UK Business News Today – 18 March 2026 | Economy, Markets & Insolvencies
UK businesses are facing renewed cost pressures as rising fuel prices driven by the Middle East conflict begin feeding into inflation, while insolvency levels remain elevated and HMRC increases scrutiny of online earnings. At the same time, policymakers are weighing tax reform, interest rate decisions and closer EU alignment — all of which could shape trading conditions and payment behaviour in the months ahead.
James Salmon, Operations Director.
Key Developments
• Fuel prices rising sharply, set to push inflation higher
• Personal insolvencies surge as financial pressure builds
• HMRC expands oversight of online sellers
• Interest rates likely to remain higher for longer
• Business rates and energy policy continue to impact costs
SME & Business Environment
Fuel costs surge as war feeds inflation
Fuel prices have already risen around 9% since the escalation of conflict in the Middle East, with further increases expected. Analysts suggest petrol prices could rise by more than 20% from pre-war levels, pushing inflation higher in March.
Why it matters: Rising fuel costs increase operating expenses across supply chains and reduce customers’ disposable income, increasing late payment risk.
HMRC tightens grip on online sellers
Online platforms including eBay, Vinted and Airbnb reported earnings for 4 million users to HMRC, with total reported income reaching nearly £55bn. The data-sharing rules mark a significant expansion in tax oversight.
Why it matters: Greater HMRC visibility increases compliance pressure on small businesses and sole traders, affecting cashflow and reporting obligations.
Scottish retailers face higher rates burden
Larger shops in Scotland are set to pay £54m more in business rates than equivalent businesses in England, raising concerns over competitiveness and cost pressures.
Why it matters: Higher fixed costs reduce cash reserves and may lead to tighter payment terms or delayed supplier payments.
Energy policy debate intensifies
Think-tanks are calling for targeted energy support, while political proposals include scrapping VAT and levies on energy bills to reduce costs.
Why it matters: Energy pricing policy directly affects overheads, influencing pricing decisions and customers’ ability to pay invoices.
Economy & Policy
Interest rates expected to stay on hold
Economists are urging the Bank of England to hold rates at 3.75% as geopolitical tensions risk pushing inflation higher. The majority view is that uncertainty outweighs the case for cuts.
Why it matters: Higher borrowing costs continue to squeeze both businesses and customers, increasing pressure on cashflow and credit management.
Government explores fiscal devolution
Plans are being developed to give regional leaders control over a share of national taxes, alongside a £2.3bn investment fund.
Why it matters: Changes to tax structures could create regional differences in economic conditions, affecting local trading environments and payment patterns.
Reeves pushes for closer EU alignment
The Chancellor has called for closer alignment with EU regulations to support trade and reduce costs, warning of economic risks if the UK remains between trading blocs.
Why it matters: Improved trade conditions could support growth, but regulatory changes may create short-term complexity for SMEs.
Industry & Investment
Unilever considers major food division split
Unilever is exploring options to separate its food business as it focuses on higher-growth areas such as beauty and wellbeing. The division could be worth tens of billions.
Why it matters: Large corporate restructures can disrupt supply chains and payment cycles for smaller suppliers.
MFS collapse deepens amid financial concerns
The scale of missing funds at Market Financial Solutions may exceed £1.3bn, with investigators examining alleged financial mismanagement across multiple entities.
Why it matters: Financial instability in lending markets can tighten credit availability and increase risk across supply chains.
Property
Home upgrade gap widens
The gap between starter homes and larger properties has reached £119,000, making it harder for homeowners to move up the ladder.
Why it matters: Higher housing costs reduce disposable income, affecting consumer spending and payment behaviour.
Employment & Personal Finance
Generation X faces pension shortfall
Over half of Generation X workers are not saving enough for retirement, with many unaware of their pension position.
Why it matters: Long-term financial insecurity can reduce spending and increase reliance on credit, impacting payment reliability.
Global Market Summary
Global markets have stabilised despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, with equities rising across Europe, the US and Asia as investors respond to easing oil prices and central bank expectations.
Equities
The FTSE 100 rose 0.8% to 10,403.60 and is now trading around 10,436. European markets also gained, with the STOXX Europe 600 up 0.7% to 602.45 and the DAX rising 0.7% to 23,730, while the CAC 40 moved higher to around 8,052.
In the US, the S&P 500 gained 0.3% to 6,716, the Dow Jones rose 0.1% to 46,993, and the Nasdaq climbed 0.5% to 22,479, supported by technology and consumer stocks.
Asian markets rallied strongly overnight. Japan’s Nikkei 225 jumped 2.9% to 55,239, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rose 0.6% to 26,025.
Market Drivers
Markets remain driven by the Middle East conflict and its impact on energy supply. While oil prices surged above $100, a deal allowing Iraqi exports via Turkey helped ease immediate supply concerns, improving sentiment.
