Britain’s largest business lobby, representing 190,000 firms
The UK has sealed a £5.2 billion services trade deal with Switzerland, aimed at boosting cross-border business, easing travel for professionals, and maintaining pharmaceutical protections. The agreement includes e-gates for UK travelers and the removal of roaming charges, with long-term growth in UK services exports anticipated.
Private credit funds have seen significant redemption requests in Q1 2026: Blackstone reported nearly 8% of investors asking for cash, while Apollo, Ares and Blue Owl have seen double-digit outflows. Managers are blaming news "noise," but withdrawals are resembling a slow-motion run that will increase liquidity stress on funds.
British firms expect to ease price increases as energy-driven costs fade, while manufacturing activity shows a rebound. Bank of England watchfulness continues as inflation risks persist and rate decisions loom.
Several UK reports show business leaders warning against further taxation while stressing the need to back scaling firms. The government faces the challenge of sustaining growth in a fragile economy amid Middle East conflict spillovers and inflation pressures.
New data show the UK economy has cooled after a stronger start to 2026, with April GDP expected to slip as higher fuel costs damp demand. Retail sales have fallen, and experts warn the energy shock from the Iran conflict is weighing on households and firms. Analysts expect a continued slowdown into Q2.
The Confederation of British Industry has forecast higher unemployment and slower GDP growth, driven by global shocks and domestic cost pressures, with inflation edging up toward 4% by year’s end. The Bank of England is expected to hold rates at 3.75% for the rest of the year.
Flutter Entertainment has delisted its London Stock Exchange shares to concentrate on the New York market, citing low trading activity, higher costs, and regulatory obligations. The company moved its primary listing to NYSE in 2024 and will complete the London exit on 3 August. The move reflects London’s shrinking role in global listings amid broader US-listing trends.
China's official manufacturing PMI has edged into expansion at 50.3 in June from May's 50.0, with improvements in new orders and production. Export demand remains a key engine, while domestic consumption shows caution amid a prolonged property downturn. Analysts expect policy support to sustain momentum.
Andy Burnham has outlined a plan to devolve power away from Whitehall, establishing a No 10 North unit in Manchester to oversee regional reform, housing, transport and economic policy. He has positioned himself as the voice for English regions and signalled potential changes to where key decisions are made.
US payrolls have risen by 57,000 in June, well below expectations, while the unemployment rate edges down to 4.2% as more workers exit the labor force. Revisions show May and April gains were weaker than first reported, underscoring a fragile rebound in hiring.
Andy Burnham is weighing Ed Miliband for the role of chancellor as Labour faces internal and market scrutiny over plans for the economy and the North Sea. The Guardian and The Times report simmering tensions about energy policy and fiscal strategy as Burnham prepares to take office.
UK service activity has contracted in June while manufacturing continues to expand, signaling a mixed momentum for the economy. Analysts warn growth remains weak into the second half as energy costs and geopolitical tensions weigh on demand.