Business news 3 September 2025
SME vacancies, government borrowing, a market selloff, Steel, banks, luxury goods, insolvencies & more business news that we thought would interest our members.
James Salmon, Operations Director.
🧑💼NI hike hits SME vacancies
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has accused Chancellor Rachel Reeves of failing to support small firms amid a significant drop in job vacancies. Analysis by the Liberal Democrats has revealed an 18% decline in vacancies at small businesses following the employer National Insurance increase announced in last October’s Budget. Official figures show that in the three months to July, small businesses employing one to 49 people posted 216,000 job vacancies. This is down from 262,000 vacancies recorded in the three months to October 2024. Medium-sized businesses employing 50 to 249 workers saw a 13% drop, with vacancies falling by 16,000. FSB policy chair Tina McKenzie said: “Small businesses don’t feel the Government has their backs when it comes to creating jobs.”
👮Employers less likely to hire ex-offenders
Analysis by recruitment firm Reed shows that employers are less willing to hire ex-offenders than they were in 2013. Reed chairman and chief executive James Reed says there is “compelling evidence that employment is the most reliable way to prevent re-offending,” adding that around a third of employers who have taken on ex-offenders say they are “as reliable, or even more reliable, than other staff.” Mr Reed says: “My message to business leaders is simple: open the door. A conviction should not mean a lifetime locked out of work.”
💼The Budget
Chancellor Rachel Reeves will deliver the UK’s annual budget on 26th November, an event that looks increasingly critical for Keir Starmer’s struggling Labour administration.
📈Markets
Markets have experienced significant turbulence since yesterday, with a broad-based selloff affecting both bonds and equities.
📈Yesterday, Global equities traded lower today as Wall Street reopened following the extended Labor Day weekend, setting a cautious tone for the start of September. The FTSE 100 closed down 0.78% at 9124.40 and the Euro Stoxx 50 closed down 1.37% at 5293.77. Overnight in the US the S&P 500 dropped 0.69% to 6415.54 and the Composite NASDAQ fell 0.82% to 21279.63.
The most notable development has been a sharp decline in global bond markets. In the US, 30-year Treasury yields approached 5%, driven by heavy corporate debt sales and budget concerns . The UK saw similar pressure, with 30-year gilt yields jumping to 5.69% yesterday – the highest since 1998.
The higher yields in turn lead to pressure on equities. Technology stocks faced particular headwinds, with Nvidia falling below its 50-day moving average on 2nd September for the first time since May, dropping as much as 4% to $167.22 . The broader tech sector, including the Magnificent Seven heavyweights, came under pressure as bond yields rose.
Luxury heavyweights LVMH and Kering defied the broader selloff, however, after HSBC upgraded the pair on the expectation of a Chinese consumer comeback.
Euro Zone Inflation edged higher to 2.1% in August, according to the latest flash data from statistics agency Eurostat on Tuesday.
💱This morning on currencies, the pound is currently worth $1.3411 and €1.1507 .
On Commodities, 🛢️Oil (Brent) is at $68.92 & 💰Gold surged to record highs above $3500 & it is currently at $3540.
📈On the stock markets, the FTSE 100 is currently up 0.44% at 9157 and the Eurostoxx 50 is up 0.89% at 5338.
🛜Google
A US federal judge ordered Google to share some data with its rivals and to stop paying for exclusive distribution deals. But the judge stopped short of demanding that the search giant break itself up. The US Justice Department had been seeking that it self off Chrome among other things. Last year the judge, had ruled that Google was operating an illegal monopoly in its search business. Alphabet celebrated what they viewed as minimal consequences from a historic defeat last year in the landmark antitrust case.
⚓Babcock
The UK Government is in advanced discussions with Denmark and Sweden to build warships for the two Scandinavian countries, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday, citing “people familiar with the talks”. An agreement would see defence contractor Babcock International build Type-31 frigates in Rosyth, Scotland. A deal for Denmark to buy three of the Type-31 ‘Arrowhead 140’ frigates is expected to be announced this month, the newspaper said, while Sweden is looking to place orders for four of the ships, with a decision due by the end of the year.
💷Government borrowing costs hit 27-year high
UK Government long-term borrowing costs have hit the highest level since 1998, with the interest rate on 30-year government bonds rising to 5.723%. Paul Dales, chief UK economist at Capital Economics, said concerns over inflation and interest rates, alongside global issues, are pushing UK Government borrowing costs up. Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets at Hargreaves Lansdown, said that Chancellor Rachel Reeves has been “dealt a warning” by investors who are selling off Government debt, “clearly concerned that the Government may be losing its grip on the public finances.” With the Chancellor expected to increase taxes in the Budget, Ms Streeter said: “The worry isn’t just that Government coffers won’t be replenished, but that they will be filled at the expense of growth, leading to a vicious circle emerging.” Deutsche Bank’s Jim Reid warned of a “slow-moving vicious circle” where concerns over rising debt push yields higher, “worsening debt dynamics, which in turn push yields higher again.”
