Financial - Page 14

The UK’s economy grew by 0.1 per cent in November, according to figures released this morning, beating expectations. The Office for National Statistics believes a boost from World Cup-related sales contributed to the growth. But the data from the ONS shows that in the three months to November GDP shrank

Pottery firm Churchill China is expecting to see a big jump in profit in its results for last year.  The Stoke-on-Trent based manufacturer has said in a trading update that it anticipates that profit for 2022 will be at the upper end of analyst expectations.  Its range of market expectations

An innovative £3 million investment and improvement programme is under way at a Staffordshire manufacturer aimed at putting sustainability at the heart of its operations.  Broxap specialises in the design, manufacture and installation of street furniture including outdoor seating, litter and recycling bins, bollards, shelters and walkways and outdoor gym

Businesses are being urged to get involved in shaping a new company aimed at attracting investment and expanding Stoke-on-Trent’s role in driving growth.  The Stoke-on-Trent Growth Company has been launched to unlock the city’s full potential and make it a key driver in economic expansion regionally.  It is being launched

The ceramics industry has welcomed the Government’s modified support for business energy bills – but with reservations.   The newly-announced Energy Bills Discount Scheme, which will run for 12 months from March, provides extra help for energy-intensive industries such as ceramics.  The revised arrangement, replacing the more substantial Energy Bills Support

A reduced energy bills support scheme for business is in danger of falling short for thousands of firms, it was warned today. Under the new plan the Government is providing £5.5 billion support over the 12 months from April 1, 2023. However, the discount firms will get is on wholesale

The government has issued new guidance to businesses who may have unduly overpaid VAT on declarations made at the end of last year due to technical issue with the Customs Declaration Service (CDS). On 30 December, a system update caused the CDS to duplicate VAT charges on certain declarations. Although

A Staffordshire council is having a re-think after its carbon neutral policy was costed at a staggering £4.7 billion.  Cannock Chase District Council passed a Climate Emergency Motion in 2019 to make the whole of its geographical area net zero by 2030.  A detailed costed action plan commissioned from consultants

New car sales have been rising over the last five months – and battery electric vehicles have secured their best-ever monthly market share.  The good news for the automotive industry comes on the back of a difficult first half of 2022 when new car registrations fell to their lowest level

Small businesses – already experiencing issues over obtaining loans – need support with access to finance ahead of a possible lending squeeze, claims a report.  Only two-fifths of requests for credit are currently successful at an all-time low, according to Small Business Index data compiled by the Federation of Small