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UK business growth slowed while inflation pressures intensified in September. Flash PMI data show continued private-sector expansion, but weaker momentum, higher prices, and subdued hiring are complicating the economic outlook.
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UK factory orders have reached their strongest level since 2023. The CBI’s order-book balance improved sharply for a second consecutive month as pricing expectations eased.
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Bank of England is deepening its long-term presence in Leeds. Its new Capitol House office will support expansion towards at least 500 employees in the city while central-banking functions remain distributed across Leeds and London.
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KPMG says Britain’s fiscal headroom has narrowed sharply before Budget. Its latest outlook combines stronger 2026 growth with higher borrowing and energy costs, leaving less room against the Government’s fiscal rules.
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Tata Steel is seeking fresh government support for Port Talbot. Delays to the electric arc furnace project are increasing pressure on the £1.25bn transformation as wider government intervention in British steelmaking expands.
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McLaren has expanded its planned UK investment to £500m overall. The confirmed programme includes new manufacturing capacity, future engine production and 1,000 direct jobs by 2032.
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Scotland’s business innovation rate has fallen below thirty per cent. New survey results put innovation-active companies at 29.4%, compared with 34% across the UK.
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UKRI is reviewing intellectual-property conditions attached to public research funding. The work follows concern over retaining more domestic value when university spinouts raise capital, relocate or list overseas.
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High-growth companies want stronger policy support for UK innovation activity. BDO found 94% see room for improvement, even as 90% plan to increase their own innovation spending.
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Morrisons has accelerated sales growth during its latest trading quarter. Like-for-like sales rose 3.2% as the supermarket combined market-share gains with further cost savings and digital expansion.