UK Business News Today – 23 April 2026 | Economy, Markets & Insolvencies
SUK businesses are facing a difficult combination of rising costs, weakening confidence and growing policy uncertainty. Inflation has picked up again, driven by fuel prices linked to the Middle East conflict, while economic optimism has fallen to record lows. At the same time, higher taxes on wages, rising borrowing risks and a growing list of insolvency notices point to increasing pressure on cashflow, payment behaviour and overall business resilience.
James Salmon, Operations Director.
Key Developments
• Oil prices surge above $100, driving inflation higher
• UK economic optimism falls to record lows
• Wage taxes rise fastest in the OECD
• Middle East conflict threatens jobs and growth
• Insolvency activity remains elevated across sectors
SME & Business Environment
Denby Pottery shuts down production
Denby Pottery has ceased manufacturing after entering administration, resulting in 49 redundancies following earlier job losses this month. The historic firm, founded in 1809, struggled to cope with rising energy and labour costs, which ultimately made operations unsustainable. Despite efforts to find a buyer for the manufacturing arm, no deal could be secured, although discussions continue around other parts of the business.
Why it matters: Rising cost pressures are pushing otherwise viable businesses into insolvency, increasing supply chain risk and delayed payments.
WH Smith reports higher revenue but wider losses
WH Smith reported a 4.5% increase in revenue to £748 million but saw its pre-tax losses widen significantly to £25 million. The company has suspended its dividend and warned of a more cautious outlook, citing uncertainty linked to the Middle East conflict. Higher operating costs and weaker consumer confidence are weighing on profitability despite top-line growth.
Experian launches AI fraud solution
Experian has introduced a new AI-driven fraud detection tool, Transaction Forensics, which uses over 80 models to assess risk in real time. The system is designed to improve detection of authorised push payment fraud while reducing false positives that can disrupt legitimate transactions. It builds on growing demand for smarter risk management tools across financial services.
Why it matters: Improved fraud detection supports stronger payment security, but also reflects rising financial risk in the system.
Economy & Policy
UK inflation rises as fuel costs surge
UK inflation rose to 3.3% in March, driven largely by a sharp increase in fuel prices linked to the Middle East conflict. Petrol prices rose significantly, and economists warn this may only be the first phase of a broader energy-driven inflation shock. There are growing expectations that interest rates may remain higher for longer or even rise again.
Why it matters: Higher inflation increases costs and reduces customer spending capacity, raising late payment risk.
Economic optimism hits record low
Economic confidence in the UK has fallen to its lowest level on record, with 78% of people expecting conditions to worsen over the next year. The Ipsos index highlights entrenched pessimism among households, reflecting concerns over inflation, jobs and the broader economy. This backdrop creates a challenging environment for businesses reliant on consumer demand.
Why it matters: Falling confidence typically leads to slower payments and reduced spending across the economy.
Wage taxes rise fastest in OECD
UK workers experienced the sharpest increase in wage taxation among OECD countries, with the tax burden rising to 32.4%. The increase has been driven by higher national insurance contributions and frozen income tax thresholds. While still below the OECD average, the rapid rise is raising concerns about its impact on employment incentives.
Why it matters: Higher taxes reduce disposable income, increasing pressure on customers’ ability to pay on time.
Government borrowing falls but risks remain
UK borrowing fell to £132 billion, the lowest in three years, with the deficit at 4.3% of GDP. However, rising geopolitical risks threaten to erode fiscal headroom, potentially leading to future tax increases or spending cuts. The outlook remains uncertain as the government balances growth and fiscal discipline.
Why it matters: Future tax rises or spending cuts could further squeeze businesses and delay payments.
HMRC loan charge recovery criticised
HMRC has spent £186 million recovering just £44 million from its loan charge initiative, raising questions about efficiency. Critics argue the policy unfairly targeted individuals retrospectively rather than pursuing scheme promoters. The controversy continues to affect thousands of contractors facing large tax bills.
Concerns over reduced policy scrutiny
Business leaders have warned that abolishing the Regulatory Policy Committee could weaken oversight of new legislation. Critics argue that replacing it with a government-appointed panel risks rushed or biased analysis. This could reduce confidence in the UK’s regulatory environment.
