UK Business News Today – 9 March 2026 | Economy, Markets & Insolvencies

Energy markets have become the dominant force shaping the economic outlook for UK businesses as the conflict in the Middle East pushes oil prices sharply higher and raises the prospect of renewed inflation.

Global markets have fallen, oil has surged above $100 per barrel and government bond markets are reacting to the risk that central banks may be forced to keep interest rates higher for longer. For UK businesses, the implications are significant: higher energy costs, increased borrowing costs and weaker consumer demand.

At the same time, fresh data shows UK hiring intentions are at their lowest level in nearly fifteen years, retail footfall continues to fall and small businesses are warning that soaring energy prices could push many firms into a difficult financial position.

James Salmon, Operations Director.

Key Developments

• Oil prices surge above $100 as Middle East conflict disrupts global energy flows
• UK hiring optimism falls to its lowest level in nearly 15 years
• Retail footfall declines sharply as consumer spending weakens
• Inflation risks return as energy shock complicates Bank of England decisions
• Insolvency notices continue across multiple sectors

Just call Peter Uwins, CPA’s National Sales Manager, on️ 020 8846 0000 (business hours) or email nsm@cpa.co.uk today.

SME & Business Environment

Energy prices surge as conflict raises cost fears

Energy prices have surged as the conflict in the Middle East threatens shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices jumped sharply, with warnings from Qatar that Brent crude could climb as high as $150 per barrel if exports are disrupted.

UK business groups have warned that the situation represents a dangerous moment for small firms, many of which were already struggling with high electricity costs.

Why it matters: Rising energy costs increase operating expenses and can quickly reduce cashflow for SMEs, increasing the risk of late payments and financial distress.

Retail footfall falls sharply across the UK

Retail footfall declined by 4.7% year-on-year in February, with high streets and shopping centres seeing the steepest drops. London recorded its worst February footfall figures since April 2024, reflecting pressure on household spending.

All UK regions recorded weaker in-store traffic, highlighting a broad slowdown in consumer activity.

UK hiring optimism hits 15-year low

UK businesses are reporting the weakest hiring optimism in almost fifteen years, according to BDO’s employment index. Rising employment costs and workers’ rights reforms are weighing on recruitment plans.

Although the services sector showed some improvement in output expectations, analysts warn that the Middle East conflict and potential tariffs could undermine business confidence.

Recruitment data suggests labour market slowdown easing

Separate data from the Recruitment and Employment Confederation suggests the pace of decline in permanent hiring slowed in February, while wage pressures eased as the pool of jobseekers grew.

However, the survey was conducted before the Middle East conflict escalated, meaning the recent energy shock may reverse these early signs of improvement.

Businesses warn energy shock could hit small firms hardest

The Federation of Small Businesses says soaring energy prices could place many small companies in a vulnerable position. UK electricity costs were already significantly higher than the global average before the latest price spike.

Industry groups warn that sustained energy inflation could quickly squeeze margins.

Why it matters: Rising business costs increase financial pressure and can lead to slower payments or increased insolvency risk.

Economy & Policy

Bank of England faces renewed inflation risk

Bank of England policymakers are preparing for their March interest-rate decision amid concerns that rising energy prices could push inflation back to around 3.5% later this year.

Officials are concerned that another inflation shock could reignite wage demands and complicate the path toward lower interest rates.

Why it matters: Higher interest rates increase borrowing costs for businesses and customers alike, affecting cashflow and payment behaviour.

G7 considers releasing strategic oil reserves

G7 finance ministers are discussing a coordinated release of oil reserves to stabilise global energy markets.

The potential move, coordinated with the International Energy Agency, aims to offset supply disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict.

Why it matters: Government intervention in energy markets highlights the scale of the supply shock facing businesses worldwide.

Tax burden set to reach historic highs

The Office for Budget Responsibility warns the UK tax burden could rise to 38.5% of GDP by 2030, well above historical averages.

Much of the increase will come from frozen income tax thresholds and higher employer taxes.

Making Tax Digital changes approaching

From April 6, sole traders earning more than £50,000 will be required to submit quarterly tax returns under Making Tax Digital rules.

While the Government says the system will simplify tax administration, critics warn that software costs and compliance burdens may rise.

Why it matters: Additional administrative costs can tighten SME cashflow and increase operational pressure.

