Get the latest news, in-depth analysis and advice on all business across the UK. Including live blogs, video and more from the BusinessLive team.

1 day ago · UK interest rates have been cut to 4.5% as the Bank of England's voted to reduce borrowing costs, alongside a cut in short-term growth forecasts for the economy. The Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted for a quarter-point reduction, mirroring similar cuts in August and November last year ...

1 day ago · The cost of borrowing is expected to fall to its lowest point in more than 18 months. Senior economists at the Bank of England will announce later on Thursday whether they are cutting the UK’s base interest rate, which currently sits at 4.75%. Most experts predict a quarter point reduction to 4.5%

2 days ago · For the first time in over a year, new work for firms in the crucial services sector has declined, according to a closely monitored survey, indicating a grim outlook for the UK economy. The survey revealed that incoming work for services companies dropped in January, bringing an end to a 14-month ...

Dec 30, 2024 · UK businesses are bucking the trend of negative sentiment that has characterised much of the year, with an anticipated upturn in 2025. According to new findings from the Lloyds Business Barometer, more UK firms are optimistic about a stronger start to 2025 compared to their outlook at the beginning of 2024.

Jan 29, 2025 · Business groups and economists have responded to Chancellor Rachel Reeves' latest economic growth plans, stating that while they are welcome, the measures in the October Budget will still impact companies. Ms Reeves has unveiled plans to transform Oxford and Cambridge into "Europe’s Silicon Valley ...

Jan 10, 2025 · More than 100 West Country companies collapsed last year as firms battled with tough trading conditions and an uncertain economic backdrop. South West businesses accounted for 6% of administrations in 2024 – the eighth highest region in the UK – according to analysis of public records by law firm Shakespeare Martineau.

Jan 24, 2025 · Less than three months following Labour's inaugural Budget, which saw an array of business tax increases introduced, there has been a 50 percent surge in the number of companies entering a state of critical financial distress. As per Begbies Traynor's latest "Red Flag Alert" report, firms registering 'critical' financial stress in Q4 of 2024 grew to 46,853.

The latest business news from across the West Midlands including Birmingham, the Black Country, Coventry and Solihull. The region's biggest employers include Aston Martin, Birmingham Airport, Jaguar Land Rover, JCB, HS2, HSBC UK and NEC Group. Never miss a story - click here to sign up to our free email updates - and follow our …

Dec 27, 2024 · As 2024 draws to a close, it is clear that the UK economy finds itself at a critical crossroads, with businesses bracing for what many fear will be a sharp downturn in activity due to a combination of domestic fiscal pressures and international uncertainties.