UK Trade: risks and opportunities in a diverging two-speed economy
The UK’s annual trade deficit narrowed by £14bn to £25.1bn in 2024, according to the latest ONS data. However, this masks a growing divergence between services and goods trade. Services exports remain a bright spot, while goods exports continue to decline, deepening the UK’s two-speed economy.
Retailers eager to optimise operations ahead of labour cost spikes
UK retailers are bracing for the cascading impact of recent Budget measures as rising wage cost pressures and weakening consumer confidence threaten to erode profits, squeeze margins and risk both store closures and possible insolvencies.
UK energy sector and supply chain partners on a bumpy road to clean energy
The transition to clean energy in the UK is a complex process, requiring a shift from fossil fuels like oil and gas to renewable and low-carbon sources such as wind, solar, hydrogen, and carbon capture and storage (CCS). The UK government has announced a series of proposed changes to accelerate this transition, aiming to increase renewable energy generation, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and implement new regulations and taxes on the oil and gas industry.
UK Trade: exporters must strengthen supply chains and embrace AI and sustainability
UK trade dynamics have been unfavourable for years. Global demand has been stifled by a long list of formidable headwinds, including Brexit, trade disputes, pandemic-induced supply chain disruptions, and macroeconomic pressures.
