Thousands of small businesses face closure concerns

Thousands of small businesses could close over the next year due to rising tax bills and falling revenues, according to an Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). survey. Thirty per cent of small firms expect to downsize or shut, while 55% report lower incomes. FSB’s Small Business Index (SBI) for Q3 shows overwhelming pessimism, with the…

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78% rise in businesses facing critical financial distress

Latest Red Flag Alert data has revealed a 78% year-on-year increase in ‘critical’ financial distress as higher taxes on businesses, economic uncertainty and inflation weighed on the UK economy. As of 30th September 2025, 55,530 companies were in ‘critical’ financial distress, a 12.6% rise on the previous quarter (Q2 2025: 49,309). Notably, this rise in ‘critical’…

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One in seven to skip Halloween costumes this year due to cost concerns

31st October 2025 Consumer Collections | #halloween

New research commissioned by TopCashback has revealed that one in seven (14%) people will be celebrating this Halloween, but not dressing up to cut back on costs. The survey highlights that among those skipping costumes this Halloween, 59% say they’re doing so to save money. Other reasons include wanting to save time (20%) and to…

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Up to £2.5bn Pension Credit goes unclaimed by 950,000 eligible families

31st October 2025 Consumer Lending | #pension benefits

The DWP has published income-related benefits data, including Pension Credit, indicating that up to £2.5 billion of Pension Credit goes unclaimed by 950,000 eligible families. The data showed that 62% of those entitled to Pension Credit received the benefit in the tax year 2023/24, down from 65% in 2023. The research showed that the number…

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Financial services told to improve online support for people with money and mental health worries

31st October 2025 Consumer Collections | #money worries

Financial services firms need to enhance the accessibility and supportiveness of their online content for individuals with financial and mental health concerns, according to a new report from the LSB (Lending Standards Board). The report, based on research commissioned by the LSB from the Money & Mental Health Policy Institute, assesses financial services firms’ websites…

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