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

Business news 16 February 2026 The UK economy enters the week under visible strain. The Bank of England describes conditions as “sluggish” and “tepid”, employers are pulling back on hiring, and restructuring continues across hospitality, retail and property. While major

Business news 13 February 2026 The UK economy may have edged forward at the end of 2025, but beneath the surface small firms are facing mounting pressure. With GDP growth stuck at just 0.1%, confidence among SMEs at post-COVID lows,

Business news 12 February 2026 Small firms are facing pressures comparable to the pandemic — but without the emergency support. £112bn in unpaid invoices. 38 SMEs closing daily due to late payment. GDP growth just 0.1%. Business investment falling. Meanwhile,