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1 day ago · UK interest rates have been cut to 4.5% as the Bank of England's voted to reduce borrowing costs, alongside a cut in short-term growth forecasts for the economy. The Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted for a quarter-point reduction, mirroring similar cuts in August and November last year ...

1 day ago · The cost of borrowing is expected to fall to its lowest point in more than 18 months. Senior economists at the Bank of England will announce later on Thursday whether they are cutting the UK’s base interest rate, which currently sits at 4.75%. Most experts predict a quarter point reduction to 4.5%

Dec 30, 2024 · UK businesses are bucking the trend of negative sentiment that has characterised much of the year, with an anticipated upturn in 2025. According to new findings from the Lloyds Business Barometer, more UK firms are optimistic about a stronger start to 2025 compared to their outlook at the beginning of 2024.

Jan 20, 2025 · A leading economist has signalled a stark warning that the government's tax hikes represent a "major threat" to the robustness of the labour market as anticipation builds for the latest employment statistics. The labour market has underpinned the UK economy's strength, with persistent high ...

Jan 29, 2025 · Business groups and economists have responded to Chancellor Rachel Reeves' latest economic growth plans, stating that while they are welcome, the measures in the October Budget will still impact companies. Ms Reeves has unveiled plans to transform Oxford and Cambridge into "Europe’s Silicon Valley ...

Jan 10, 2025 · More than 100 West Country companies collapsed last year as firms battled with tough trading conditions and an uncertain economic backdrop. South West businesses accounted for 6% of administrations in 2024 – the eighth highest region in the UK – according to analysis of public records by law firm Shakespeare Martineau.

Dec 12, 2024 · The foreign acquisition spree on UK firms has gained momentum this year, with international buyers executing a series of high-profile deals to take over listed companies.

Jan 1, 2025 · Analysing the UK's economic trajectory in 2024 has proven to be complex. At the year's outset, a consensus among forecasters suggested another stagnant year for the UK.

The latest business news from across the West Midlands including Birmingham, the Black Country, Coventry and Solihull. The region's biggest employers include Aston Martin, Birmingham Airport, Jaguar Land Rover, JCB, HS2, HSBC UK and NEC Group. Never miss a story - click here to sign up to our free email updates - and follow our …