Businesses in the North West have entered the New Year with increased optimism in their prospects and the wider economic picture, according to the findings of Lloyds Bank’s Business Barometer survey. Published at the end of December 2024, the high street bank found businesses nationwide had … [Read more...]
News for: General Business
Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Warrington councils take first step towards devolution
Leaders of Cheshire and Warrington’s three councils have written to the government asking for the region to be included in its priority programme for devolution. The move is the first step towards formally opening conversations with government about potential new powers and funding Cheshire and … [Read more...]
Cheshire East Council publishes latest financial forecasts
Cheshire East Council's latest financial forecasts show some improvements to position, but outstanding funding gaps persist. As work to prepare the next financial year's Budget continues, the council has revealed it anticipates an £18.3 million funding gap for the current financial year, and … [Read more...]
5.4 million still to file Self Assessment tax returns
HMRC is reminding the 5.4 million Self Assessment taxpayers who have not yet filed a return for the 2023-24 tax year to do so before the 31st January 2025. Anyone required to file a tax return for the 2023 to 2024 tax year who misses the 31 January 2025 deadline could face an initial late filing … [Read more...]
Cheshire and Warrington councils issue joint statement on devolution
The leaders of the three councils covering Cheshire and Warrington have issued a statement indicating their intentions to pursue greater devolution of power to the region. The statement follows publication of the government's English Devolution White Paper, which set out the government's … [Read more...]
Inflation rose to 2.6% in November
Inflation rose to 2.6% in November according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS). The increase of 0.3 percentage points on October’s inflation data means prices in November at their fastest rate since March, with goods on average 2.6% more … [Read more...]
Inflation rose to 2.3% in October
October Consumer Price Index (CPI) data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) has revealed a 0.6 percentage point rise in the rate of inflation. Annual inflation reached 2.3% in October, its highest rate since April, after a sharp rise on the previous month’s figure of 1.7%. While … [Read more...]
Over half of UK businesses prioritising international trade to drive growth, finds Santander research
Over half (52%) of UK businesses are prioritising international trade in their plans for growth according to research by high street bank, Santander. The bank’s Santander Trade Barometer has recorded a 5% rise in businesses looking to reach new overseas customers as a growth driver compared to in … [Read more...]
Bank of England cuts interest rates to 4.75%
The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has voted to cut interest rates by 0.25 percentage points to 4.75%, the second cut of this year. Economists on the MPC voted 8-1 in favour of the cut, with the decision following the ONS’ announcement that CPI inflation fell below the … [Read more...]
Chancellor promises to “rebuild Britain” in first Budget
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, presented her first Budget since taking office to the House of Commons on 30th October 2024. The first Budget to ever be delivered by a woman, and the first of a Labour government since 2010, Reeves set out plans to increase day-to-day departmental … [Read more...]
Companies House implements new non-compliance penalties
Registered companies and their directors are being warned of new penalties being introduced by Companies House for non-compliance with their legal responsibilities. As part of new powers granted to the body in the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, businesses could face financial … [Read more...]
LSH Auto hosts networking event ahead of Women of the Year Awards
Mercedes-Benz dealership group, LSH Auto, hosted its third networking event from the organisers of the Women of the Year Awards. The sold-out ‘Women in…’ event, designed to bring together and empower women, attracted more than 70 delegates to Mercedes-Benz of Stockport. Guest speakers included … [Read more...]