Business News Round Up (19/09/2025)
Reeves edges UK closer to EU at finance meeting
Chancellor Rachel Reeves meets finance ministers from Europe, Canada and Ukraine in Copenhagen in a further sign of closer relations with the European Union. The talks will focus on defence, trade and investment and build on the UK government’s attempts to reset relationships with EU countries and the May UK-EU Summit. The Chancellor will take a seat at the table with the finance ministers responsible for economies within the UK’s biggest trading partner. “The EU remains our biggest trading partner,” said Ms Reeves. “Our economic future is tied to Europe’s, and we want to do more. More trade. More investment. More partnerships with countries that share our interests. Economic growth and UK security cannot be separated. Together, we are creating a safer, and more prosperous Europe.” The Chancellor will push for fair, enforceable trade rules and renewed shared action, noting that growth, productivity and higher living standards are collective goals.
Skilled tech migration drops 10% year-on-year, RSM UK finds
Despite the first ever UK-US tech agreement, the UK is still at risk of falling further behind tech giants such as the US and China if it does not prioritise attracting overseas talent to the sector, warns leading audit, tax and consulting firm RSM UK. This comes as the number of skilled migrants applying to work in UK tech companies dropped 10% last year. A freedom of information request to UK Visas and Immigration submitted by RSM shows the number of international workers applying for a visa to work in UK tech fell by 10% from 41,661 in 2023 to 37,381 in 2024 and reflects a 30% decline since 2022 when applications peaked at 53,729. RSM’s latest analysis also found the number of new UK technology incorporations reached 14,262 in Q2, a record high, and up 18% from 12,318 in the same period last year.
https://www.digit.fyi/skilled-tech-migration-drops-10-year-on-year-rsm-uk-finds
CIWM calls for urgent action to drive UK circular economy
The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) has published a new report, “Let’s Not Waste the Next Four Years,” setting out key actions to speed up the UK’s transition to a circular economy. Released in September 2025, the report comes at a time when the government is advancing overlapping reviews linked to net zero, skills, and industrial strategy. Every year, the UK’s resources and waste industry handles more than 70 million tonnes of material and provides jobs for 145,000 people. CIWM argues the sector is more than just waste collection — it underpins economic growth, strengthens supply chains, and plays a vital role in hitting climate targets. Its long-standing mission, built on education, training, and policy influence, has made it a cornerstone of the green economy.
https://www.alcircle.com/news/ciwm-calls-for-urgent-action-to-drive-uk-circular-economy-115566
New company formed to take over activities of Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce
After the organisation filed its intent to appoint administrators in August, a new company has been formed to take over the activities of the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce. The organisation has confirmed that Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce 2025 Limited has purchased the business and certain assets from Administrators, Armstrong Watson. A total of 37 staff members have transferred to the new organisation, including a leadership team of Sarah Blatch, Finance Director; Chris Fletcher, Policy Director; and Lucy Mulligan, Marketing Director. Clive Memmott, the GMCC Chief Executive will step down after a brief period of transition. The deal ensures the continued delivery of the Chamber’s services to its members across the city region, including business support and delivery of Greater Manchester’s Local Skills Improvement Plan. The organisation’s flexible office and conference centre offer, Chamber Space, closed in August, and will not return as part of this new model.