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UK retail sales rebounded as hot weather lifted demand. BRC-KPMG data shows May sales up 3.7%, with food, clothing, footwear, online non-food, and summer goods benefiting.
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A new UK payments scheme has entered the market. UKPI’s launch gives commercial variable recurring payments a framework to challenge cards and direct debit in recurring transactions.
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New carers’ rights could reshape absence policy for employers. Ministers are consulting on paid carer’s leave, return-to-work protections, and stronger support for parents of seriously ill children.
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Ministers are targeting scale-ups with new direct support today. The government has launched a concierge service and visa reimbursement scheme designed to help high-growth companies scale and remain in the UK.
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Companies House has set a new accounts filing deadline today. Small companies and micro-entities will need to prepare for software-only filing and wider profit and loss submission requirements from April 2028.
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Santander’s tax warning intensifies pressure on UK banking tax policy. Ana Botín has criticised sector-specific taxation as banks argue competitiveness and investment are being constrained.
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Graduate recruitment is becoming a test of AI fairness now. New research shows candidates increasingly use AI in applications while resisting employer use in assessment.
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Companies are reducing ESG claims despite losing commercial opportunities nationally. New research says greenhushing is rising as leaders fear regulatory, reputational, and public scrutiny.
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Private equity’s latest recovery has stalled before gaining momentum again. Bain says AI disruption, private credit stress, and energy-price pressure have hit dealmaking, fundraising, and exits.
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Banking access is back on the government’s regulatory agenda today. The Treasury review will examine whether branch closures and reduced face-to-face services are harming consumers, communities, and businesses.