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Manufacturing output has returned to growth after months of strain. NatWest’s tracker shows stronger confidence and easing cost inflation, though services and SMEs remain weaker.
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Central bank decisions will test market confidence this week sharply. Rate signals, oil prices, bank earnings, and retail pricing data will shape second-half planning assumptions.
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World Cup trading gave pubs a rare summer sales lift. The uplift helped hospitality operators, though wider pressure from costs and uneven demand remains.
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Gatwick’s water outage exposed a practical infrastructure risk sharply. Toilets, restaurants, passenger welfare, and airport retail were affected after a local treatment-works power failure.
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Chinese EV imports are testing the UK’s transition strategy. Stellantis has warned that the ZEV mandate is creating commercial strain as lower-cost rivals gain ground.
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UK femtech investment has grown, but regional gaps persist sharply. Mills & Reeve research shows deal activity rising over the past decade while northern regions remain underrepresented.
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Tesco is widening rapid grocery delivery through marketplace partnerships now. The supermarket is adding Deliveroo and Uber Eats while extending Clubcard prices and points to app-based customers.
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Small businesses face fresh reforms on payment, tax, and regulation. The government’s latest plan update covers late payment, e-invoicing, tax simplification, and finance access as SMEs continue to manage cash pressure.
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Regional business confidence has slipped as geopolitical shocks hit operations. ICAEW says confidence fell across most UK nations and regions in Q2, with inflation, energy costs, and sales pressure weighing on decision-making.
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Manufacturers face weaker orders while cost pressure keeps intensifying again. The CBI says July brought faster cost growth, falling output, and another expected decline in employment.