Business news 1 August 2025
UK small business confidence plummets. Business confidence hits record low. Skills shortage holding back SMEs. High street sales slump continues.Tax, housing, pensions, fraud, markets, insolvencies & more business news that we thought would interest our members.
James Salmon, Operations Director.
📉UK small business confidence plummets
UK small business confidence has reached its lowest level in five years, according to Novuna Business Finance. Only 26% of small businesses expect growth in the next three months, a level of sentiment last seen during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Jo Morris, Head of Insight at Novuna, stated that businesses are overwhelmed by rapid changes since the election, including market volatility and tax rule shifts. The report highlights a fourth consecutive quarterly drop in growth forecasts, with London and the North East experiencing significant declines.
😔 Business confidence hits record low – IoD
Business confidence among leaders has plummeted to its lowest level since the Brexit vote, according to the Institute of Directors (IoD). The optimism index fell to -72 in July from -53 the previous month, marking a nine-year low. A survey of 894 finance directors highlighted tax and employment costs as major concerns, predicting rising wages and declining revenues. Anna Leach, chief economist at the IoD, commented: “Companies continue to battle cost increases… many firms report that they are struggling to plan amid a cacophony of risk.”
🔧 Skills shortage holding back SMEs
A report by Enginuity reveals that 80% of SMEs faced recruitment challenges in the past six months. Only 15% find the UK labour market attractive, with skills shortages identified as a major issue. Poppy Bramford, Enginuity’s policy manager, said: “This report is a striking confirmation of how severely the skills system is failing the majority of engineering and manufacturing SMEs.” However, despite these challenges, many SMEs remain optimistic about future growth and training investments.
🛍️High street sales slump continues
High street sales have declined for the seventh consecutive month, with physical store sales rising only 0.8% compared to July 2024. BDO attributes this downturn to rising living costs. Sophie Michael, head of retail and wholesale at BDO, said: “Consumers are under huge pressure. Food inflation remains stubbornly high.” The British Retail Consortium forecasts food inflation will increase from 4% to 6% by year-end, due to ongoing economic challenges for physical retailers facing higher business rates and employment costs.
🚗Motor Finance
The Supreme Court is to rule on the issue of the legality of secret commission payments in UK motor finance today, the main lenders involved are Lloyds and Close Brothers. huge compensation payments are in the balance.
📈Markets
📈Yesterday, the FTSE 100 closed down 0.05% at 9132.881 and the Euro Stoxx 50 closed down 1.36% at 5319.92.
Trading in London was mixed on Thursday as investors digested a fresh wave of half-year corporate earnings. The blue chip index opened higher and climbed around 50 points by midday, but those gains faded by the close of day. Rolls-Royce was the standout performer, surging as much as 10% to continue its record-breaking run.
Overnight in the US the S&P 500 fell 0.37% to 6339.39 and the NASDAQ fell 0.03% to 21122.45 despite Meta rising 11.25% and Microsoft rising 3.95%, with Amazon slumping after forecasting weak operating income.
US President Trump has sent letters to 17 pharmaceutical companies demanding that they lower charges for existing drugs and guarantee that US prices for medicines are on par with those paid globally.
💱This morning on currencies, the pound is currently worth $1.3145 and €1.1535 .
On Commodities, 🛢️Oil (Brent) is at $71.40 & 💰Gold is at $3294.
📈On the stock markets, the FTSE 100 is currently down 0.5% at 9089 and the Eurostoxx 50 is down 1.7% at 5230.
Overall, markets are starting to take in the trade woes caused by Trump’s scatter gun approach to tariffs as he announced a raft of increased tariffs against over 60 countries.
🍏 Apple
Apple reported much stronger quarterly results than expected, with revenue rising 10% year on year. The tech giant attributed some of its growth to tariffs, as consumers rushed to make purchases ahead of levies coming into effect.
🛫Heathrow
London Heathrow Airport has submitted a proposal to the UK government for a £49 billion expansion with the construction of a third runway, as the biggest European hub seeks to maintain its competitive edge. The plan involves a £21 billion, 3,500-meter (11,500 feet) runway, as well as building a new terminal, upgrading current facilities, and rerouting the M25 motorway that circles London. The expansion project would increase passenger numbers from 82 million to 150 million with 276,000 extra flights.
💰Investors dissatisfied with wealth management tools
Half of potential investors feel dissatisfied with traditional wealth management tools, according to a survey by Stratiphy. Two thirds of UK investors believe complexity hinders investment participation. Many cite risk aversion as a barrier to investing. Daniel Gold, CEO of Stratiphy, noted a significant demand for simpler tools to enhance investment habits. Nearly 80% of investors want personalised portfolio control amid market volatility, with Gold stating: “Investors are dissatisfied with existing wealth management tools.”
