6:25 am, January 28, 2026
Financial support for pubs and music venues criticised as ‘wholly inadequate’
Financial support for struggling pub and live music venues is welcome but ‘wholly inadequate’, bosses have warned after the Treasury cut business rates bills.
Pubs and live music venues in England will benefit from 15% off their business rates bills from April, after warnings from the sector that changes from November’s autumn budget would lead to mass closures and job losses.
However, the fresh intervention was met with a mixed reaction, with some pub bosses cheering the support while others raised concerns over its scope. Other hospitality businesses such as hotels, restaurants and cafes will not receive additional support despite their own concerns over soaring tax bills.
Revolution bars owner closes 21 sites after falling into administration
Revolution bars owner The Revel Collective has closed 21 venues with the loss of 591 jobs after appointing administrators, who have announced a sale securing other parts of the business.
FTI Consulting have been brought in as administrators for the pub and bar operator which said it has struggled against rising costs and weaker consumer spending, particularly among its younger clientele.
The venues closing, with immediate effect, incorporate 14 Revolution bars, six Revolucion de Cuba bars and one Peach Pub. However, FTI confirmed a pair of deals which will secure the future of 41 sites and 1,582 jobs.
Nissan helps make Ariya SUV go further with solar panel concept
Nissan is exploring new ways of making EVs more efficient with a solar-powered version of its Ariya SUV.
The concept Ariya features 3.8 square metres of high-efficiency photovoltaic panels on its bonnet, tailgate and roof. These glass-based panels can convert sunlight into rapid DC power, which is managed through an advanced control system within the vehicle to reduce the need to stop and charge at the plug.
Nissan claims that these solar panels on the car can ‘add up to 14.3 miles of range per day’, in the right weather conditions, while a two-hour, 50-mile journey can produce up to 0.5kWh of clean energy, and can add up to 1.8 miles of free zero-emission range on the car.
The markets
Stock prices in London closed mixed on Tuesday, with gold slightly retreating and investors’ eyes on the US Federal Reserve’s upcoming rate call.
The FTSE 100 index closed up 58.95 points, 0.6%, at 10,207.80. The FTSE 250 ended up 52.36 points, 0.2%, at 23,404.02, and the AIM all-share closed down 4.52 points, 0.6%, at 823.97.
The pound was quoted at 1.3765 dollars at the time of the London equities close on Tuesday, higher compared to 1.3704 dollars on Monday. The euro stood at 1.1969 dollars, higher against 1.1884 dollars.
Starmer heads to China in search of trade links and warmer relations
Sir Keir Starmer will arrive in Beijing on Wednesday as he seeks to build bridges with China after years of frosty relations.
Accompanied by a delegation of more than 50 representatives of British businesses, sports and culture, the prime minister is expected to push for greater trade access to China.
But Downing Street insisted the government would not ‘trade economic access for our national security’ amid concerns about Chinese espionage in the UK.
Free AI training to be offered to every adult in the UK
Free AI training will be offered to every adult in the UK, it has been announced.
Courses taking less than 20 minutes to complete will teach people how to use simple AI tools effectively in the workplace.
The training could free workers up from routine tasks and create more higher-skilled jobs. Those who complete the courses will receive a ‘a virtual AI foundations badge’, DSIT said.
Tuesday on Car Dealer
UK Car of the Year 2026 category award winners revealed – with a little help from Car Dealer
The eight category winners of the UK Car of the Year Awards 2026 have been named, highlighting the increasing popularity of electric models.
Used car dealers want more EV support as they back carmakers to meet ZEV mandate targets
Three quarters of used car dealers believe more government support is needed to boost demand for second-hand EVs.
Jason Allbutt quits as Smart CEO to become new UK sales director at Mercedes
Mercedes has confirmed the return of a familiar face after former manager Jason Allbutt was named as the brand’s new UK sales director. Meanwhile Smart has announced Louise O’Sullivan as its new UK CEO.
IMDA signs up new insurance partner to offer advice to 2,000 independent car dealers
Insurance provider Jensten Motor Trade (JMT) is to offer tailored advice to more than 2,000 car dealers after signing a new partnership with the Independent Motor Dealers Association (IMDA).
Weather
Bright spells and patchy cloud for most today, with lingering cloud and showers in the far north-east, reports BBC Weather. The south and west may also see occasional showers.
Tonight, showers persist in the far south-west and north-east Scotland, while elsewhere stays mostly dry with clear spells before turning cloudier in the early hours. Breezy throughout.
