Hospitality business rates set to nearly double by 2028 despite government tax cut claims December 20, 2025 Hospitality venues across England will see their business rates bill nearly double in the next three years as a result of the government’s controversial overhaul of the commercial property tax. A fresh analysis of government figures found that most pubs, restaurants and hotels will pay over £32,000 more on property tax by 2028, despite ministers [...]
Smithfield Christmas Meat Auction: London’s oldest festive tradition returns December 19, 2025 One of London’s oldest festive trading traditions returns this Christmas Eve, as the gates at Smithfield Market’s Grade II listed Grand Avenue are set to open at 09:30, for the iconic Smithfield Christmas Meat Auction. The Auction began around a century ago, as traders prepared for their well-earned festive break and sold off excess supplies [...]
On this day in 1783: A 24-year-old is made British Prime Minister December 19, 2025 In 1783, the King needed a fifth Prime Minister in two years. Despite the doubts of some, he turned to William Pitt, then 24, to turn the country around.
Accountancy body warns Finance Bill could criminalise honest mistakes December 19, 2025 A body has expressed serious concerns that measures in the upcoming Finance Bill could pose an “existential threat” to professional firms and cause significant harm to compliant taxpayers. The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) pointed out several effects the Bill has on tax advisers, including introducing a criminal offence for promoting [...]
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child suffers £10m hit December 19, 2025 Sales for theatre show Harry Potter and the Cursed Child slumped by more than £10m during its latest financial year, new accounts have revealed. Turnover at HPCC Group, which manages the rights for the show, fell from £41.3m to £30.3m in the 12 months to 31 March, 2025. The accounts, filed with Companies House, also [...]
Joshua vs Paul: A defining moment in evolution of sport entertainment December 19, 2025 Tom Wild discusses how Joshua vs Paul shows sport can no longer be separated from the cultural forces that surround it. In a world where attention is fractured and loyalty is fluid, one of the most powerful tools available to help marketers cut through isn’t new at all – it’s culture. More specifically, it’s the [...]
Justice must work for victims not investors December 19, 2025 Third-party litigation funding is increasingly looking less like justice in action and more like a volume-driven acquisition model, writes Oliver Ryan MP.
Hogan Lovells and Cadwalader join the transatlantic wave of mergers December 19, 2025 London-based Hogan Lovells has announced its intention to merge with Wall Street’s oldest law firm, Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, to create a nearly £2.7bn law firm, as the trend of mega-mergers continues in the market. The firm, which will be known as Hogan Lovells Cadwalader, is subject to customary closing conditions, including a vote by [...]
AI stocks to remain dominant in 2026, analysts predict December 19, 2025 Artificial intelligence is likely to remain a “dominant theme” in markets next year, analysts predict, shaking off fears of an AI crash. St James’ Place expects AI stocks to maintain investor interest in 2026, with analysts and portfolio managers bullish on the sector’s run. Valuations of top tech stocks have been rocketing up since the [...]
Heathrow ‘under pressure’ amid rising costs December 19, 2025 Heathrow Airport has warned that rising employment costs and the government’s controversial business rates overhaul will wipe out the additional revenues generated from a record number of passengers passing through the west London hub. In an update to bondholders, the UK’s largest airport revealed its profit had plummeted by 38 per cent in the nine [...]
