World of Business

More in World of Business

Ineos Halts Three Hull Chemical Plants Over UK Gas Prices

Ineos has suspended production at three major chemical plants in Hull, affecting 4,000 jobs, citing UK gas prices 12 times higher than in the US. The facilities produce materials for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and other industries.

4 min read

West of England businesses squeezed as petrol prices near £2 per litre

Businesses across the West of England struggle with profitability as petrol prices soar to nearly £2 per litre, driven by Middle East supply disruptions. Taxi operators, petrol retailers and charities face difficult choices between absorbing costs or raising prices.

5 min read

Vet prescription fees capped at £21 under new competition rules

The Competition and Markets Authority has capped veterinary prescription fees at £21 and introduced sweeping transparency rules. Practices must publish price lists, provide written estimates for costly treatments, and disclose ownership details. The changes take effect over a three- to 12-month r...

5 min read

Government borrowing surges 20% to £18.3bn in August amid inflation pressures

Government borrowing jumped to £18.3 billion in August, nearly 20% higher than a year earlier, as inflation pushed up public spending. Debt interest payments hit a record £8.8 billion, intensifying pressure on Chancellor John Healey ahead of his October Budget.

4 min read

Breakdown service owner says fuel costs hit business by £10,000

A Jersey breakdown service owner reports fuel costs have hit his business by £9,000 to £11,000. A proposed temporary fuel duty cut was withdrawn, with the government instead planning targeted cost-of-living measures in its 2026 budget.

4 min read

Fuel costs surge to 2022 levels, squeezing small firms and drivers

Small businesses and drivers face mounting pressure as fuel prices reach 2022 levels, driven by Middle East supply disruptions. A Worcestershire haulage firm reports £1,200 weekly extra costs, while individual motorists pay £70+ for small car fills.

4 min read

Petrol prices hit four-year high as motorists cut spending

Petrol and diesel prices have climbed to four-year highs, forcing households to cut spending and adding tens of thousands of pounds weekly to business costs. Prices reached 169.4p per litre for petrol and 191.3p for diesel in mid-September 2026.

5 min read

Barclaycard billed me for a stranger's debt—13 months to fix

A Barclaycard customer received payment overdue notices for someone else's credit card account for over a year. Despite reporting the error immediately, the company took 13 months to remove the wrong email address and offered £200 compensation.

2 min read

Pure maple syrup taste test: which supermarket bottle wins?

We tasted 10 supermarket pure maple syrups to find the best overall and best value. Maple Shack wins top marks with intense caramelised toffee flavour, while Waitrose No 1 offers the strongest bargain. All syrups tested were 100% pure grade-A.

5 min read

Can You Actually Enjoy a Canned Cocktail? A Taste Test of Britain's Best

Quality canned cocktails exist but remain rare. Whitebox, Moth and Marks & Spencer's premium Served range offer genuinely sophisticated options, though most premixed drinks prioritise sweet fruit flavours over taste. The category has tripled in volume since 2020.

4 min read

Superfans Reshape Concert Industry With Premium Ticket Spending

Superfans are spending thousands on VIP concert tickets and premium experiences, reshaping how the live music industry generates revenue. The trend has accelerated post-pandemic, with premium packages now standard at major venues.

7 min read

Gen Z Shuns Private Equity Restaurant Chains, Fearing 'Soulless' Dining

As private equity firms expand into restaurants, Gen Z consumers are organizing online to avoid chains they view as soulless and overpriced, citing examples like a $20 acai bowl and warning others away from corporate-backed establishments.

9 min read