6:50 am, January 22, 2026
Firms warn over impact of rising business costs from Government policies
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has come under pressure over rising costs for businesses as Currys, JD Wetherspoon and Morrisons laid bare the impact of tax hikes and policy measures.
Pub group JD Wetherspoon warned over profits as it revealed a £45m hit in its first half from surging costs – including energy, wages and business rates.
It said profits in the first half are ‘likely to be lower’ year-on-year, with the annual trading result also set to come in below the previous year, as rising costs took the shine off otherwise robust Christmas trading at the 800-strong pub chain.
Inflation bounces back in December as Christmas travel fuels price rises
UK inflation bounced back in December as tobacco duty hikes and Christmas getaways helped push up the cost of living, official figures show.
The rate of Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation rose to 3.4% in December from 3.2% in November, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.
It marks the first time in five months that the headline rate has risen.
Omoda 5 range receives new hybrid powertrain option
Omoda has announced that the 5 SUV will be available with the firm’s latest hybrid powertrain option.
Omoda is a car manufacturer that is owned by the Chinese giant, Chery. The firm falls under its parent company’s ‘export strategy’ programme, which introduces bespoke models to European markets.
The 5 can now be specified with Omoda’s ‘Super Hybrid System – Hybrid’ powertrain, which combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine to an electric motor that can take the car to 60mph in 7.7 seconds and can achieve a claimed 53mpg on the combined cycle. Power and top speed figures for this setup have not been revealed at this stage.
The markets
The FTSE 100 shrugged off a weak start to close slightly higher on Wednesday after US president Donald Trump said he would not use force to take control of Greenland, but insisted America must still have ‘ownership’ of it.
The British stock index closed up 11.31 points, 0.1%, at 10,138.09.
In European equities on Wednesday, markets were mixed. The CAC 40 in Paris closed up 0.1%, while the DAX 40 in Frankfurt ended 0.6% lower.
Wednesday on Car Dealer
Police investigating sudden collapse of supercar dealer Targa Florio Cars
Police are investigating the sudden closure of dealer Targa Florio Cars after complaints from customers owed money and vehicles. Trading Standards is also involved as allegations include withheld sale-or-return proceeds, unpaid deposits and outstanding warranties, with the Chichester site empty.
Save the date – Car Dealer Used Car Awards 2026 returns on November 30
Car Dealer has confirmed the Used Car Awards 2026 will take place on Monday, November 30. Planning is underway, with Black Horse sponsoring, Mike Brewer hosting, voting opening later this year and a black-tie gala celebrating industry excellence nationwide.
Car dealership owner beaten black and blue in ‘unprovoked’ showroom attack
A Stafford car dealer assaulted in his showroom has criticised police handling after being offered a community resolution. Darren Street suffered serious injuries, says officers failed to arrest the suspect promptly, and claims Staffordshire Police let the attacker carry on.
Suspected arson attack causes £60,000 of damage to ‘devastated’ car dealership
Police are investigating a suspected arson attack at CG Motorland in Leicester after four premium cars were set alight, causing £60,000 damage. CCTV shows a suspect pouring liquid before igniting fires. No arrests yet; appeals continue with police seeking witnesses
Renault Group sees 2025 worldwide sales rise by 3.2% as EVs boom
Renault Group grew global sales 3.2% in 2025 to 2.34m vehicles, driven by strong passenger car demand. Clio and Sandero led gains, electrified sales surged, but European van volumes fell 21% amid market slowdown and product changes during the year.
Trump rows back on Greenland tariff threats after ‘deal’ talks with Nato chief
Donald Trump has rowed back on his threat to slap tariffs on the UK and Nato allies who opposed his ambitions to annex Greenland, after he and the alliance’s chief “formed the framework of a future deal” for the Arctic region.
The US president had earlier on Wednesday renewed his threats to secure the Arctic island, a self-governing territory of Nato ally Denmark, but ruled out the use of force to do so.
He had threatened eight Nato countries, including the UK, with new 10% tariffs as a result of their opposition to his ambitions for the mineral-rich territory.
Driving test cheat attempts soar 47% in a year
Attempts to cheat on driving tests in Britain increased by 47% in a year, an investigation has found, sparking concerns about road safety.
Some 2,844 cases were recorded in the year to the end of September 2025, Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) figures obtained by the Press Association news agency show.
That is up from 1,940 during the previous 12 months, and 1,274 in 2018/19.
Weather outlook…
Much of the UK will remain unsettled, mild and wet today as Atlantic systems continue to dominate.
In the south and southeast, expect cloudy skies with rain moving in and breezy conditions through the day with highs around 9–10 °C. The Midlands will be damp and overcast with occasional heavier bursts, while northern England and Scotland will see persistent rain with stronger winds and hill rain possibly turning to sleet or snow on higher ground later.
Overall, it will feel wet, windy and mild for January across the country.
