UK businesses

Bank of England Deputy Governor Dave Ramsden said there would be a case for raising the key interest rate if inflationary pressures build in the UK economy. His comments signal that policymakers remain alert to upside risks to inflation even as rates stand at elevated levels, and come as investors and businesses watch closely for hints on the timing of the Bank's next move.

UK shop price inflation slowed even as businesses continue to face cost pressures, according to the British Retail Consortium. The figures suggest retailers are absorbing some of their rising expenses rather than passing them fully on to shoppers, a potential sign of easing pressure on household budgets.

The business secretary has warned that any renewed push for Britain to rejoin the European Union risks causing economic and political uncertainty. The comments come amid ongoing debate over the UK's post-Brexit relationship with Brussels, with some campaigning for closer ties or renewed membership. Critics of rejoining argue reopening the question would unsettle businesses and trade arrangements.

The Business Secretary has warned that a renewed campaign to rejoin the European Union risks creating uncertainty for businesses. The intervention comes as debate over the UK's relationship with Brussels resurfaces, with the minister arguing that reopening the question of EU membership would leave companies facing unclear long-term conditions for trade, investment and regulation.

Defence Secretary John Healey is set to promise a 'new age of industrialisation' for the UK in a speech at the Labour Party conference. The address is expected to set out plans to boost British manufacturing and defence industry as part of the government's economic strategy, drawing attention from political and business commentators during the conference season.

Jonathan Reynolds says debate about returning to the EU creates uncertainty for business, according to Politico Europe. The remark, picked up by UA.NEWS, comes as discussion over Britain's future relationship with the EU resurfaces. Reynolds argues that reopening questions about membership unsettles firms that need stable, predictable trading conditions to plan and invest.

London's investment bankers and lawyers have earned more than £1bn in fees from a surge in takeover deals, according to the Guardian. The windfall reflects a busy period for mergers and acquisitions activity in the UK capital, with advisers on both sides of deals collecting substantial payments as companies pursue acquisitions.

Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe did not give permission for his comments to be used in a Reform UK video, according to a New York Times report. The 73-year-old billionaire, who has publicly criticised UK immigration levels on multiple occasions, is said to have had his remarks repurposed by the party without authorisation. The episode raises questions about consent and political parties' use of prominent business figures' statements in campaign material.

Speculation is building over whether the UK Labour government will raise capital gains tax in its upcoming Autumn Budget. Investors and savers are watching closely, as an increase could affect returns on shares, property and business sales, and some are considering selling assets early to lock in current rates ahead of any announcement.

Security firm ESET is warning that 49% of UK small and medium-sized businesses are expected to experience a cyber breach, according to experts cited in the report. The warning highlights growing concern that smaller firms remain under-defended against rising cyberattacks, and is prompting calls for better investment in basic security measures across the UK's small business sector.

Searches are surging for Pakistan against Hong Kong as the two cricket teams meet in an Asia Cup fixture, with the match drawing attention in India, the US, the UK, Italy, Australia and Canada. Interest comes amid a busy tournament window, with Hong Kong arriving off a confident 41-run win over Oman that has made their campaign one of the competition's early storylines.

ESET reports that 49% of UK small and medium-sized businesses have suffered a security breach, with cybersecurity experts outlining practical measures firms can take to reduce risk. The findings highlight persistent gaps in SMB defences, and commentary is focused on affordable fixes such as staff training, patching and multi-factor authentication that smaller firms can adopt without large budgets.

Yahoo Finance UK asks whether the enthusiasm around SpaceX is distracting investors from the core reasons they bought into Tesla, namely its electric vehicle business, margins and growth outlook. The piece reflects a debate over whether attention has shifted to Elon Musk's other ventures at the expense of Tesla's fundamentals.

The managing director of Beaverbrooks, the UK jewellery retailer, has called on the government to ease pressures on businesses, saying firms need 'a bit of a break'. The appeal, reported by the Guardian, adds retail voices to ongoing debate over tax and cost burdens on high street companies, with business leaders pressing ministers for support ahead of fiscal decisions.

The UK Environment Agency has launched a consultation on changes to how environmental rules are enforced, according to a legal analysis by law firm Clyde & Co. The piece examines what the proposals could mean for businesses, particularly those in regulated sectors such as energy, construction and waste, that must comply with environmental permitting and enforcement regimes. Details of the proposed measures and their implications for compliance obligations remain to be set out in full.