Calls Grow for New M5 Junction to Boost Worcestershire Economy Sunday, June 14, 2026 m5 worcestershire malvern infrastructure economy jobs sciencepark transport development council Local business leaders and councillors are urging the development of a new M5 motorway junction, Junction 7A, which they believe could unlock significant economic opportunities in Worcestershire. Alan White, chief executive … Read More
New £60,000 VAT Threshold Boost Proposed to Support ‘Alarm Clock’ Small Businesses Thursday, June 11, 2026 vat reformuk smallbusiness taxbreak farage soletraders economy taxpolicy entrepreneurs britain Reform UK is pushing for a significant tax relief aimed at Britain’s small business owners, often dubbed “alarm clock Britain” for their early starts and relentless work ethic. Party leader Nigel Farage has announced plans to … Read More
Birmingham's Stark Wealth Divide Revealed in Just Three Miles Thursday, June 11, 2026 birmingham wealth inequality sparkhill edgbaston income poverty affluence diversity economy Birmingham starkly showcases the extremes of economic disparity within a mere three-mile stretch. On one end lies Sparkhill, recently identified as one of England’s poorest neighborhoods, grappling with high … Read More
New UK Sick Leave Rule Cuts Waiting Period and Expands Coverage Wednesday, June 10, 2026 sickpay employment uklaw workersrights payroll hr legislation labourparty sickleave economy Starting 6 April 2026, the UK government introduces landmark changes to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), delivering the most substantial upgrade to workers’ rights in decades. This new rule eliminates the three-day waiting period … Read More
Birmingham Pubs Urge Government to Cut VAT Rates Amid Financial Struggles Monday, June 8, 2026 birmingham vat hospitality pubs taxation economy business hospitalityindustry government costs Pubs across Birmingham are sounding the alarm, urging the government to reduce VAT rates which they say are “cutting the oxygen off” businesses struggling to survive. Currently, all food and drink sold in pubs is … Read More
Birmingham’s Chip Shops and Fine Dining Unite in Plea for VAT Relief Friday, June 5, 2026 birmingham hospitality vat restaurants chipshop michelin support economy nightlife campaign The recent closure of Birmingham’s oldest Michelin-starred restaurant, Simpsons, coupled with warnings from Bedders—the city’s legendary 80-year-old chip shop—highlights a growing crisis in Birmingham’s hospitality scene. … Read More