UK Business News Today – 11 March 2026 | Economy, Markets & Insolvencies
Global markets remain highly volatile as the Middle East conflict continues to drive sharp swings in energy prices, raising concerns about inflation and economic stability. Mortgage costs are rising again in the UK, inflation forecasts are edging higher, and businesses face further cost pressures from fuel, utilities and labour disruption.
At the same time, policy changes around tax, housing and digital identity are reshaping the business landscape, while insolvency notices continue to appear across a wide range of sectors.
For SMEs that sell goods or services on credit, these developments highlight a familiar risk: when costs rise and uncertainty spreads, payment behaviour can deteriorate quickly.
James Salmon, Operations Director.
Key Developments
• Oil volatility is pushing inflation forecasts higher again
• Mortgage rates climb back above 5% as borrowing costs rise
• Fuel duty and heating oil prices create fresh cost pressure
• Government policy changes reshape housing and digital services
• Insolvency notices continue across construction, consulting and technology firms
SME & Business Environment
London Underground strike action set to disrupt businesses
Members of the RMT union have announced six days of strike action on the London Underground across March, April and May. The first stoppage will begin at midday on 24 March, with disruption expected across the network.
The dispute centres on Transport for London’s proposal to introduce a four-day working week requiring longer shifts for train drivers. While some unions support the change, RMT members voted strongly in favour of strike action.
Why it matters: Transport disruption can affect staffing levels, delivery schedules and customer access, putting pressure on SME trading and cashflow.
Technology firm Teleware collapses after 30 years
Teleware Limited, a communications software company based in Easingwold, has entered administration after three decades in business. The firm previously worked with clients including British Airways and the Bank of England.
Administrators from Redman Nichols Butler were appointed earlier this month following the company’s financial collapse.
Economy & Policy
Inflation fears grow as oil prices surge
An economist from the Office for Budget Responsibility has warned that rising energy prices could push UK inflation above 3%. Higher oil and gas costs could add around one percentage point to consumer prices by the end of the year if current levels persist.
Energy prices remain roughly 20% higher than before the recent escalation in the Middle East.
Why it matters: Rising inflation can squeeze household spending and increase business costs, raising the risk of delayed payments and tighter cashflow for SMEs.
Mortgage rates climb back above 5%
Average five-year fixed mortgage rates have exceeded 5% for the first time since November. Major lenders including Halifax, Nationwide and HSBC have raised rates following increases in market swap rates.
The move reflects rising government bond yields and renewed inflation concerns linked to energy price volatility.
Why it matters: Higher mortgage payments reduce consumer spending power and can slow demand for many SME sectors.
Government under pressure to cancel fuel duty rise
The Chancellor is facing mounting pressure to cancel a planned fuel duty increase scheduled for September. Several political parties argue that rising energy prices and geopolitical tensions make the timing inappropriate.
The government introduced the current 5p fuel duty cut in 2022 and has extended it several times since.
Why it matters: Fuel costs affect transport, logistics and service businesses, meaning changes to fuel duty can quickly impact operating costs and pricing.
Heating oil price spike triggers government warning
Heating oil prices have surged from around 60p to more than £1.30 per litre in just one week, prompting ministers to warn suppliers against excessive pricing.
The Competition and Markets Authority has been asked to investigate the increase, which affects around 1.5 million UK households not covered by the energy price cap.
Why it matters: Rapid increases in energy costs reduce disposable income and increase operating expenses for businesses, raising payment risk across supply chains.
Net zero transition expected to cost £125bn this decade
The Climate Change Committee estimates that the UK’s path to net zero emissions will cost more than £125bn during the 2020s. Annual costs are expected to rise significantly over the coming years.
Supporters argue the transition will ultimately reduce reliance on fossil fuels, but critics warn it could increase pressure on businesses and households in the short term.
Why it matters: Energy transition costs could raise taxes, energy prices or regulatory burdens, all of which affect SME operating costs.
Digital ID plan aims to simplify access to services
The government plans to introduce digital identity systems designed to simplify access to services such as tax filings and childcare support.
Officials say the system aims to reduce administrative complexity and make public services easier to use.
Industry & Investment
Blackstone warns entrepreneurs may leave the UK
Blackstone president Jon Gray has warned that tax changes and the removal of the non-dom tax regime may encourage entrepreneurs to leave the UK.
Despite these concerns, the investment firm still plans to invest $100bn in the UK over the next decade, citing strong legal institutions and talent.
Why it matters: If business founders relocate overseas, it could reduce investment, job creation and economic activity across SME supply chains.
Ground rent cap could erase £18.7bn from property investments
A report from the Residential Freehold Association warns that proposed caps on ground rents could wipe £18.7bn from property investment values.
The policy aims to support leaseholders but could deliver large gains to buy-to-let landlords, including overseas investors.
Finance firm faces £1.3bn funding shortfall
Market Financial Solutions is facing a £1.3bn funding shortfall according to court filings from creditors. The dispute involves allegations that assets were pledged multiple times across loans.
The firm previously operated a loan book worth £2.5bn providing bridging finance and buy-to-let mortgages.
IEA considers emergency oil reserve release
The International Energy Agency is considering releasing strategic oil reserves to stabilise markets following energy price spikes linked to the Middle East conflict.
