Business news 11 December 2025

Some of the business headlines, market news, insolvencies & other stories that we thought would interest our members.

James Salmon, Operations Director.

Uncertainty lingers as SMEs face tax pressure, weaker hiring and rising insolvencies

UK businesses continue to operate in a difficult environment marked by tax uncertainty, higher employment costs and persistent insolvency activity. While global markets have welcomed interest-rate cuts in the US, caution remains the watchword for SMEs managing cashflow and customer risk.

SME & Economic Stories

Goldman warns tax uncertainty is holding back small business investment

Goldman Sachs says uncertainty around tax and regulation is causing SMEs to delay hiring and investment, despite confidence in their own operations.
Why it matters: Delayed investment often leads to tighter cashflow and slower customer payments.

Public backs stronger support for small businesses

Research shows 77% of UK adults believe government should do more to support small firms, including cutting business rates and energy costs.
Why it matters: Policy changes could directly affect customers’ ability to pay on time.

Youth unemployment rises to 15%

Youth unemployment has reached its highest level since 2015 as rising National Insurance and wage costs deter hiring.
Why it matters: Higher staffing costs increase pressure on margins and supplier payment cycles.

Tax & Government

Chancellor defends income tax threshold freeze

Rachel Reeves defended freezing tax thresholds, despite warnings it will push more people into higher tax bands.
Why it matters: Reduced household spending power can ripple through to business revenues and payments.

HMRC issues side-hustle tax warning

HMRC has reminded side-hustlers to declare income above £1,000 to avoid penalties.
Why it matters: Surprise tax bills can quickly destabilise micro-business cashflow.

Corporate & Industry

EY faces FRC investigation over audit failures

EY is under investigation after audit reports were issued without proper senior approval.
Why it matters: Governance failures are often an early warning sign of wider financial risk.

Leon appoints administrators to restructure

Restaurant chain Leon has appointed administrators to close unprofitable sites and renegotiate leases.
Why it matters: Hospitality suppliers should review exposure and payment terms promptly.

Evoke considers sale amid rising tax burden

William Hill owner Evoke is reviewing strategic options after warning of sharply higher gambling taxes.
Why it matters: Sudden tax changes can quickly undermine customer stability.

Financial Services

FCA outlines pro-growth reforms

The FCA plans to ease SME lending, reduce mortgage red tape and accelerate IPO processes.
Why it matters: Easier finance helps customers survive — but doesn’t remove credit risk.

Economy & Markets

Markets welcomed the US Federal Reserve’s third consecutive interest-rate cut, but the decision exposed growing divisions inside the central bank. The 0.25% cut passed with notable opposition, raising questions about how easy it will be to maintain consensus in future.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell has played down the split and signalled he remains firmly in control despite political pressure. Investors reacted positively, but analysts warn that internal disagreement at the world’s most influential central bank could increase market volatility over time.

Why it matters for UK businesses: Global rate cuts can support sentiment, but instability and policy uncertainty often translate into less predictable customer payment behaviour.

Market snapshot

  • US markets: Wall Street rose after the Fed confirmed another rate cut.
  • UK & Europe: UK shares were steady as investors weighed domestic economic pressures.
  • Pound: Sterling was broadly flat against both the dollar and the euro.
  • Overall mood: Cautious optimism, with risks still firmly on the radar.

Insolvency notices

Appointments of administrators

  • A P M G Limited
  • Petalite Limited
  • Pod Space Limited
  • Tankbeer UK Limited
  • Vibrance

Appointments of liquidators

  • Abbott Debt Recovery Ltd
  • BK Medical UK Limited
  • Campbell Charles Partnership Ltd
  • Clowns Early Years Centres Limited
  • CMC Plumbing Limited
  • D Jain Solutions Limited
  • D R J Holdings Limited
  • Deva Recruitment Services Ltd
  • Empowering Lives Limited
  • Eurofins Sensory and Consumer Research UK Holding Limited
  • Flinton Properties Limited
  • GB Autobody Services Limited
  • Gleeson N.I. Limited
  • Gough Holdings (Engineering) Limited
  • J R M P Properties Limited
  • J R M P Rickmansworth Limited
  • Learner First Ltd
  • Meyer Homes Limited
  • Mohican Holdings Limited
  • PMO Legal Services Limited
  • Savanna Rags International Limited
  • SG Global Finco Limited
  • SG Global Topco Limited
  • Snap PVT. Limited
  • Sparrow Hall Trading Limited
  • Studley Press Limited
  • Tectonic Consulting Limited
  • The Pasty Line Limited
  • Walker & Wodehouse Wines Limited
  • Wrightsons British Tags Limited
  • Yakir Consulting Ltd

Winding-up petitions

  • Boiler Central Ltd
  • Cefn Druids Football Club Limited
  • Global Associated Aviation Limited
  • Green Power Home Services Ltd
  • Kirubai & Sons Ltd
  • Maccabees Roofing Contractors Ltd
  • Overrated Rates Ltd
  • Rate Masters Ltd
  • Rateable Experts Ltd
  • Rateable Value Experts Ltd
  • Rateable Value Experts (MCR) Ltd
  • Rhodi Suppliers Limited

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  • Monitoring alerts to spot trouble early
  • Overdue Account Recovery to chase invoices professionally while preserving goodwill

Just call Peter Uwins, CPA’s National Sales Manager, on️ 020 8846 0000 (business hours) or email nsm@cpa.co.uk today.

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