Leading online marketplaces and payment providers, including eBay, PayPal and Temu, have collectively signed a pledge that promotes fair treatment for small businesses. The new 10-point pledge, centred on cashflow and payments, includes commitments to communicate effectively with small businesses … [Read more...]
News for: General Business
Chair appointed to new Fair Work Agency
Matthew Taylor has been appointed as the first chair of the new Fair Work Agency, a new body that will enforce protections for workers as part of employment rights reforms. The Fair Work Agency will launch in April 2026 and bring together three existing enforcement bodies to create a single … [Read more...]
Fund manager surpasses £25 million in NPIF II lending to North West businesses
Fund manager for the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II), FW Capital Debt Finance, has surpassed the £25 million lending milestone financing businesses in the North West of England. Since the Fund’s launch last year, NPIF II – FW Capital has successfully completed 64 investments, … [Read more...]
Cheshire East councillors back devolution progress
Cheshire East Council has supported plans to establish a Mayoral Combined Authority for the Cheshire and Warrington region. In a Full Council meeting on 17th September, councillors backed the proposed devolution proposals – a decision that has the potential to unlock significant new powers and … [Read more...]
Chancellor confirms date for Autumn Budget
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, has confirmed the date of this year’s Autumn Budget: Wednesday 26th November 2025. Alongside the announcement of the Budget date, the Chancellor also published a short video, setting out the current state of the economy, and her and the government’s … [Read more...]
Inflation rose to 3.8% in July
Latest annual inflation data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) has revealed the Consumer Price Index (CPI) has risen by 3.8% in July. The increase, up from 3.6% in June, has exceeded economists expectations and is well above the Bank of England’s 2% target for inflation. The Bank of … [Read more...]
Cheshire and Warrington councils issue devolution update
Local council leaders from across the Cheshire and Warrington region have sought to address concerns from rural residents ahead of devolution. During the consultation on establishing a Mayoral Combined Authority to encompass the region's local authority areas, respondents from rural communities … [Read more...]
North West firms express increased optimism about outlook, finds NatWest survey
Despite revealing a drop in activity in the start of Q3 of 2025, the latest NatWest Growth Tracker saw firms in the North West express increased optimism for trading conditions over the next 12 months. The region’s Business Activity Index – which measures changes in the region’s output of goods … [Read more...]
North West economy ends quarter on a stable footing, finds NatWest tracker
Business activity stabilised across the North West private sector in June, following a decline in output in recent months, the latest NatWest Growth Tracker survey has revealed. The headline North West Business Activity Index – which measures changes in the region’s output of goods and services – … [Read more...]
National Emergency Alert test planned for 7th September
The UK government will send a test Emergency Alert to mobile phones nationwide on Sunday 7th September at around 3pm. The Emergency Alerts system is used to warn if there is a danger to life nearby, including extreme weather. It allows vital information and advice to be sent to people rapidly in … [Read more...]
Lloyds Business Barometer finds sustained rise in business confidence
A monthly business survey conducted by high street banking group, Lloyds, has revealed a sustained rise in business confidence across the UK. Business confidence increased by 1 point to 51% in June nationwide, with the North-west seeing a 3 point rise to 55%. The rise follows a sharper rise in … [Read more...]
Manchester Airports Group delivers record year as investment programmes continue
A record year for Manchester Airports Group (MAG) and growth of its international footprint has resulted in the group being primed for its latest phase of infrastructure investment. The Group – which owns and operates Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands Airports, as well as travel … [Read more...]