Economic Growth 28 July 2026
High public sector borrowing demands tough decisions from Burnham and Healey
Emeritus Professor Joe Nellis is economic adviser at MHA, the accountancy and advisory firm.
The June public sector borrowing data provides an early warning to the new Prime Minister and his incoming Chancellor, John Healey, of the scale of the challenge ahead. Borrowing came in at £16 billion, underscoring the harsh reality that the government’s financial position remains under severe strain. With the economy failing to grow at great pace, we are not seeing any meaningful improvement in public-sector finances.
HR & Recruitment, Next Generation 28 July 2026
Fixing the labour market will be a defining feature of Andy Burnham’s premiership
Emeritus Professor Joe Nellis is economic adviser at MHA, the accountancy and advisory firm.
The UK labour market is failing to gain momentum as the unemployment rate held at 4.9% in May while earnings growth (excluding bonuses) remained at 3.4%
Economic Growth 27 July 2026
Peterborough city centre businesses vote overwhelmingly for positive future
Peterborough Positive has secured an overwhelming vote of confidence from city centre businesses, with 94% voting in favour by rateable value, securing the Business Improvement District (BID) for a second five-year term.
The result, along with an impressive 60% turnout, represents a standout performance within the BID sector, exceeding the average turnout achieved in second, third, fourth and even fifth-term BID ballots nationally.
Uncategorised 27 July 2026
Peterborough Cathedral’s Travelling Bricks Exhibition Smashes Visitor Targets with More Than 5,000 Visitors in first few days.
Peterborough Cathedral is celebrating a spectacular start to the summer after welcoming more than 5,000 visitors to its hugely popular Travelling Bricks Exhibition in the first 6 days, with visitor numbers already exceeding expectations and creating a real buzz across the city.
Families from across the region and beyond have been exploring the exhibition made from over 1 million LEGO® bricks, taking part in interactive building activities, hunting for the coveted Golden Brick, and discovering the Cathedral in a whole new way.
Digital & IT 27 July 2026
High5VR Research Presented at the International Society for Gerontechnology Conference
At High5VR, we believe virtual reality has the power to improve lives far beyond entertainment.
We’re proud to have contributed to the research paper “Enhancing the Aging Experience with VR360 Technology,” which was presented at the International Society for Gerontechnology (ISG) conference in Germany.
Business Growth & Development, Economic Growth 24 July 2026
No. 10 North Can Be Catalyst For Effective Devolution
Responding to the launch of Number 10 North today, Jonny Haseldine, Head of Business Environment at the BCC, said:
“The launch of No.10 North is an important signal that our regions, their people and economies matter as much as anything happening in London.
Uncategorised 24 July 2026
Then and Now: Cambs Bus Operator’s Ticket Machine Technology
Cambridgeshire’s biggest bus operator has celebrated the announcement of new and advanced ticketing technology, which is set to be introduced locally, by releasing a picture of a historic ticket machine from its archive.
Stagecoach East has released the picture of a Setright machine, which was once a well-known feature of transport across the region. The portable Setright used a number of dials and a handle to crank out paper tickets to local people.
Economic Growth 24 July 2026
Business-rates announcement welcomed – but only a small step towards easing business costs
The Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement on business rates but cautioned that the measure represents only a small first step towards addressing the significant cost pressures facing employers.
Pubs, clubs and live-music venues in England will receive a 20 per cent reduction in their business-rates bills from April under plans unveiled by Andy Burnham as part of a £100 million package intended to support high streets and ease cost-of-living pressures.
International 24 July 2026
Mixed Picture for UK Exporters On US Tariffs
The US has introduced new tariffs to replace its current levies on UK imports which have expired today. For most UK companies there is no effective change, but there is welcome confirmation that the removal of US tariffs on whisky has taken effect