BBC Verify found more than 1,900 small high street businesses, including vape shops and car washes, licensed to sponsor foreign workers under a specialist scheme despite tightened visa rules aimed at restricting it to graduate-level roles.
Lloyds Banking Group plans to cut £2bn in costs and invest £13bn by 2030, leveraging AI and new technology to drive growth, improve efficiency, and expand internationally. CEO Charlie Nunn detailed the four-year strategy, which includes AI-powered advice and faster mortgage approvals.
Andy Burnham's proposed 20% business rate reduction for pubs, clubs, and music venues, costing £100m, aims to support high streets. While welcomed as a gesture, industry figures like pub owner Dan Smith and consultant Colm O'Leary view the £1,000 average saving as insufficient compared to other rising costs like VAT and staffing.
England's pubs, clubs, and live music venues will receive a 20% business rates discount as part of a £100m aid package from Prime Minister Burnham, aimed at supporting high streets and easing living costs, though some industry leaders and opposition question its scope and funding.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham announced a 20% business rates discount for pubs, social clubs, and live music venues, drawing praise from some industry figures but criticism from other High Street businesses and calls for broader VAT reform.
Andy Burnham's administration will cut business rates by 20% for nearly 32,000 pubs, clubs, and live music venues in England from April, as part of a £10m package to support high streets and ease cost of living pressures. The initiative will be funded by reviewing relief for businesses deemed not to contribute positively to communities.
High street pharmacies in England are now providing a free Meningitis B vaccine to young people aged 17-25, including university and college students. This initiative follows a significant outbreak in Kent earlier this year, aiming to protect those most at risk.
Bishop Auckland, once a mining town, is undergoing a cultural and economic revival thanks to the Auckland Project, founded by Jonathan and Jane Ruffer. The project includes art galleries, a heritage railway, a Roman fort, and the Kynren live-show spectacular, attracting visitors and creating jobs.
A town in the UK, Epping, became a focal point for far-right activism and xenophobia in 2025 after a hotel was repurposed to house asylum seekers. Protests, fueled by a sexual assault case involving an asylum seeker, escalated into violence and widespread unrest, impacting residents and asylum seekers alike.
The once-a-day Wegovy weight-loss pill, containing semaglutide, is now available in UK high street and online pharmacies for private prescription. It is not yet available on the NHS. The pill offers a needle-free alternative to the jab but requires specific administration on an empty stomach.
Four years after decriminalizing cannabis, Thailand faces scrutiny as seizures of the plant occur in the UK, Germany, Indonesia, and Hong Kong. Lawmakers are still debating control legislation, leading to widespread recreational sales and illegal exports due to low domestic prices and oversupply.
Four years after decriminalizing cannabis, Thailand faces challenges as seizures of the plant occur in the UK, Germany, Indonesia, and Hong Kong. Lawmakers are still debating control legislation, leading to widespread recreational sales and illegal exports due to low domestic prices.
Lloyds Banking Group will phase out the Halifax brand, migrating all accounts to Lloyds branding by early 2027. While no branches will close, the move ends the 173-year-old former building society's presence on UK high streets and has drawn criticism from loyal customers.
Up to 150 WH Smith high street stores will close after the high court approved a significant restructure. The plan, which involves debt write-offs and rent cuts, aims to make TG Jones (formerly WH Smith) a more sustainable business, though it faced criticism for its speed and valuation.
Nationwide Building Society is cutting 600 jobs across Nationwide and Virgin Money following its £2.9bn takeover of Virgin Money, primarily affecting back-office staff due to duplicated roles. The move has drawn criticism from unions and reignited controversy over executive pay and member voting rights.
Andy Burnham, a potential future UK prime minister, may raise taxes on slot machine shops and casinos by up to £460m, a move supported by a Social Market Foundation poll, to address concerns about the gambling industry's impact on vulnerable people.
The European Commission is introducing a new €3 customs charge on small parcels under €150 from Wednesday, ending a 'de minimis' exemption. This aims to curb cheap Chinese imports, protect European retailers from platforms like Shein and Temu, and address the high rate of non-compliant products endangering consumers.
Andy Burnham outlines vision for UK transformation, promising to improve living standards, rebalance power from Whitehall, and restore trust in politics, ahead of his expected takeover as Prime Minister.
TG Jones (formerly WH Smith) plans to restructure, leaving small suppliers, including Help for Heroes charity, with less than half of owed money, while 'exit contract' suppliers may see debts wiped out, with potential long-term profit shares.
Brandy Melville has closed its fitting rooms in the UK, US, and Canada, sparking debate. This follows similar moves by Sainsbury's and Goodwill, citing operational efficiency and cost savings. While some retailers eliminate changing rooms to reduce staff and increase floor space, others are enhancing them as part of a luxury or premium experience, reflecting evolving consumer habits and technological advancements.
Australian pharmaceutical group Sigma Healthcare has dropped its $10bn pursuit of UK retail chain Boots, stating the deal would not meet its strategic and capital investment objectives. The withdrawal extends uncertainty for the 177-year-old chain, which was put up for sale in 2022. Sigma shares rose 6% on the news.
Barclays is set to acquire the UK business of GoHenry, a fintech company offering children's debit cards and money management apps, from Acorns. The deal aims to boost Barclays' presence in the youth banking market, particularly targeting affluent families, and is expected to complete next year.
A by-election in the Arbroath and Broughty Ferry constituency highlights contrasting high street fortunes. Arbroath faces empty retail units and a decline, while Broughty Ferry thrives with independent and chain businesses. Youth crime is a concern in Broughty Ferry.
Temitope Segun, 25, serving time for drug supply, escaped from a Serco-contracted van in Woolwich, SE London on June 8. He assaulted a guard and is believed to have links to the area. Police urge the public to call 999 if they see him.
