Leading UK chefs have renewed calls for a lower VAT rate for pubs and restaurants, adding fresh pressure to a debate that many small hospitality businesses will recognise immediately: how to price fairly while food,…
Next chief executive Lord Wolfson has warned of a “dramatic fall” in entry-level job opportunities in the UK, saying the retailer is now seeing far more applicants for each shop role than it did two…
The UK’s brewery scene is shrinking after a wave of closures, adding another warning sign for independent brewers, pubs, taprooms and small hospitality suppliers. BBC analysis of Companies House data reported that 320 beer-brewing businesses…
The government has confirmed amended Fuel Duty rates for 2026 to 2027, including an extension of the cut in Fuel Duty rates until 31 December 2026. For small firms that rely on vans, deliveries, mobile…
The first amber heat-health alert of 2026 is a useful prompt for small employers to check how they manage hot working conditions, especially where staff are on the road, outdoors, in kitchens, workshops, warehouses or…
Retail sales volumes fell sharply in April, with the latest official figures pointing to weaker fuel demand, softer clothing sales and a monthly dip in online spending. For small retailers, the useful lesson is less…
A temporary VAT cut for children’s meals and family attractions will run across the UK this summer, giving hospitality, leisure and visitor-economy SMEs only a short window to check whether they qualify and how they…
Small poultry businesses in Lincolnshire have one less immediate restriction to manage after the government confirmed a local bird flu protection zone has ended near Market Rasen. In its latest avian influenza update, Defra said…
UK hospitality, retail and tourism SMEs may have a busier domestic summer than expected, as early signs point to stronger demand for UK breaks and day trips. BBC News reports that Booking.com and Airbnb are…
Britain’s pubs are still closing at a worrying pace, and the latest figures should make small hospitality firms look hard at costs, cash flow and resilience before the quieter parts of the trading year arrive.…