Forecasts for FTSE 100 giant Auto Trader have been downgraded by two City brokers, after the firm’s disappointing financial results caused analysts to doubt predictions of strong growth. Peel Hunt slashed annual revenue expectations for the group by four per cent, decreasing its earnings per share forecast by three per cent and profit before tax…

British manufacturers have urged the government to ensure that small and medium-sized businesses are major beneficiaries of the UK’s rising defence spending by embedding legally binding offset agreements in future military procurement contracts. Read more: UK manufacturers urge MoD to channel defence spending to SMEs through binding offset deals

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the UK are showing remarkable resilience by prioritising employee welfare and environmental sustainability, despite mounting economic pressures, according to new research by Purbeck Insurance Services. Read more: UK SMEs show resilience by supporting staff and embracing sustainability

Europe’s biggest lender has continued its pivot into private credit funds with a $4bn investment into its asset management arm. HSBC has used its asset management business to spearhead a transition into the booming $1.6tn private credit market. The firm said it will invest the new cash into its alternative credit funds, with the goal…

Sir Keir Starmer has defended not setting a precise date for when the UK will deliver its “ambition” to spend three per cent of GDP on defence. The Prime Minister is facing backlash after the government appeared to row back from an important target ahead of Monday’s strategic defence review announcement. Starmer told the BBC…

The UK will build up to 12 new nuclear-powered attack submarines, it will be announced on Monday as the government unveils its strategic defence review. The 130-page document will conclude UK must prepare for conflict in Europe or the Atlantic and move to “war-fighting readiness” as a countermeasure to Russian aggression. But Sir Keir Starmer,…