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LEED v5 introduces new benchmarks for global building projects. The U.S. Green Building Council has launched LEED v5 certification, aligning with global decarbonisation goals. It offers updated tools to simplify project planning and integration, enhancing sustainability and market standards.
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Reeves’s pre-Budget speech sent uneasy ripples through politics and business. The language of optimism has given way to fiscal realism, and while markets have steadied, many now question whether the government can hold public confidence through restraint.
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Marks & Spencer forecasts cyber attack costs to reach £136m. The company, impacted earlier this year, anticipates recovery by spring 2024. Despite the attack, M&S expects profits to align with last year’s figures in the coming six months.
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Think tanks urge tax reform to boost productivity and fairness. A coalition of think tanks has proposed sweeping tax reforms aimed at enhancing productivity and fairness. The report calls for rationalising the tax system and suggests changes such as abolishing stamp duty and adjusting council tax valuations.
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Apollo Funds invests $6.5 billion in Hornsea 3 wind project. The investment will fund a 50% stake in the world’s largest offshore wind project, boosting UK energy security and supporting net-zero targets while providing power to over 3 million homes.
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One in three SME loans now puts directors’ homes at risk. New data from Purbeck Insurance Services reveals a sharp rise in personal guarantee-backed borrowing among UK business owners, prompting fresh warnings over financial exposure and calls for government clarity ahead of the next fiscal statement.
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Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary criticises UK tax policies harshly. O’Leary claims Labour’s tax strategies hinder economic growth, urging reversal of taxes on wealth and air travel. His comments come as Ryanair reports record profits, emphasising strong demand despite policy tensions.
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UK’s smallest exporters struggle as larger firms gain trade benefits. Only 16% of micro exporters reported growth in Q3, compared to 42% of larger firms. The British Chambers of Commerce calls for urgent government action to support smaller businesses in expanding overseas.
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UK manufacturers urge government to prioritise growth in Budget. The sector faces significant pressures from high energy costs and tariff uncertainties, despite a slight recovery. Industry bodies call for no further national insurance hikes and support for green technology investments.
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Ofgem has announced plans to reduce Britain’s mounting energy arrears through a £500 million debt-relief scheme. The regulator said household energy debt now exceeds £4.4 billion, adding pressure to an already fragile consumer market.