News
Consumer spend up 3.6% in April, bolstered by warmer weather
13/05/2013
The improving weather has had a very positive impact on retailers and total spend growth compared to April last year was up 3.6%, which is above the current inflation rate.
City leaders urge business community to back economic ambition
13/05/2013
Plans for the International Festival for Business 2014 (IFB 2014), the 61-day expo of world-class events, bringing £100 million of inward investment to Britain, are to be unveiled at a key UKTI export event in Liverpool.
Opinion: Yen behaving badly?
13/05/2013
After a positive run in the week, sterling started to weaken against its major counterparts as the UK trade report showed the current account position has deteriorated - effectively undermining the positive growth figures from the last few weeks.
Interest in crowdfunding boosted by lack of confidence in banks
13/05/2013
Despite the economy avoiding a triple dip recession many leading entrepreneurs remain concerned about long-term growth prospects, according to the latest Smith & Williamson Enterprise Index. There was a marginal drop in the headline figure, although there were signs of positivity elsewhere.
Export Week to help firms target high growth markets
13/05/2013
Lord Green will this week launch a series of events up and down the UK to promote business abroad.
Regional Growth Fund continues to help revive manufacturing
13/05/2013
The Regional Growth Fund continues to help revive British manufacturing as three further awards are announced as part of a North East tour by Vince Cable today (Monday).
Why are public sector workers the least confident?
13/05/2013
Over three quarters, (76%) of private sector workers say that they are confident in their job security compared with under three quarters, (73%) of those working in the public sector according to the latest findings of Legal & General’s Job Security Index.
Fastest increase in Scottish business activity for 12 months
13/05/2013
The second quarter started brightly for private sector firms north of the border, with latest PMI data from Bank of Scotland showing faster increases in both business activity and new work.
Over half of all finance contractors move into the public sector
13/05/2013
The percentage of accountancy and finance contractors working in the public sector has increased to 51%, according to recent research by professional umbrella employment provider, giant group.
Cold weather sees gas usage rise by 18%
13/05/2013
Cold weather at the start of the year has seen gas use increase by 18% in 2013, according to Centrica, the company that owns British Gas.
