UK and Poland agree enhanced missile defence and helicopter training cooperation

The UK and Poland’s ability to shoot down air and missile threats will be strengthened by deepened cooperation between the two countries. UK and Poland to enhance joint training to improve both countries’ ability to shoot down air and missile threats. Polish helicopter pilots and instructors to begin training in the UK this summer asContinue reading ”            UK and Poland agree enhanced missile defence and helicopter training cooperation”

Business confidence slumps as tax fears choke growth and kill jobs

Businesses are less confident, again, according to The Business Confidence Monitor for the 4th quarter of last year, published this morning by the ICAEW. It shows: The Business Confidence Index fell to -11.1 during a period of speculation around the November Budget Sales growth remained weak and inflationary pressures persisted. The tax burden was reportedContinue reading “Business confidence slumps as tax fears choke growth and kill jobs”

Consumers Are Cutting Back — and Small Firms Are Paying the Price

Festive Spending Slump Signals a Tipping Point for Britain’s Small Businesses If you talked to anyone about their spending over the festive period you will have expected the gloomy retail sales figures we’ve seen this morning. Non-food sales were down when compared to last year and we spent less on gifts. Food sales were upContinue reading “Consumers Are Cutting Back — and Small Firms Are Paying the Price”

Day-One Parental Leave Is Good for Families but Terrifying for Britain’s Smallest Employers

            The Impact of New Parental Leave Rights on Small and Micro Businesses I suspect few people who would argue that it won’t be better for men to be able to spend more time with their babies, or disagree that the changes the Government is proposing could benefit the economy through increased productivity while benefitingContinue reading “Day-One Parental Leave Is Good for Families but Terrifying for Britain’s Smallest Employers”

Business Rates Shake-Up Risks Accelerating Closures Across UK Hospitality

            Business Rates Reforms Could Reshape the Hospitality Industry The UK hospitality sector, grappling with rising costs and post-pandemic recovery, is facing another major challenge: proposed changes to business rates. Announced in the November Budget, these reforms aim to modernise the system and phase out temporary Covid-era relief. But for pubs, restaurants, and hotels, the implicationsContinue reading “Business Rates Shake-Up Risks Accelerating Closures Across UK Hospitality”