Business news 12 September 2025
GDP, Phoenixing, construction, AI, contactless, market news, insolvencies & other stories that we thought would interest our members.
James Salmon, Operations Director.
💰 GDP at 0.2% in July
The UK economy stagnated in July with just 0.2% growth (in line with estimates). The UK had a trade deficit of £5.26 billion compared to estimates of £4.1 billion.
🔔HMRC raises small business ‘phoenixing’ tax loss to £836m
HMRC lost £836m to “phoenixing” in the 2022-23 tax year, 45% higher than the £570m estimated in previous reports and more than one-fifth of total tax losses. Welcome to the club. Suppliers have long known about the costs of businesses closing down and transferring the trading assets to a new company, leaving their suppliers carrying the can.
🏘️ Construction
The UK Government is “absolutely committed” to its pledge to build 1.5 million new homes in England by 2029, the new Housing secretary has said. Steve Reed said the government was standing firm behind the vow, which was part of Labour’s pre-election manifesto.
🅰️ℹ️Data centres
The leaders of OpenAI and Nvidia are planning to pledge support for billions of dollars in UK data center investments when they head to the country next week at the same time as President Donald Trump, according to reports. The two companies are teaming up with London-based data center business Nscale Global Holdings Ltd. on the project.
📈Markets
📈Yesterday, equities rallied as investors digested the latest US inflation figures alongside the European Central Bank’s decision to keep interest rates unchanged. The FTSE 100 closed up 0.78% at 9297.58 (close to record highs) and the Euro Stoxx 50 closed up 0.47% at 5386.77.
BAE Systems led the FTSE 100 advance with a 6.3% increase.
Overnight in the US the S&P 500 rose 0.85% to 6587.47 and the Composite NASDAQ rose 0.72% to 22043.07. Both new all time highs.
The US Consumer Price Index posted a seasonally adjusted 0.4% increase for the month, the biggest gain since January, putting the annual inflation rate at 2.9%, up 0.2 percentage point from the prior month and the highest reading since January. Economists had been looking for respective readings of 0.3% and 2.9%.
💱This morning on currencies, the pound is currently worth $1.3555 and €1.1559 .
On Commodities, 🛢️Oil (Brent) is at $66.73 & 💰Gold is at $3651.
📈On the stock markets, the FTSE 100 is currently up 0.29% at 9235. And the Eurostoxx 50 is down 0.40% at 5365.31.
🏙️ A new skyscraper
JPMorgan Chase is commissioning plans for what could be the biggest office building in London as the US bank looks at is options for a new European headquarters. The bank has appointed Foster + Partners to draw up new designs for the plot of land in London’s Canary Wharf district that the bank holds.
💳Concerns rise over contactless card limits
Surviving Economic Abuse has raised the alarm about the potential risks of increasing the £100 contactless card limit. The charity warns that higher limits could enable abusers to drain victims’ bank accounts. Sam Smethers, chief executive of the charity, said: “This could leave a survivor without the money they need to flee and reach safety.” The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is consulting on changes but expects most firms to maintain the current limit. UK Finance acknowledged the impact of economic abuse but does not foresee immediate changes to the limit.
🏬Big retailers at risk from tax changes
Hundreds of large UK retailers could face closure under government plans to introduce a higher business rates band for properties valued above £500,000, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) has warned. The group said around 400 supermarkets and department stores are at risk, threatening 100,000 jobs and £100m in lost local revenue. The BRC argued these stores already pay a disproportionate share of rates and face mounting cost pressures. However, the Federation of Small Businesses countered that larger firms should contribute more to help struggling smaller companies. The Government said reforms aim to reduce “cliff edges” and create permanently lower rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure, with further measures to be detailed in November’s budget. Critics argue the system is outdated, penalising physical retailers compared to online competitors.
