Business news 1 May 2025
Insolvencies soar: Small firms at risk. Business confidence slips. Energy costs threaten UK growth. Labour’s solar panel plan. Energy bills, markets, insolvencies & more business news that we thought would interest our members.
James Salmon, Operations Director.
Please note: on the 19/3/25 CPA moved after 45 years on King Street, to new offices a couple of miles down the road at Profile West, 950 Great West Road, Brentford, TW8 9ES.
Insolvencies soar: Small firms at risk
Scotland has witnessed a 31% year-on-year increase in business insolvencies, with 105 companies declared insolvent in March 2025, compared to 80 in the same month last year. Sectors such as hospitality, construction, and retail are particularly affected, grappling with inflation and rising costs. Chris Richards, founder of SimplyQuote, emphasised that many small businesses overlook significant savings on fixed costs, stating: “In survival mode, small business owners tend to prioritise sales and staffing—but what’s often missed is the cost creep of everyday services.” Reports from the Federation of Small Businesses reveal that over 60% of SMEs do not compare insurance policies, leading to unnecessary expenses. Experts warn that without addressing these inefficiencies, insolvency rates may remain high into the latter half of 2025. “It’s about operational discipline,” Richards added, highlighting the importance of scrutinising outgoings for survival.
Are you monitoring your key business customers & suppliers for risk? CPA’s monitoring service can keep you up to date on any changes in their status. Our credit reports can help you set appropriate credit limits for customers and help you manage the risk in these difficult times.
Not a member yet? Just call Peter Uwins, CPA’s National Sales Manager, on 020 8846 0000 (business hours) or email nsm@cpa.co.uk today.
Business confidence slips due to taxes and tariffs
Recent data reveals that Rachel Reeves’ tax policies and Donald Trump’s tariffs have severely impacted business confidence in the UK, driving it to its lowest level in over two years. The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) reported that private sector activity remains “subdued,” with firms anticipating further declines in the coming months. CBI economist Alpesh Paleja noted: “Uncertainty has ramped up over the last few weeks,” highlighting the effects of global volatility and rising national insurance contributions. With the Government facing pressure to stimulate growth, the upcoming industrial strategy and spending review will be crucial for addressing these challenges. Economists warn that without significant measures, Reeves’ £9.9bn fiscal headroom may be jeopardised, potentially leading to further tax increases in the autumn.
Energy costs threaten UK growth
Three in five British companies report that “rising and unstable” energy costs are hindering their growth plans, according to a survey by EY. The International Energy Agency highlights that Britain’s industrial energy costs are the highest in the G7, 46% above the average of IEA member states. Colm Devine, EY’s power and utilities sector lead, said: “Energy is clearly no longer just a commodity, it’s a competitive and strategic asset which is likely to continue to be subject to significant change and investment over the coming years.”
Labour’s solar panel plan, net zero woes
Every new home in England must be fitted with solar panels under new rules set to be rolled out by the Labour Government. The Times reports that housebuilders would be mandated by law to install solar panels on the roofs of new properties by 2027 in an effort to cut energy bills and reduce emissions. The move comes as Sir Keir Starmer rejects his predecessor’s call to abandon “irrational” net-zero policies. Sir Tony Blair’s comments have been backed by Unite, who said net zero would not be achieved without “serious investment in new jobs”. The Telegraph reports that senior Labour figures are looking to oust Energy Secretary Ed Miliband amid fears his policies are turning off voters. The paper also talks to Norway’s energy minister, Terje Aasland, who warned Britain not to abandon the North Sea oil and gas industry. Norway became Britain’s primary source of gas last year, with the UK spending £10bn on gas and another £10bn on oil.
Energy bills: the hidden costs revealed
Economists are challenging Energy Secretary Ed Miliband’s assertion that the UK’s high taxes on oil and gas producers do not affect household energy bills. Dan Slater, director of research at Zeus Capital, argues that there is a clear connection between consumer bills and the taxes imposed on energy producers, particularly for gas. He states: “If there is more gas available from the North Sea… this would likely have had a downward effect on the wholesale prices.”
