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Tariff fears are delaying Bank of England action. Governor Andrew Bailey warned that global trade uncertainty is paralysing investment, making it harder to cut interest rates without deepening the slowdown. The Bank now faces a slower, cautious path to easing.
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Santander UK acquires TSB in a £2.9bn landmark deal. The acquisition will expand Santander’s market share, adding five million customers and £69bn in assets. The deal, expected to close in early 2026, awaits regulatory approval.
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UK directors are facing a new phase of economic uncertainty. Confidence remains fragile amid tax increases, labour cost hikes, and regulatory change — with small firms and long-term sectors feeling the strain.
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AstraZeneca chief hints at US move, intensifying pressure on UK markets. The FTSE 100’s largest company may relocate its primary stock listing to New York, as its CEO signals strategic realignment.
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Nine-month window to overhaul sick pay sparks concern as employers brace for biggest workplace reform drive in decades.
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Job vacancies in the UK have hit a new low. As employers pause hiring and leave roles unfilled, ONS data points to a cooling market. Leaders warn that delaying recruitment too long could erode productivity and capability, with hidden costs for competitiveness.
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Eon’s UK arm reported an £800 million drop in turnover. The Coventry-based division’s sales fell to £2.5 billion for 2024, down from £3.3 billion the previous year, as lower wholesale commodity prices weighed on revenues. Pre-tax profit, however, edged up to £52 million due to a series of disposals.
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Directors’ confidence has fallen sharply as tax rises bite. The latest Institute of Directors index shows sentiment dropping close to pandemic-era lows, as fresh payroll taxes and looming new regulations unsettle business leaders across the UK in the run-up to autumn.
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Canada suspends its digital services tax to revive US talks. The tax aimed at US tech giants faced criticism from President Trump, who halted negotiations and threatened tariffs. Talks are set to resume, targeting a new trade deal by 21 July.
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UK introduces new steel safeguard measures from July 2025. The UK government has announced strengthened steel import safeguards, reducing quota liberalisation and implementing caps to protect domestic producers from redirected foreign imports in response to US tariffs.