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.

3 days 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 ...

3 days 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%

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 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 8, 2025 · Supply chain pressures and reductions in spending are the biggest challenges facing South West businesses in the year ahead, new research has revealed. Customers cutting back is a concern for 38% of regional companies, according to the survey by business advisory firm BDO, while more than a quarter ...

Jan 1, 2025 · Analysing the UK's economic trajectory in 2024 has proven to be complex. At the year's outset, a consensus among forecasters suggested another stagnant year for the UK.

Dec 31, 2024 · Over 200,000 retail jobs and more than 17,000 stores are predicted to vanish next year as the sector's decade-long crisis persists, warns a leading retail body. The Centre for Retail Research (CRR) attributes this ongoing issue to online shopping, lingering effects of Covid-19, and high taxes, exacerbating a problem that originated with the financial crisis in 2008.

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.