UK Business News Today – 24 March 2026 | Economy, Markets & Insolvencies

UK businesses face mounting pressure as the Government moves to clamp down on late payments, while rising energy costs and geopolitical tensions push inflation expectations higher. Mortgage rates are climbing again, tax complexity is increasing, and insolvencies continue across multiple sectors. For SMEs trading on credit, the combination of slower payments, higher costs and economic uncertainty presents a growing risk to cashflow.

James Salmon, Operations Director.

Key Developments

• New laws will enforce 60-day payment terms for large companies
• Inflation risks rising again as energy prices surge
• Mortgage rates increasing amid market volatility
• Proposed tax changes could raise SME compliance costs
• Insolvency activity continues across multiple sectors

SME & Business Environment

New legislation targets late payments

The Government has announced new legislation requiring larger businesses to pay suppliers within 60 days, with fines for non-compliance. Company boards will also be required to disclose payment practices in audit reports, while the Small Business Commissioner gains new enforcement powers.

Why it matters: Faster payments should improve SME cashflow, but enforcement and real-world compliance will be key.

See our full blog on the announcement:

Small businesses concerned over tighter tax rules

Proposed HMRC changes would require companies controlled by a small number of individuals to disclose detailed financial transactions, including loans, dividends and asset transfers. The Federation of Small Businesses warns this could increase administrative burden and costs.

Why it matters: More reporting requirements increase overheads and divert time away from managing cashflow and customers.

Holiday tax could devastate tourism

A proposed tourist tax could cost the UK economy £2.2bn and put 33,000 jobs at risk, according to industry estimates. Hospitality leaders warn it would deter visitors and reduce spending across the sector.

Why it matters: Lower demand in hospitality increases insolvency risk and delays supplier payments across the supply chain.

Economy & Policy

Inflation fears rise as energy costs soar

Rising oil and gas prices linked to Middle East tensions are expected to push inflation higher again. Markets are now pricing in possible rate hikes, although economists warn this may reflect short-term volatility.

Why it matters: Higher inflation increases business costs and can slow customer payments as financial pressure builds.

PM considers targeted energy cost support

The Government is considering targeted support for households rather than universal subsidies, alongside stronger powers for regulators to tackle price increases.

Why it matters: Targeted support may limit wider economic relief, leaving many SME customers still under financial strain.

Finance & Borrowing

Mortgage rates hiked amid uncertainty

Major lenders including Nationwide, Halifax and HSBC have increased mortgage rates, with volatility driven by inflation concerns and geopolitical risks. Around 1.8 million households are due to remortgage this year.

Why it matters: Higher mortgage costs reduce disposable income, increasing the risk of slower payments to SMEs.

Tax & Government

Expats call for clarity on tax rules

Accountants are urging HMRC to clarify tax residency rules as UK expats consider returning from the Middle East. Uncertainty over “exceptional circumstances” could lead to large tax liabilities.

Why it matters: Tax uncertainty adds complexity and risk for internationally exposed SMEs and business owners.

Industry & Investment

North Sea investment could boost UK energy output

Industry estimates suggest the UK could nearly double oil and gas output over the next 25 years if tax and licensing rules are relaxed, unlocking £50bn in investment.

Why it matters: Increased domestic energy supply could stabilise long-term costs, but policy uncertainty remains a barrier.

European car sales rise but outlook uncertain

European car sales rose slightly, driven by electric vehicle demand and subsidies. However, analysts warn that prolonged geopolitical tensions could hit demand.

Why it matters: Weakening consumer demand in Europe can feed through to UK supply chains and payment cycles.

Tech executive tipped to lead BBC

Matt Brittin, a former Google executive, is expected to become the next BBC director-general, facing challenges around funding and competition.

Why it matters: Media sector changes can affect advertising, suppliers and wider business confidence.

Global Market Summary

Global markets have experienced extreme volatility driven by shifting US-Iran tensions.