⚖️Tax reporting complexity on the rise
Tax reporting is becoming increasingly complex as organisations face new challenges amid digitalisation. The OECD’s Tax Administration 3.0 aims to simplify processes, but national governments’ varied approaches create confusion, says Pavlo Boyko in Accounting Today. The Global Business Complexity Index by TMF Group highlights these issues, noting that digitalisation can lead to operational risks and increased compliance costs. Timings for e-invoicing implementation vary, with around 60 countries adopting it. As one expert stated: “What we are experiencing is the transition from traditional bureaucracy to electronic bureaucracy.”
🏠 House sales surge 13% in June
House sales in the UK increased by 13% month-on-month in June, with HM Revenue and Customs reporting 93,530 transactions. The figure is 1% higher than June 2024, indicating a recovery from the dip after the temporary stamp duty thresholds ended. Nick Leeming, chairman of Jackson-Stops, noted that while the surge seen in March may not recur, the market remains steady. He said: “The full market picture is one that points to both an increase in demand as well as supply.”
🏘Landlords urged to stay in private housing market
The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has urged private landlords to remain in the market, warning that their exit could lead to increased homelessness. Chief Executive Ben Beadle said: “Landlords selling homes is disastrous for tenants.” Private landlords account for 84% of tenancies in the UK, and recent regulations have made the rental market challenging. Many fear the upcoming Renters’ Rights Bill with drive landlords away, worsening the housing crisis.
👴 Pension sector faces recruitment crisis
The UK pension sector is grappling with a significant recruitment challenge, as 80% of pension scheme administrators struggle to find skilled personnel. The industry, valued at £3.2trn and contributing over 2% to UK GDP, lacks the appeal of other financial services despite offering lucrative salaries. Angela Staral, COO of People’s Partnership, highlighted the need for better pension education to attract Gen Z talent. Staral said: “This is not just a financial service, it’s a purpose-driven, future-facing profession where every action directly impacts people’s long-term financial wellbeing. It’s a space where purpose meets progression, combining finance, technology and social impact.”
☠️HMRC warns homebuyers about bogus Stamp Duty claims
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is warning people purchasing properties to be vigilant of tax agents offering to secure Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) repayments on their behalf where repairs are needed to a property they have bought. Some agents have suggested that, for a fee, they can reclaim SDLT the buyer has already paid by saying that the property is non-residential because it’s uninhabitable. But making claims of this kind often leave the homeowner liable for the full amount of SDLT, plus penalties and interest.
👩 Government urged to introduce statutory paid menstrual leave
Thousands of people are petitioning the UK Government for statutory paid menstrual leave for those with endometriosis and adenomyosis. The petition demands up to three days of paid leave monthly for individuals with confirmed diagnoses. Currently, about 1.5m people in the UK are affected by these conditions, which can cause severe pain and fatigue. The petition has garnered over 3,450 signatures, and if it reaches 10,000, the Government will respond.
🍁 Chancellor lauds £2.4bn Just Group takeover
Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, has endorsed the £2.4bn takeover of Just Group by Canadian firm Brookfield, calling it a vote of confidence in the UK. Just Group’s shares surged 67.5% to 211p following the announcement. This acquisition is part of a broader trend of companies leaving the London stock market, raising concerns about the future of major firms like Shell and AstraZeneca. Peel Hunt’s Charles Hall noted the deal highlights both confidence in the UK and the undervaluation of its market.
☠️Five firms shut down for fraud
Five companies in South London were shut down after their accounts were found to be fraudulent. The Insolvency Service and Companies House obtained a High Court order to wind up Automarket Europe Limited, Integra Group Limited, Maxell Limited, Montana & Montana Limited, and Supermarket Plus Ltd. These firms claimed turnovers exceeding £1.6bn but lacked evidence of genuine business activity. Dave Magrath, Director of Investigation and Enforcement Services at the Insolvency Service, said: “These wildly inaccurate accounts could mislead customers and suppliers.” The action was taken under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.
