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UK income growth revised upwards as economy shows resilience

UK household incomes grew faster than initially estimated in the first half of 2026, with GDP revised upward to 0.5% in the second quarter. The stronger figures provide a boost for Chancellor John Healey ahead of his first Budget on 28 October.

4 min read

UK banks lead Europe in coal financing despite climate pledges

UK banks provided $8.3bn in coal financing between 2021 and 2025, leading Europe, with Barclays and HSBC increasing their funding despite climate pledges, according to Urgewald research.

5 min read

Dangote's $16bn Kenya refinery breaks ground amid land dispute and court order

Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote and Kenya's President William Ruto break ground on a $16bn oil refinery in Lamu despite land disputes and court orders. The facility will process 700,000 barrels daily and include a 1,000-megawatt power plant.

5 min read

Essex farmers battle worst harvests in years as yields plummet

Essex farmers report devastating crop losses as yields plummet 11–40% following extreme weather. Concerns grow about farm viability and future food prices as consecutive poor seasons threaten family operations.

5 min read

Greggs to close four factories with 740 job losses by 2028

Greggs plans to close four manufacturing facilities and cut 740 jobs by 2028 as part of a restructuring to support retail expansion. The £60m investment will generate £20m in annual savings from 2028 onwards, though the changes remain subject to union and employee consultation.

5 min read

UK economy revised up to 0.5% growth in Q2; Greggs to cut 740 jobs

The UK economy grew faster than initially estimated in Q2 2026, with growth revised to 0.5%, while Greggs announced plans to cut 740 jobs despite improved trading. The upgrades offer encouragement for the government but economists warn of a winter slowdown ahead.

8 min read

Heating oil customers risk running out by delaying orders, supplier warns

Heating oil customers are gambling with their supply by delaying orders hoping for price falls, warns Marsh Fuels. With prices up 75% since February and experts predicting they'll stay high until spring, the strategy risks leaving households without fuel or facing emergency surcharges.

4 min read

US start-ups race to build sodium-ion battery industry at home

US battery start-ups are racing to establish domestic sodium-ion manufacturing, driven by European demand and data centre growth. Companies like Unigrid, Peak Energy and Emerald Battery Labs aim to break China's dominance in battery supply chains.

8 min read

Energy bills rise just 0.2% in January as forecast of 16% surge proves wrong

Household energy bills will rise by just 0.2% in January 2026, far below forecasts of a 16% increase. The typical annual bill will be £1,758, up £37 from the previous quarter, as international gas prices fell from elevated levels.

7 min read

Tilray invests £50m in BrewDog revival as new owner seeks redemption

Tilray, which acquired BrewDog in March, is investing £50m to improve beers, pubs and working conditions as it seeks to rebuild the brand following founder James Watt's departure and workplace controversies.

5 min read

Clarkson calls for single 'Britflix' platform to save British broadcasting

Jeremy Clarkson has called for British broadcasters to merge into a single "Britflix" platform to survive competition from global streamers. Speaking at the RTS London convention, the Clarkson's Farm star warned that talented producers and crew are leaving the industry as traditional broadcasters...

6 min read

UK mortgage approvals hit lowest level since late 2023 as interest rates climb

UK mortgage approvals fell to their lowest level since December 2023 in August as rising interest rates deterred borrowers. The effective mortgage rate climbed to 4.60%, while the government paid the highest gilt yield since 1999 at a bond auction.

10 min read