News Archive

9/4/2025

 
Multi-billion-pound investment secured as Universal theme park and resort set to be built in Bedford, bringing thousands of jobs

A multi-billion-pound investment in a major new Universal theme park and resort in Bedford has been agreed between Universal, the government and the local council.  This is a move that represents a major vote of confidence in the UK economy and the future of partnerships between the UK and the US.  

9/4/2025

 
Royal Navy aircraft carrier in final preparation to lead multinational deployment to Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific

Nearly 4,000 British personnel will support the deployment, which will deliver trade events in Singapore, Japan, and India, promoting Britain's world-leading industry.   Final preparations are underway for a multinational deployment, led by the Royal Navy flagship HMS Prince of Wales, reaffirming the UK's commitment to the security of the Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific, while providing an opportunity to promote British trade and industry.  

9/4/2025

Putting the Digital Services Tax on the table in US negotiations sends worrying signal on UK digital sovereignty

The UK's Digital Services Tax (DST) was originally introduced as a stopgap measure, passed in 2020 pending an international agreement to reform the international tax framework (the agreement never materialized).  The DST looked to make tech multinationals not headquartered in the UK pay a tax on the revenues they made from their UK users.  

9/4/2025

 
Director banned after securing Covid loans for takeaway and parcel delivery company which never traded

Adam Ebrahim set up two companies which were intended to be a takeaway and separate business delivering packages, but neither began trading.   Despite this, Ebrahim made two false applications for Covid Bounce Back Loans in 2020, claiming the companies had annual incomes of hundreds of thousands of pounds.  

9/4/2025

Investing in community safety - Almost £200,000 to support dog control measures

Funding for new police vans and training for officers and dog wardens has been agreed following a Responsible Dog Ownership Summit hosted by the Scottish Government.   Police Scotland has received £166,000 to train officers to identify banned breeds and buy specially-equipped vans to transport dangerous and out of control dogs.  

9/4/2025 : Local Authority

Convener thanks those who took part in Highland Visitor Levy Consultation and confirms next steps

Following the conclusion of the public consultation on the possible introduction of a visitor levy for the Highlands, the Council Convener has thanked everyone who submitted responses and confirmed the next steps to be taken.   The Council held a series of webinars, community drop-in events, face to face public sessions and business events as part of the consultation process.  

9/4/2025

 
From import to innovation: how Grown in Britain and ercol are transforming UK furniture manufacturing

A woodland management case study demonstrating how traditional craftsmanship and sustainable forestry practices work hand in hand to bring ash trees to market.   In the heart of Buckinghamshire, a remarkable transformation is taking place.  

9/4/2025

 
Why America's Economic Crisis is Worse than it Looks

Yes more on tariffs and it may help explain what is happening to the stock market.   Bonds or Treasuries are also under threat showing it worse than it may seem..  

9/4/2025

New report finds 1 in 5 lack the digital skills needed for modern life

A new report from education charity NCFE has revealed that one in five people in the UK lack the essential digital skills needed to navigate modern life.   The findings highlight growing concerns about digital exclusion and the risk of individuals being left behind in an increasingly technology-dependent world.  

9/4/2025

How the struggles of the UK hospitality sector could hit the rest of the economy

Across the UK, Mother's Day represented a vital revenue opportunity for the hospitality sector.  Bars, restaurants, cafes and pubs would have anticipated a boost courtesy of family groups - and some spring-like weather.  

9/4/2025

Towards a Scottish Minimum Digital Living Standard - Interim Report

This interim report explores the use of a Minimum Digital Living Standard (MDLS) for Scotland and builds upon earlier UK-wide and Welsh MDLS studies.  These delved into what households with children require to fully participate in today's digital world.  

9/4/2025

BBC Live Update Page On Tariff Situation

The tariff situation keeps changing again today with stock markets once more falling.  Drugmakers' stocks in Europe slipped after Trump reiterated plans for a "major" tariff on all pharmaceutical imports while speaking at a Republican Party dinner yesterday.  

9/4/2025

Companies House starts to verify identities to prevent crime - 6 million need to comply

The voluntary period for identity verification is open for business.  More than 6 million individuals will need to comply in the 12 months after identity verification becomes a legal requirement later this year.  

9/4/2025

Trump thinks tariffs can bring back the glory days of US manufacturing. Here's why he's wrong

The "liberation day" tariffs announced by US president Donald Trump have one thing in common - they are being applied to goods only.  Trade in services between the US and its partners is not affected.  

9/4/2025

EU Moves To Retaliate on Trump Tariffs

The EU has announced a series of tariffs on U.S.  goods in response to trade measures imposed by the U.S.  

9/4/2025

Scottish Fiscal Sustainability Report - immediate response

The Scottish Fiscal Commission report highlights the fiscal challenges facing the Scottish and UK governments over coming decades.   David Phillips, head of devolved and local government finance at the Institute for Fiscal Studies said, "Today's Scottish Fiscal Commission (SFC) report highlights the fiscal challenges facing the Scottish and UK governments over coming decades as populations age and public service costs rise.  

9/4/2025

Soy Bean Issues May Affect UK

The UK could face indirect consequences from soybean-related issues in the ongoing tariff war.  While soybeans themselves may not be a major import or export for the UK, the broader economic impact of tariffs on global trade could ripple through the economy.  

9/4/2025

 
There is no money in a tax haven - Richard Gray

Once upon a time, tax havens hid billions from the view of the world's tax authorities.  Then they caused massive disruption.  

8/4/2025

How Much Do Countries Depend on Trading - USA Less Than Others - Some Comparisons

Trade as a proportion of GDP varies significantly across the US, UK, and Europe.   United States: Trade (exports + imports) accounts for approximately 27% of GDP2.  

8/4/2025

How much do you need to earn to be wealthy? £213K, according to new insight from HSBC UK

A new report from HSBC UK uncovers a wealth perception gap, revealing that an annual income of £213,000 is what it takes to be considered ‘wealthy' today.   That's despite nine in 10 high earners (those earning over £100,000 a year) saying they do not consider themselves as wealthy.