Business

UK growth could be ‘postponed’ for two years, report warns

EY ITEM Club forecast cites damage from trade war, tariff uncertainty and persistent inflation – but says action by the Bank of England has the potential to help.
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Pic: iStock

US trade deal ‘possible’ but not ‘certain’, says senior minister

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster also says the UK does not have to choose between the US and EU when it comes to securing economic agreements.

Chair candidates battle to check in at Premier Inn-owner Whitbread

Severn Trent chair Christine Hodgson and Intertek chair Andrew Martin are vying to succeed Adam Crozier at the helm of the London-listed leisure group, Sky News learns.
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Premier Inn. File pic: PA/Mike Egerton

Bank chiefs to Reeves: Ditch ring-fencing to boost UK economy

The bosses of HSBC, Lloyds Banking Group, NatWest Group and Santander UK have told the chancellor the moment has come to abolish bank ring-fencing in an explosive letter obtained by Sky News.

Trade war: UK car exporter’s shares slump to four-year low

Inchcape warns investors that it expects to be hit by the trade war disruption on several fronts but insists its market leading position means it is well placed.
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An aerial view of new cars awaiting transit in the UK

Nandy to sign off appointment of Kogan as top football referee

David Kogan, a sports media rights veteran, is to be announced as the first chair of the Independent Football Regulator in the coming days, Sky News can reveal.
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File pic: PA

Government to decide on ‘postcode pricing’ plan for electricity bills by summer

So-called “zonal pricing” could see the south of England pay more for electricity bills than parts of Scotland. It comes as energy secretary Ed Miliband doubles down on the case for more clean power, while a Trump official invokes the Bible to support US energy policy.
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Ed Miliband is considering overhauling the electricity market as the government tries to clean up the power system. Pic: AP

Hundreds of jobs at risk as The Original Factory Shop launches survival plan

Close to 1,000 jobs and half of TOFS' stores are under threat if landlords do not agree to demands drawn up by Modella Capital, the chain's new owner, Sky News learns.
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The Original Factory Shop. Pic: PA

Rate cut speculation lights up as economic outlook darkens

Data suggests confidence among businesses and consumers is falling sharply as the Trump trade war combines with rising costs to threaten a greater slowdown.
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File pic: PA

Water bosses face up to two years in prison for illegal sewage spills

New law comes into effect today as trust in the water industry reaches a record low, according to the state spending watchdog.
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Untreated sewage is discharged from a Thames Water treatment works in March 2024. Pic: Reuters