Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.
'Small businesses show resilience in challenging times'
Asian Trader Magazine
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August 28, 2025
Highlights 60% of SME owners expect growth in the next three months. Younger leaders more bullish than over-55s Key challenges pointed out as rising costs, inflation, and regulatory uncertainty. Small businesses, like local shops and convenience...
EcoCash ramps up UK remittances drive
Zimbabwe Independent
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EcoCash EcoCash, Zimbabwe’s largest financial technology platform, says it is stepping up efforts to increase international remittance receipts by partnering with more global payment platforms. The mobile money service, owned by Econet Wireless...
75% SME’s believe better wellbeing improves business success say Amex
ChannelX
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August 29, 2025
Three quarters (75%) of SME leaders believe that the better they feel, the more successful their business is, according to findings from American Express’ latest Business Barometer survey. The annual research surveyed 1,000 senior decision makers...
Yorkshire business confidence down despite UK-wide rise - Lloyds
Yorkshire Business Insider
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Martyn Kendrick, regional director for Yorkshire and the Humber at Lloyds (image credit: Lloyds) Yorkshire business confidence fell in August despite a rise across the UK, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds. Companies in...
New taxes on small US parcels could lead to price hikes, UK firms warn
BBC
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Charlotte Edwards & Emer MoreauBusiness reporters, BBC News ShareSave Helen Hickman says new taxes on small parcels are causing "an absolute chaotic mess". UK firms are warning that new taxes on sending low-value parcels to the US are bringing...
New LSBD center at LSUA helps small business owners, entrepreneurs
The Town Talk - Louisiana
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A new Small Business Development Center has opened at LSUA, offering free, confidential consulting to entrepreneurs in Central Louisiana. The center, part of a statewide network, assists businesses in a seven-parish area with planning, legal...
UK seen as top destination for tech growth ahead of US, Europe and APAC, says Barclays
Business Matters
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August 29, 2025
The bank’s latest Business Prosperity Index found that 62 per cent of UK tech leaders see their home market as a better place to grow and scale a business than mainland Europe, with 61 per cent preferring the UK to Asia-Pacific and 60 per cent...
Octopus Energy founder Greg Jackson appointed to UK government advisory board
Business Matters
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August 29, 2025
The appointment marks a significant move to bring private sector expertise into Whitehall decision-making. Jackson, whose energy supplier has grown from a start-up in 2015 to a company valued at £9 billion, is expected to use his three-year term...
Over £1m injected so far into local small businesses by A9 Tomatin-Moy dualling
Strathspey and Badenoch Herald
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August 28, 2025
Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop meets some of those progressing the dualling of the A9 between Tomatin and Moy.The construction of the A9 dual carriageway between Tomatin and Moy has injected more than £1 million into small local businesses. And...
South African small businesses celebrate their business successes like no other country
Cape Business News
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August 28, 2025
Research from Xero underscores South Africans’ unique approach to entrepreneurship, with 92% marking milestones Xero, the global small business platform, has published new independent research revealing South African small businesses celebrate...
Nat Sciver-Brunt sees tough England World Cup selection as a sign of strength
Express & Star
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August 29, 2025
England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt believes Kate Cross’ World Cup omission is the kind of ruthless selection decision that shows her team is heading in the right direction. The experienced seamer was edged out of a 15-strong squad as England opted...
Major bank set to axe seven charges for UK customers within weeks
Birmingham Live
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August 29, 2025
A major bank is set to AXE seven key account charges within weeks. Bank of Ireland UK is scrapping several common bank account fees from October 6. The changes apply to both personal customers in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Under the...
Improving The Pathway From SME Innovation To NHS Adoption
Forbes
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The UK’s aspiration to be a global leader in life science and health technologies is one backed up by world-class research and innovation. Yet the pathway from medical technology conception to patient access is slow and rife with challenges. This...
UK creative industries secure record £2.4bn in tax reliefs
Business Matters
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August 28, 2025
Figures from HMRC show a 10 per cent increase on the previous year, underlining the government’s recognition of the sector’s importance to growth, investment and jobs. High-end television productions were once again the single largest beneficiary,...
Four in five online small businesses expect growth despite UK economic headwinds
Business Matters
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August 28, 2025
The study, which surveyed 1,000 small firms selling via ecommerce platforms, found that 78 per cent expect growth in the year ahead. The main drivers of optimism included strong consumer demand (30 per cent), the adoption of new selling tools and...
India's small businesses scramble to cushion blow from Trump's 50% tariffs
Zawya
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MUMBAI - Tens of thousands of Indian small businesses are scrambling to find new buyers in markets across Europe, Africa and Asia to dull the impact of a 50% tariff on exports to the U.S. that took effect on Wednesday. Firms also front-loaded...
'It's a chaotic mess': UK firms warn over US small parcel tax
BBC
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Charlotte Edwards & Emer MoreauBusiness reporters, BBC News ShareSave Helen Hickman says new taxes on small parcels are causing "an absolute chaotic mess". UK firms are warning that new taxes on sending low-value parcels to the US are bringing...
UK businesses face £11bn annual loss due to late payments
The Accountant
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August 28, 2025
Delayed payments are costing UK businesses approximately £11bn annually, with individual companies losing an average of £45m annually due to disruptions in their supply chains, a report from Basware has revealed. This finding aligns with recent...
Oasis, foot darts and ice cream - how one North Wales school dares to be different
NorthWalesLive
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August 29, 2025
It starts with a live medley of Oasis’ greatest hits in school assembly. After that, the annual sports day at Ysgol Dinas Brân gets even weirder. Traditional events, like egg-and-spoon races, have been banished at the Llangollen school. In their...
Scotland shoplifting figures worse than government report suggests, says Fed
Talking Retail
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August 28, 2025
Recorded crime figures released this week by the Scottish government revealed that shoplifting increased by 17% compared to the previous year (from 40,554 to 47,381 crimes) and increased by 124% from the year ending June 2021 (from 21,136 to...