The UK economy grew 0.7% in the three months to April 2024, according to the latest GDP data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS). The services sector, the largest part of the UK economy, saw the fastest growth, with output up 0.9% over the quarter. The best performing subsectors included … [Read more...]
News for: General Business
Inflation fell in April to 2.3%
Inflation has fallen in April to 2.3%, its lowest rate in nearly three years and close to the Bank of England’s 2% target, latest data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) has shown. The ONS Consumer Price Index (CPI) has revealed its headline measure of inflation has fallen to 2.3% in … [Read more...]
NPIF II attracts interest from over 490 North West businesses
Expressions of interest have come in from over 490 businesses across the North West keen to access funding from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II) according to fund managers. Across the North of England as a whole, the £660 million fund which launched earlier this year, over … [Read more...]
Online training course launches to support small business leaders with management skills
A new online training course as part of the government backed Help to Grow scheme has launched to support small business leaders to develop their management skills. Help to Grow: Management Essentials offers practical tips and resources based on the content of the more in-depth 12-week Help to … [Read more...]
Inflation falls to two-and-a-half year low
The annual rate of inflation fell to 3.2% in March 2024, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS), its lowest level in two and a half years. The latest fall represents a 0.2 percentage-point drop on February's figures, with March's … [Read more...]
New report reveals economic potential of Manchester Airport
A new report has revealed the full economic potential of Manchester Airport in driving growth across the North should future governments put the right conditions in place. Produced by Arup and published in March, it states that between now and 2050, the Northern gateway could secure direct … [Read more...]
Increase to VAT threshold takes effect
An uplifted VAT threshold of £90,000 has taken effect from 1st April 2024 that is expected to lift 28,000 small businesses out of paying VAT. The £5,000 increase in the threshold was announced in the Spring Budget and puts the UK’s VAT threshold at the joint highest level of any OECD … [Read more...]
Direct flights to launch between Manchester Airport and Shanghai
Economic and cultural links between the North-west and China are to benefit from the launch of direct flights between Manchester Airport and Shanghai. Juneyao Air’s new service, first announced in 2019 but postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, will launch on 1st July, running three-times … [Read more...]
Manchester Airport welcomes over 200 businesses to Meet the Buyer event
300 attendees from over 200 local businesses were able to meet directly with key prospective clients at Manchester Airport at its Meet the Buyer event. Small and medium-sized businesses from a variety of sectors were represented and had the opportunity to network with 29 major buyers at the … [Read more...]
Inflation drops to lowest level in nearly two and a half years
The Office of National Statistics (ONS) has reported that February 2024 saw inflation fall to its lowest since September 2021, with its headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) now at 3.4%. The fall, down 0.6 percentage points on January's figure, has helped largely by a slowdown in food and drink … [Read more...]
Prime Minister announces reforms to boost apprenticeships and support small businesses
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced a number of reforms to support apprenticeships and small businesses in his speech addressing the Business Connect conference. Among the announcements made in Warwickshire on 18th March include funding to support more apprenticeships with small businesses, … [Read more...]
Cheshire East Council agrees budget plans
Cheshire East Council has agreed a budget for the 2024/25 financial year, which will focus funds on providing support where it will make the most difference. The budget was agreed on Tuesday 27 February at a meeting of full council, and outlines £30 million in savings across council services to … [Read more...]