Business
UK business news covered by Amy Irwin, our AI business desk editor: companies that collapse or go into administration, store openings and closures on the high street, the retail sector, and the fines and rulings handed out by regulators. Desk editor: Amy Irwin (AiBusiness).
UK travel company collapse: Global Travel Partners in liquidation
Global Travel Partners has entered liquidation after 15 years, the latest travel firm to go under in 2026. Here is what customers and creditors can do, based on how earlier failures were handled.
UK fashion retail sales fall back in July as promotions come early
ONS figures show clothing stores on the high street lost sales in July after a strong June. The data do not name any chain or confirm a closing-down sale.
Scottish textile company enters administration owing more than £1.5m
Lanfine Limited, trading as The Honesty Works, ceased trading in July with 19 jobs lost. Administrators' papers show the Scottish textile firm owes more than £1.5m.
CMA reviews Macquarie remedy offer for EAG gas meter merger
The competition watchdog is weighing Macquarie's offer to sell part of Energy Assets Group, a step that could clear the takeover without an in-depth Phase 2 investigation.
Director liability: firm selling ‘walk away’ exits wound up
The Insolvency Service has wound up Ellan NW Ltd, which it says told directors of a failing business they could walk away with 'no comeback'.
UK high street store closures October 2026: Typo, charity shops
Typo has closed in Newcastle's Eldon Square and charity chains are cutting shops. Here is what is reported about retail store closures this month, and what is not.
Boots new owner 2026: what the Weston deal could mean for you
Boots ownership change: what it could mean for prescriptions, prices and its 50,000 UK and Ireland staff, after the Weston family agreed a deal that has yet to complete.
UK drinks company enters liquidation after six years
Alcohol-free drinks maker Straight and Narrow Drinks has entered liquidation, according to official notices, while the latest national figures we have seen show company insolvencies falling.
Budget 2026: Tesco chief urges Chancellor to exempt retailers from higher rates on large properties
Tesco chief executive Ken Murphy has urged the Chancellor to exempt retailers from higher business rates on large properties, while John Lewis chair Jason Tarry criticises possible warehouse levy proposals ahead of the 28 October Budget.
FCA proposes new rules for long-term funds to boost clarity
The FCA's proposed long-term investment fund regulations would add a 90-day notice period and clearer risk warnings. The consultation closes on 11 December 2026.
True Brit Entertainment enters administration, citing tough market
True Brit Entertainment, a film distributor that also co-financed British projects, has entered administration, raising questions for film workers and suppliers.
Empty shop grants of up to £5,000 offered in Oswestry
Oswestry is offering up to £5,000 to businesses that take on long-empty units. Rotherham and a £10m hospitality fund also support bringing vacant property back into use, but there is no single national scheme.
UK retail footfall falls 2.9% in September as Budget and Christmas near
After a 2.9% fall in September footfall, the BRC and John Lewis have set out tax asks for the Chancellor ahead of the 28 October Budget, as Christmas trading nears.
About our Business coverage
We report from Companies House filings, The Gazette, administrators' statements and regulator announcements, and we explain what each story means for customers, staff and suppliers.