Central bank decisions are also in focus, with the Federal Reserve expected to hold rates and other major central banks due to announce policy decisions this week.
Currencies
Sterling strengthened slightly, trading around $1.336 against the dollar and €1.157 against the euro.
Commodities
Brent crude closed above $103 before easing below $101, while WTI moved from above $96 to around $92. Gold rose to around $5,029 as investors sought safe-haven assets.
Insolvency Watch
Administrations (10)
3CG HOLDINGS LIMITED
BORNMORE (METALS) LIMITED
CREDIT CAPITAL CORPORATION LIMITED
FRASER BLAIR LIMITED
NEXUS THE EDUCATORS CONNECTION LIMITED
P & P NON-FERROUS (STOCKISTS) LIMITED
PACE CCS LIMITED
PSR EQUITIES LIMITED
UTILITY METERS WAREHOUSE LIMITED
UXBRIDGE GLASS CENTRE LIMITED
VENUS BRIDGING LIMITED
ZIRCON GROUP LIMITED
Liquidations (62)
A.P.LAST & SONS LIMITED
ABC SURGICAL LIMITED
AJR ELECTRICAL SERVICES LTD
ALFIE BULLMORE ENTERPRISES LIMITED
ANJOSA TEXTILE STUDIOS LIMITED
ARYAV IT CONSULTING LTD
ARROWSCROFT LTD
ASSURIUM LIMITED
BURNLEY LIMITED
CAMDEN DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED
CERTA NETWORKS LIMITED
COLOMBIA PIPELINES LIMITED
COMPLIANCE AND PRIVACY SOLUTIONS LTD
CSC MEDICAL LTD
CYBERINSIDER LTD
DECAMI LTD
DIMI CONSULTING LTD
DSM DATA LTD
ECO ARC LTD
EDMUND FINANCE LIMITED
ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS PROCESSING LTD
ENVIZAGE REFERRAL MARKETING LTD
ETL FRAMEWORK LTD
EXCEPTIONAL TRAILER RENTAL LIMITED
FROST PROPERTIES LIMITED
GALI SOLUTIONS LTD
GK ADVISERS LIMITED
GLASSHOUSE FARM LIMITED
GPP INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
GREAT PROMISE LIMITED
GREEN ROAD CLINIC LIMITED
GUIDE CLOTHING LIMITED
HEALTH INSURANCE SERVICES (SW) LIMITED
HENNI INVESTMENTS LTD
HIRO STUDIOS LTD
HOLLIES LIMITED(THE)
HONESTSENSE LIMITED
INFONIKA LTD
JD6920S LIMITED
J DUDLEY FOODS (CORNWALL) LIMITED
KARUMBA CONSULTING LIMITED
LIRO WORKS TESTING LTD
MADE LIMITED
MARLBOROUGH RENTALS LIMITED
MICHAEL KENTAS & CO LIMITED
MILESTONE PR LIMITED
MINTING HOLDINGS LTD
MJH SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS LTD
MULBERRY GROUNDS LIMITED
NATANAM LIMITED
NEVISON PROPERTIES LIMITED
OGMAX LIMITED
ORRISS CONSULTANCY LIMITED
OUTDOOR ACTIVE LIMITED
PENTREE LODGE CARE HOME LIMITED
PICCALILLY LIMITED
PIGOTTS INVESTMENTS LIMITED
PMW GARAGE LTD
POWER PROJECT ADVISORS LTD
PSAM LIMITED
RA PARTNERS LTD
ROD CAHILL CONSULTANCY LIMITED
ROWLEY IT LIMITED
SANCROFT-BAKER FINE ART LTD
SILKENDO LIMITED
SOFTCODE LONDON LTD
STERLING (EC) LIMITED
SUBOW LTD
SYNCSENSE LIMITED
WHITES BUSINESS CONSULTANTS LIMITED
WILVER ENGINEERING LTD
Winding-up Petitions (15)
AAA RACING LTD
BAGUETTE EXPRESS KMB LTD
CARTERS INTERIORS LTD
DANHAMZ (HYDE PARK) LTD
DH PETERBOROUGH LTD
DS BUSINESS & CONSULTANCY SERVICES LTD
GR NO.47 LIMITED
NOORI HALAL LTD
NORTH LINCS BOILERS LTD
OPCAPITA LLP
REL TENDRING LTD
UMA NETWORK SOLUTIONS LIMITED
VS STYLE LTD
What CPA can do for you
With fuel costs rising, inflation pressures building and insolvencies remaining high, the risk of late payment is increasing across many sectors.
CPA helps businesses stay in control by providing:
- CreditCare reports to assess customer risk before offering credit
- Ongoing debtor monitoring to flag early warning signs
- Professional recovery services to recover overdue invoices quickly
If your customers are feeling the strain, now is the time to strengthen your credit control processes.
Call 020 8846 0000 (business hours) to see how CPA can support your business 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.