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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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Scottish research urges finance providers to redesign services for youth. A study with more than 350 young people says products, support, and education have not kept pace with digital money, online risk, and milestones including first jobs, student loans, and rent.
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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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Business Disability Forum recognised inclusion work across sectors in London. Its 2026 awards highlighted organisations and individuals improving accessibility in recruitment, procurement, product design, workplace experience, customer service, and communications.
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April’s UK dealmakers pursued scale, scarcity, and discounted valuations hard. Shell’s $16.4bn ARC deal led the month, while Intertek, Standard Life, Senior, and Advanced Medical Solutions showed buyers backing reserves, retirement assets, defence exposure, specialist healthcare, and undervalued UK-listed businesses.
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City of London reforms to be outlined in King’s Speech. The upcoming King’s Speech will detail reforms, including abolishing the payments watchdog and overhauling the financial ombudsman, as the Prime Minister seeks to bolster leadership confidence and drive economic growth.
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Businesses face highest cost inflation since Truss’ mini-Budget. Rising raw material prices have significantly impacted the UK services sector, contributing to over 80% of GDP, as inflationary pressures increase due to geopolitical tensions and supply concerns.
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UK directors are taking bigger personal risks for growth plans. Purbeck’s latest data shows larger guarantees, bigger loans, and record demand for Personal Guarantee Insurance.
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Skills shortages remain a major growth barrier for Yorkshire businesses. BDO’s latest survey found similar pressure across the Midlands, South East, and South West, with retail, hospitality, and manufacturing affected.
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Finance led UK privacy complaints across major sectors last year. Bridewell’s ICO analysis found continued increases in finance, health, and retail and manufacturing complaint volumes.