The Budget 2026

Chancellor John Healey began his speech by calling his first Budget one for the "working people of Britain, for British businesses big and small". The UK Budget 2026 focused on helping households with the cost of living while supporting business growth. Key measures included a 3.9% increase in the National Minimum Wage, which will raise workers’ incomes but also increase labour costs for businesses. The government announced support with energy bills, including a £100 payment for many households and measures to reduce energy costs. For businesses, Corporation Tax was kept the same, while business rates relief for many small retail, hospitality and leisure businesses was extended, helping to reduce costs. The Budget also included investment in housing, local economic growth and infrastructure to encourage jobs and long-term growth in the UK economy.

BBQ - Did you see the budget?

Budget 2026

Poundland on Brink of Collapse

 

The discount chain is teetering on the edge after its US-based owners Gordon Brothers cut off a vital funding supply and rejected a takeover offer from Irish firm Martin Property Group (MPG). The uncertainty surrounding Poundland's future has left some of its 12,000 members of staff fearful about the future of their jobs. The retailer's bosses have filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators, giving the business 10 days to find a rescue deal. The move comes after managing director Barry Williams told staff that the chain's US owner had cut off a vital supply of funding despite Poundland's strong sales. It is understood Gordon Brothers wants to break it up, with rivals Poundstretcher, B&M and Lidl interested in potentially buying up its stores. Gordon Brothers bought Poundland, which had been struggling, from the Polish retail group Pepco last year for a nominal £1. A little over a year later, it put the business up for sale. Despite an offer on the table for the business, Poundland's managers and owners have not been able to agree on a buyer. It could still be purchased out of administration in a so-called pre-pack deal, but the most likely option is for it to be broken up and for Poundland's stores to be sold off. Poundland was founded in 1990 with a store in Burton-upon-Trent and has around 20 million customers per year. It has across its 600 stores in the UK and Ireland, where it trades as Dealz. It sells low-cost everyday products, general merchandise and fashion on local high streets.

BBQ - What impact would this have on the high street?

Poundland

iPhone Duo Screen Fault

 

Apple has acknowledged some of its iPhone Duo handsets have developed problems with their screens, just days after the highly-anticipated smartphone went on sale. Photos posted on social media show lines that appeared on the screens of the technology giant's first ever foldable device, which has a starting price of £1,999 ($2,668) in the UK. Apple said it was aware of "an issue impacting the inner display on a small number" of the phones and urged affected users to contact the company for a replacement. The Duo's launch, which attracted crowds at Apple stores around the world last week, is an attempt to reinvigorate the brand's device range and challenge the foldable phones made by rivals. Some Duo owners also posted photos online showing cracks along the screen's centre crease, while others reported a crunching noise when opening the device. The extent of the issue remains unclear. Apple did not say how many devices were affected, while some images showing faulty devices may have been created using AI. The Duo's 7.6-inch (19.3cm) inner display is held together by a central hinge - a complex piece of engineering that has resulted in similar flaws in folding devices made by some of Apple's competitors.

BBQ - How might this issue impact Apple?

iPhone Duo