Business & Economy Editor
Priya Sharma reports on business, finance, and the UK economy. She holds an MBA from London Business School and has written for The Financial Times and The Times.
MPs have voted to approve the Seventh Carbon Budget, committing the UK to reduce emissions by 87% by 2040 in what has been described as one of the most ambitious climate targets in the world.
The Bank of England has held the base interest rate at 5.25% for the fifth consecutive meeting, offering some relief to homeowners but signalling caution on inflation.
A major high street retailer has entered administration, putting hundreds of jobs at risk and raising fresh concerns about the future of brick-and-mortar retail in the UK.
A new government grant scheme offering up to £25,000 for small businesses has opened for applications, aiming to boost innovation and job creation in local communities.
UK inflation fell to 2.2% in the year to May, its lowest level in nearly three years, fuelling expectations that the Bank of England could cut interest rates as early as August 2026.
UK high street footfall rose to its highest level in three years in May 2026, driven by improving consumer confidence, falling inflation, and a wave of new store openings across major retail destinations.
Sweeping changes to the UK's points-based immigration system will take effect from August 2026, tightening salary thresholds and narrowing eligibility for health and care worker visas.
The government has announced a £12 billion affordable homes plan to build 180,000 new properties across England by 2030, targeting first-time buyers and social housing tenants.
The UK inflation rate has fallen to 2.1% in the latest ONS figures, the lowest level in nearly three years, offering relief to households and raising expectations of an interest rate cut.
UK high street footfall has returned to pre-pandemic levels for the first time since March 2020, driven by summer trading, the staycation boom, and consumer confidence improvements.
Small businesses across the UK can now apply for grants of up to £50,000 under a new government digital transformation scheme aimed at boosting productivity through technology adoption.
The UK risks falling behind in the global clean energy race despite having some of the best renewable resources in Europe. Urgent investment in grid capacity, storage, and offshore wind is essential.