Business news 30 October 2025 Confidence among Britain’s small firms has dropped sharply as anxiety builds over higher taxes in next month’s Budget. With the Office for Budget Responsibility cutting productivity forecasts and speculation mounting about tax increases, small business

Britain’s economic outlook darkened on Wednesday as the Office for Budget Responsibility prepared to slash its productivity forecast — widening the UK’s £20bn fiscal gap and increasing the likelihood of fresh tax rises. Business leaders fear higher rates and property

Business news 28 October 2025 The Chancellor signalled tougher fiscal choices ahead as markets rallied and retail sales faltered. With income-tax fears rising, business-rate hikes looming, and household budgets stretched by record rents, confidence among SMEs remains fragile. Meanwhile, easing

Business news 27 October 2025 Confidence is creeping back into the UK economy as key indicators turn positive and business sentiment improves. But with Chancellor Rachel Reeves under intense pressure over potential tax rises, small firms remain on edge. A

Business news 24 October 2025 The UK economy delivered a mixed picture for small and medium-sized enterprises this week. Ministers are weighing tax rises while pushing to cut red tape; manufacturing and investment remain weak, and wage pressures continue to