Markets
Yesterday, the FTSE 100 closed up 0.37% at 8494.85 and the Euro Stoxx 50 closed down 0.03% at 5160.22. Overnight in the US the S&P 500 rose 0.15% to 5569.06 and the NASDAQ fell 0.09% to 17446.34.
This morning on currencies, the pound is currently worth $1.332 and €1.177. On Commodities, Oil (Brent) is at $59.8 & Gold is at $3222. On the stock markets, the FTSE 100 is currently down 0.08% at 8488. Most European markets are closed for a holiday, except the UK and Denmark. US market futures were rising on Thursday morning after major tech names Meta and Microsoft posted earnings beats for the quarter. Microsoft announced revenue up 13% at $70.1 billionwhile net income was up 18% at $25.9 billion.
ADP released its latest job numbers showing that US Firms added just 62k jobs in April, Below all estimates. Separately, official figures showed the US economy contracted by 0.3% in the first quarter. It was the first decline since 2022, and is put down to a surge in imports ahead of Trump’s tariffs and moderate consumer spending.
President Donald Trump brazenly blamed weak economic data on the Biden administration and claimed that tariffs played no role in falling stock-markets.
The US and Ukraine signed a deal that gives the USA access to Ukraine’s mineral deposits and creates a joint investment fund. Scott Bessent, the US’ treasury secretary, said that the agreement shows Russia that the Trump administration wants a “peace process centered on a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine over the long term”.
The European Union is planning to share a paper with the US next week that will set out a package of proposals to kick-start trade negotiations with the Trump administration.
Effective regulation can promote prosperity – Gurr
Doug Gurr, the new chair of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), writes in City AM on the importance of protecting UK consumers whilst promoting competition. He says: “We must evolve, but we’re sticking firmly to the fundamentals.” Gurr highlights the need for good regulation to support long-term policy goals, particularly economic growth, which is essential for improving public services and quality of life. He stresses that investment is critical, noting that the UK has the lowest level of business investment in the G7. The CMA is implementing improvements across its processes to encourage competition and consumer confidence, particularly through the new Digital Markets competition regime, which aims to adapt to fast-moving markets.
House prices take a tumble
In April, house prices in the UK experienced a notable decline, falling by 0.6% month-on-month, marking the largest drop since August 2023. According to Robert Gardner, Nationwide’s chief economist: “The softening in house price growth was to be expected, given the changes to stamp duty at the start of the month.” The average home now costs £270,752, with annual growth slowing to 3.4% from 3.9% in March. Following the recent changes, first-time buyers in England and Northern Ireland now pay stamp duty on properties priced over £300,000, down from £425,000. Gardner anticipates that while the market may remain subdued, “activity is likely to pick up steadily as summer progresses.” Meanwhile, lenders are adjusting mortgage rates, with Barclays offering fixed rates below 4%.
Businesses seek new balance for trans policy
The Supreme Court’s recent ruling on trans inclusion in the Equality Act has brought significant clarity, according to Baroness Falkner, who stated it provided “welcome clarity” on a contentious issue. However, many businesses, which have adopted inclusive policies, now face a legal dilemma as the guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) mandates single-sex facilities. This has left firms scrambling to reconcile their practices with the new legal landscape. Bobbi Pickard, chief executive of Trans in the City, expressed that the ruling has created “huge ambiguity” for employers, while Maya Forstater of Sex Matters warned that companies sticking to old policies could face legal action.
FCA bosses highlight risks of listening to ‘finfluencers’
The Treasury Committee has raised concerns about the risks associated with financial influencers, or “finfluencers,” highlighting the potential for individuals to lose their money due to bad advice or fraud. Lucy Castledine, director of consumer investments at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), reported that in 2024, the FCA received 25,000 reports of unauthorised businesses. She acknowledged the importance of financial education but warned against straying into regulated advice without proper authorisation. Steve Smart, joint executive director of enforcement and market oversight at the FCA, added: “We are not at all trying to demonise finfluencers in general. If people are provided with the right advice, that’s a good thing, it’s those that are breaking the law and providing harmful advice that we are focused on.” The FCA also pointed out that Meta, the owner of Instagram and Facebook, is the slowest social media company to take down content posted by finfluencers and fraudsters running financial scams.
