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Britain’s Major Chemical Plant Faces Closure Amid Rising Energy Costs

Peter Huntsman warns that his UK chemical plant may close if energy prices stay high for three months, highlighting challenges facing Britain's chemical industry amid soaring costs.

4 min read

An aerial view of one of Britain’s last major chemicals plants in Wilton, north-east England

Middle East Oilfield Shutdowns Threaten to Sustain High Prices Beyond Strait Crisis

Shutdowns of major Middle East oilfields amid the Iran conflict risk prolonging high oil prices, with production cuts and infrastructure damage threatening to surpass 2008 price records.

5 min read

Tankers sailing in the Gulf near the strait of Hormuz

Mothers and Daughters Collaborate to Build Successful Businesses

Harriet and Angela Maguire, along with Jane and Chantelle Joseph, demonstrate how mother-daughter partnerships can successfully build and manage event and entertainment businesses through trust and teamwork.

3 min read

Popsugar Social and PR Harriet and Angela Maguire are sitting in front of a table that has been decorated with peach-coloured flowers and candles. There is a white sign which reads: The Events Agency in black lettering.

Fertiliser CEO Warns Prolonged Iran Conflict Could Devastate Global Food Supplies

Yara CEO Svein Tore Holsether warns that a prolonged Iran conflict could severely disrupt global food supplies due to fertiliser shortages and soaring prices, impacting vulnerable countries worldwide.

3 min read

Tractors carrying out deep bed shaping in North Norfolk field

Iran War Spurs Fuel Price Surge, Threatening UK Coach Firms

Fuel prices have surged following air-strikes on Tehran, severely impacting UK coach firms like Maghull Coaches and taxi drivers. Industry leaders met government officials to discuss collaborative solutions amid rising costs.

3 min read

Thomas Berrington/BBC A woman with light brown hair cut into a fringe, wearing a high-vis jacket over a knitted beige jumper with a floral design, looks into the camera on a concrete bus depot with red and yellow double decker buses in the background.

Heating Oil Customers in SE England Report Being Charged Twice Amid Conflict

Residents in south-east England report heating oil suppliers cancelling prepaid orders and demanding higher prices amid Middle East conflict. Officials warn against profiteering and call for consumer protections.

3 min read

David Knight A man stands next to a green heating oil tank.

US Launches Trade Probe into EU, Canada, UK Over Forced Labour Concerns

The US has launched a trade investigation into 60 countries, including the EU, Canada, and the UK, over forced labour concerns, potentially leading to new tariffs following a Supreme Court ruling.

3 min read

Getty Images Piles of folded clothing in white, yellow, peach, pink, burgundy, green and blue are folded on the shelf in clothing store.

Reeves to Crack Down on Fuel Price Gouging Amid Middle East Crisis

Chancellor Rachel Reeves urges the CMA to crack down on excessive fuel prices amid Middle East conflict. UK economy flatlined in January, with concerns over heating oil costs and government document controversies ongoing.

7 min read

Chancellor Rachel Reeves in Downing Street

Dharshini David: UK Economy Unsteady Before Iran Conflict Escalation

The UK economy showed signs of stalling early in 2026 amid consumer caution and rising costs, with new geopolitical tensions in Iran threatening further disruption and inflationary pressures.

3 min read

Getty Images Person paying for food in a restaurant using contactless card

Lochaber Aluminium Smelter Exports to US Following Tariff Adjustments

Alvance British Aluminium's Fort William smelter has increased production by 10% and begun exporting to the US after tariff changes, benefiting from low-cost hydroelectric power despite rising energy costs and global market challenges.

3 min read

Alvance British Aluminium A view inside an area of the smelter called the potroom. An operator dressed in protective clothing uses a remote control to tip a large pot of molten metal into another pot, which is on the back of a trailer pulled by a tractor.

PwC UK Head Confirms Graduate Hiring to Rise Despite AI and Economic Challenges

PwC UK plans to increase graduate hiring next year despite economic challenges and AI concerns. CEO Marco Amitrano praises young recruits' eagerness and defends university education for its life skills.

4 min read

BBC Head and shoulders shot of a man in glasses, white shirt and black suit, pressing the fingertips of his fingers together.

UK Economy Shows No Growth in January, Official Data Reveals

The UK economy showed no growth in January, with services stagnant and production down 0.1%. Labour prioritizes growth amid a subdued economic outlook.

1 min read

Richard Drury/Getty Images Female mechanic wearing a dark green hoody, blue gilet and black beanie hat works on a car engine