The North-west’s private sector returned to growth in February for the first time since August 2022, according to the latest data from NatWest’s Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) Survey for February 2023. The latest figures have reversed a trend that saw the region’s output decline at its fastest … [Read more...]
News for: General Business
Prestigious business awards to be renamed ahead of Coronation
The Queen’s Award for Enterprise and The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service are to be renamed following the Accession of King Charles III. The name change reflects His Majesty The King’s desire to continue recognising volunteers and promoting outstanding business: the Awards will become The … [Read more...]
Inflation fell again to 10.1% in January
Inflation has fallen again for the third consecutive month, the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) has revealed. The ONS reported on 15th February that the average prices in January of a range of common consumer purchases are 10.1% higher than at the same time last year. This latest figure … [Read more...]
National moment of silence announced to mark anniversary of Ukraine conflict
A national minute’s silence will take place at 11am on Friday 24th February to mark the anniversary of the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. The national moment will pay tribute to the Ukrainian people and highlight the UK’s solidarity and support for their fight. The announcement of the … [Read more...]
Inflation slowed slightly in December to 10.5%
The annual rate of inflation slowed slightly on November but remains in double figures, the ONS has revealed following the publication of its December 2022 Consumer Price Index (CPI) Analysis of prices for a range of consumer products shows that goods cost on average 10.5% more in December 2022 … [Read more...]
Council progresses plans to boost Cheshire East high streets
Cheshire East Council has approved plans to boost nine of the borough's town centres, subject to securing funding. In a meeting of the council's economy and growth committee, ‘town centre vitality plans’ (TCVPs) for nine towns across the borough, including Wilmslow, Handforth and Poynton, will … [Read more...]
Government unveils new Energy Bills Discount Scheme for businesses
The government has confirmed its new Energy Bills Discount Scheme due to come into effect to support non-domestic energy customers when the current scheme ends at the end of March 2023. The new scheme will provide support for an additional year through to 31st March 2024, discounting high energy … [Read more...]
Late payment problems eased at end of 2022, finds insolvency trade body
Analysis by insolvency trade body, R3, has found that the number of overdue invoices has fallen for businesses in the North-west. R3’s analysis of Creditsafe data, released at the end of December 2022, found that the number of outstanding invoices owed to firms in the North-west fell 32.1% … [Read more...]
Bank of England unveils new King Charles III banknotes
The Bank of England has unveiled designs for banknotes featuring King Charles III, which will enter circulation by mid-2024. Notes featuring the new monarch will be printed only to replace work banknotes or to meet any overall increase in demand, meaning those with the late Queen Elizabeth II … [Read more...]
Interest rates rise again to 3.5%
The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has voted in favour of its ninth consecutive rise in interest rates. The Bank’s economists voted 6-3 in favour of increasing its base rate further to 3.5%. The increase is a more moderate 0.5 percentage point rise than the previous November … [Read more...]
Government approves £2.6 billion local spending plans to replace EU funding
The government has approved £2.6 billion of spending plans to allow local leaders to replace EU funding with support from the new UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UK SPF). Councils nationwide have drawn up the plans with a wide range of local partners that deliver for people in their areas. They have … [Read more...]
Chancellor delivers Autumn Statement
Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt has delivered his Autumn Statement, setting out a raft of tax increases and spending cuts in a bid to shore up the UK’s public finances. Addressing the House of Commons, Jeremy Hunt set out three priorities of his Autumn Statement: stability, growth and … [Read more...]