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Co-op warns of potential shop closures without business rates reform. The Co-op has cautioned that 60,000 small shops and 150,000 jobs could be lost without reform to business rates in the upcoming Autumn Budget. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is urged to announce maximum relief to protect high streets.
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Rachel Reeves urges business leaders to promote economic optimism. Pressure mounts on businesses to support a positive economic narrative amid concerns about Reform UK’s rising voter share and potential impact on government stability.
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The UK government announces £50 million for mental health research. The funding aims to accelerate the development of treatments by involving those with lived experience in the innovation process, ultimately enhancing mental health outcomes across the NHS.
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Zilch CEO promises innovation in fintech as IPO scene heats. Philip Belamant, CEO of Zilch, has expressed excitement over the burgeoning fintech IPO market, highlighting Klarna’s successful debut as a positive indicator. Zilch plans to introduce unique offerings to public markets amid product expansions.
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Businesses are moving beyond tick-box wellbeing policies. For World Mental Health Day, Business Quarter speaks with leaders embedding psychological safety, inclusion, and empathy into the fabric of daily work — from wellbeing hubs and mentoring schemes to inclusive language and sensory-friendly design.
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UK job market struggles amid rising job seekers and minimal salary growth. The latest survey data indicates an increase in job seekers, attributed to redundancies and non-replacement of staff, while starting salary growth remains negligible, reflecting ongoing economic challenges.
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MHFA England launches consultation on workplace standards. Mental Health First Aid England has opened a public consultation on new standards to guide best practice for embedding mental health support in the workplace — aiming to reduce economic inactivity and improve wellbeing across UK businesses.
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JP Morgan’s CEO voices apprehension regarding an AI-driven market surge. The swift rise in AI shares has persisted in spurring mergers and investments, and analysts indicate that FOMO is fully in play.
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Jack Dorsey unveils bitcoin wallet for US retailers. The co-founder of Twitter and CEO of Block introduces a new product allowing small businesses to accept and hold bitcoin, offering an alternative to traditional card payments with no fees until 2027.
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WSP finalises its £363 million purchase of Ricardo PLC. The transaction brings the British environmental consultancy under Canadian ownership and strengthens WSP’s position in sustainability and infrastructure advisory services, following regulatory approvals and delisting from the London Stock Exchange.