FCA plans overhaul of credit files

The Financial Conduct Authority is proposing reforms to credit files, including mandatory data sharing between lenders and improved error correction systems.

The aim is to improve the accuracy of affordability assessments for borrowers.

Why it matters: Changes to credit reporting could affect access to finance for SMEs and their customers.

Industry & Investment

British Steel pauses new orders

British Steel has paused taking new orders as it assesses the impact of soaring energy costs on production.

The company was already under pressure from US tariffs and upcoming EU levies on steel imports.

Retailers increasingly adopting AI tools

John Lewis is integrating AI chatbots into its app to help customers search for deals and improve the shopping experience.

Research shows younger consumers are increasingly using AI tools while shopping online.

London courts AI investment as tensions rise with US

London’s mayor has invited AI developer Anthropic to expand its presence in the UK after tensions with the US government escalated.

The move could position London as an alternative hub for AI development.

Property & Housing

House prices reach record high

The average UK house price has reached £301,151 according to Halifax, with modest growth continuing into February.

However, analysts warn geopolitical tensions could affect inflation and mortgage costs.

Mortgage costs expected to rise

Higher inflation expectations are pushing lenders to raise mortgage rates.

Major lenders including NatWest and HSBC have already increased rates.

Why it matters: Rising mortgage payments reduce household disposable income and can affect customer payment reliability.

Luxury homes increasingly sold at a loss

One in five homes worth over £1 million sold last year at a loss, with London accounting for most of the declines.

Analysts attribute the trend to higher taxation and weak confidence in the property market.

Why it matters: Falling property values can reduce consumer wealth and spending.

Trade & Regulation

Calls for regulatory overhaul in financial services

Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride has called for a regulatory “Big Bang” to reduce burdens on UK financial services firms.

He argues excessive regulation is suppressing risk-taking and investment.

Why it matters: Changes to financial regulation could influence business lending and investment flows.

BCC warns tariff reform could raise prices

The British Chambers of Commerce warns removing the tariff exemption for low-value imports could raise costs for businesses and consumers.

Half of importers say they would pass the additional costs onto customers.

Why it matters: Higher import costs could increase prices and squeeze SME margins.

Concerns over Companies House identity checks

Criticism has emerged over Companies House identity verification rules after reports that third-party firms are charging up to £840 for services that should be free.

Only around three million of the UK’s seven million company directors have completed the new checks so far.

Why it matters: Regulatory confusion can increase compliance costs and administrative burden for small businesses.

Consumer & Society

Consumers wasting billions on unused subscriptions

UK consumers are wasting around £1.6bn annually on unused subscription services, according to new research.

Auto-renewals and forgotten free trials are the main causes.

Why it matters: Higher household expenses reduce consumer spending elsewhere.

Poor-quality goods costing consumers billions

Consumers are losing more than £71bn annually due to faulty products and poor-quality services.

The House of Commons Business Committee has launched an inquiry into consumer protection enforcement.

Why it matters: Poor consumer experiences can weaken trust and reduce spending across sectors.

Food security concerns raised

Experts warn the UK is only around 54% self-sufficient in food production, leaving the country vulnerable to supply disruptions.

Calls are growing for new legislation to improve food resilience.

Why it matters: Supply shocks can lead to price volatility affecting businesses and consumers.

Global Market Summary

Global markets have entered a period of intense volatility as the Middle East conflict disrupts energy supply and raises fears of a global inflation shock.

Oil prices have surged above $100 per barrel after shipping through the Strait of Hormuz was severely disrupted. Brent crude briefly approached $120 before easing back to around $104, while WTI crude is trading near $102.

Global markets have entered a period of intense volatility as the Middle East conflict disrupts energy supply and raises fears of a global inflation shock.

Oil prices have surged above $100 per barrel after shipping through the Strait of Hormuz was severely disrupted. Brent crude briefly approached $120 before easing back to around $104, while WTI crude is trading near $102.

The surge in oil has triggered sharp declines in global equities.

In the United States, the S&P 500 closed at 6,740 while the Dow Jones finished at 47,501 and the Nasdaq fell sharply as technology stocks led losses. The sell-off was intensified by weaker-than-expected US jobs data showing payrolls fell by 92,000 in February.

European markets also declined. The FTSE 100 closed at 10,142 while the STOXX Europe 600 fell to 587. The DAX ended at 23,191 and the CAC 40 at 7,830.

