Business news 25 September 2025

Today’s headlines bring a tough reality for British businesses. With tax rises looking more likely, SME confidence dipping, and key industries like pubs, cinemas, and housing under strain, the financial backdrop is growing more complex. Meanwhile, insolvencies continue to mount, and markets are showing signs of risk aversion.

James Salmon, Operations Director.

📊 Top stories for SMEs

1. Tax rises look increasingly likely

  • The Institute for Government (IfG) says Labour should raise middle-class taxes to fill a £30bn fiscal gap, even if it means breaking manifesto pledges.
  • The Institute of Directors (IoD) has echoed this, calling income tax rises the only way to restore market credibility.
  • The Resolution Foundation urged shifting 2p from National Insurance to income tax, raising £6bn.

👉 For SMEs: Higher taxes on households could reduce disposable income, meaning slower payments for businesses trading on credit.

2. Business leaders warn of investment chill

  • BT CEO Allison Kirkby says UK firms face “ten times” higher costs than European rivals due to tax and red tape.
  • Barclays survey shows SME confidence down to 36%, with firms holding back £60bn in potential annual investment.
  • The BCC urged the government to subsidise wages for sick young workers, warning of a £130bn output loss.

👉 For SMEs: Expect slower growth, weaker demand, and tighter cash flow as clients become cautious.

3. Wealthy households prepare for a tax raid

  • Saltus Wealth Index: 80% of high-net-worth families expect tax rises.
  • Rathbones reports rising demand for inheritance tax planning.
  • Fears include tighter gift allowances and pensions being brought into inheritance tax from 2027.

👉 For SMEs: High earners’ belt-tightening could reduce discretionary spending and investment flows.

4. Strain on consumers

  • Student debt: Over 150,000 borrowers now owe more than £100k.
  • Skipton/Oxford Economics: 98% of adults living with parents can’t afford a local home.
  • Santander: Antiquated housing process costs movers nearly £1bn annually.
  • Pubs: More than 5% risk closure in 2026 due to rates, duties, and NI hikes.
  • Cinemas: Everyman warns higher NI and wage rises mean more expensive tickets.

👉 For SMEs: Rising living costs and debt burdens will squeeze household budgets, slowing payment cycles for credit-dependent suppliers.

5. Industry & technology updates

  • UK car production slumped 10% in August, with a JLR cyberattack threatening further disruption.
  • Co-op posted a £75m interim loss after a cyberattack cost £206m in sales.
  • HSBC claims a “Sputnik moment” in quantum computing with a 34% improvement in bond trade predictions.
  • Intel is seeking investment from Apple as it struggles to revive its chipmaking business.
  • YouTube creators contributed £2.2bn to the UK economy in 2024, supporting 45,000 jobs.
  • Northern Powerhouse Rail faces delays as the Treasury reviews costs.
  • AIC warns the Pension Schemes Bill could raise costs for savers by excluding investment companies.
  • China pledged to cut emissions by 7–10% before 2035, boosting renewables.

💹 Market snapshot

  • Equities: US and European stocks fell for a second day; FTSE 100 down 0.4%.
  • Commodities: Gold pulled back to $3,745; Brent crude at $68.05; copper surged on supply disruption in Indonesia.
  • Currencies: Dollar surged to two-week highs, weighing on GBP (fell to 1.3447).

👉 For SMEs: Risk-off sentiment and sterling weakness may push up import costs and increase currency volatility for exporters.

📉 Today’s insolvency notices

Appointments of Administrators

  • CHATSWORTH HOMES (BA) LIMITED
  • COLDPRESS FOODS LIMITED
  • ECOBRIX MANUFACTURING LTD
  • HAYMAN HOSPITALITY LIMITED
  • M.R CONSULTANCY LTD
  • NUVOLA DISTRIBUTION LIMITED
  • POOLE BAY WAREHOUSING LIMITED
  • THREE LEGGED TRANSPORT LIMITED

Appointments of Liquidators

  • AIDA MANAGEMENT LIMITED
  • ALCME LIMITED
  • ALVARIUM INVESTMENT MANAGERS (UK) LLP
  • CL AUTOMOTIVE LIMITED
  • CRISP SPECIALIST RISKS LTD
  • CS HUTTON ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS LIMITED
  • EAGLE VENTURE GENERAL PARTNERS LIMITED
  • ENERGY TEAM (MIDLANDS) LTD
  • FACTOR 60 HAULAGE LIMITED
  • GILLVINE LIMITED
  • LTS2021 LIMITED
  • MES INTERCO
  • R & D EXTRUSIONS LIMITED
  • UES ENERGY GROUP LTD

Petitions to Wind Up (Companies)

  • CAPEL MACHINERY SALES LTD
  • CROSS BORDER WEB LTD
  • DRIVETAC LIMITED
  • EDVIRON LIMITED
  • FB CONTRACTS LIMITED
  • LOUCA LOGISTICS LTD
  • NEULIVE LIMITED
  • SHEPPERTON GROUP LIMITED
  • STREET DESIGN PARTNERSHIP LIMITED

Winding Up Orders (Companies)

  • CD (HC) LTD.
  • GOLDSTEIN SACHS HOLDINGS LIMITED

📢 CPA Membership CTA

Running a business on credit? Cashflow delays can make or break you. Join CPA today for expert debt recovery support and peace of mind when late payments bite.

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.