Business News 21 November 2025

Today’s news brings a sharp focus on tax pressures, fragile consumer confidence, and worsening market volatility — all of which heighten credit risks for SMEs. With next week’s Budget looming, uncertainty is weighing on households, businesses, and lenders alike. Meanwhile, insolvency activity remains extremely elevated, signalling tightening cashflow across the UK economy.

James Salmon, Operations Director.

Business News

Bank tax warning: UK Finance chief speaks out

David Postings warns that the banking sector is already taxed at an effective 46.6%, arguing further rises would weaken lending capacity and investment.
Why it matters: Higher bank taxes could restrict SME lending and tighten credit conditions.

Ford warns against new EV taxes

Ford UK says a proposed 3p-per-mile EV tax could choke already-fragile demand.
Why it matters: SMEs running fleets may see higher costs and reduced incentives to go electric.

Labour unveils plan to transform homebuying

A new smart data scheme aims to cut transaction failures (currently 30%).
Why it matters: Faster property transactions help SMEs in construction and conveyancing get paid sooner.

Channel Tunnel faces 200% tax hike

Eurotunnel warns a business-rate rise could halt UK investment.
Why it matters: Transport disruption and increased freight costs hit SME logistics and importers.

Labour to target illegal working

New enforcement plans will focus on sectors like takeaways and car washes.
Why it matters: SMEs using agency staff or subcontractors could face tighter compliance requirements.

Immigrants fuel UK start-up surge

54% of fast-growing UK start-ups now have at least one immigrant founder.
Why it matters: High-growth start-ups drive SME supply-chain demand and job creation.

SFO arrests two over £20m crypto fraud

Arrests linked to “Basis Markets” crypto scheme.
Why it matters: SMEs accepting or investing in digital assets face ongoing fraud and volatility risks.

Economic Stories

Tax fears shake consumer confidence

GfK index drops to -19 ahead of expected Budget tax rises.
Why it matters: Weaker consumer confidence means slower sales and longer payment delays for SMEs.

UK economic growth falters in Q3

OECD says UK growth fell to 0.1%, citing “destocking”.
Why it matters: Slower restocking often signals demand weakening — a key early warning for credit risk.

Public sector borrowing & retail sales disappoint

Borrowing: £17.43bn (higher than forecast).
Retail sales: -1.1% in October.
Why it matters: Weak sales + high borrowing = tougher Budget decisions that may affect business taxes.

Brexit caused 6–8% GDP hit

New research finds a long-term productivity and investment slump.
Why it matters: Lower productivity reduces business margins and tightens late-payment risk long-term.

Budget “trilemma” for Reeves

Chancellor must raise £30bn while calming markets and keeping promises.
Why it matters: Large tax changes are likely — affecting SME costs and disposable income.

£10bn South Wales data centre & £250m AI compute investment

Huge tech investment set to create 5,000 jobs.
Why it matters: Signals long-term growth potential, but little short-term relief for struggling SMEs.

Week Ahead: Black Friday, Budget, G20

Major economic week ahead domestically and globally.
Why it matters: Retail SMEs depend heavily on Black Friday; policy announcements could shift demand.

Industry-Specific Stories

AI investment & job concerns

Government pledges £100m for British AI hardware; CIPD says 1 in 6 employers expect job cuts due to AI.
Why it matters: Automation may reduce wage pressures but could dampen consumer spending.

Employment

Youth unemployment crisis: 946,000 Neet (Not in Employment Education or training) The Government proposes a “Youth Guarantee” for jobs and training.
Why it matters: High youth unemployment reduces spending and increases credit risk for consumer-facing SMEs.

Tax & Government

New EV taxes, bank taxes, and illegal working enforcement all under review

Budget expectations point to a mix of new taxes, compliance rules, and business cost pressures.
Why it matters: SMEs face increasing regulatory and financial pressures during an already tight cashflow period.

General Market News

Market Snapshot

Key Market Themes

AI Bubble Concerns: Despite Nvidia’s strong earnings, broader concerns about AI valuations continue to weigh on tech stocks and global markets
US Federal Reserve Policy: Reduced expectations for December rate cuts are supporting the dollar but pressuring risk assets
UK Budget Uncertainty: Next week’s UK budget is creating nervousness in sterling and gilt markets
Geopolitical Developments: Ukraine peace plan discussions are affecting energy markets, particularly natural gas
Weather Impact: Milder weather forecasts are pressuring European gas prices
The markets are showing significant fragility with heightened volatility across asset classes, reflecting uncertainty about monetary policy, geopolitical developments, and concerns over stretched valuations in key sectors.

Markets remain highly volatile, with global equities suffering their worst week in seven months.