⚖️Firms risk exposure as AI investment surges
The financial services sector is investing heavily in artificial intelligence (AI), but many firms lack adequate safety measures. According to a report by EY, 26% of firms have limited or no controls to ensure compliance with regulations. Preetham Peddanagari, EY’s UK financial services tech consulting leader, warned: “Without robust oversight and governance frameworks, the sector risks leaving itself and its customers exposed to significant threats.” Despite these concerns, over half of firms plan to increase their AI investments in the coming year, with the banking industry alone expected to invest £1.8bn by 2030.
⚠️Tax cuts era officially over, warns OECD
The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has declared the end of the tax cuts era. Rising debts and increased spending on climate change, ageing populations, and defence have prompted this shift. The OECD’s report on tax reforms highlights that jurisdictions across all income levels are now seeking to increase revenues. “High levels of debt, coupled with spending needs…has meant that jurisdictions…have adopted strategies to mobilise more revenues,” the OECD stated. This marks a significant reversal from the tax cuts seen prior to the pandemic.
👴🏻👵🏻Pensions raid not off the table
Torsten Bell, the pensions minister, has not dismissed the possibility of pension cuts in the upcoming Budget. He described last year’s tax increases as “difficult but fair choices” necessary to address the economic “doom loop.” While he refrained from commenting on specific Budget plans, he acknowledged the need for more funding for public services. Bell, who recently took charge of Budget preparations for Rachel Reeves, has previously advocated for reforms, including reducing the tax-free lump sum.
💸UK’s FDI strategy needs overhaul
The Labour government is facing criticism for its short-term approach to foreign direct investment (FDI), according to the Caudwell Strong Britain report. The UK attracted 853 FDI projects in 2024, a 13% decline from the previous year. John Caudwell said: “For too long, as a nation, we have focused on short-term solutions.” The report highlights issues like bureaucratic confusion and high electricity costs as barriers to investment. Dr Mann Virdee, author of the report, noted that investors struggle with fragmented decision-making, while Lord Harrington stressed the need for better support and a single point of contact for investors.
Tractor firm collapses, 149 jobs lost
Rea Valley Tractors has entered administration, resulting in the redundancy of 149 employees. The company, known for selling and servicing agricultural machinery, struggled to find a buyer amid challenging trading conditions and inflationary pressures. Administrators from PwC, Tim Higgins, Edward Williams, and Jane Steer, stated that no viable offers were received. They are working with the government’s Redundancy Payments Service to ensure affected employees receive their entitlements. Higgins expressed sadness over the situation, highlighting the impact on both staff and customers.
🚨Latest Insolvencies
- Petitions to wind up (Companies) – ABR TRADING LIMITED
- Petitions to wind up (Companies) – RIDDLES BROS LIMITED
- Petitions to wind up (Companies) – GROUNDCO CONSULTING & HIRE LTD
- Petitions to wind up (Companies) – DRENNAN HILL LIMITED
- Petitions to wind up (Companies) – MM PROPERTY LTD
- Petitions to wind up (Companies) – SAMIRAA NI LTD LTD
- Appointment of Liquidators – INDART ALUMINIUM LIMITED
- Appointment of Administrator – KINGSTON MODULAR SYSTEMS LIMITED
- Appointment of Liquidators – ROSEBORO LIMITED
- Appointment of Liquidators – D.B. DIESEL LIMITED
- Appointment of Liquidators – COMPUTER SOFTWARE CONSULTANCY LIMITED
- Appointment of Liquidators – JENNARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED
- Appointment of Liquidators – IMPERIAL CAPITAL ISRAEL LIMITED
- Appointment of Liquidators – CAVRA LIMITED
- Appointment of Liquidators – NHA MEDICAL LTD
- Appointment of Liquidators – A S ENTERTAINMENT LTD
- Appointment of Liquidators – MAZ J CONSULTANCY LTD
- Appointment of Liquidators – TRIQUETRUS SOLUTIONS LTD
- Appointment of Liquidators – DVPM LIMITED
- Appointment of Liquidators – UNIQUE HOMES AND DEVELOPMENTS LTD
- Appointment of Liquidators – DOWSON 2022-1 PLC
- Appointment of Liquidators – DOWSON 2022-2 PLC
- Appointment of Liquidators – HAMISH AGILE LTD
- Appointment of Liquidators – CT BIOTECH CONSULTING LTD
- Petitions to wind up (Companies) – GENER8 NOW LIMITED
- Appointment of Liquidators – G & M PROPERTIES LIMITED
- Petitions to wind up (Companies) – START PARC LTD.