Industry & Investment
Tesla ramps up spending on AI and robotics
Tesla plans to increase capital expenditure to over $25 billion as it pivots towards AI, robotics and expanded manufacturing. Investment will support projects including its Optimus humanoid robot and new vehicle programmes such as Cybercab and Semi. The shift reflects a long-term strategy to move beyond traditional automotive revenue.
Tesla profits rise but challenges remain
Tesla reported a 17% rise in quarterly profit, but results still missed expectations and remain well below previous peaks. Car sales disappointed amid intensifying competition, while new ventures like self-driving taxis and robotics are not yet generating meaningful revenue.
LSEG upgrades outlook on strong growth
London Stock Exchange Group reported a strong start to the year, with income rising nearly 10% and trading activity boosted by market volatility. Growth in subscription services and AI-driven products supported an upgraded full-year outlook. The business continues to benefit from demand for data and analytics.
EV market growth accelerates
European vehicle registrations rose 11%, with electric vehicle sales surging 42%. Tesla and BYD both reported strong growth, highlighting intensifying competition in the EV market. The shift towards electric vehicles continues to reshape the automotive sector.
Sony develops AI table tennis robot
Sony has developed an AI-powered robot capable of competing with skilled table tennis players, demonstrating advances in machine learning and robotics. While it performs well against amateurs, it still struggles against top professionals. Researchers say the system continues to improve.
Employment & Labour
Middle East conflict threatens UK jobs
The ongoing conflict could lead to up to 150,000 job losses in the UK, according to Oxford Economics. Higher energy costs are expected to drive inflation and reduce economic activity, placing pressure on businesses and households alike. Even a short conflict is expected to leave lasting economic damage.
Why it matters: Job losses reduce customer liquidity, increasing late payment and bad debt risk.
Property & Wealth
House price growth remains uneven
UK house prices rose modestly by 1.2% annually, but London continues to see declines, particularly in prime areas. Regional differences remain pronounced, with stronger growth in parts of the North and weaker performance in the capital. Meanwhile, rental prices continue to rise, adding pressure on households.
Why it matters: Housing costs affect disposable income and payment behaviour across the economy.
UK struggles to attract ultra-wealthy
The UK is losing ground in attracting ultra-high-net-worth individuals, with slower growth compared to the US and Europe. Changes to non-dom tax rules have reduced demand for luxury property and may shift global wealth elsewhere. This reflects broader changes in the UK’s tax and investment environment.
Why it matters: Reduced investment inflows can weaken economic activity and business opportunities.
Global Market Summary
Global markets are being driven primarily by the escalating US-Iran standoff and its impact on energy prices.
Equities
The FTSE 100 closed down 0.21% at 10,476, while the STOXX Europe 600 fell 0.35% to 613. European markets have now declined for several sessions as geopolitical risk weighs on sentiment. The DAX fell 0.31% and the CAC 40 dropped 0.96%.
In contrast, US markets rallied strongly. The S&P 500 rose 1.05% to a record 7,137, the Dow Jones gained 0.69% to 49,490, and the Nasdaq surged 1.64% to 24,657. Strong corporate earnings and an extended ceasefire supported investor confidence.
Asian markets reversed earlier gains, with the Nikkei 225 falling 0.75% to 59,140 and the Hang Seng down 0.95% to 25,914, reflecting renewed concern over the conflict and oil prices.
Currencies
Sterling weakened slightly, with GBP/USD at 1.3488 and GBP/EUR at 1.1525. The euro has come under pressure following weak European PMI data, while the dollar remains relatively firm amid geopolitical uncertainty.
Commodities
Brent crude has surged above $103 per barrel, rising around 13% in just three sessions as the Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted. WTI crude is also higher near $94.
Gold has edged lower to around $4,727 despite inflation concerns, as a stronger dollar offsets safe-haven demand.
Market Drivers
The dominant theme is the energy shock caused by the Middle East conflict. Rising oil prices are feeding into inflation expectations and reducing the likelihood of interest rate cuts. Weak European economic data has added to concerns, while strong US earnings continue to support American markets.
