
Ministers are moving faster on the planned ground rent cap. The proposed £250 annual limit could now arrive in late 2027, affecting leaseholders, freeholders, developers, and property investors.

HMRC wants closer reporting of owner-manager company withdrawals and loans. The proposals would give the tax authority more detailed data on transactions between close companies and their participators.

Crest Nicholson’s lenders have appointed advisers as covenant talks continue. The housebuilder has delayed half-year results while negotiations over temporary covenant relief progress towards a mid-July conclusion.

Ministers are preparing to take larger stakes in UK scale-ups. Peter Kyle has signalled a more active state investment model as the government tries to keep high-growth technology companies in Britain.

Labour is reconsidering how far UK-EU economic alignment can go. Ministers are weighing practical cooperation on electricity, emissions, and trade frictions while keeping formal Brexit red lines in place for this parliament.

MPs say Britain must overhaul how investment reaches growing companies. A new Commons report warns that low investment, weak scale-up finance, and fragmented public institutions are holding back productivity and long-term growth.

Carmakers are seeking more time before tougher EV trade rules. Industry groups warn local battery supply chains cannot yet meet UK-EU origin thresholds due on 1 January 2027, raising fresh questions over electric vehicle investment, costs, and competitiveness.

SmilingCFO has launched a new diagnostic tool for brand marketers. The Mental Availability Review helps teams assess whether their brand comes to mind in relevant buying situations.

The Maple Review has called for broader access to enterprise. Its final report recommends micro-capital, business skills education, and redesigned support for founders who have experienced economic hardship.

OECD forecasts point to another difficult year for UK growth. The organisation expects GDP to rise by 0.9% in 2026, while unemployment is forecast to reach 5.5%.