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UK innovation economy set for largest funding year since 2022. Start-ups and scale-ups secured $9bn in Q3 venture capital funding, positioning 2025 to reach $23.1bn. This resurgence, driven by significant rounds from firms like Revolut, highlights renewed investor confidence.
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Retail spending in the UK slowed in September. Retail sales increased by 2.3% year on year, down from August. Non-food sales grew by just 0.7%, while grocery sales rose by 4.3%, driven by inflation.
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Ebury expands its UK footprint with a new Birmingham office. The fintech’s move reflects rising demand from Midlands-based exporters and small businesses seeking tailored international payment and risk management solutions.
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Small UK businesses are postponing innovation due to time constraints. Google’s new research reveals 59% of SMEs have shelved major ideas, despite AI’s potential to add £198 billion in productivity. Partnering with the UK government, Google aims to help small enterprises turn technology into tangible growth and competitiveness.
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UK finance chiefs fear the nation lags behind competitors. Rising costs are squeezing profit margins, eroding confidence in Labour’s growth strategy. Deloitte’s survey reveals 84% of CFOs foresee increased operating costs, impacting expansion plans and reducing business optimism.
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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.