Business News

The United Kingdom places eighth in the index, however, the country scores highly for its net-gross turnover of OTC foreign exchange instruments – which was the highest worldwide in 2022 at $3,755 billion. This is 98% higher than in nearby France, where turnover was just $214 billion in the same period.

A new briefing from the Social Market Foundation, authored by Will Henshall – a researcher at the Harvard Kennedy School – warns that without a change in course, the UK faces the prospect of having to pay ever more for breakthroughs or having to accept slower rates of progress and economic growth.

Self Assessment customers could take advantage of four key benefits when filing their tax return early, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has revealed. The Self Assessment deadline for the 2022 to 2023 tax year is 31 January 2024. Customers who file early will have more control over their financial affairs and beat the January rush.

Birmingham full-service law firm Shakespeare Martineau has welcomed new partner Natalie Owen to launch and lead its social housing securitisation team.

Natalie is a trusted adviser to a range of not-for-profit and for-profit registered providers, advising them on complex large-scale residential portfolio funding and acquisition projects to maximise their assets. With 18 years’ post-qualified experience, Natalie has joined the firm from Trowers & Hamlins, where she headed up its Birmingham real estate finance security team.

The Future Faces division of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce has announced the shortlist for the Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year awards.

The winners will be announced at the annual dinner and awards, taking place on Friday 22 September at the Eastside Rooms.

Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch has formally signed the treaty to accede to CPTPP trade group in New Zealand this morning [Sunday], kickstarting the UK’s membership of a modern and ambitious trade deal spanning 12 economies across Asia, the Pacific, and now Europe. The Secretary of State is in Auckland to put pen to paper on this mega deal, alongside New Zealand Trade Minister Damien O’Connor, Canadian Trade Minister Mary Ng, Japanese Minister for Economic Revitalisation Goto Shigeyuki and Australian Deputy Trade Minister Tim Ayres.

A Pakistani chaiwala who went viral for his blue eyes has now opened his own cafe in London.

Arshad Khan became an overnight sensation in 2016 when he was spotted selling tea from a small stall on a side road in Islamabad. His eyes led to Arshad attracting attention, particularly among women and he has now opened his own cafe, located on London’s Ilford Lane.

Astrocast, a leading satellite IoT operator, announces the extension of its partnership with Airbus Defence and Space (Airbus), a global leader in the aerospace industry. This partnership enhances the capabilities of satellite Internet of Things (SatIoT) technology. It enables Astrocast to further increase its network capacity to provide the most reliable and cost-effective SatIoT solutions to its customers.

Specialist Devon-based food, drink and lifestyle PR agency RAW is expanding at pace and, amongst a number of recent new business wins, is now working with The Collective at Woolsery. To resource its growing client base, RAW has taken on board highly experienced PR practitioner and influencer Cheska Hull. 

Netradyne, a leading provider of artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning-based solutions for driver and fleet safety, has been honoured with the prestigious FICCI Road Safety 2022 Award in the category of ‘Product and Services in Road Safety by Corporates’. This distinguished recognition is a testament to Netradyne’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies to enhance driver behaviour and mitigate road accidents.

Families struggling to afford to rent a good quality, energy efficient home are set to benefit from a new Black Country housing scheme, built on derelict land using some of the latest low carbon construction technology. The former Wood & Moore Builders Merchants in Wallows Road, Brierley Hill, which was also previously used as a glassworks, has been unlocked for new residential development thanks to an investment of nearly £700,000 from the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

Almost 50 businesses will benefit from Wolverhampton Council’s city centre west Relaunch Grant – with only a handful of traders choosing not to apply. Almost 90 per cent of eligible businesses submitted applications by the June 30 deadline for the scheme, which offers businesses a one-off amount of £5,000, even though the council is not legally obliged to do so.

Harrods, the world's leading luxury department store, has today announced the launch of its very first private members' club with the new club in Shanghai set to open at the end of the year. Housed in the impressive Cha House in the heart of the city, The Residence will epitomise Harrods' quintessential British luxury, creating a destination committed to the finest hospitality for an exclusive membership community.

A big female sports personality has been added to the list of impressive, confirmed speakers for the one-day event. Downtown in Business, in association with VSI Executive Education, is hosting its inaugural Business of Sport conference on Thursday 7th September 2023, at the Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Stadium, home of Lancashire County Cricket Club.

A 455-home high-quality development, district centre and 55 later living units will be built in Bedworth after being given the go-ahead by councillors – following support by planning experts at Marrons. The Hospital Lane scheme – led by land promoter Richborough – will provide a range of one to five-bedroomed properties, 25% of which will be affordable. All properties will have secure, on-plot cycle storage, while those with dedicated parking will also be fitted with electric vehicle charge points.

CG Couture presented a Pop-Up Sale yesterday, presenting quality garments from bridal to everyday ready-to-wear looks. A special introduction on the day was a selection of Afro-centric greeting cards by the new arm to the brand, CG publishing. The event also featured a competition where long-standing clients were encouraged to bring along their oldest, now vintage CG Couture item. And, given CG’s rich history in the trade; the person with the oldest garment won, and was given a bonus - if it still fitted!