UK manufacturers face a £1 billion surge in business rates from April 2026, with Make UK warning that 25,000 jobs are at risk as the sector battles rising energy and employment costs. Read more: Manufacturers bracing for £1 billion business rates bombshell as April cost crisis deepens
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Brent crude climbs above $111 a barrel as fears grow that US-Iran negotiations may collapse before President Trump’s Wednesday deadline, threatening further disruption to global energy supplies. Read more: Oil price surges past $111 as Strait of Hormuz deadline looms
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EY analysis reveals that raising UK defence expenditure to up to 5% of GDP by 2035 could generate £30bn a year in additional economic output and support domestic manufacturing and R&D. Read more: Higher defence spending could unlock £30bn annual boost for UK economy
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Bristol’s new 20,000-seat Aviva Arena, built on Concorde’s former home at Filton Airfield, aims to host the Brit Awards and attract global tours when it opens in late 2028. Read more: Bristol’s new arena sets sights on hosting the Brit Awards
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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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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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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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