UK small businesses are pressing Prime Minister Andy Burnham for cost relief as sales growth slows for a third straight quarter and hiring hits its weakest pace in six months, according to Xero data covering 440,000 firms. The hospitality sector has been hit hardest, with pub and venue closures accelerating amid rising labour costs, higher National Insurance contributions, and an increased National Living Wage. Business leaders are calling for VAT cuts, food price controls, and government-backed loans ahead of the Autumn Budget, after Burnham's recent business rates relief for pubs excluded hotels, restaurants and cafes.
Read more
Geely's premium brand Zeekr is bringing its flagship 9X plug-in hybrid SUV to Europe, offering luxury features and hypercar performance at a starting price around $66,530 in China—far below the $442,750 Rolls-Royce Cullinan....
Properties with sea views now cost an average of £88,106 more than comparable coastal homes without the outlook, with some locations commanding premiums exceeding £220,000 as remote working fuels demand for seaside living....
Energy giant Shell reported its second-best quarterly results ever with profits of £7.29bn, driven by oil trading gains during the US-Iran war, as UK motorists face fuel prices near 160p per litre....