Insolvency Watch
Administrations (6)
CATHERINE PLACE PROPERTY 2 LIMITED
CATHERINE PLACE PROPERTY 3 LIMITED
CURZON STREET PROPERTY LIMITED
GREEN PARK (DS8) LIMITED
SEYMOUR PLACE (CC9) LIMITED
UYR LIMITED
Liquidations (13)
AEW EUROPE LLP
JACEIENDA LIMITED
JALAPENO FUNDING LIMITED
MARK SHERIDAN CONSULTANCY LTD
NAGA FUNDING LIMITED
NATIONCREST PLC
NDIF INVESTMENTS (ABC) LIMITED
NDIF INVESTMENTS (NGA) LIMITED
PALMERKIDNEYCARE LTD
R.L. MAYNARD LIMITED
RON STRATTON CONSULTING LIMITED
RSP CONTRACTORS LIMITED
WYLIE & HEYWORTH LLP
Winding-up petitions (63)
AFMS GROUP LTD
AGILIS MANAGEMENT LTD
AJM UTILITIES LTD
ALWAYS FLOURISHING INTERNATIONAL LTD
BELLO WILD FOOD LIMITED
BLOOMBOXCLUB LIMITED
BOCO TILING LTD
BRANDWORK STUDIO LIMITED
BRISTOL EXTENSIONS LTD
BUILDINGS & HOMES CONTRACTORS LIMITED
CAP CAPITAL INVESTMENTS LTD
CASA DI CURA LTD
CH PROPERTY LTD
CKWC INSPECTION LIMITED
CLARITY CONTRACTOR SERVICES UK LTD
CLAYTON CONSTRUCTION (EAST ANGLIA) LIMITED
COMP CONNECTION LTD
CONSCAR LIMITED
CWP FACILITY MANAGEMENT LTD
DEDICATED SUPERGYM LTD
DE ROXAS GLOBAL LIMITED
EDITION HOMES AND PROPERTIES LIMITED
ELIJAH SECURITY & HOSPITALITY LIMITED
EMERGING FILM PRODUCTION LTD
EPPING HIGH STREET LIMITED
EXCEED CONTRACTING LIMITED
EXCEPTIONAL MOTION PICTURES LTD
HERTFORD SECURITY CENTRE LTD
HOLMES PUB COMPANY LIMITED
JAYS TAXIS CONSETT LIMITED
KARVASS CO LTD
LANGORF HOTEL LIMITED
L & M BUILDING & DESIGN LIMITED
LMG SERVICES LIMITED
MADISONS RECRUITMENT LTD
MAKING ENERGY GREENER LTD
MARK ROE MEDIA LIMITED
MATCLAD LIMITED
MAZII KEBAB LIMITED
M HOSPITALITY INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
MYKA GROUP LTD
NATIVE AT PENSONS LTD
NEXTA PROJECT HOLDCO LIMITED
NP INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGY LTD
OG TEAM LTD
ON POINT DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED
PARQUET FLOORING LONDON LIMITED
PATHWAY SPORTS GROUP LTD
PAYU PAYROLL LTD
PEARLOAK LIMITED
PHILIP CAVE ASSOCIATES LTD
PLATINUM ASSETS AND DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED
PUB PLANTS LTD
QDOWA LIMITED
Q. S. POWDER COATERS LTD
RAPSODI LONDON LTD
REFORMPAY CONSULTING LIMITED
R G STAFF LTD
RUFUS & ASSOCIATES LIMITED
SAMBUCA PERCY LTD
SKF WHOLESALE LIMITED
SKYTE ONLINE LIMITED
SP ENTERPRISES (BRISTOL) LTD
ST GEORGES HOME CARE LTD
SUNNINGDALE BUILDING SERVICES LTD
SYSTEM BOOKINGS LIMITED
THE F TEAM LIMITED
THE WHEATSHEAF (BOUGH BEECH) LIMITED
TIPSY TREX LIMITED
TOWNGATE GREENES LIMITED
TPN ELECTRICAL LTD
UMBRELLAWORX LTD
WESTWOOD APARTMENTS LIMITED
WINCHESTER PUB CO LTD
WINDVALE CONSULTING LTD
XQUISITE PR LTD
What CPA can do for you
Rising costs, higher inflation and growing insolvency activity all point to one thing, increasing pressure on cashflow.
When conditions tighten, customers take longer to pay and small delays can quickly turn into serious problems. Early action is key to protecting your business before debts become difficult to recover.
CPA helps businesses stay in control with:
• CreditCare reports to assess customer risk before you trade
• Ongoing debtor monitoring to spot warning signs early
• Professional recovery of overdue invoices while preserving relationships
If you are seeing slower payments or growing exposure, now is the time to act.
Call 020 8846 0000 to speak with our team (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.
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