BCRS hits £2m lending milestone for Welsh SMEs
BCRS Business Loans has provided over £2m to 34 Welsh SMEs via the British Business Bank's Investment Fund for Wales, creating 104 jobs and safeguarding 189. Read more about the economic impact.
BCRS Business Loans has provided over £2m to 34 Welsh SMEs via the British Business Bank's Investment Fund for Wales, creating 104 jobs and safeguarding 189. Read more about the economic impact.
Passengers warned of rising ticket costs as regional airports face unprecedented business rates increases from 2026, with Manchester, Bristol and Birmingham among the hardest hit.
From a £1bn battery plant to a £50m engineering buyout, discover the 10 biggest investments and acquisitions that shaped the North East economy in 2025. Explore the details here.
Barclays research reveals the Labour Autumn Budget has provided clarity for 42% of UK firms, spurring investment in AI and cybersecurity. Discover the key findings and business sentiment.
Lloyds Banking Group has finished a major £116 million refurbishment of its Halifax office, creating a modern workspace for 3,500 people and boosting local talent. Read the full story.
Discover the standout North East businesses of 2025, from tech triumphs to green energy leaders, driving regional economic growth. Read the full list now.
County Durham wellness brand Glow is creating 50 new jobs with five new stores planned for 2026, starting with a Newcastle city centre opening. Discover the multimillion-pound investment plans.
Barclays announces a major £45 billion lending increase and £4.4bn UK investment over the next three years, aiming to mobilise economic growth and support customers.
Manchester's Christmas Markets have ended for 2025. While some traders reported their worst year in 20 years, others saw strong sales. Read the full story on the festive season's economic impact.
Business owners are urged to start preparing now for a sale to beat a Capital Gains Tax increase in April 2026. Delays could cost tens of thousands. Expert advice inside.
UK small business owners express cautious optimism for 2026 but warn of a 'serious reality check' for the wider economy. Experts cite inflation, rates, and AI risks.
Allica Bank's Business Rewards Account offers UK companies high interest on idle cash and cashback on spending, potentially earning up to £10,000 annually. Discover how to make your business money work harder.
Warwickshire Council leader George Finch insists 'big investors' are being secured to revive town centres, amid a heated debate over rising on-street parking charges. Read the full story.
Premier Forest Products rescues two Arnold Laver sites in Reading and Manchester, securing 36 jobs with plans to create over 100. Read about the deal and its impact on the UK timber industry.
Managed service provider Intercity celebrates four decades in Birmingham with a major £1.8m investment in AI and greener offices, aiming for £100m revenue by 2030.
Patch's 17,000 sq ft flagship workspace opens Jan 5 at Gloucester's £107m Forum development, offering co-working, offices & event spaces, boosting city's economy.
Sixteen victims of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing have been awarded nearly £20 million in damages. The settlements follow a public inquiry that found serious security failings. Read the full story.
Taylor Wimpey Manchester has donated 321 winter essentials to Lifeshare charity for the homeless. The homebuilder's national Wrap Up Warm campaign has provided over 14,000 items. Learn more about this vital community support.
Gateshead's NEL Fund Managers celebrates a record 2025, backing 34 regional SMEs from EV charging to IT. Discover how NPIF II funding is driving growth and jobs across the North East.
Virgin Media O2 has moved 1,100 staff to a new 'marquee' Manchester HQ. The telecoms giant says the city centre location boosts recruitment and hybrid working is here to stay. Read more.
Virgin Media O2 has moved its Manchester customer hub to a new city centre office, doubling job applications. The firm confirms hybrid working is permanent. Read more.
Fashion giant Next is reportedly in talks over a potential takeover or investment in the 145-year-old shoe retailer Russell & Bromley. Discover the details of the deal.
Amazon-owned tech firm Veeqo has launched its new global headquarters in Swansea's 71/72 Kingsway, marking a £150m+ investment and tripling its workforce to over 200. Discover how this Welsh success story is driving growth.
Analysis reveals the true economic value of £16bn in projects showcased at the Wales Investment Summit may be far lower, highlighting the need for a focus on home-grown firms.
Investment groups NVM and eComplete back a £31m management buyout of Durham-based scent company Noted Aromas, marking a major step for the direct-to-consumer brand's international expansion plans.
North East IT firm Aspire Technology Solutions secures fresh investment, valuing the business at around £200m. Funding from LDC and Federated Hermes to fuel expansion and a £100m revenue target by 2030.
Northern mayors announce the Great North Investment Summit in Leeds for May 2026, aiming to attract global investors and add over £100bn to the UK economy. A landmark event for the region's future.
UK SMEs are missing out on thousands yearly as big banks pay minimal interest. Switching to a challenger like Allica Bank could earn up to 4.08% AER and cashback.
First Minister Eluned Morgan hails the Wales Investment Summit as a major economic catalyst, securing £16bn in projects from AI data centres to carbon capture. Discover how Wales is positioning itself as a global tech and green energy leader.
The Byron burger chain has been bought out of administration for a third time in a decade. The new owners plan a UK and Dubai revival after 58 sites were axed.