The CMA is probing Trainline, Virgin Atlantic and RED Driving School over fees not shown upfront. What the drip pricing rules mean for your own price list.
Category: News
Stay informed with the latest UK self-employed news, small-business policy changes, tax updates and freelancer market trends.
Employers have until 25 August to respond on guaranteed hours plan
If you employ staff on zero hours contracts, the consultation on guaranteed hours, shift notice and cancellation pay closes at 11.59pm on 25 August.
Directors banned for up to five years over missed company filings
Companies House has banned 23 directors and convicted 360 more for late filing this year. If you run your own limited company, the duty sits with you.
Inflation hits 2.9 per cent in July after 13 per cent energy cap rise
The inflation rate July 2026 figure was 2.9 per cent after a 13 per cent energy cap rise. What it means for your bills, the VAT cut and interest rates.
Startup Coalition calls Buy British push the ‘last-chance saloon’
Startups are losing faith in the government as a buyer, a new report says. What the public sector contracts changes mean if you bid for Whitehall work.
Department behind late payment crackdown paid 1,449 invoices late
The department behind the late payment crackdown paid 1,449 invoices late in three years, FOI data shows. Government late payments and the supplier rules.
One in five small firms have already cut staff – and the worst may not be over
New research shows 21% of UK SMEs cut staff last year as employer NICs, business rates and rising costs take their toll. Hospitality firms are hardest hit.
ITV dangles £500,000 TV advertising prize for Britain’s fastest-growing smaller firms
ITV has struck a media partnership with the Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards that will hand one winning British business £500,000 of airtime across the broadcaster’s channels and its ITVX streaming service in 2026.
Barclays reopens the high street door as digital-only rivals circle
Barclays is reversing years of branch closures, expanding its high street network and restoring the bank manager title as Revolut and Wise chase current account customers.
Barclays retreats from small business lending after private credit shocks
Barclays is cutting back lending to small businesses after losses linked to private credit firm collapses, raising concerns over access to finance.
Government sets £7.4bn small business spending target to boost local growth and jobs
The UK government will direct £7.4bn a year to small businesses by 2028, setting new departmental spending targets to boost growth, jobs and local economies.
Big firms face multimillion-pound fines under crackdown on late payments
Large UK companies could face multimillion-pound fines for late payments as new laws introduce a 60-day limit and stronger powers for the Small Business Commissioner.
Government to consult on ECITB and CITB merger into single construction skills body
The Government will consult on merging the ECITB and CITB into a single industry training body, as leaders warn engineering construction skills must remain protected amid plans to boost growth and clean energy jobs.
Spring Statement 2026: Rachel Reeves trims growth forecast as Middle East tensions cloud outlook
Rachel Reeves delivers Spring Statement 2026 with downgraded growth forecast, rising unemployment and improved fiscal headroom, as business leaders warn of energy shocks and economic fragility.
Energy bills could hit £2,500 if Iran conflict disrupts global gas supplies
UK energy bills could surge to £2,500 a year if the Iran conflict disrupts LNG supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, analysts warn, as wholesale gas prices jump 50%.
