Business News Round Up (14/04/2026)
Committee launches inquiry into UK-US trade deal amid concerns it is not yet delivering growth
The Business and Trade Committee has today launched its new stocktake inquiry into the UK’s economic relationship with the United States, amid concerns that continued turbulence is frustrating ambitions for deeper trade. During President Trump’s state visit last September, the Committee called for “maximum pressure” to secure the gains of the “prosperity deals” the UK had agreed with the US, and to begin building a stronger economic security alliance to counter China’s technological power and rising economic coercion. The United States remains the UK’s largest single-country trading partner, accounting for 17% of total trade and 22% of exports in 2024. But the foundations of that relationship are shifting rapidly. The global trading system is fragmenting under the pressure of rising protectionism, tariff escalation, and intensifying geopolitical rivalry – creating new risks for UK firms operating across borders and for the wider economy.
Permanent placements rise for second month in a row across North of England
Divergent hiring trends for the North of England have emerged in the latest KPMG and REC, UK Report on Jobs: North of England survey, with sustained growth in permanent placements contrasting with a further fall in temp billings. Vacancies, meanwhile, increased for both types of roles, with rates of growth also improving from February. However, on the pay front, salaries awarded to new permanent joiners increased at a slower rate, while there was a slight drop in temp pay. Concurrently, the supply of labour continued to expand at historically elevated rates. March survey data signalled a second consecutive monthly increase in permanent staff appointments across the North of England. Notably, this marked the first back-to-back upturn in placements in more than three-and-a-half years. Recruiters linked the uptick to a combination of higher vacancies, the end of hiring freezes at some companies and signs of greater mobility in the jobs market.
Britons overwhelmingly back economic growth but doubt it will benefit them
Public support for stronger economic growth in the UK is widespread, but many Britons remain sceptical that they will personally benefit from it, according to new research. A major survey and focus group study commissioned by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) finds that 87 per cent of respondents believe the UK should prioritise economic growth more heavily, while just 9 per cent think the country is already wealthy enough. The research suggests a strong rejection of “degrowth” ideas across all demographics, with support for growth consistent across age groups, income levels and political affiliations. However, the study also highlights deep pessimism about the UK economy. Around two-thirds of respondents believe Britain is heading in the wrong direction, with many describing living standards as stagnant or worsening in real terms.
UK Gov boosts video games developers with £30m fund
Video game developers with ideas for the next generation of games are being urged to apply for a share of a £28.5 million funding pot. The move represents a doubling in funding for the sector as the government puts the Creative Industries Sector Plan into action. These targeted investments are expected to drive economic growth and create jobs. Applications for funding will open from 14 April. The UK is already an international powerhouse in gaming, having created global hits like Grand Theft Auto, Fable, PowerWash Simulator and No Man’s Sky. Across the UK, there are more than 2,000 gaming companies, employing tens of thousands of people recognised globally for their talent and creativity. Through the Games Growth Package, the government will support newly-formed and expanding developers to turn blueprints for games into reality, enabling them to sell their product both in the UK and around the world.
https://www.digit.fyi/uk-gov-boosts-video-games-developers-with-30m-fund