UK Heatwave to Break 1922 May Record with 33C Highs
The UK is set for a prolonged heatwave with temperatures reaching 33C, potentially breaking the 1922 May record of 32.8C in London.
Category : Economic Growth
Freeports and Investment Zones Can Boost All of Wales, UKREiiF Told
At UKREiiF in Leeds, leaders argued that Wales' freeports and investment zones can complement each other, driving growth across the nation with tax incentives and collaboration.
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£38bn War Chest to Create New Jobs and Boost Regeneration
A £38bn war chest has been announced to create new jobs and boost regeneration across the West Midlands, aiming to transform the region's economy.
North Wales Growth Opportunities Unprecedented, Says Bank CEO
Giles Thorley, CEO of Development Bank of Wales, highlights North Wales' diverse economy and major investment opportunities in energy, manufacturing, and tourism.
Car Club Users Save £2,800 Annually
Car club users save £2,800 per year vs private car owners, CoMoUK report finds. Zipcar UK collapse removed 46% of national fleet, prompting calls for policy action.
UK unemployment rises to 5% as job vacancies hit five-year low
UK unemployment rose to 5% in Q1 2026, with youth unemployment at 16.2%. Job vacancies hit a five-year low, and payrolled employment fell, signaling a cooling labour market.
UK Economy Posts Strongest Quarterly Growth in a Year
UK GDP grew 0.6% in Q1 2026, beating forecasts despite global tensions. Services led growth, but economists warn of slowdown ahead due to rising energy costs.
UK Economy Surprises with Growth in March Amid Iran War
UK GDP grew 0.3% in March, beating expectations, but economists warn of a potential recession as the Iran war disrupts trade and energy markets.
Leonard Back to Blues After Achilles Surgery
Birmingham City's Marc Leonard returns after Achilles surgery. The midfielder ruptured his Achilles playing for Hearts, ending his loan and scuppering summer transfer interest.
GWR nationalisation success hinges on punctual services
GWR will transition to public ownership under Great British Railways. A Devon MP says the measure of success will be efficient and punctual services for passengers.
Economic Priorities for Next Welsh Government: CBI Director
Russell Greenslade, director of CBI Wales, outlines key economic priorities for the next Welsh government, including stable policy, targeted investment, and infrastructure improvements to boost competitiveness.
Somerset coastal road reopening bid submitted
Somerset Council bids for government funds to reopen B3191 Cleeve Hill, closed since 2023 due to coastal erosion, with a £30-40m scheme to restore vehicle access.
New Law Bans Car Theft Devices in England
The UK government's Crime and Policing Act 2026 makes it illegal to possess signal relay, repeater, or amplifier devices used for keyless car theft, with penalties up to five years in prison.
Emery Defends Changes After Villa Loss to Spurs
Unai Emery defends his decision to make seven changes after Aston Villa's 2-1 defeat to Tottenham, expressing pride in his players despite boos and a third straight loss.
HMRC Inheritance Tax Hits Record £8.5bn, 49,000 Affected
HMRC collected a record £8.5 billion in inheritance tax in 2025/26, up £200 million. Experts warn 49,000 estates face higher bills due to frozen thresholds and pension rule changes.
West Brom to Back Morrison with Improved Finances
Executive director Mark Miles confirms Albion's financial picture brightens from summer, with full backing for newly-appointed head coach James Morrison after surviving relegation.
Welsh Business Confidence Up but Trails UK Average
Lloyds Bank's April barometer shows Welsh business confidence rose to 38%, bucking the UK-wide decline. However, it remains below the national average of 44%.
Northern Mayors and Business Leaders Unite for Investment Summit
Northern mayors and business leaders will gather for the Great North Investment Summit in Leeds on May 18, aiming to attract billions in investment and boost the regional economy.
Premier Modular Expansion Creates Up to 50 New Jobs
Premier Modular announces expansion and up to 50 new jobs amid increased demand, moving towards round-the-clock production near Driffield in East Yorkshire.
Pensioners Miss £575 Triple Lock Boost
Despite the April 2026 State Pension triple lock increase of up to £575, experts warn that millions of pensioners will not receive the full amount due to pension type and NI record gaps.
Celtic Freeport CEO Steps Down After Less Than Two Years
Luciana Ciubotariu has resigned as chief executive of the Celtic Freeport, which covers Milford Haven and Port Talbot, following her appointment in May 2024.
Glastonbury's £6.3m Regeneration Secures Anchor Tenant
A major £6.3m regeneration project at Glastonbury's historic Baily's Buildings has secured an undisclosed anchor tenant, creating at least 15 new local jobs and revitalising the town's industrial heritage.
Yorkshire Business Activity Declines as Costs Hit Three-Year High
A new NatWest survey shows Yorkshire and Humber's private sector economy has slipped into decline, with cost inflation reaching a three-year high. Business confidence, however, remained resilient in the region.
North East Business Growth Slows Amid Global Tensions
A new NatWest report reveals North East private sector activity grew only slightly in March 2026, with confidence dampened by Middle East conflict and surging input costs, though employment levels improved.
UK Minister Blames Trump for Economic Struggles Amid Growth Data
Business Secretary Peter Kyle suggests Donald Trump's policies and Middle East conflicts are stressing UK economic growth, despite positive GDP figures showing 0.5% expansion.
Reeves: Iran War Will Cost Economy Despite GDP Growth
Chancellor Rachel Reeves responds to latest UK GDP figures showing 0.5% growth, warning that the conflict in Iran will have economic consequences while defending government economic strategy.
Dorset Innovation Park Awaits MoD Funding for Job Growth
Dorset Innovation Park could see a significant surge in employment and expansion next year if Ministry of Defence funding is secured, with delays currently stalling major projects.
Middleton's Ambitious Regeneration: Jobs, Homes, and Excitement
Residents in Middleton express growing excitement as regeneration plans progress, bringing new jobs, homes, and transport links to the once-sceptical town.
JCB Heir Warns Inheritance Tax Could Drive Business Out of UK
Jo Bamford, heir to the JCB fortune, warns that new inheritance tax rules on family businesses could force relocation abroad to preserve jobs and prevent company breakups.
£20m Funding for West Midlands and Wales Businesses
Community lender BCRS Business Loans receives £20m from the British Business Bank to support underserved small businesses in the West Midlands and Wales, enhancing economic growth and job creation.
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