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Salary sacrifice reforms could weaken pension saving for millions nationally. LCP says more than 2.8 million workers are expected to reduce contributions after the 2029 cap takes effect.
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UK growth forecasts now point to weaker investment and hiring. The BCC expects GDP to rise by 0.9% in 2026, with business investment falling 2.2% and inflation peaking at 3.8% by year-end.
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Invoice compliance is fast becoming a growth and control issue. Basware says delayed e-invoicing readiness is already causing rejected invoices, audit fines, and weaker expansion prospects as the UK moves towards a 2029 mandate.
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4Syte has secured fresh funding to extend UK SME lending. The new GB Bank facility expands the invoice finance provider’s capacity to support smaller businesses seeking faster access to working capital tied up in unpaid invoices.
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NatWest has expanded Praetura’s capacity to fund UK businesses further. The £150 million facility will support the lender’s sales finance division as it continues to back SMEs with invoice discounting, ABL, and cash flow loans.
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Manufacturers are seeking finance with stronger personal risk protection measures. Purbeck says applications for Personal Guarantee Insurance rose sharply in Q1 as loan values and growth borrowing increased.
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Audit analysis sharpens pressure on weak anti-money laundering controls. New findings show FCA fines linked to internal control failures have exceeded £1 billion since 2021 across UK financial services.
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Ministers have set out reforms to update Britain’s payments system. The package targets digital assets, tokenised payments, open banking, and regulatory oversight, while Napier AI says accountability for suspicious activity and transaction monitoring must keep pace with autonomous systems.
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NatWest is creating a specialist bank for venture-backed companies today. The new unit combines sector expertise, regional coverage, and capital solutions, while a new AWS partnership is intended to support founders and investors as businesses scale.
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Small businesses are being held back by weak financial confidence. Kate Hayward, Xero’s UK managing director, argues that stronger financial literacy can help owners manage cash flow, avoid costly mistakes, and make better decisions on growth, hiring, and investment.