IEA member nations collectively hold around 1.2 billion barrels of emergency reserves.
Why it matters: Energy supply shocks can rapidly increase operating costs across transport, manufacturing and logistics sectors.
Employment & Labour
Tube strike threatens commuter disruption
Planned strike action across the London Underground could disrupt commuters and businesses during key travel periods.
Although a complete shutdown is unlikely, staggered strikes are expected to cause widespread delays.
Why it matters: Staff shortages and disrupted travel can affect productivity and daily operations for London-based SMEs.
Tax & Government
Wealth tax debate grows internationally
The chief executive of Lego has criticised Denmark’s proposal for a 0.5% wealth tax on assets above £2.9m, warning it could drive capital out of the country.
Similar wealth tax proposals have also been discussed in UK political circles.
Bank of England plans wildlife themed banknotes
Future UK banknotes will feature wildlife native to Britain following a public consultation involving more than 44,000 responses.
Animals such as hedgehogs and badgers are among the designs being considered.
Global Market Summary
Global markets have been extremely volatile as investors react to the Iran conflict and its impact on energy prices.
European markets rebounded strongly on Tuesday after oil prices plunged nearly 10% on signals that the conflict could de-escalate. The STOXX Europe 600 rose 1.9%, while US equities also gained as falling oil prices improved investor sentiment.
Technology stocks helped drive gains in the United States, with Oracle posting strong results driven by artificial intelligence demand.
Asian markets extended the rally overnight, led by strong gains in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan as semiconductor stocks rose sharply.
However, sentiment has turned more cautious again as oil prices resumed climbing.
Major Index Levels
FTSE 100: 10,301
STOXX Europe 600: 599
STOXX Europe 50: 4,901
DAX: 23,580
CAC 40: 7,974
S&P 500: 6,781
Dow Jones: 47,706
Nasdaq: 22,697
Nikkei 225: 55,025
Hang Seng: 25,898
Currencies
GBP/USD: 1.3422
GBP/EUR: 1.157
Sterling has strengthened slightly against the dollar in recent sessions but remains sensitive to energy price volatility.
Commodities
Brent crude: $91.45
WTI crude: $87.23
Gold: $5,188 per ounce
Oil remains the dominant market driver, with traders responding to geopolitical developments and potential intervention from strategic reserves.
Insolvency Watch
Administrations (9)
A TO Z PACKAGING LTD
BEAUTY BAY LIMITED
BRIDGMAN IBC LIMITED
CRONUS FINANCE LIMITED
ETHOS COMMUNICATION SOLUTIONS LIMITED
IHK INVESTMENTS LIMITED
LOWE RISER POD LIMITED
M & J BUILDERS & SONS LIMITED
Liquidations (31)
API CONSULTING (CEASED) LIMITED
APPLIED MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS LIMITED
ARC INDUSTRIAL HEATING LIMITED
BEST ENGINEERING (SERVICE DIVISION) LTD
COMMENT ASSOCIATES LIMITED
CREATIVE LICENCE DESIGN LIMITED
DAEDALUS SECURITY SERVICES LTD
DR CHRISTINE BASSINDALE LIMITED
FDV LTD
FORD CONSTRUCTION CONSULTANTS LIMITED
GELEST LIMITED
HARVIST ASSOCIATES LIMITED
HDD HINCKLEY LIMITED
HIGHPROC IT CONSULTANCY LTD
HVMT LIMITED
INFINITE WAVES LIMITED
JCP LIMITED
JS RECRUITMENT UK LTD
KEMIRA PURTON LTD
LOAF MARKETING & MEDIA LTD
LOW CARBON ALLIANCE LIMITED
NEUROLOGICAL SOLUTIONS LIMITED
ON YOUR FEET PRESENTATIONS LIMITED
PARABOLIC IT LIMITED
PROVINCIAL INCOME LTD
RAJ ASSOCIATES LIMITED
SEBAN CONSULTING LIMITED
STEGRAM PHARMACEUTICALS LIMITED
SWEET NINJA FOODS LIMITED
TETANG LIMITED
VELENDIA LIMITED
VENTURERS TRUST
WMIT LIMITED
Winding-Up Petitions (11)
A1 RESTAURANT LTD
AVENUE PLATFORM & ACCESS LTD
BURAQ CARGO LIMITED
CHANGE IT SYSTEMS LTD
CHOICE START LIMITED
CUANTEC LIMITED
GR NO.42 LIMITED
LITTLE DUCKLINGS PRESCHOOL LTD
MGI INVESTMENTS LIMITED
NVT GROUP LIMITED
PRINT POINT CARLISLE LIMITED
How CPA can help during uncertain times
When economic conditions become unpredictable, late payments often rise.
Energy volatility, rising borrowing costs and inflation pressure can weaken cashflow across supply chains. That makes strong credit management more important than ever.
CPA helps businesses protect their revenue by:
• Providing CreditCare reports to assess customer risk
• Monitoring debtor behaviour and financial stability
• Recovering overdue invoices quickly and professionally
Early action can prevent overdue accounts turning into bad debts.
To learn how CPA can support your credit control process call 020 8846 0000 (business hours) or email PaidQuick@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.