Barclays: Labour Budget Boosts Business Investment Confidence
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.
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.
Discover four Birmingham pubs brought back to life in 2025, from The Anchor to The Gunmakers Arms, offering hope amidst a challenging year for the hospitality sector.
A publican warns new business rates could cost his family firm £62,000 annually, with industry leaders fearing widespread closures. Read the full story.
Discover the 10 best new restaurants set to open in and around Birmingham in 2026, from high-end Greek cuisine to a London sushi favourite. Plan your culinary adventures now.
TGI Fridays enters administration, closing 49 UK restaurants. 500 staff face redundancy due to 'insurmountable' economic pressures. Read the full story and list of closures.
The Bristol branch of Be At One cocktail bar closes its doors for good this weekend. Its owner, Stonegate Group, is exploring the sale of over 1,000 pubs. Read the full story here.
Sixes, the cricket-themed bar chain backed by Ben Stokes, has collapsed into administration, putting 16 venues including Birmingham at risk. Read the latest on the rescue efforts.
The festive period is a crucial economic stress test, with UK retail sales forecast to hit £91bn. Discover how Christmas spending impacts jobs, businesses, and high streets across the nation.
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.
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.
Jamie Oliver is bringing back his popular Jamie's Italian restaurant chain in partnership with Brava Hospitality Group. The first new site opens in London's Leicester Square in spring 2026.
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.
Mitchells & Butlers, owner of Toby Carvery and Harvester, warns of menu price increases averaging 3.2% after facing a £130 million extra bill. Find out what's driving the hikes.
Award-winning Birmingham restaurant Asha's delivered a hands-on cookery session to Year 11 pupils at Selly Park Girls' School, aiming to inspire future hospitality careers. Read about the successful community initiative.
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.
Mitchells & Butlers, owner of Harvester and Toby Carvery, faces £130m extra costs, forcing menu price hikes. CEO Phil Urban cites soaring beef prices and wage bills.
JD Wetherspoon's boss Sir Tim Martin vows a maximum 20p increase for its breakfast next year, despite soaring sector costs. Discover how hospitality faces inflation pressures.
The Welsh Government's Investment Summit confirms over 10,000 new jobs from £16bn in projects, including a major US data centre and Vodafone's 5G expansion.
The future of family favourite TGI Fridays in the UK is at risk as new owners appoint financial advisors. 2,000 jobs hang in the balance. Read the latest developments.
A Birmingham hotel chairman brands the new tourist levy in the 2025 budget 'disastrous' for hospitality, fearing increased costs and administrative chaos.
RedCat Hospitality sells 21 pubs to Admiral Taverns, marking a strategic refocus on its managed pubs and rooms division just a year after being saved from collapse. Discover the details of the deal.
Sainsbury's gets green light for £17.27 million supermarket in Sutton Coldfield, creating 100 jobs and boosting local shopping choice. Read the full details.
Welsh Government hosts major investment summit with 1500 delegates, aiming to attract new business to Wales. 60% of attending firms not currently active in Welsh market. Discover key projects seeking funding.
Co-op unveils 11 new stores this week from Scotland to Bristol as part of a £200m investment. Full list of locations and calls for business rates reform revealed.
Stockland Green and Summerfield health centres in Birmingham will transform into neighbourhood health hubs with GPs, dentists and pharmacists under one roof as part of a national NHS initiative to reduce waiting times.
Marketing agency Hussel transforms a Hummer H2 into a 'Mobile Disruption Unit' for live events, backed by the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II. Discover how this innovative project is set to revolutionise brand engagement.
Nando's reports £38.2m profit after years of losses but cautions Rachel Reeves' tax increases will challenge future performance. Read the full analysis.
Ice cream giant Magnum is injecting £50 million into its Gloucester plant, boosting production of Twister and Solero. This major investment secures the future of the nearly 500-strong workforce.
Andy Burnham's £1bn Good Growth Fund is set to unlock prime office space in Manchester, addressing a critical shortage and boosting the local economy from 2028. Discover the impact.
A West Midlands programme has helped 2,000 SMEs secure £4.2m. Businesses urge its continuation as funding ends in March 2026. Read more and see how to attend the final summit.