Equities

• FTSE 100 closed at 9,894.15 (down 0.35%), currently around 9,859
• STOXX Europe 600 at 576.78 (down 0.38%)
• DAX at 22,653.86 (down 0.86%)
• CAC 40 at 7,726.20 (down 0.33%)

US markets rallied:

• S&P 500: 6,581.00
• Dow Jones: 46,208.47
• Nasdaq: 21,946.76

Asia rebounded strongly overnight:

• Nikkei 225: 52,252.28 (up 1.43%)
• Hang Seng: 25,063.71 (up 2.79%)

Markets initially fell sharply before recovering after signs of possible de-escalation in the Middle East.

Currencies

• GBP/USD strengthened to ~1.34
• GBP/EUR steady around 1.15

The pound outperformed as the US dollar weakened following shifting geopolitical signals.

Commodities

• Brent crude: $102.09 (volatile after sharp swings)
• WTI crude: $90.88
• Gold: $4,410

Oil markets remain highly sensitive to Middle East developments, driving inflation concerns globally.

Global markets have been extremely volatile over the past 24 hours, driven almost entirely by rapidly shifting expectations around the US-Iran conflict.

European and UK markets initially sold off sharply on Monday as fears grew that disruption to the Strait of Hormuz could push energy prices significantly higher. The FTSE 100 fell as much as 1.7% at the open before recovering to close down 0.35% at 9,894. The STOXX Europe 600 also briefly entered correction territory, having fallen more than 10% from recent highs, before ending the session down 0.38%. Germany’s DAX closed 0.86% lower, while France’s CAC 40 fell 0.33%.

Sentiment shifted later in the day after President Trump signalled a delay to planned strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure. This triggered a sharp rebound in US markets, with the S&P 500 closing at 6,581, the Dow Jones at 46,208 and the Nasdaq at 21,946, as investors moved back into risk assets on hopes of de-escalation.

Asian markets followed Wall Street higher overnight. Japan’s Nikkei rose 1.43% to 52,252, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng jumped 2.79% and the Shanghai Composite gained 1.78%, reflecting a partial recovery in global risk appetite.

However, uncertainty remains high. Conflicting messages around whether talks between the US and Iran are actually taking place have left markets cautious, with European indices slightly lower again this morning.

Currencies

Currency markets reflected this volatility. The US dollar weakened as geopolitical fears eased, while sterling strengthened, briefly rising above 1.34 against the dollar. The pound also held firm against the euro, supported by relative resilience in UK assets.

Commodities

Oil markets saw some of the most dramatic moves. Brent crude fell more than 10% at one stage on Monday as fears of immediate escalation eased, before rebounding to around $102 this morning. WTI is trading near $90. This sharp volatility reflects how sensitive energy markets are to developments in the Middle East.

Gold remained elevated at around $4,410, indicating continued demand for safe-haven assets despite the rebound in equities.

What’s driving markets

At the centre of all this is one key issue: energy-driven inflation risk.

Rising oil prices are already feeding into expectations that inflation could increase again globally, which in turn is shifting expectations around central bank policy. Markets are now questioning whether interest rate cuts will be delayed — or even reversed — if energy costs continue to rise.

The takeaway

Markets are currently being driven less by economic data and more by geopolitical headlines. Until there is clarity on the Middle East situation, businesses should expect continued volatility in energy costs, interest rate expectations and overall economic sentiment.

Insolvency Watch

Administrations (36)

