Business news 17 November 2025
A huge volume of political and economic developments over the weekend sets a tense backdrop for UK businesses. Tax freezes, proposed new property levies, and warnings of further revenue-raising measures are weighing heavily on confidence. SMEs face rising operating costs, tighter credit conditions and increased regulatory pressure, while sectors from hospitality to flexible workspaces warn of significant strain.
James Salmon, Operations Director.
1. Tax & Government Policy
Income tax U-turn and threshold freeze
Rachel Reeves has reversed plans to raise income tax, instead freezing thresholds to 2030. This will pull 10.1 million people into higher-rate tax.
Why it matters: Fiscal drag reduces disposable income, increasing late payment risk for SMEs.
Plans for new property taxes
Options under consideration include a mansion tax on homes over £2m, council tax increases for high-value properties, and CGT on main homes above £1.5m.
Why it matters: Wealth taxes may reduce spending among higher earners and slow the housing market, affecting construction, retail and service SMEs.
Economists warn major tax rises still needed
Despite the U-turn, experts say a £22bn gap remains, urging changes to VAT, land taxes and CGT.
Why it matters: Further tax changes could raise business costs or reduce customer demand.
OBR hands Chancellor a £1.7bn boost
Lower gilt yields within the revised forecasting window cut debt-servicing costs, reducing the fiscal gap.
Why it matters: Slightly improves chances of avoiding further business tax rises.
Treasury freezes the Personal Savings Allowance
The freeze is forecast to raise over £6bn a year. More savers will be taxed on interest.
Why it matters: Reduced disposable income can slow B2C cash flow, increasing late payments.
Council tax overhaul could raise £3bn
IPPR proposes doubling band H council tax and raising bands F and G, while cutting A–D.
Why it matters: May shift spending power regionally, affecting local SME demand.
TUC calls for OBR overhaul
The TUC claims the fiscal watchdog is too restrictive and harms growth.
Why it matters: Calls into question future modelling that underpins government policy affecting SMEs.
Neidle: UK tax system “irrational and anti-growth”
Recommends cutting NI and raising income tax to rebalance burden.
Why it matters: Highlights long-term structural issues in the tax system that create uncertainty for businesses.
High street facing tax-driven closures
Experts warn the combination of business rates, NI increases and property revaluations could cause a wave of closures.
Why it matters: Retail suppliers and service providers face increased credit risk.
Flexible workspaces warn of steep business rates increases
VOA reclassification removes reliefs for serviced offices and co-working spaces, affecting 150,000 SMEs.
Why it matters: Higher occupancy costs could lead to rent arrears and contract disputes.
Labour preparing faster removal of migrants
New laws will limit appeals, reduce refugee rights and remove access to state support.
Why it matters: Could tighten labour supply in key SME-heavy sectors, including care, logistics and hospitality.
2. Economy & Markets
Private sector activity rises sharply in October
BDO’s index shows services and manufacturing rebounding, but the Budget is weighing on business confidence.
Why it matters: SMEs remain hesitant about investment or hiring.
Investors warn Reeves’ credibility has been damaged
Bond yields rose as markets questioned political stability following the tax U-turn.
Why it matters: Higher gilt yields ultimately push up borrowing costs for businesses.
Brexit impact forecasts challenged
Critics say OBR’s estimates are overstated and politically biased.
Why it matters: Long-term trade assumptions affect policy, investment and supply-chain planning.
House prices fall at the fastest rate in 13 years
Average asking prices dropped 1.8%, with over one-third of listings reduced.
Why it matters: A cooler housing market hits construction, trades, estate agents and related SMEs.
SME growth optimism up, confidence in Government down
Three-quarters of SME leaders expect growth in 2026 but only 39% trust Government to support them.
Why it matters: Lower confidence reduces expansion plans and increases caution on new credit.
3. SME & Business Environment
Industry leaders warn against taxing businesses
FSB, BCC and BRC say further tax rises would lead to job losses and higher consumer prices.
Why it matters: Signals rising financial pressure on SME customers.
Manufacturers demand relief from energy taxes
Make UK wants the competitiveness scheme expanded to all manufacturers.
Why it matters: High energy bills remain one of the biggest drivers of cash-flow issues.
Companies House ID rules will reduce new incorporations
New identity verification rules take effect on 18 November.
Why it matters: Could reduce the volume of new start-ups and affect suppliers targeting new businesses.
4. UK Stories
Fintech founders lose confidence in UK economy
81% are pessimistic about the next year, though 92% remain confident in their own firms.
Why it matters: Slower fintech growth may affect professional services SMEs.
High street and retail sectors warn of crisis
Rising business rates and NI costs could lead to significant closures.
Why it matters: Suppliers and landlords face rising arrears.
Media & publishing: RedBird withdraws Telegraph bid
Regulatory hurdles cited.
Why it matters: Reflects caution among foreign investors, which can affect UK transaction activity.
BBC apologises to Donald Trump but he demands $1 to $5 billion
A high-profile dispute rumbles on between UK & US without resolution.
Why it matters: Limited direct SME impact but part of broader political-media tensions.
5. International & Political
Labour plans faster removal of migrants
New restrictions aim to reduce asylum-related costs.
Why it matters: Could tighten labour availability in sectors already facing shortages.
6. Market Overview
UK
• Political uncertainty around the Budget is weighing on sentiment.
• OSB Group issued a debt tender and plans new AT1 issuance.
• Acuity exited KCR Residential REIT to refocus on cybersecurity.
