Business News

The Chancellor responded to the ONS’s UK Economic Accounts: October to December 2024, which shows the latest data on Real Household Disposable Income - the central measure for living standards. 

The name WH Smith, a staple of UK town centres since the Victorian era, is set to disappear from the High Street after the firm agreed to sell its shops to Hobbycraft-owner Modella Capital.

In response to the Chancellor’s Spring Statement, Raj Kandola, director of external affairs at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “Businesses will breathe a sigh of relief that the Chancellor hasn’t chosen to clobber them with further tax hikes given the additional cost pressures that many are dealing with following the announcements she made last October.

Shakespeare Martineau partner Lucy Haynes has been recognised for balancing the demands of a legal career with life as a mother-of-three – including a daughter with complex medical needs – at this year’s Women and Diversity in Law Awards.

Thousands of new homes will be unlocked on surplus public defence land to speed up the delivery of housing for hard-working people and families, thanks to a new taskforce to remove the blockers, build homes and turbocharge economic growth. 

The UK Chancellor has promise to deliver “security for working people” and a “decade of national renewal”, as she revealed how the Government will put advanced weaponry in the hands of British troops, provide better homes for military families and kickstart economic growth through the ‘Plan for Change’. 

Law firm Sydney Mitchell has hired Sharon Levell as HR Manager to drive and deliver its people strategy, employee engagement and support, and recruitment and retention policies.

Multidisciplinary firm adi Group’s Facilities Engineering (FE) division is investing in continued growth through a newly appointed sales team.

Helping hard working families get safe and secure homes and kickstarting economic growth are driving the Government’s agenda, as the Chancellor and Deputy Prime Minister today (Tuesday 25 March) announced up to 18,000 new social and affordable homes will be built with a £2 billion injection of investment to deliver the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change.

Responds to Bank of England interest rates decision, Lily Megson (pic), Policy Director at My Pension Expert, said: “The ongoing geo-political turbulence coupled with domestic tax reforms continue to fuel economic uncertainty; the Bank of England has clearly decided not to throw petrol on the flames.

“Whilst the decision carries a hint of stability, it does little to ease the financial strain on savers. The cost-of-living crisis lingers, and with inflation remaining elevated – with possible increases announced next week – the value of Britons’ hard-earned savings continues to erode.

“At the same time, uncertainty around future policy changes makes it increasingly difficult for people to plan their long-term finances with confidence. With no clear direction on savings, pensions, or retirement support, many will be left second-guessing their next steps.

“While the Central Bank has avoided adding fuel to the fire, the government must now take decisive action. Simply waiting for interest rates to cool inflation is not a plan. Savers need consistency and support to restore confidence in their financial future.

“With the Chancellor’s Spring Statement fast approaching, we can only hope for a renewed focus on ensuring people can save enough for a secure financial future. A good place to start would be improving access to financial education and independent advice because at the moment, too many people are left without the guidance they need to face the current uncertainty.”

Equiom Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Sharon Yam as its new Regional Head of Asia.

The head of the Employment Law team of Midlands firm Sydney Mitchell has been announced as the new President of Solihull Chamber of Commerce, the largest regional division of the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce.

Ahead of the Spring Statement next week (Wednesday 26 March) the Chancellor has announced £600 million worth of investment to train up to 60,000 more skilled construction workers.

The Confederation of British Metalforming (CBM) and its 200 members fully support the transition of British steelmakers to greener and more efficient technologies.

Resonance, one of the UK's leading social impact investors, has committed £1.8m to Community Ventures (Middlesbrough) Limited (CVL) from its Resonance Community Developers fund – helping to get 50 households off the social housing waiting list.

As Europe accelerates its transition toward sustainable industrial automation and electric mobility, Godrej Enterprises Group is expanding its Motor Solutions business to meet the growing demand for high-performance motor components and special motors.