In the shifting sands of the UK energy market, two of its most celebrated disruptors—Ovo Energy and Octopus Energy are facing existential questions. Once hailed as the future of clean, customer-centric power, both companies now find themselves grappling with financial fragility, regulatory pressure, and the harsh realities of scaling purpose-driven models in a volatile sector.
it's wise to increase savings now to prepare for higher energy costs through 2026 especially for households and small businesses. While the UK government is offering targeted support, it won't cover everyone, and bills are expected to remain above pre-crisis levels.
Rural retailers can navigate rising energy costs by renegotiating contracts, investing in energy efficiency, and leveraging community support schemes. These strategies are essential in 2025, as energy remains one of the biggest threats to retail viability across the UK.
The government is launching its new Veterans Strategy to transform government support for our heroes and recognise their invaluable contribution across the country £27m in government funding goes live for local bids, turbocharging network of recognised VALOUR centres. First Veterans Strategy in seven years will transform government support for our heroes and recognise their invaluable contribution across the country.
The government's Pride in Place Programme will see up to £5 billion given to nearly 250 areas across the UK. Each area will receive up to £20 million of funding and support over the next 10 years to make long-term improvements that residents want.
As the COP30 UN Climate Summit gets underway in Brazil, First Minister John Swinney called for swift and decisive action to tackle the devastating impacts of climate change. The Scottish Government will be represented at the Summit by Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin.
A new survey by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) shows UK employers are planning average pay rises of around 3% in the year ahead roughly in line with recent years. At the same time, a significant minority of firms anticipate workforce reductions thanks to automation and artificial intelligence (AI) adoption.
On Wednesday 26 November, Chancellor Rachel Reeves will deliver her second Budget, and it could prove to be the defining economic event of her tenure so far. Arriving unusually late in the calendar year, this fiscal statement comes at a time when the UK's economic outlook is clouded by sluggish growth, sticky inflation, and debt servicing costs at multi-decade highs.
Seven smart moves taxpayers and business owners can make before Rachel Reeves delivers her second Budget. With tax rises and relief cuts possible in Rachel Reeves' November Budget, here’s what UK taxpayers can do now to stay ahead.
The primary "hidden fiscal drag" for taxpayers in Scotland (as with the rest of the UK) is the freezing of various tax allowances and thresholds during a period of inflation and wage growth. As wages increase, more of a person's income becomes taxable or is pushed into higher tax brackets, a process often referred to as a "stealth tax".
The National Crime Agency is warning that organised criminal gangs are actively recruiting HGV drivers to smuggle migrants both into and out of the UK. It follows a spike in arrests in Kent which has seen a number of drivers detained as they attempted to board trains or ferries to France whilst carrying people illegally in their vehicles.
In the UK, 100% first-year relief on qualifying investment allows businesses to deduct the full cost of eligible assets from their profits before tax in the year of purchase, accelerating tax relief and reducing their corporation tax liability. This is available through two main mechanisms: Full Expensing (for companies) and the Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) (for all businesses).
Tomato Energy supplies around 15,000 domestic customers, and 8,000 non-domestic customers. Under the Supplier of Last Resort (SoLR) safety net, customers' energy supply will continue and funds that domestic customers have paid into their accounts, including existing credit balances, will be protected.
The primary "hidden fiscal drag" taxpayers should be aware of is fiscal drag (or "bracket creep"), which occurs when inflation and wage growth push people into higher tax brackets or reduce the real value of tax allowances and thresholds that are not increased in line with prices. This effectively increases the tax burden without the government explicitly raising tax rates.
Landmark legislation has been approved to help create new small landholdings to increase farming opportunities and bring agricultural tenancy law into the 21st century. The Land Reform (Scotland) Bill, passed by Parliament, grants greater protections for tenant farmers and small landholders and safeguarding fair compensation should they be removed from their holding.
After years of economic turbulence, UK families are finally beginning to see glimmers of hope. While challenges remain—from rising debt to housing pressures—there are signs that the economy is stabilizing and that households may soon find some relief.
In 2025, the weekly shop has become a source of anxiety for millions of UK households. From fresh produce to pantry staples, food prices have surged at a pace not seen in decades, outstripping general inflation and reshaping how people eat, budget, and live.
If coffee growers can't make a sustainable living, the future for drinkers will likely mean higher prices, lower quality, and reduced availability especially for premium beans like Arabica. The global coffee industry is facing a mounting crisis, and its effects are beginning to show in your morning cup.
New investment will enable hundreds of affordable homes to be provided in the first phase of Scotland's largest brownfield regeneration project. Funding of up to £42 million from the Scottish Government will support the construction of the country's biggest low carbon housing development on former industrial land at Granton in Edinburgh.
Government grant to ensure tributes to fallen servicemen and women are preserved across the UK. National Heritage Memorial Fund to support communities in repairing and conserving local war memorials.
