Business Rates Relief Push: Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham says he’d abolish business rates for shops and lift the start-paying threshold for small firms from £12,000 to £18,000, with relief aimed at single-site family businesses and hospitality. Hospitality Pressure: Chefs including Tom Kerridge back Burnham’s bid, arguing VAT and rates are squeezing the sector. Local Business Support: St John’s Green PTA is asking local businesses for raffle prizes or sponsorship for its July 3 summer fair, offering name-checks in social media and the school newsletter. Airport Redevelopment Impact: Coventry Airport is set to close permanently this week after 90 years, with flights ending and the site earmarked for a Greenpower Park battery production and recycling hub. Tech Investment for SMEs: AMD plans up to £2bn over five years in the UK to expand AI compute access and research partnerships, including with Imperial College London. Food Trade Warning: Nearly a fifth of UK fish and chip shops could close within a year, with owners citing cost pressures and calls for VAT cuts. Workforce Compliance Fines: A Poole car wash and other businesses were fined for employing illegal workers, with penalties totalling hundreds of thousands of pounds. Community Retail Boost: Pershore launches a Charity Shop Trail to drive visitors into town and support local charity retailers. Aerospace/Defence SME Link: Swindon defence-tech firm STARK unveils new unmanned systems and teams with Hampshire engineering SME Force Development Services on a launcher.