Asian markets experienced the steepest losses overnight. Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell more than 5% to 52,728, while South Korea’s Kospi plunged 6%, triggering a trading circuit breaker. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng closed at 25,408 and China’s Shanghai Composite ended around 4,096.

Currency markets have seen strong demand for the US dollar as investors move into safe-haven assets. The pound is currently trading around $1.33 against the dollar and roughly €1.15 against the euro.

Gold prices have been volatile, recently trading around $5,097 per ounce, while copper remains under pressure due to concerns about global growth.

Investors are increasingly worried about stagflation — the combination of slowing growth and rising inflation — as the energy shock spreads through the global economy.

Insolvency Watch

Administrations (17)

• ALUVIEW LTD
• AMBER ENERGY SOLUTIONS LTD
• BREWDOG INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
• BREWDOG PLC
• BREWDOG RETAIL LIMITED
• C2 VTG GROUP LTD
• CCLT HOLDINGS LTD
• KIT & KABOODAL LTD
• LIBERTY PIPES (HARTLEPOOL) LIMITED
• OFFSHORE STAINLESS SUPPLIES LIMITED
• PAGAZZI LIGHTING (CONCESSIONS) LIMITED
• PAGAZZI LIGHTING (SERVICES) LIMITED
• PALMER BARNES LIMITED
• WCM EUROPE LTD
• WILSHIRE BENCHMARKS TOPCO LIMITED
• WILSHIRE OPCO UK LIMITED
• 2C SERVICES LIMITED

Liquidations (107)

• AGPA SERVICES LIMITED
• APEX INSIGHT LTD
• APOLLODORUS ARCHITECTURE LIMITED
• ARKW LTD
• ASTUS LIVING LTD
• ATLAS FOOD PROCESSING SOLUTIONS LIMITED
• ATVS ONLY LIMITED
• BACK OFFICE MANAGEMENT LIMITED
• BARLOW SMITH LIMITED
• BAXTER NEUMANN LEADERSHIP SOLUTIONS LTD
• BIG BLUE CONSULTING LTD
• BRICKWORK COMMUNICATIONS LTD
• BRIGHT INNOVATION PARTNERSHIP LTD
• BROOKLYN HOME LIMITED
• CDV SERVICES LTD
• CLANCY BUILDING SERVICES LIMITED
• COLLINS PAYROLL SERVICES LIMITED
• CONCERT MIDCO LIMITED
• CONNECTED HEALTH SYSTEMS LTD
• COUGRA LIMITED
• CR ELECTRONICS LIMITED
• CX VISION LTD
• DAVID WEBSTER & SONS LIMITED
• DELTA 4 LTD
• DIGITAL OFFICE SYSTEMS UK LIMITED
• DR PAUL SAUNDERS LTD
• DRYGATE BREWING COMPANY LTD
• DUNELM SAFETY CORNWALL LTD
• EAGA PARTNERSHIP LTD
• EMERALD TRAINING & CONSULTANCY LIMITED
• ENERGY MARKETING LTD
• ENIMPRO ENGINEERING FOR IMPROVEMENT LIMITED
• ENVIRONMENTAL VISAGE LTD
• ERGATIS IA LIMITED
• FINANCIAL EXPERT MEDIA LTD
• FORTITUDE GLOBAL LIMITED
• GANNOCHY CONSULTING LTD
• GEORGINA ROBBINS ASSOCIATES LIMITED
• GIGI ENTERPRISES LTD
• HALFNOTE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED
• HANOOR LIMITED
• HK CONSULTANCY LTD
• HLA LAW ACCOUNTANTS LTD
• HSL CONSULTANCY SERVICES LTD
• HUCKLEBERRY’S HAIRDRESSERS LIMITED
• INGHAM DOHERTY LIMITED
• INSIGHT 2 4SIGHT LTD
• INTELLIGENT FINANCE SOLUTIONS LIMITED
• IP-SOFT LIMITED
• IWP ADVISORY GROUP LIMITED
• JACQUELINE HURST THERAPY LTD
• JAMESON CONSULTANCY LIMITED
• JDW BUSINESS SOLUTIONS (UK) LIMITED
• JHG HEALTH LIMITED
• JM HEALTH LTD
• JOHN CLANCY PLUMBING & HEATING LTD
• KEVIN HARRINGTON HEALTHCARE LIMITED
• KIERAN CAMERON LTD
• KUDOS SCAFFOLDING LIMITED
• KT TRAINING & COACHING LIMITED
• LEXICON LAW LIMITED
• LINDISFARNE BUSINESS CONSULTING LTD
• LINGUANI LTD
• MARITIME ADVISORY SERVICES LTD
• MJB CONSULTING LIMITED
• MOTIVATION IN LEARNING LIMITED
• MOUNTPRIDE AGENCIES LTD
• MR J G WARNER LIMITED
• MUNIHIRE LIMITED
• N W YII LIMITED
• NEIL COLEMAN CROWN AND BRIDGE LTD
• N.E. TRUSCOTT (BUDE) LIMITED
• OVERTIDY LIMITED
• P.A.N. HOLDINGS LIMITED
• PALLADIUM IT SOLUTIONS LIMITED
• PG BRICKWORK CONTRACTORS LIMITED
• PHILLIPS OSBORNE LIMITED
• PJG RECOVERY LIMITED
• PLAYRISE DIGITAL LTD
• PLAZA 2 INVESTMENTS LTD
• POWELL PHILLIPS CONSULTING LTD
• PROFESSIONAL RENTALS LTD
• RECLAMATIONS LIMITED
• REDKIPPER LIMITED
• REES COMPUTER SOLUTIONS LIMITED
• RIPPED GYM LIMITED
• ROBERT JOHN WALKER
• ROOFWISE (RAINSCREENS) LTD
• ROYLE INTERNATIONAL FOODS LIMITED
• S FOLAN LIMITED
• SBN GROUP INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
• SCHOTTEL MARINE TECHNOLOGIES LTD
• SHARPLETTER LIMITED
• SMB CAPITAL LTD
• SPECIALIST RENOVATIONS DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED
• STEPWAY DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED
• STRUCTURAL DESIGN SERVICES LIMITED
• STAGECOACH SOUTH WESTERN TRAINS LIMITED
• TANUSH TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED
• TESCO BURY LIMITED
• THE EVERLASTING BUBBLEGUM COMPANY LIMITED
• TIMBERFRAME AUTOMATION CONSULTANCY LTD
• TITAN NORTHERN LIMITED
• TOGETHER ASSET BACKED SECURITISATION 2021-1ST1 PLC
• VENENUM LTD
• WARRINGTON TRAINING TRUST LIMITED
• WE ARE THE CREATIVE LTD
• WET WALL WORKS (GREENOCK) LTD
• WOODFORD CAPITAL
• ZEUS BUSINESS CONSULTING LTD
• ZELL CORP LTD

