Firms across the private sector expect activity to fall in the three months to October (weighted balance of -18%), according to the CBI’s latest Growth Indicator. However, expectations are the least negative since March, just after the outbreak of the Iran conflict. But looking back further, the latest results extend further a period of negative predictions for growth that began in late 2024.

Cumbria-based digital darts business Big Fish Darts has secured funding through the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme, delivered by GC Business Finance, to scale its interactive darts platform to pubs across the UK. Founded in 2025 by Greg Taylor, Big Fish Darts was developed to help pubs run grassroots darts leagues.

Mid-market businesses in the North West could provide vital employment opportunities for young people, according to new research from accountancy and advisory firm BDO LLP, but heightened business costs and skills barriers risk derailing those plans.

A horticulturist from Glossop has won a prestigious award at the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) Sandringham Flower Show, just 12 months after he gave up a successful career in IT to pursue his dream of designing gardens that promote wellbeing and prioritise ecology.

With under two weeks remaining until the first Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax submission deadline, new research from Lloyds suggests that more than half (51%) of small businesses in the North West still have work to do before they are ready to comply with the new rules, compared with 55% of small businesses UK-wide.

Retail sales volumes fell at a markedly slower pace in the year to July, according to the latest CBI Distributive Trades Survey. Retailers separately judged July’s sales to be below seasonal norms, though to a considerably lesser extent than last month.

Dudleys Consulting Engineers has commenced work on site to deliver a new £3.3 million headquarters office and rangers’ depot for the North York Moors National Park Authority (NYMNPA).

A North West accountancy and professional services group has accelerated its expansion into the Midlands and Welsh Borders with its 22nd strategic acquisition in five years.

After interviewing a number of executives in the automotive space, Orwa Mohamad, Analyst at Third Bridge made a series of remarks regarding Volkswagen, informed by insights from industry experts. Third Bridge experts say the biggest challenge for Volkswagen's German plants is not utilisation but ownership.

Accountancy and business advisory group Azets has appointed Jessica Lawrence as office managing partner in Leeds. Audit partner Jessica, an ICAEW-qualified chartered accountant, chartered tax advisor, and diploma holder in charity accounting, has spent 17 years with the business in Leeds and 27 years in accountancy overall in Yorkshire.

Inflation eased more than expected in June, with the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) dropping to 2.6% down from 2.8% in May, driven largely by notable reductions in food and fuel prices. Business organisations and financial analysts have welcomed the short-term respite, though they warn that renewed geopolitical tensions and rising energy costs could spark a rebound later in the year.

Ibec and the CBI have called on both the Irish and UK governments to work together to tackle the growing barriers facing hybrid and cross-border workers across the All-Island economy. The business groups have published a paper outlining that cross-border work falls short of its potential due to various obstacles impacting both employers and employees.

Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) has congratulated Miatta Fahnbulleh on her appointment as Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero and urged her to meet North Sea industry representatives to make clear the new government backs homegrown energy production over growing reliance on imports.

National trade bodies, executive directors, and economic analysts have urged the government to pair its regional growth vision with fiscal discipline and lower operating costs, following Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s inaugural speech on Downing Street.

New research by workplace expert Acas shows that changes to sick pay, paternity leave and unfair dismissal will pose the greatest challenge for businesses under new rules. The YouGov survey, commissioned by Acas, asked bosses which changes in the Employment Rights Act 2025 will be the hardest to adopt for their organisation.

Sports technology business, Urban Zoo, has secured a £20 million investment from BGF – the UK and Ireland’s most active growth capital investor. BGF’s investment will support the development of Urban Zoo’s proprietary technology, while enabling the company to capitalise on the significant growth potential across international markets, particularly in North America.

The York Handmade Brick Company has been shortlisted in two categories in the prestigious 2026 Brick Awards. York Handmade, based at Alne, near Easingwold, in North Yorkshire, is short-listed for projects at 3 Circle Square in Manchester (Commercial category); and the Schwarzman Centre for Humanities in Oxford (Education category).

Construction leaders from across the North of England will unite this autumn at the Constructing Excellence North Conference 2026, taking place on Thursday 17 September at Aspire, Leeds.

A Workington-based business has been selected as one of 18 UK enterprises to receive a free exhibition stand at Spring Fair 2027. Go Your Own Way, founded by Rachel Stewart, produces bespoke 3D wooden contour maps and personalised Ordnance Survey map artwork.