- Appointment of Liquidators – 3I GP 2004 LIMITED
- Petitions to wind up (Companies) – C AND R RENTALS LIMITED
- Appointment of Liquidators – QARA CONSULTING LTD
- Appointment of Liquidators – TIDE DEVELOPMENTS (LEWISHAM) LIMITED
- Petitions to wind up (Companies) – MONOTHIO LTD
- Petitions to wind up (Companies) – MP DEVCO LIMITED
- Petitions to wind up (Companies) – TJ OPTIMAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
- Petitions to wind up (Companies) – RTJ ENGINEERING SYSTEMS LTD
- Petitions to wind up (Companies) – EXCELIUS LTD
- Petitions to wind up (Companies) – GRANGEFIELD COMMERCIALS LIMITED
- Petitions to wind up (Companies) – KPL BUILDING SERVICES LIMITED
- Petitions to wind up (Companies) – SCHOLES MCBRIDE LTD
- Petitions to wind up (Companies) – CHATSWORTH HOMES GARBOLDISHAM LTD
- Appointment of Liquidators – SGS DMW ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY LIMITED
- Appointment of Administrator – THE GREENBANK GROUP UK HOLDINGS LIMITED
- Appointment of Administrator – GREENBANK ENGINEERING SERVICES LTD.
- Appointment of Administrator – DUNSTALL HOLDINGS LIMITED
- Appointment of Administrator – REA VALLEY TRACTORS LIMITED
- Appointment of Liquidators – LAZWAY LIMITED
- Appointment of Liquidators – TBDA INVESTORS (NO. 4) LIMITED
- Appointment of Liquidators – KSSBR SOLUTIONS 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. we face high interest rates, a struggling economy and elevated insolvencies. CPA’s services can help your business navigate these difficult waters.
We are unlike other credit management and debt collection companies. We offer a range of services to our members. They are all included as part of a fixed annual subscription, tailored to your needs.
🎁What CPA membership gives you
Under your annual subscription you will have access to our main services:
- Our Creditcare credit reports give clear credit ratings and credit limits. Along with a host of detailed information on your potential customers. Our Creditcare reports empower you to trade with confidence.
- 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 late payments. But it is unlike other debt collection companies. This service directs your customer to pay direct to you. Having to pay a third party can be damaging. Encouraging them to pay you direct is different. It maintains your goodwill with them. Its effective too. Our Overdue account recovery service resolves over 80% of accounts referred to us.
All of the above services and other complimentary services (e.g. address verification), are included in your subscription!
And what of 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.
Summary
CPA eases cash from tardy debtors – Efficiently, Effectively, Economically and Ethically. We provide credit information so you can monitor and assess your key customers and be warned of any potential risks.
How has 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.
We are unlike other credit management companies. We offer our members a fixed annual subscription regardless of how high the value of their debts maybe!
Many businesses resort to borrowing more money to improve cashflow. CPA suggests that business owners tackle the cashflow problem at its source. Are 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!
Do you have a particular business customer who is late paying and causing you sleepless nights? Why not ask CPA’s collection department to buy it on recourse?
CPA’s collection department will then pursue the debt. We will be liable for any costs incurred. When we have recovered the debt, we will pay you the net principle debt recovered less our fixed percentage.
Our hope
We hope that once you have enjoyed success you will want to try more. You might consider becoming members. Taking out a subscription is the most cost effective way to access our services. Membership includes our Overdue Account Recovery service. But also our Creditcare reports and 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 past 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.