Europe
• TotalEnergies to buy 50% of European power assets from EPH for €5.1bn.
• EU may downgrade 2026 growth forecasts due to US trade policy.
US
• Alphabet leads tech rebound after Berkshire reveals a $4.9bn stake.
• Private equity activity accelerating: CD&R close to acquiring Sealed Air.
Asia
• MSCI Asia Pacific Index fell 0.3%.
• Japan’s Nikkei down 0.7% after economy contracts.
• Beijing’s travel warning hits Japanese tourism stocks.
Commodities & Crypto
• Gold down three days in a row.
• Oil markets expect no OPEC+ production cuts next year.
• Bitcoin drops below $94k, wiping out 2025 gains.
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Insolvency Notices
Petitions to Wind Up (Companies)
A & D Group Holdings Limited
Active Access Limited
BEE Inspired Clothing Limited
Bond Traders Limited
CFPM 2024 Limited
Duchess China 1888 Limited
ECOSSE Inns Limited
Ella Real Estate Limited
Fairlie Woodfuels Limited
GCGL Limited
Intrinna Limited
James Jacklin Transport Limited
Lease 122 Limited
Lifestyle (Stirling) Ltd
Lothian Meats Ltd
MANTOUSh Limited
ML Joinery and Home Improvement Services Ltd
Only Best Limited
One Dose Limited
Pride Commercial Interiors Ltd
Phix Plumbing & Heating Limited
SJJ Contracts North Limited
Skipcom Limited
SPBuddies Ltd
Sun Harvester Limited
Sybo Deliveries Ltd
Vehicle and General Polishers and Platers Limited
VCRE Four Poole Limited
Woodrow Mercer Recruitment Limited
Appointment of Administrators
A.M. Seafoods Limited
Air Kilroe Limited
Anotech Energy Global Solutions Limited
B&M Fishing LLP
Bell Lax Limited
BHNK 1 Limited
Gilbert Meher Ltd
Graphica Display Limited
Kildavanan Seafoods Limited
LP SD Eighty Eight Limited
LP SD Eighty Four Limited
LP SD Eighty Nine Limited
LP SD Eighty Three Limited
LP SD Fifty Limited
LP SD Fifty One Limited
LP SD Fifty Two Limited
LP SD Fifty Three Limited
LP SD Fifty Four Limited
LP SD Forty Eight Limited
LP SD Forty Seven Limited
LP SD Ninety One Limited
LP SD Ninety Four Limited
LP SD Ninety Seven Limited
LP SD Ninety Three Limited
LP SD One Hundred Limited
LP SD One Hundred One Limited
LP SD One Hundred Five Limited
LP SD One Hundred Ten Limited
SNJ Health Limited
Stride Supplies Redditch Ltd
Tomato Energy Limited
Appointment of Liquidators
1 Upper Kincraig Street Ltd
ACHLIP Limited
ACWong Limited
Accent Pharma Ltd
AJ Shum Consulting Limited
Altair (Ice Rink) Ltd
Bapty House Investments Limited
Baxter Charles (Properties) Limited
Boler Wiseman Financial Services Limited
Bonnerhill Ltd
C. Hazlehurst Plumbing and Property Services Limited
Carolyn Designer Florist Limited
Cassidy Commissioning Services Limited
Contact SEZC Ltd
Cube23 Limited
Demasq Limited
Dialogue Exchange Global Limited
Dillan Wright Limited
Dr T Rogers Limited
DSBP Holdings Limited
DSBP South East LLP
DSBP Trustee Services Limited
E L B Associates Limited
Edinburgh Central Flats Limited
Evershine Investments Limited
Fitzrovia Property Investments Limited
Foro Energy UK Limited
Garner Services Limited
Gordon Greatorex Limited
Goldenland UK Limited
Hardwick Medical Services Ltd
Herbert May Limited
IFAM Limited
IntelliSolutions Limited
Invology Ltd
James P Maginnis Limited
JRP Dev.Net Ltd
Konsinity Developments Limited
L M Finance (UK) Limited
M.A.S Contracts Limited
Mansions Assets Ltd
Moebius Systems Limited
Nikal Humber Quay Limited
NP Smith Builders Limited
Nutrition Science Partners (UK) Limited
Octopus One Consulting Ltd
Oil Gas and Marine Limited
Oxford Aviation Holdings Limited
P & L Reeves Financial Services Limited
PACTIO Technologies Limited
Pam Gartland: Safeguarding First Limited
Paul Morgan Buildings Ltd
Penda Financial Management Ltd
P Hix Plumbing & Heating Ltd (check duplicate)
Pitlochry Investments Limited
Pressed Steel Products Group Ltd
R2B2 Limited
Robin Bearne Consultancy Ltd
RML Pharma Consulting Ltd
RSD Surveying Services Limited
Sapascript Limited
Seabridge Properties Limited
Sevilpeach Limited
Simplivity (UK) Limited
Swaffessence Ltd
Swan River Ltd
T Hughes (Batley) Limited
T.J. Loughlin Contracts Limited
T.J. Loughlin Limited
The Cahoots Production Company Limited
Thomson Business Solutions Limited
Townparks Car Sales Ltd
Validatum (UK) Limited
Walter Wright Consultancy Limited
WATKINS’ Nurseries, Limited
Watkins Nurseries (Holdings) Limited
Wesco Distribution-International Limited
White Peak Building Services Limited
Worcester Plant and Machinery Limited
Whittaker’s Jewellers Limited