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Borrowing costs remain central to corporate planning decisions. The Bank of England held rates at 3.75%, but a 6–3 vote and industry reaction show companies are still preparing for fragile demand, higher finance costs, and uncertain inflation.
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Consumer borrowing accelerated while mortgage lending rebounded sharply during June. Annual unsecured-credit growth reached 9.1%, but weaker house-purchase approvals left a mixed picture for household demand and the property market.
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Unilever’s volume rebound has strengthened the case for brand investment. The group raised its full-year outlook after second-quarter growth.
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Netflix has edged alongside the BBC in UK viewing choices. Ofcom’s Media Nations report shows a changing first-screen battle.
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Employer confidence remains fragile despite stronger hiring intentions emerging again. REC’s JobsOutlook points to caution beneath labour-market demand.
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GSK is shifting UK research deeper into Cambridge’s life sciences cluster. The £400m investment will move more than 1,000 scientists.
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Ofcom has moved directly against Openreach’s latest fibre discount proposal. The regulator says targeted pricing could weaken long-term broadband competition.
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Technical education is being pushed deeper into England’s skills system. New government plans link apprenticeships, colleges, youth hubs, and AI-era workforce demand.
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Volatility is now dominating UK business decision pressure, YouGov finds. The Q2 VUCA Index finds leaders still value speed, even as confidence and preparedness begin to weaken.
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UK-EU trade choices are becoming more industrial and strategically constrained. The Brexit reset is entering harder questions around China, steel, EVs, chemicals, and carbon border policy.