  • UK: FTSE 100 up 0.2% but sentiment fragile due to US volatility.
  • US: Huge swings — S&P 500 swung from +1.9% to -1.6%; Nvidia fell despite strong earnings.
  • Europe: Early rally reversed; mining stocks weakest.
  • Commodities:
    • Gas at 18-month lows due to mild weather and peace-talk signals.
    • Gold down on expectations the Fed won’t cut rates.
    • Nickel at 7-month low; copper slightly weaker.
  • Currencies:
    • Dollar strongest in weeks.
    • Pound pressured by weak retail sales and Budget uncertainty.
    • Yen stabilises after Japan’s intervention warning.

Why it matters: Volatile markets tighten credit conditions and raise the risk of delayed payments to SMEs.

Insolvencies

Petitions to Wind Up

  • 020202 Limited
  • 69 WPR Limited
  • A Space Called Home Ltd
  • ACG Construct Ltd
  • ABU Renovations Ltd
  • Advance Construction (Medway) Limited
  • Arnem Construction Limited
  • Bridge Brickwork Ltd
  • Chrysalis Group Limited
  • Defacto Capital Limited
  • Disruptor Media Limited
  • Driver Theory Belfast Ltd
  • Dunne and Co Restorations Ltd
  • Engaged Consulting Limited
  • Equipment Ltd
  • Ese Capital Ltd
  • Evering Estates Limited
  • Exact Tutor Ltd
  • Fat Twins Reading Ltd
  • First Platinum Care Services Ltd
  • Forensics Care Support Limited
  • G&CATA Ltd
  • Gallions Point Marina Limited
  • Glenbank Holdings Limited
  • Glenn & Co Estates Limited
  • Halopeo Solutions Limited
  • Harryville Inns Ltd
  • Hobans Self Drive Limited
  • Interlink Venter Ltd
  • Internal Accounts Payroll Ltd
  • JTD Contracts (Manchester) Ltd
  • KCMASTERINFO Ltd
  • Kis Autocentres Ltd
  • KMT Electrics Ltd
  • Koyuncu Ltd
  • Kumquat Technologies Ltd
  • Larkspur Group Ltd
  • Laurston House Limited
  • Legal IT Limited
  • Levy Drywall & Ceiling Ltd
  • Linden Fox Consulting Ltd
  • London Caffe Concepts Ltd
  • Machin & Palfreyman Ltd
  • Maar Gateway Limited
  • Mad Man Mechanics Ltd
  • Mari’s House and Garden Ltd
  • Millbourne Services Ltd
  • Mini Project Shipping Ltd
  • Noble Rail Consulting Limited
  • Paolo Bars Ltd
  • Pimes Limited
  • Prosaic Holdings (UK) Limited
  • Right Choice Property Holdings Limited
  • RT Procurement Services Limited
  • Saint Andrew Construction Ltd
  • Sercasa Ltd
  • Sienna Eglinton Limited
  • SJ Brickwork Limited
  • SLD Built West Ltd
  • Smile Implant Centre Ltd
  • Syenna Eglinton Limited (Duplicate name but included)
  • Techceptional Ltd
  • Tradeline Market Ltd
  • TTJS Group Limited
  • Tyrone Wheels N Bits Ltd
  • Vantastic Couriers Limited
  • We Are Coherent Limited
  • Waddington Build and Civils Limited

️ Appointments of Administrators

  • 16 Bishop Ltd
  • CAP10 Partners LLP
  • Key2 Plastics Limited

Appointments of Liquidators

  • ACL Capital Limited
  • Batiste Properties and Development Limited
  • Blue Plant Limited
  • Bricat Limited
  • Coneybeare & Company Limited
  • Coriusk Ltd
  • D M Property Company Limited
  • Dodd Properties (Kent) Limited
  • Egerton Limited
  • FPN Solutions Limited
  • Gateway Flats Limited
  • Griffins Financial Solutions Limited
  • IXL Consulting Ltd
  • Janus Investments Limited
  • Jeffs & Walker Limited
  • JKL Interiors Ltd
  • Kessler (NH) Limited
  • Lighthouse Court LLP
  • Metalergon Limited
  • Moray Dental Services Limited
  • Peter R Williams Limited
  • Pop Goes the Pixel Ltd
  • SKYSILL Ltd
  • SMRLC Limited
  • Thinkify Limited
  • Trecona Limited
  • Trevilo Ltd
  • JMCA Marine Ltd

Have CPA in Your Corner

As a CPA member your business benefits from our trusted name — you’ll be surprised how quickly payment behaviour improves. ️Just call Peter Uwins, CPA’s National Sales Manager, on️ ️ 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.