Trending Business News
Worcester farmer says Budget’s minimum wage rise is ‘massive blow’
A Worcester farmer criticized the Budget’s 3.9% minimum wage increase as a “massive blow” to his business, saying the government failed to provide substantial relief for hospitality and farming sectors.
This Budget was micro and that was deliberate
The government delivered a deliberately modest fiscal statement aimed at providing economic stability during a period of market uncertainty and geopolitical tensions affecting energy costs and borrowing.
Cruise companies aim to keep fuel costs down. Their strategies for doing so differ
Major cruise operators have posted strong recent earnings despite rising fuel costs, employing divergent strategies such as hedging derivatives or reducing fuel consumption to manage expenses.
American Airlines forecasts bigger loss in 2026 on fuel spike, plans to slow growth next year
American Airlines forecast deeper losses this year due to soaring fuel costs despite record revenue, and announced plans to slow capacity growth next year as major carriers struggle with jet fuel expenses.
Pepsi renews contract with Taco Bell days after KFC switches to Coke in the U.S.
PepsiCo renewed its partnership with Taco Bell through 2036, days after sister chain KFC switched to Coca-Cola as its U.S. beverage supplier.
Marc Lore’s Wonder bets on Texas, automation and user-built restaurants as it mulls IPO
Food startup Wonder, founded by Marc Lore in 2018, plans aggressive Texas expansion, a subscriber-run restaurant model, and a potential IPO as it pursues fully autonomous food preparation by 2040.
Volkswagen to build $4bn Audi SUV factory in US despite job cuts at home
Audi announced plans to invest $4 billion in a new factory in Georgia to produce SUVs, amid Volkswagen’s struggle with US tariffs and simultaneous job cuts in Germany.
Dolores Huerta, influential labor leader, feminist and civil rights icon, dies at 96
Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the United Farm Workers union and originator of the phrase “Sí, se puede!,” has died at 96. The influential labor leader, civil rights icon and feminist activist passed away at her home.
What we now know about the UK economy in four charts
The UK economy faces headwinds from rising energy prices tied to Middle East conflict, with growth forecasts downgraded and inflation expected to peak at 3.8% in 2027, according to official projections.
Restaurants sceptical over ‘garlic and gherkins’ Budget move
The Treasury announced tariff removal on over 100 food items including garlic and gherkins, projected to save households £21 annually, though restaurant operators question the practical impact.
Thames Water creditors to vote on emergency £2.4bn loan as cash runs low
Thames Water creditors are voting on an emergency £2.4bn loan to keep the troubled utility operating through autumn 2027, amid debate over costs and potential government intervention.
Worcester haulier blames rising fuel prices for diesel theft
A Worcester haulage company reports 400 litres of diesel stolen from two vehicles over the weekend, with the director attributing the theft to elevated fuel prices.
Small businesses in Bilston say Budget failed to deliver the help they need
Small business owners in Bilston say the government’s Budget fails to address rising energy costs and labor expenses that are straining their operations and limiting expansion.
Shell profits double to $10.8bn as Iran war pushes up margin on oil
Shell’s profits doubled to $10.8 billion in the third quarter as Middle East conflict disrupted global energy markets and lifted oil and gas prices, prompting the company to increase shareholder returns.
Poundland’s future hangs in the balance as chain edges towards collapse
Poundland has filed notice to appoint administrators as the discount chain faces potential collapse after its American owner restricted funding access and rejected a rescue bid.
Europe’s car makers are in crisis. Will the threat of war rescue them?
European automakers facing commercial decline are pivoting toward military vehicle production as defence budgets surge across the continent, with Ford, Renault, Volkswagen, and Jaguar Land Rover all pursuing defence contracts.
Bust companies revived in ‘phoenix’ deals more likely to fail again, study finds
Research indicates companies revived through pre-pack administrations involving previous management fail at significantly higher rates and repay creditors substantially less than those acquired by unconnected parties.
Retail leads the way on paternity leave as government urged to improve offer
Retail companies including Marks & Spencer and Tesco are leading efforts to enhance paternity leave, offering six weeks at full pay compared to the statutory two-week minimum, prompting calls for government reform.
Why China is desperate to ship cars outside of the country
China’s auto market faces its slowest sales period in 26 years outside the pandemic, with passenger car retail sales down 21.7% year-over-year through September, driving domestic carmakers to pursue overseas expansion.
Business secretary writes to Poundland owner as administration fears build
The UK business secretary’s office has contacted Poundland’s US owner Gordon Brothers as the discount retailer faces potential administration, with 12,000 jobs at stake.
Oil price rises above $117 a barrel amid fears US will renew strikes on Iran
Brent crude oil surged above $117 a barrel, reaching its highest level in over six months, amid escalating Middle East tensions and concerns about potential US military strikes on Iran.
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