6:24 am, September 2, 2026
UK manufacturing growth slows but hiring strongest for two years
Growth in the UK’s manufacturing industry has slipped to a five-month low as smaller firms came under more pressure – but hiring activity picked up at the fastest pace in two years, new figures show.
The S&P Global UK manufacturing PMI survey, watched closely by economists, showed a reading of 51.7 in August, down slightly from 51.9 in July. August’s reading marks the 10th month in a row that overall activity has grown, but at the slowest rate since March.
Factory output has been increasing for five consecutive months, with higher levels of production driven by increased intakes of new work for firms due to demand both at home and overseas. However, the survey revealed disparities within the industry, with smaller-scale producers seeing output and demand for new work declining, while medium and larger manufacturers benefited from expansion.
Mike Ashley’s Frasers eyes majority ownership of Hugo Boss
Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group has said it plans to take majority control of German fashion house Hugo Boss.
The Sports Direct owner confirmed it has built up its stake in the luxury business to 47.89% of the business after recent deals to acquire extra shares.
On Tuesday, the retail group – which recently snapped up Harvey Nichols – said it still intends to ‘further increase’ its ownership of Hugo Boss.
Mazda’s CX-6e arrives priced from £42,990
Mazda has confirmed pricing and specifications for its new CX-6e electric SUV.
Set to arrive in the UK later this year, the CX-6e uses a 78kWh battery to unlock a range of up to 300 miles, while a rapid charge speed of 200kW should return a 10 to 80 per cent top-up in 24 minutes.
Inside, the CX-6e gets a large 26.45-inch infotainment screen with a customisable dual-split layout which aims to provide key information in a clear and easy-to-read format. There’s also a head-up display system ahead of the driver. All cars get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, too. Prices top out at £45,390.
The markets
Stock prices in London closed lower on Tuesday as government bond yields soared on the back of rising oil prices, reigniting worries over inflation.
The FTSE 100 index closed down 34.98 points, 0.3%, at 10,789.28. It had earlier traded as low as 10,689.55. The FTSE 250 ended down 417.50 points, 1.7%, at 24,521.29, and the AIM all-share closed down 15.12 points, 1.9%, at 796.06.
The pound was quoted at 1.3527 dollars at the time of the London equities close on Tuesday, down from 1.3560 dollars on Friday. Against the euro, sterling fell to 1.1669 euros from 1.1686 euros.
Burnham to face first PMQs and test of authority after setting out ambitions
Andy Burnham is to face his first Prime Minister’s Questions, and an early test of his authority over Labour backbenchers, after setting out his plans for government.
The prime minister made his debut at the Commons despatch box on Tuesday, when he set out plans to devolve more power away from Westminster and into the regions, and to take back public control over utilities and services.
Burnham blamed the legacy of Margaret Thatcher, the austerity era, and Brexit for decades of slow growth, and insisted his plans to change the ‘failed economic model’ would kickstart Britain’s economy.
Sir Keir Starmer to step down as MP to focus on overseas affairs
Former prime minister Sir Keir Starmer is to quit Parliament, saying he felt it was the ‘right time’ to step down as an MP and focus on new work on international affairs.
Sir Keir – who previously said he would serve out the rest of his term – will step down as the MP for Holborn and St Pancras, a move that will trigger a contest in the north London seat.
Applications to stand for Labour opened on Tuesday and close on Friday, with the candidate to be picked by September 9, the party said on its website.
Tuesday on Car Dealer
VIDEO: We go behind the scenes of Tesla’s huge used car operation
Even Tesla would admit that used cars weren’t always the most important part of its business plan – but now, as the brand matures in the UK, it’s fair to say they’ve been moved up the agenda.
Three new sponsors sign up for Used Car Awards 2026 – don’t miss your chance to join them!
Three of the motor trade’s biggest hitters have signed up to partner with Car Dealer at the used car industry’s most prestigious awards.
Big Motoring World refuses to rule out swoop for former CarStore site in Coventry
Big Motoring World looks set to add another location to its network of used car supermarket sites, amid claims the firm has set its sights on a former CarStore lot.
From Aldi supermarket to used car supermarket: Hilton Garage unveils used car collection centre
A former Aldi site is set to serve as a very different kind of supermarket after being transformed into a state-of-the-art collection centre for the family-run Hilton Garage.
WSG calls for Consumer Rights Act ‘rethink’ as dealers struggle with software-related faults
The Consumer Rights Act has come in for yet more criticism after automotive experts said car dealers are being held responsible for vehicle faults they do not have the means to fix.
Hendy Group commercial director Mark Busby to leave after more than 25 years
Hendy Group commercial director Mark Busby is to leave the south coast-based dealer after more than 25 years with the business.
Used EV stock jumps as buyer interest more than doubles, new Cazoo data shows
Used EVs are taking up an increasing share of dealer forecourts as buyer interest in electric cars continues to grow, new data from Cazoo has revealed.
Weather
A cloudy and breezy day with showers and spells of rain, reports BBC Weather. The rain will be at its heaviest in central parts.
Tonight it will remain breezy, with spells of rain for many areas.