Business News Round Up (30/03/2026)
UK firms enter new energy crisis weaker than in 2022, distress index warns
New data from the Weil European Distress Index shows that financial pressures on European companies had already moved into “distress territory” before the escalation of tensions involving Iran, leaving firms with far less capacity to absorb another energy-driven shock. The index tracks the performance of more than 3,750 listed companies across Europe using indicators such as cashflow pressure, debt levels and returns on investment. It recorded a reading of 2.5 ahead of the current crisis, compared with -7 in February 2022, just before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, indicating a marked deterioration in corporate resilience. The latest crisis has been driven by disruption to global oil and gas supplies, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route that carries around a fifth of the world’s energy exports. Escalating tensions, including attacks linked to Iranian-backed groups, have raised concerns about alternative routes such as the Red Sea also becoming unstable.
https://bmmagazine.co.uk/news/uk-business-distress-energy-crisis-2026
North West business confidence dips in March
Business confidence in North West fell five points during March to 53% according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds. Companies in North West reported higher confidence in their own trading outlook month-on-month, down seven points at 60%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down two points to 46%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 53% (vs. 58% in February). A net balance of 50% of businesses in the region also expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up six points on last month. The Business Barometer provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide. Overall, UK business confidence rose 11 points in March to 55%. Firms’ confidence in their own trading prospects rose seven points to 60%, and their optimism in the wider economy increased 14 points to 50%.
UK’s FRC sets out priorities in 2026-27 budget
UK’s Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has issued its Plan and Budget for 2026–27, outlining priorities to “uphold high standards” in audit, corporate reporting and governance as it seeks to support economic growth. The move marks the second year of the regulator’s three-year strategy for 2025–28. Overall, the FRC’s budget is set at £73.3m for 2026–27. The figure represents a 1.36% rise on the previous year. According to a statement, the plan organises the year’s work around five main projects. The central element of the plan is a new Audit Supervision Approach, which will reshape supervisory activity to be more risk-focused and proportionate approach across the audit market. Another key initiative is the end-to-end enforcement review, aimed at introducing quicker and more efficient case handling through measures including an accelerated procedure and an early admissions process.
https://www.theaccountant-online.com/news/uks-frc-sets-out-priorities-in-2026-27-budget
Firms share £400,000 in Regional Edge Funding
Twenty high-growth Scottish businesses have shared £400,000 in the second Regional Edge prize fund. Four firms – Highland Wood from Inverness, Aberdeen-based Aqura Systems, Gowaan Bike Club CIC from Innerleithen and Arbroath-based Umbra Dynamics – have each received £50,000 and the chance to compete for an additional £50,000 in the Winner of Winners award, backed by Royal Bank of Scotland, to be announced next month. Funds were allocated through a regional competitive process, which involved pitching to a panel of judges and delivered in collaboration with local partners Opportunity North East, Elevator and GrowBiz, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and South of Scotland Enterprise. As well as financial support, all recipients will benefit from becoming EDGE Alumni, granting them access to the organisation’s network of experienced contacts and business acumen.