SFO arrests construction bribery suspects
UK fraud investigators have arrested three individuals linked to Blu-3, a British construction firm, amid allegations of bribery during the construction of a datacentre for Microsoft in the Netherlands. The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) reported that over £3m was allegedly paid in bribes to associates of Mace Group. More than 70 investigators conducted searches across multiple locations, including London and Kent. Nick Ephgrave, director of the SFO, said: “Paying bribes to do business undermines our financial markets, the reputation of British companies and the rule of law and will not be tolerated.” Blu-3, which has a strong pipeline of work for 2025, has previously collaborated with Mace on significant projects like the Shard and HS2. Mace Group has also expressed its commitment to supporting the SFO’s investigation.
Latest Insolvencies
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Why you should become a member of CPA!
The Credit Protection Association (CPA) has been assisting thousands of UK businesses to get paid, since 1914. We have supported our members through all sorts of difficult trading environments. With high interest rates and a struggling economy and elevated insolvencies, our services can help your business navigate these difficult waters.
Unlike other credit management and debt collection companies, we offer a range of services to our members that are all included as part of a fixed annual subscription, tailored to your needs.
Under your annual subscription you will have access to our main services:
- Our Creditcare credit reports provide credit ratings and limits along with a host of detailed information on your potential customers to enable you to trade with confidence and set appropriate credit policies for new customers.
- Our monitoring service will alert you to any significant changes in the status of those customers.
- Our Overdue account recovery service can be used to chase up payment on any invoices to those customers that have not been paid on time. Unlike other debt collection companies, this service directs your customer to pay direct to you and allows you to maintain your goodwill with them, rather than inserting ourselves into your relationship with you customer and insisting they pay CPA instead. Our Overdue account recovery service resolves over 80% of accounts referred to us.
All of the above services and other complimentary services such address verification, are included in your subscription!
And for the small minority of debts not resolved through our Overdue account recovery service, you can refer the debt to our collections department to escalate the late payment collections process.
CPA eases cash from tardy debtors – Efficiently, Effectively, Economically and Ethically. And we provide credit information so you can monitor and assess your key customers and be warned of any potential risks. CPA has been improving business cash flow for over 100 years, by tackling late payers and campaigning against the late payment culture in the UK.
Unlike other credit management companies, we offer our members a fixed annual subscription regardless of how high the value of their debts maybe!
Rather than to borrowing more money to improve your cashflow, CPA suggests that business owners tackle the problem at its source. If late payments are a strain on your cashflow, then talk to CPA about how we can help you reduce those late payments.
Just call Peter Uwins, CPA’s National Sales Manager, on 020 8846 0000 (business hours) or email nsm@cpa.co.uk today.
When you see your money come in, you will be so glad you used CPA.
The Credit Protection Association – Prompting Punctual Payments – Ethical, Effective, Efficient, Economical collections
Do you have a commercial late payer that is causing you grief? Use CPA’s no-win, no-fee, commercial debt recovery service!
If you have a particular business customer who is late paying and causing you sleepless nights, why not offer it to CPA’s collection department for purchase on recourse?
CPA’s collection department will then pursue the debt. We will be liable for any costs incurred and then when we have recovered the debt, we will pay you the net principle debt recovered less our percentage.
Once you have enjoyed that success then you can consider the more cost effective membership which includes our Overdue Account Recovery service and Status/Credit reports as well as a range of other complimentary services.
Just call 020 8846 0000 and ask for Godfrey Nelson or Cris Shirley (business hours) or email debtpurchase@cpa.co.uk today.
The Credit Protection Association – Prompting Punctual Payments – Ethical, Effective, Efficient, Economical collections.
Get compensated for previous late payments
Have you been paid late by business customers in the last six years?
Maybe you no longer work with them. Under legislation, you are entitled to compensation you for those late payments you have suffered.
You put up with the PAIN – now claim the GAIN!
Claim late payment compensation (LPC) from former business customers who paid you late in the last six years!
CPA (LPC) Recoveries is using our bespoke software and decades of experience to do just that for our clients
Check our compensation calculator to see how much your business could be owed!
Discover NOW the potential value of late payment compensation hidden in your sales ledger!