🛂Envestors proposes angel investor visa
Home Office contractor Envestors has put forward plans for an investor visa to be re-introduced, saying that it could help the growth of research-led technology companies. Envestors, an investment service that assesses entrepreneurs applying to enter the UK via the innovator founder visa, has suggested that business angels – high-net-worth individuals that invest in high-growth companies – could be offered a special visa that would allow private SMEs to receive cash in return for equity. The report suggests that foreign nationals investing at least £2m in three UK companies would be able to secure indefinite leave to remain after three years, if 15 full-time workers are employed and £1m in annual revenue is generated. Analysis by the British Business Bank shows that angel investors are the largest source of investment in start-ups and early-stage businesses.
🏭Government looks to save Yorkshire steel-making
Industry Minister Sarah Jones says the Government is committed to preserving steel-making in South Yorkshire following the insolvency of Speciality Steel UK. Speciality Steel, previously part of Liberty Steel, was placed into compulsory liquidation after failing to file accounts for over six years. Ms Jones, who has emphasised the need for private investment to secure the future of the steelworks, insisted that the Government “stands with” all those affected and that there will be no immediate changes, including to jobs.
🚰Thames Water
A group of Thames Water’s senior creditors has submitted a new operational plan to the UK regulator as part of its bid to rescue and take over the ailing utility. The proposal includes revised measures to reduce pollution and leaks through steps such as the replacement of older water mains, according to a statement Wednesday.
🏦Banks face tax hit, economists warn
Ruth Gregory, deputy chief UK economist at Capital Economics, believes that Chancellor Rachel Reeves could target banks as she looks to boost Government finances in the Budget, warning: “We suspect households and banks will bear the brunt of higher taxes.” Capital Economics says an increase the bank surcharge and a quantitative easing (QE) levy are the two most likely tax rises in the Budget. Analysis shows that increasing the surcharge to 8% would raise £1.5bn, while changes to QE takings could pull in another £5bn. Ms Gregory said: “The problem is that if the Chancellor wants to raise large amounts of cash, she won’t get it by taxing banks,” adding that Ms Reeves may look to “combine several smaller tax increases.” Benjamin Toms, equity analyst at RBC, commented: “The Government was elected on a pro-growth agenda, and the banks are a key synapse of that objective,” adding: “We continue to believe that the Chancellor understands that any additional taxes on banks would represent a headwind to this ambition.”
🥫Kraft Heinz
Kraft Heinz is splitting into two companies a decade after a merger of the brands created one of the biggest food manufacturers on the planet. One of the companies, currently called Global Taste Elevation Co., will include brands such as Heinz, Philadelphia cream cheese and Kraft Mac & Cheese, Kraft Heinz said Tuesday. The other, currently called North American Grocery Co., will include legacy brands like Maxwell House, Oscar Mayer, Kraft Singles and Lunchables. The official names of the two companies will be released later.
🏢Companies defy sustainability rule changes
Most companies facing mandatory sustainability reporting in the EU intend to proceed with their disclosures, despite potential changes to the rules. A KPMG survey of over 1,300 executives revealed that nearly 75% plan to maintain their compliance with the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive. This commitment persists even as the bloc considers simplifying and reducing mandatory disclosures. KPMG said: “Our findings show a strong resolve among companies to meet sustainability reporting requirements.”
🚨Latest Insolvencies
Appointment of Administrator – SEX BRAND LTD
Appointment of Administrator – BARKLEY PLASTICS LIMITED
Appointment of Administrator – RICHARD GRIFFITH HOUSE PLANTS LIMITED
Appointment of Administrator – LUMI THERAPY LTD
Appointment of Liquidators – V G IMAGE LIMITED
Appointment of Liquidators – EASTERN LASER VISION LTD
Appointment of Liquidators – INCATECH LIMITED
Appointment of Liquidators – S.E.A.R. PROPERTIES LIMITED
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – MERCADAO DA CARNE LIMITED
Appointment of Liquidators – JOHN R GAMMIDGE & COMPANY LIMITED
Appointment of Administrator – WILKINS CHIMNEY SWEEP LIMITED
Appointment of Liquidators – RATHBONE ESTATES,LIMITED
Appointment of Liquidators – WONHAM PROPERTIES LIMITED
Appointment of Liquidators – CPK CONSTRUCTION LIMITED
Appointment of Liquidators – MERIVALE MOORE LIMITED
Appointment of Administrator – SPRING STUDIOS LIMITED
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – DESI PARMESANS LIMITED
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – HASSEL STREET STORES LTD
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – OKHAM STORES LTD
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – CC GOLF LTD
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – PVY LIMITED
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – ADEN CONTRACTORS LTD.
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – PORTREE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LTD
Appointment of Administrator – JOHN GILLMAN & SONS (ELECTRICAL) LIMITED
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – JMLG LIMITED
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – SOLARBOTANIC TREES LTD
Appointment of Liquidators – BRITON FERRY SALVAGE LIMITED
Petitions to wind up (Companies) – SAMOO BROTHERS LTD
Appointment of Liquidators – AURIGA REIM LIMITED
Appointment of Liquidators – WHITE FEATHER COMMERCIAL CLEANING SERVICES LIMITED
Appointment of Liquidators – BRIDGEPOINT FUNDING III LIMITED
Appointment of Liquidators – SERMELO LIMITED
➕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.