’s flagship UK data centre hits the buffers in blow to Starmer’s AI ambitions
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Amazon is repurposing its shuttered Fresh convenience stores as Whole Foods outlets in London, but with cumulative losses exceeding £200m, questions remain over the strategy’s viability. Read more: Amazon bets on Whole Foods to salvage its troubled UK grocery ambitions
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Barclays is reversing years of branch closures by opening new outlets and reinstating the bank manager title, as its UK chief bets on human touch to fend off digital-only rivals. Read more: Barclays bets on the high street once more with new branches and the return of the bank manager
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The Bank of England warns the Iran war could trigger a financial crisis, with rising mortgage costs, inflation and market volatility hitting UK households. Read more: Bank of England warns Iran war could trigger financial crisis risks
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