New survey asks 2,085 business decision makers about their confidence, their major concerns, and technological adoption The survey finds a negative view of the economic outlook, with those working in SMEs more pessimistic.However, when asked about their own prospects for the next 12 months, business decision makers are broadly positive. More than half (56%) say they are concerned about business costs and interest rates. UK businesses are more likely to expect a rise in revenue rather than a decline over the next 12 months

The Same Day Emergency Care centre at the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle is to be expanded as part of the Government’s drive to end corridor care. It is one of 40 new and expanded urgent care sites across England which have been announced by Labour, as part of a £215.5 million programme to ease pressure on A&E departments, reduce waiting times and improve patient flow through hospitals.

Entrepreneurs behind ground-breaking agricultural innovations will be celebrated at the Great Yorkshire Show, to inspire new ideas for game-changing farming practices. Entries are open until 11 May 2026 for the Great Yorkshire Show Innovation Awards across five categories.

Equity markets rally after US and Iran agree a two-week ceasefire with FTSE 100 opening up 1.5%. UK Gas prices fall sharply but still remain a third higher as Shell forecasts a cut to gas production in the first quarter. Brent Crude initially falls sharply, as Strait of Hormuz is set to reopen but has been rising again. Inflationary pressures still remain, given energy costs are still significantly higher compared to before the outbreak of war. There are warnings that the jet fuel squeeze will continue for months even if there’s a longer-term agreement.

The Countryside Alliance’s latest investigation has revealed that in 2025 nearly 4,000 crimes were committed on church property as well as other religious premises. Figures were obtained by the Countryside Alliance as part of its continuous campaign to focus attention on rural churches and increase funding for security at places of worship.

Three in four parents fear their child can't make safe online privacy choices, new research shows. Yet most rarely, if ever, talk to them about it. Every day, primary school kids tap 'accept' on apps, games and websites - usually without realising how much personal information they may be sharing as a result. A single click can reveal far more than a name.

Dear Editor, Public transport is an essential part of everyday life, but for people who are deaf or have hearing loss - journeys by services like trains, buses or ferries can be a huge challenge.

YouGov and the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) release latest consumer confidence index data, covering March 2026. Forward looking measure of how people see their household finances records biggest drop since August 2022. Job security perceptions for the past thirty days were both negative and lower than the previous month

People voting in the upcoming local elections in May can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate, a free form of ID that can be used to vote at a polling station. The Electoral Commission is calling on anyone who needs ID to apply for free now, before the 5pm deadline on Tuesday 28 April.

Some 52% of customers would have more confidence in their building society or bank if they were B Corp certified, new data shows. A global certification, B Corp is a movement which recognises organisations that put people and planet alongside profit, recognising their ethical business practices, social impact and transparent reporting.

The TUC and Hope Not Hate have published new polling which shows that Reform are “massively out of step” with the British public on workers’ rights. Reform announced last month that it would introduce a Great Repeal Bill to axe Labour’s Employment Rights Act.

Three quarters of people in northern England underestimate how many people are diagnosed with epilepsy each day, new research has revealed. A survey released ahead of Purple Day (26th March) has highlighted widespread misunderstanding about the condition across the region.

Government tells HS2 Ltd to consider options that could save billions and bring the railway into service sooner. The ongoing review will consider how to get passengers on trains sooner and deliver some of the fastest high-speed trains in Europe. Scheme supports national renewal – with delivery focusing on increased capacity, reliable trains with increased frequency whilst supporting thousands of jobs and adding billions to the economy.

YouGov’s latest tracker data finds that just 23% of Britons - including only 12% of 18-24-year-olds – believe it's easy to find a job at the moment, the lowest levels since the pandemic Among all British adults the figures are:Easy: 23% (-5 from 17-19 January 2026) Difficult: 62% (+4) Among 18-24 year…