Winding-up Petitions (24)

• 1ST ECO GEN LTD
• CELEBRE LIMITED
• CHATLOOP LTD
• CHEVIOT SQUARE LTD
• CHICTRADE LIMITED
• CURTIS CONVERSIONS LIMITED
• FAST TRACK FOOD LTD
• GALAXY COMMERCIAL LTD
• GS INT LTD
• HERITAGE MUSICAL GROUP LTD
• INCONTINENCE SHOP LIMITED
• ISHI (MARCHMONT) LIMITED
• J&L ROADSURFACING SCOTLAND LTD
• MAB COMMERCIAL CONTRACTS LIMITED
• PIPELINE CLEANING SOLUTIONS LIMITED
• PROVIDENCE GATE GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED
• QUICK MIX CONCRETE LTD
• SEA 2 SKY CONSTRUCTION LTD
• SGP ACCOUNTANTS GROUP LTD
• SHARMA INVESTMENTS LIMITED
• SHS HEATING AND RENEWABLES LIMITED
• STEREO DT LTD
• THURSO ON BOARD COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY
• WASTR SYSTEMS LTD

Winding-up Orders (2)

• 68K MANAGEMENT LTD
• STUDIO POW LIMITED

What CPA can do for your business

Energy shocks, rising borrowing costs and weaker consumer demand can quickly translate into slower payments and rising credit risk.

This is exactly when strong credit management becomes most important.

CPA helps businesses protect their cashflow through:

• CreditCare company reports to assess customer risk
• Debtor monitoring to detect early warning signs
• Professional recovery of overdue invoices

Taking early action on overdue accounts significantly improves recovery rates and helps preserve business relationships.

To find out how CPA can help protect your cashflow, call 020 8846 0000.

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.