3 DE VERE GARDENS LIMITED
9 ST MARY ABBOTS PLACE LIMITED
ATOMIC LONDON LIMITED
BENHAM HOUSE (THE PENTHOUSE) LIMITED
BURLINGTON GATE (FLAT 305) LIMITED
CADOGAN GARDENS PROPERTY LIMITED
CADOGAN SQUARE (CM) LIMITED
CALIBRA COURT PROPERTY LIMITED
CATHERINE PLACE PROPERTY 4 LIMITED
CLEMENT COURT (HR) LIMITED
CLEMENT CT (F14) LIMITED
CONSORT ROAD (AC) LIMITED
FOAMLIFE LTD
GIRAFFE GATE PROPERTY LIMITED
HALLAM STREET (FLAT 47) LIMITED
IMV PACKAGING LIMITED
JAGUAR GATE PROPERTY LIMITED
KENSINGTON (HS) LIMITED
KENSINGTON GARDENS PROPERTIES LIMITED
KILBURN PARK (AR) LIMITED
LATYMER HOUSE (FLAT 1) LIMITED
LUXBOROUGH TOWER (LS) LIMITED
MONTAGU SQUARE (FLAT 33B) LIMITED
NORLAND PLACE (FLAT 1) LIMITED
ONSLOW SQUARE (F3) LIMITED
ORMONDE GATE PROPERTY LIMITED
PORTLAND PLACE PROPERTY LIMITED
RUTLAND GATE PROPERTY LIMITED
SHIRLEY STREET PROPERTIES LIMITED
SIMPLY MARVELLOUS PROPERTIES 2 LIMITED
TUFTON STREET PROPERTY LIMITED
WARWICK ROAD (ECS) LIMITED
WOB TRADE LIMITED
12 TREVOR PLACE LIMITED

Liquidations (55)

A3M CONSULTING LIMITED
AB BEST WINDOWS LTD
ASI CONSULTANTS LTD
B2B PARTNERING PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT LTD
BELL AND BELL INC LTD
BLUE TOP CONSULTING LTD
BROXBOURNE PLANT LIMITED
CADEL CONSULTING LIMITED
CANUTA PROPERTY COMPANY LIMITED
CAROLINK LIMITED
CDB SOLUTIONS LIMITED
CERES CONSULTING LIMITED
CHIMNEY & CANOPY SYSTEMS LTD
C.L. PROJECTS LIMITED
CLERWOOD BUSINESS SUPPORT LTD
COPURCETIC LIMITED
CREDENCE CONSULTANCY SERVICES LIMITED
ECONOMIDES CONSULTING LIMITED
EFWPM LTD
FINDING BEYOND LTD
FIREBRAND SOLUTIONS LIMITED
FLYNN IT LTD
GAEA INVESTMENTS LIMITED
GENESIS BUSINESS LIMITED
GIB CONSULTING LIMITED
HKR CONSULTING LTD
HUDDLE FINANCE 3 LIMITED
INGFIELD LIMITED
JACKSON & GRIMES LIMITED
JAYAGURU CONSULTANCY LIMITED
JWOOD PROJECTS LIMITED
KIME LIMITED
KRB BONFRAM LTD
LESTAR DEVELOPMENTS LTD
LGG THERAPEUTICS LIMITED
MACLEAN MEDICAL SERVICES LIMITED
MFH CONSULTANCY LIMITED
MGS PROPERTIES (LIVERPOOL) LIMITED
MISERVE LIMITED
MJB ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
MONETA CONSULTANCY LIMITED
MORAY MOR LTD
MVM COACHES LIMITED
MY SECRET SANTORINI LIMITED
NOOSPHERIC CONSULTANTS LTD
PRABHA LIMITED
REAC CONSULTANCY LIMITED
REAMAN ENGINEERING LIMITED
REAL ESTATE FORECASTING LIMITED
ROB BLACKMAN LTD
SACHI PVT LTD
S & H DEV LTD
SARPEDON SERVICES LIMITED
SIGNATURE CATERING GROUP LIMITED
THIRD EYE STRATEGIC CONSULTING LTD
VAV ASSOCIATES LIMITED
WELLOW SYSTEMS LIMITED
WHITEWELL FINANCIAL PLANNING LIMITED
XCHANGING HOLDCO NO.3 LIMITED

Winding-up Petitions (5)

DAILY DRIVE LTD
EXCEL CONSTRUCTION LTD
K&R LETTINGS LTD
MK RETAIL LIMITED
R M MEATS & SON LTD

What CPA can do for you

Late payment legislation is tightening — but enforcement takes time, and cashflow pressure is already building.

If your customers are stretching payment terms or invoices are starting to age, early action makes the difference between recovery and write-off.

CPA helps you:

• Monitor customer risk before problems arise
• Recover overdue invoices quickly and professionally
• Maintain strong customer relationships while getting paid

Call 020 8846 0000 (business hours) or email PaidQuick@cpa.co.uk to protect your cashflow 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.