Business news 26 February 2026 UK equity markets are at record highs — yet beneath the surface, the pressures on SMEs are intensifying. Almost £8.75bn of invoices were paid late by large UK companies in just six months, service sector

Business news 25 February 2026 Confidence across multiple parts of the UK economy is being tested. Youth unemployment has climbed to 16.1%, high-net-worth individuals report falling confidence amid tax concerns, and entrepreneurs are calling for a “radical reset” to improve

Business news 24 February 2026 After a long weekend break, CPA news summary is back and today’s picture is clear: smaller firms are absorbing the sharp end of a “two-speed” UK economy just as cost pressures build into April. The

Business news 18 February 2026 UK inflation has eased to 3%, strengthening expectations of a spring interest rate cut. However, the labour market is deteriorating, with unemployment rising to 5.2% — the highest level in five years. Financial markets are

Business news 17 February 2026 UK households are growing more cautious, unemployment has climbed to its highest level since the pandemic, and markets are increasingly betting on Bank of England rate cuts. While the FTSE 100 reached a record close