Business news 7 November 2025
As Britain edges closer to its Autumn Budget, uncertainty hangs over both households and businesses. Rachel Reeves’ reported plan to raise income tax while trimming national insurance has rattled confidence across sectors — from retail to tech. With the Bank of England narrowly holding rates at 4% and insolvencies continuing to rise, SME owners trading on credit face a delicate balancing act: holding prices, managing cashflow, and keeping customers spending.
James Salmon, Operations Director.
SME & ECONOMIC STORIES
Rachel Reeves plans to hike income tax in Budget
The Chancellor is considering a 2p rise in income tax and a partial NI cut, which could raise over £6bn annually.
Why it matters: Higher income tax squeezes consumer spending, raising late-payment risks for SMEs reliant on household demand.
Tech start-ups warn of tax threat
Leaders from Revolut, Clearscore and others urged the Treasury not to impose an exit tax that could drive investment abroad.
Why it matters: Investor uncertainty limits funding for suppliers and contractors, tightening credit in the wider economy.
Sainsbury’s warns Reeves against tax hikes on retailers
CEO Simon Roberts said extra taxes could reignite inflation and hit spending.
Why it matters: If major retailers slow payments, smaller suppliers will feel the strain first.
UK house prices rise faster than expected
Halifax data show prices up 0.6% in October, beating forecasts.
Why it matters: A stronger housing market may ease payment risks in construction and home-service trades.
Singham: Brexit not to blame for stagnation
Growth Commission chair Shanker Singham said red tape, not Brexit, is dragging on the UK economy.
Why it matters: Regulatory reform could eventually simplify trade and payments for exporters.
EMPLOYMENT & POLICY
Mass dismissals surge in the UK
Redundancy programmes rose 5% last year, with manufacturing and health sectors hardest hit.
Why it matters: Job losses weaken consumer demand, prolonging invoice collection times.
UK Treasury seeks answers on AI skills gap
A new Treasury report will map financial-sector AI needs by 2027.
Why it matters: Training delays may slow digital transformation projects SMEs rely on for contracts.
INDUSTRY STORIES
Government scraps steel grant plans
Funding will now flow via the National Wealth Fund, with private backing required.
Why it matters: Less direct support could squeeze suppliers and subcontractors serving steelworks.
Harbour Energy cuts 250 jobs amid tax woes
Ongoing fallout from the windfall tax takes UK oil job losses near 600 since 2022.
Why it matters: Energy-sector caution could delay payments to engineering and logistics SMEs.
Comcast in talks to buy ITV’s media arm (£1.6bn)
The deal would include ITVX and leave ITV with its studios division.
Why it matters: Consolidation may shift advertising budgets, affecting agencies and freelancers on credit terms.
SilkFred collapses: customers left in limbo
The online fashion retailer ceased trading with no funds for refunds.
Why it matters: Retail insolvencies often cascade through suppliers’ ledgers.
ECONOMIC & PROPERTY
London office construction hits decade low
Only 2.5m sq ft of new projects began this year — the weakest since 2010.
Why it matters: Fewer builds mean fewer contracts and slower payments in construction supply chains.
GLOBAL & MARKET NEWS
Bank of England holds rates at 4%
A narrow 5-4 vote keeps rates steady before the Budget. Inflation is projected to fall to 2% by 2027.
Why it matters: Borrowing costs stay high for SMEs needing credit, though cuts may come in December.
Hiscox reports 5.9% premium growth
Insurance group sees solid momentum in retail policies.
Why it matters: Insurance resilience supports financial stability and credit cover for SMEs.
Howden Joinery keeps profit guidance
The kitchen supplier expects profits in line with forecasts despite a “challenging” market.
Why it matters: Resilient building suppliers hint at steady trade credit conditions.
Tesla shareholders approve $1tn pay deal
Over 75% backed Elon Musk’s reward plan tied to company value growth.
Why it matters: Big-tech optimism can lift investor appetite across sectors, easing capital access.
US airlines cancel flights amid shutdown
Thousands of flights grounded as America’s budget impasse cuts air-traffic staff.
Why it matters: Global supply delays can disrupt UK SMEs trading with the US.
China’s exports fall for first time in two years
Shipments dropped 1.1% in October.
Why it matters: Slower Chinese exports hint at cooling global demand, increasing late-payment risks.
World leaders warn of ‘moral failure’ on climate change
At global talks, leaders urge faster action to cut emissions and fossil-fuel use.