🚨Latest Insolvencies
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – RUBIX BUILDING SERVICES LTD
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – MARIGOLDS PROFESSIONAL CLEANING LTD
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – MSK SERVICES (ILKESTON) LTD
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – K AND S SOLUTIONS LTD
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – IMS INQUIRY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (UK) LIMITED
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – BDS JOINERY LEEDS LTD
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – NC FIDUCIARIES LIMITED
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – MPG LANDSCAPES LIMITED
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – SWIFT WASTE MANAGEMENT LTD
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – TULIP WARBROOK HOUSE HOTEL OPCO LTD
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – CEASED TRADING 13133115 LIMITED
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – P.G. OXLEY LIMITED
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – MALLY CHUNG LIMITED
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – MCS SOUTHWEST LTD
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – GREY WOLF TRADING LIMITED
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – THE ASSAY LIMITED
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – BROADWAY VENTURES LIMITED
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – SINATRAS (CARDIFF) LIMITED
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – TONY AND FAMILY INVESTMENT LTD
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – VAYASE LTD
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – THE GAMES ROOM COMPANY UK LIMITED
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – OFFICIAL FREDO LTD
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – LUKS CAR SALES GARAGE LIMITED
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – MAP ADVENTURES LTD
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – KENSINGTON OFFICE SOLUTIONS (LEEDS) LTD
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – SEQUENTIAL CONSULTING LIMITED
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – CANDESTOR LIMITED
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – THE SOCIAL EYES (MCR) T/AS A TASTE OF HONEY DELICATESSEN LTD
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – FIN-EX PROPERTY NO. 4 (UK) LIMITED
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – AZTEC ENTERPRISES LIMITED
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – MELAK LIMITED
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – MORONEY CONSTRUCTION LTD
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – ROLSKY CARE LIMITED
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – ZONE1HEARING LIMITED
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – ROOT GROUP LTD
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – DANNY MART LTD
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – AIRTECH INSULATION LTD
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – FOOD MARKET 8A LIMITED
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – INFOTEX SOLUTIONS LIMITED
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – GREAT LITTLE TRADING CO LTD
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – CAMBRAY ESTATES LTD
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – PICCANTE RESTAURANT LTD
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – BONDED BOTTLING LTD
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – ALPHA ANODISING AND FINISHING LIMITED
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – DAYMM LIMITED
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – BONDS TAXI’S LTD
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – SUPPLY THAT LIMITED
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – SEASONS FASHION LTD
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – THE OLD SCHOOL BBQ BUS LTD
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – FL CONSTRUCTION LONDON LTD
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – IMPROVELT ENGINEERING LIMITED
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – UXBRIDGE WINDOWS LIMITED
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – THE HOME IMPROVERS GROUP LTD
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – TOMI’S RESTAURANT LIMITED
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – GARY HENRY LIMITED
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – NICHOLAS JAMES OF LOCKSBOTTOM LTD
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – SCOTT AND WILSON LTD
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – THE LOGISTICS COMPANY (UK) LIMITED
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – TRUE TRADE LTD
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – LITTER CLEAR LTD
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – ENERGICOM LTD
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – NDC TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – CONVEDO PROCESS AUTOMATION LTD
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – 100% TOP CAR LIMITED
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – JUNGLE PUBS VICTORIA LTD
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – 3 SIXTY BODYWORX LTD
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – TONGAI USHEWOKUNZE HOLDINGS UK LIMITED
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – COMPLETE NURSING AND CARE SOLUTIONS LTD
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – MASTER MAKEUP WITH CHLOE SIMS LTD
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – GLAMOLA LIMITED
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – MEADOWS EDGE CARE HOME LIMITED
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – BAILEYS CONVENIENCE STORE AND OFF-LICENCE LTD
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – ABM SPORTS LIMITED
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – JUST FOR CHILDREN LIMITED
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – LOVESISPARA LTD
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – BEIT EL ZAYTOUN LIMITED
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – COMUZI LTD.
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – F C L C LIMITED
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – NAGOMI LTD
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – OPENBOX LOGISTICS LIMITED
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – OAK HEALTHCARE LTD
Appointment of Administrator – 29 BUCKLAND CRESCENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY LIMITED
Appointment of Administrator – UNIQUE PROPERTY INVESTMENT GROUP LTD
Appointment of Administrator – ARGENTEX GROUP PLC
Appointment of Liquidators – MRW LAW LIMITED
Appointment of Administrator – TOTALLY COMMUNICATIONS LIMITED
Appointment of Administrator – ARGENTEX TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED
Appointment of Liquidators – 6 POINT 6 HOLDINGS LTD
Appointment of Liquidators – JT EVENT TRUCK LIMITED
Appointment of Liquidators – POINT MIDCO LIMITED
Appointment of Liquidators – TRADE INFORMATION NETWORK LIMITED
Appointment of Liquidators – BEHAN PARTNERSHIP SURVEYING LIMITED
Appointment of Liquidators – POINT HOLDCO LIMITED
Appointment of Liquidators – FAGUS HOLDCO PLC
Appointment of Liquidators – YORK SPORTS VILLAGE LLP
Appointment of Liquidators – SAPIENTIA REGULATORY SERVICES LIMITED
Appointment of Liquidators – POINT BIDCO LIMITED
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – CESSCON DECOM LTD
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – WH TYRES LIMITED
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – BALLANTINE CASTINGS LTD.
➕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!
️ The Credit Protection Association – Prompting Punctual Payments – Ethical, Effective, Efficient, Economical collections.