UK and Irish SME leaders are showing signs of cautious optimism despite mounting challenges in international trade, AI adoption and leadership burnout, according to the latest Vistage CEO Confidence Index.
Category: In Business
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420,000 more pensioners dragged into income tax net as threshold freeze bites
An additional 420,000 pensioners will pay income tax this financial year, bringing the total to 8.7 million, as the combination of rising state pensions and a frozen personal allowance continues to widen the tax net.
HMRC targets high earners in record tax crackdown after £1.5bn haul
High earners in the UK are facing a sharp rise in tax investigations as HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) intensifies scrutiny of the wealthiest Britons following a record-breaking year for compliance revenue.
Tube to be powered by clean solar energy under new TfL and EDF Renewables deal
Transport for London (TfL) has signed a major green energy deal with EDF Renewables UK to supply the Tube with clean electricity from a new solar farm in Essex, marking a significant step towards its goal of running the capital’s transport network on 100 per cent renewable energy by 2030.
UK services sector shows signs of ‘fragile recovery’ despite job cuts and weak growth
The UK’s services sector returned to modest growth in June, defying broader economic concerns and offering a glimmer of hope amid a backdrop of rising taxes, falling employment and geopolitical instability.
Surge in employee ownership as business owners seek tax-efficient exits
A growing number of business owners are turning to employee ownership trusts (EOTs) to sell their companies tax-free, as changes to capital gains tax (CGT) rules and rising national insurance costs prompt entrepreneurs to seek more efficient exit strategies.
1.8 million tune in as emergency Iran episodes of The Rest Is Politics in 24 just hours
Emergency episodes of The Rest Is Politics and The Rest Is Politics: US draw 1.8 million views and streams in a single day following US bombing of Iran, as listeners turn to trusted podcast voices.
More than a third of Brits increasing disposable income spending, new study finds
A new Bauer Media Outdoor study reveals 38% of Brits are spending more of their disposable income than last year, with travel, clothes and entertainment topping the list.
OpenAI takes down Jony Ive’s ‘io’ content after trademark complaint from earbud startup iyO
OpenAI has removed online content promoting its $6.4bn deal with Jony Ive’s hardware startup ‘io’ after a trademark complaint by AI earbud maker iyO.
Internet users urged to change passwords after 16bn login credentials found online
Cybersecurity researchers warn internet users to update passwords and enable multifactor authentication after 16 billion login credentials were found in exposed datasets.
Petition launched as 4 in 5 UK businesses face soaring energy bills without price cap
With nearly 80% of UK businesses hit by rising energy costs and no price cap in place, Utility Bidder has launched a government petition calling for urgent support and regulation.
Lack of role models holding back jobseekers with Down’s syndrome, study finds
Only 5% of people with learning disabilities are employed in the UK. New research shows that more visible role models in hospitality would boost confidence and job applications.
GB News is now the UK’s fourth biggest news brand, Reuters report reveals
GB News ranks as the UK’s fourth biggest news outlet by weekly reach, according to the Reuters Institute’s 2025 Digital News Report, overtaking Channel 4, Channel 5, and CNN.
Increase in Wimbledon prize money will provide HMRC with a bumper tax take this year
Wimbledon prize money has doubled in 10 years, with a 7% increase in 2025 alone. HMRC is expected to receive a substantial tax boost as overseas players face UK tax on their winnings.
UK watchdog criticises ‘offensive’ portrayal of older people in adverts
The ASA has criticised UK advertising for relying on outdated and harmful stereotypes of older people, with a new report highlighting concerns around representation and end-of-life service targeting.