Why it matters: Energy policy shifts can reshape costs for SMEs in manufacturing and logistics.
MARKET SNAPSHOT
Equities:
- FTSE 100 fell 0.4% to 9,735.78 after the BoE’s decision; opened down 0.3% Friday.
- Nasdaq −1.9%, S&P 500 −1.1%, Dow −0.8%.
- Stoxx Europe 600 −0.7%; early Friday futures +0.2%.
Commodities:
- Brent crude ≈ $63.38/bbl, steady.
- Gold surged above $4,000 as traders bet on Fed cuts.
- Copper inventories up 575 tons.
Currencies:
- BoE hold seen as dovish → GBP at $1.31 (−0.1%).
- EUR/USD 1.1538 (+0.4%).
- Dollar index −0.3%.
Sentiment:
Cautious optimism returns after the BoE’s split vote — markets now price in a possible December rate cut, while oil steadies and gold’s rally signals ongoing uncertainty.
Have CPA in your corner
When headlines talk tax hikes, inflation, and rising insolvencies, cashflow discipline becomes survival.
Join CPA today and strengthen your credit control before the Budget hits — it’s the simplest, smartest way to keep your business paid on time.
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.
Insolvency Data
Appointments of Administrators
Appointments of Liquidators
Aligned International Limited
Angell Services (Furnishings) Limited
Binnian Medical Services Limited
Boxer Books Limited
Cambridge Green Fuels Ltd
Crescent Head Properties Limited
Gervase Phinn Limited
Goldeneye Consulting Limited
Grow Academies and Schools Ltd
Lasgo Limited
Mathis Ltd
Orchard Fruits Direct Limited
Peak Actuaries & Consultants Ltd
Peter Rosa Capital Limited
Pool Reinsurance (Nuclear) Limited
Profit Scraper Limited
Rightfile Limited
Sturgess Realisations Limited
Thames Contemporary Homes Limited
The Secret Police Limited
Trevalyn Services Limited
Yewbeech Limited
Petitions to Wind Up (Companies)
196 Willesden Lane Limited
AI-New Standard Ltd
Alonzo Paris Ltd
Av8 Chauffeur Cars Ltd
Babli Begum Ltd
Beswick Outsourcing Ltd
Blue Lily Apartments Ltd
Blue Rose Global Limited
Blossoms Trading Limited
Bowes Management Services Ltd
Bright Futures Accommodation Ltd
Carbon Six Digital Limited
Care 786 Ltd
CCJB Limited
Chickn Lickn Limited
D M Trading Yorkshire Limited
Datatick Ltd
Dodona Analytics Ltd
Earthworx Recycling Limited
Eden Pharma Ltd
Emezzions Limited
Eunistar Health Consultant UK Ltd
Eurocrats Ltd
FFC Ireland 1 Ltd
Graves Son & Pilcher LLP
Grovereeve Belgravia Limited
Hamilton Heights Ltd
Harbur Design Limited
Impulse & Response Ltd
Interfrastic Ltd
Intervas Limited
Iqlik Ltd
JK Build Supplies Ltd
John Sanders Rodings Limited
Kerb Appeal Solutions Ltd
Legend Ventures Ltd
Light Frame Innovations Ltd
Lincolnshire Game Ltd
Marian Kocan Transport Ltd
Matthews Business Associates Limited
Maxi Healthcare Ltd
McGeachy Garden Design Limited
MCS Transport Ltd
MSJ Enterprises Ltd
Multiscaff Ltd
Nat Enterprises Ltd
Neil Lowes Drainage Limited
Norc Recruitment & Events Limited
Norlin Ventures Limited
PaperCraft Disposables Limited
Peach Code Ltd
Peak Performance Trading Ltd
Pearl Street Enterprises Limited
PJ MK Wolverton Limited
Premium Services and Solutions Limited
Professional Solutions in Beauty Limited
Quarry & Recycling Solutions Ltd
Rafi’s Spice Ltd
Red Ladybird Ltd
Redbox Construction and Project Management Ltd
R.I.M. A.C.D. Limited
Rosewood Home Care Ltd
Sakku Ltd
SC Haulage Ltd
Screed Floor UK Ltd
Signature Construction Limited
SP&I Ltd
Stephens & Stephens Developers (Seaton) Ltd
Tallulah Estates Limited
The Soju Ltd
TV Village Ltd
UK Construction Support Services Ltd
VNB Ltd
Vertigo Indoors Limited
Wee Toast Limited