Britain’s biggest business lobby, representing around 190,000 firms
The Ofgem price cap is rising by 4% in October, driving the average dual-fuel bill to about £1,723 for typical usage. VAT removal on electricity bills provides some relief, while forecasts point to further increases in winter. Officials urge targeted support for vulnerable households amid mounting debt and calls for long-term remedies.
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.
The government has released June employment data showing payrolls rising by 57,000, far below forecasts, while the unemployment rate edges down to 4.2%. The labor force participation rate has fallen, highlighting a shift in the job market as fewer people are seeking work. Revisions to May and April data point to a softer hiring pace than previously thought.
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.
The UK has sealed a 5.2 billion-pound services trade deal with Switzerland, scrapping roaming charges and putting a 90-day services mobility provision on a permanent footing. E-gates will speed border checks for UK travellers, while pharmaceutical protections are maintained. The agreement is described as a landmark for UK services and follows a string of deals with key partners.
The Real Rates Reform Alliance has launched a plan to replace the current business rates system with a two-tier approach that taxes online sales at 2% and lowers rates for bricks-and-mortar firms. The proposal would raise overall revenue while delivering relief to traditional retailers and high streets, as UK leaders debate a broader reform of business taxation.
Independent sources report Octopus Energy is pressing the incoming UK prime minister to reform the electricity market. The company says reform could save households up to £114 a year and cut billions in costs by 2050, with further savings if levies are moved to general taxation. Reform also faces a two-year timeline and potential gains for wind, batteries and interconnectors.
The No 10 North operation in Manchester is expanding to bring devolution and local growth decisions closer to postcodes across the country. Burnham chairs the NEC from Manchester, with regional mayors and business leaders involved as scrutiny grows over costs and reach.
A suite of UK indicators points to a resilient economy. Services activity has expanded, consumer confidence is up, and manufacturing shows improvement, even as inflation and public finances threaten the outlook. The data support a cautiously optimistic near-term view for growth this quarter.