FTSE 100 Live: Stocks fall as oil rocks markets; Reeves struck by flat economy March 13, 2026 Good morning and welcome back to the City PM liveblog. Fresh figures this morning have shown the UK economy was flat in the first month of the year. It marked a blow to the government’s growth agenda but this will likely be viewed as a small blow ahead of global economies being thrown into turmoil [...]
‘Taxed to a standstill’ – UK economy grinds to a halt with no growth in January March 13, 2026 The UK economy saw zero growth in the first month of the year – before global markets were rocked by the outbreak of war in the Middle East. Fresh figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) have handed a major blow to Rachel Reeves with the economy flat in January, compared to the 0.2 [...]
The end of the tax year is approaching: Here are the key allowances to use March 12, 2026 The end of the tax year is fast approaching with April 5 just weeks away. Many people will be awaiting the opportunity to renew their ISAs to manage their tax bill, but others will be prioritising making the use of key tax allowances. Many of these allowances cannot be carried forward into the new tax [...]
WATCH: From phone business to coffee giant – how Grind carved out a niche March 12, 2026 As retail coffee prices rise and consumer spend declines, the UK’s coffee industry has never been more competitive. US tariffs on coffee-producing countries, hedge fund speculation on commodity prices and increases in business taxes have created a challenging environment. So how has one independent, South London producer managed to beat the odds and find its [...]
Richmond council to consider Lime’s future in contract vote March 12, 2026 Richmond councillors will next week decide whether to force Lime out of the borough’s booming e-bike market, City PM understands, as riders are mobilised ahead of a crunch committee meeting that could reshape cycling across southwest London. Emails seen by City PM show Lime users have been invited to attend Monday evening’s transport and air [...]
Man City Puma kit deal helps UK sponsorship market hit £5bn March 12, 2026 Manchester City’s Puma kit extension helped the UK sponsorship market top £5bn in 2025, up over 10 per cent on 2024. City signed a record-breaking 10-year kit partnership extension last year which could be worth around £100m per season. It, combined with other sponsorship activity across the UK saw the sector grow 10.5 per cent [...]
Oil surges again as industry faces ‘largest disruption in history of the market’ March 12, 2026 The global energy body has warned the current oil crisis triggered by the war in the Middle East marks the “largest disruption” in history of the commodity’s market. The International Energy Agency (IEA) made a record intervention in the market on Wednesday, with the release of 400m barrels from the strategic reserves. But the move [...]
Pressure shifts back to Big Tech as Ofcom delays social media ban March 12, 2026 Tech firms have been warned to strengthen protections for young people online after MPs rejected a proposal to ban under-16s from social media this week. Communications regulator Ofcom and the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) have written to major platforms, asking for details of how they plan to improve safety measures for children. Companies like Facebook, [...]
Hundred auction: Welsh Fire spend big, Coles lands £390k contract March 12, 2026 Welsh Fire were the big spenders in the morning session of The Hundred auction, splashing £540,000 on Joe Root and Jordan Cox. Wicket-keeper-batter Cox – who was the leading run scorer in last year’s Hundred competition – fetched the highest price before the lunch break, being snapped up by the Cardiff-based franchise for £300,000. Former [...]
‘Cover up’: Starmer blames vetting amid process questions on Mandelson March 12, 2026 Sir Keir Starmer’s spokesman has blamed the vetting process inherited from previous governments for Lord Peter Mandelson’s appointment despite accusations that the Prime Minister did not follow ministerial procedures and oversaw a “cover up”. Starmer’s spokesman said the government was looking to reform the due diligence process and national security vetting procedure for major appointments. [...]
