SFO Probes £44m Insulation Fraud in Energy Scheme
The Serious Fraud Office investigates allegations that three companies defrauded £44 million in public money through false invoices for insulation work under the ECO4 scheme.
Category : Business
Jet2 Bans Couple for Life Over In-Flight Lewd Acts
A couple in their 50s has been handed a lifetime flight ban by Jet2 after engaging in lewd behavior on a flight from East Midlands Airport to Gran Canaria. The incident prompted passenger complaints and led to their hotel eviction.
Sainsbury's Warns of Profit Drop Due to Middle East Conflict
Sainsbury's has issued a profit warning, citing the ongoing conflict in the Middle East as a key factor affecting both customers and business operations, with Birmingham branches among those impacted.
Barclays Shuts Website, Forces Customers to Use App
Barclays announces closure of its online banking website this summer, requiring customers to switch to the app, sparking backlash over accessibility concerns for older and non-tech-savvy users.
Denby Pottery Cuts 49 More Jobs in Manufacturing Closure
Administrators confirm 49 additional redundancies at historic Denby Pottery, following 80 layoffs earlier this month. The 217-year-old firm's manufacturing operations will close after failing to secure a buyer.
GC Angels Invests £1.87m in Four Firms, Backing Founders
Manchester's GC Angels has led four investments worth £1.87m, including two through the Venture Forward accelerator supporting underrepresented founders in the North.
PMD Business Finance Acquires Yorkshire Firm Custom
Greater Manchester's PMD Business Finance has acquired a majority stake in Yorkshire's Custom Business Finance, strengthening its position as a UK asset and commercial finance intermediary.
WH Smith Reports £25m Loss as Iran Conflict Hits Air Travel
WH Smith reports a £25m pre-tax loss as the Iran conflict reduces airport passenger numbers, prompting a cautious outlook amid jet fuel shortage fears.
Asda Staff Dress Up for St George's Day in Midlands Store
Asda's Derby store is inviting employees to wear themed outfits for St George's Day, suggesting red and white attire, knight costumes, and patriotic accessories to mark England's patron saint day.
Supercar Brake Disc Firm Enters Administration After Failed Sale
Surface Transforms, a Merseyside manufacturer of carbon-ceramic brake discs for supercars, has entered administration after losing its biggest contract and failing to find a buyer, resulting in significant job losses.
Pensioners Withdraw Cash Before 2027 Inheritance Tax Rule
State pensioners born before 1960 are accelerating pension withdrawals as new inheritance tax rules approach in April 2027, with financial advisers warning of significant risks.
National Trust Closes 137 UK Holiday Cottages
The National Trust announces closure of 137 holiday cottages across the UK, with most properties to be converted into rental homes. Birmingham locations affected.
UK Mobile Data Rationing Plans Amid Energy Crisis
VodafoneThree, Virgin Media O2, and BT-owned EE may reduce speeds or introduce surge pricing after being excluded from a government energy relief scheme, impacting households nationwide.
Bristol Blue Glass Closes Permanently on May 31
Bristol Blue Glass, a major UK kitchenware brand, announces its permanent closure on May 31, citing government policies, high taxes, and Middle East conflict impacts as key factors.
LK Bennett to Shut All 22 Stores Next Week
After nearly 36 years in business, the British fashion retailer LK Bennett will permanently close all its 22 stores and concessions in just five days, following financial struggles.
UK Tourists Face New '3 Day Rule' for Laos Entry
The Foreign Office has updated travel advice for Laos, introducing a mandatory digital immigration form that must be completed within three days before arrival and departure.
Santander Names New Cater Allen CEO After 17 Years
Santander UK has announced Kitty McCormick as the new CEO of Cater Allen Private Bank, succeeding Jon Howe after his 17-year tenure, marking a significant shift for millions of customers.
Sidemen Plan New Birmingham Restaurant After Merry Hill Closure
The Sidemen YouTubers have announced plans to open a new Sides restaurant in Birmingham following the closure of their Merry Hill branch, citing strategic review and franchise issues.
Birmingham Business Leaders Rally for City Promotion at Summit
Business leaders call for louder promotion of Birmingham's offerings ahead of the inaugural Business Leadership Summit, featuring athletics stars as keynote speakers and highlighting major summer sporting events.
Bristol's Grade II Listed Office Building for Sale at £1.9m
A Grade II listed Georgian office building in Bristol's Brunswick Square, currently leased to co-working operator Gather Round, is set for auction with a guide price of up to £1.9 million, reflecting strong demand in the city's commercial property market.
BMW Marks 25 Years of Modern Mini Made in UK
BMW Group commemorates the 25th anniversary of the modern Mini, highlighting its global success with nearly 4.7 million units built in Oxford and exported to over 100 countries.
MP Demands Morrisons Manager Reinstated After Shoplifter Incident
Wendy Morton MP calls for reinstatement of Sean Egan, a Morrisons manager dismissed after confronting an aggressive shoplifter who spat in his face. The case has drawn national attention and condemnation.
Dusk Cuts Prices on Luxury Alma Bedding with Silk-Like Feel
Dusk has reduced prices on its Alma duvet cover, featuring a 300-thread count and silk-like feel. Customers praise its quality and value, with deals on towels and curtains also available.
Cardiff Medtech Firm Alesi Surgical Gets £7m Investment Boost
Cardiff-based Alesi Surgical has closed a £7 million funding round led by IW Capital to expand its innovative surgical smoke management technology, which addresses hazards in operating theatres globally.
UK Warns Against Misleading TikTok Fin-Fluencer Advice
A new analysis reveals 93% of trading-related TikTok videos are potentially misleading, with millions of Brits exposed to harmful financial advice lacking proper risk disclosures.
Birmingham Expat Reveals Benidorm's Dual Reality
A Sutton Coldfield expat who lived near Benidorm for two decades shares an honest perspective on the Spanish resort's contrasting experiences, from cheap beer breakfasts to five-star hotels.
North Shields Firm Rescued, 28 Jobs Saved
First-Rate Maintenance, a property maintenance business based in North Shields, has been rescued through a pre-pack administration sale to Dima Group, preserving all 28 jobs and ensuring continued operations under its existing name.
Virgin Money Reduces Fixed Mortgage Rates Up to 0.45%
Virgin Money announces significant reductions in selected fixed mortgage rates, with cuts up to 0.45%, while increasing 2-year tracker rates by up to 0.25%.
Labour Urged to Hike Mileage Rate to 70p for Drivers
A parliamentary petition demands an urgent increase in the business mileage allowance from 45p to 70p per mile, warning drivers face annual losses up to £2,500 due to outdated rates frozen since 2011.
BBC Chef Closes Sunderland's Calabash Tree Restaurant
Ryan McVay, a BBC star from Great British Menu, has announced the immediate closure of his popular Trinidad & Tobago restaurant in Sunderland, expressing deep sadness but hinting at new plans.
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