AGP Executive Report
Last update: 10 hours agoLate Payments Squeeze SMEs: New Dun & Bradstreet data shows UK firms paid suppliers on time only 61% of the time overall, with large employers doing worse (15% for firms with 1,000+ staff), leaving smaller businesses to carry working-capital pressure. High-Street Crackdown: Councils are set to gain more power to block new betting shops and 24-hour gaming venues as the “aim to permit” rule is scrapped, with ministers citing crime and illegal activity concerns. Zero-Hours Cost Warning: Labour’s “chaotic” zero-hour reforms could cost businesses up to £2.9bn a year, according to an impact assessment, with the Federation of Small Businesses warning of knock-on unemployment risks. Retail Crime Measures: Croydon is considering GPS ankle tags and exclusion zones for repeat shoplifters, while Northamptonshire Police urged tips after paint attacks on European supermarkets. Town Centre Support: Perth’s traders push for two hours’ free parking to lift footfall, and Portsmouth City Council names ECF as preferred partner for the City Centre North regeneration plan. Digital Pound Trials: The Bank of England selects Polygon, NOBO Finance and Dun & Bradstreet for Phase 2 tests on digital pound and stablecoin settlement for trade finance. Local Business Tendering: Wales health board tenders include a £92k Meiko dishwasher service/repair contract (closing 21 Aug) and police livery supply work worth £600k.
Note: AI summary from news headlines; neutral sources weighted more to help reduce bias in the result. Feedback is welcome. Please let us know if you have any comments or suggestions about the AGP Executive Report.
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