British berry growers have reported a record harvest this year, as persistent heatwaves and prolonged sunshine accelerated the ripening process for strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries. The unusually high temperatures enhanced natural sugar levels in the fruit, resulting in exceptionally sweet berries. While growers faced irrigation challenges due to the dry conditions, many utilized solar energy to aid in maintaining crop quality.
In tax enforcement news, the UK government has introduced new powers enabling HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to recover unpaid tax debts directly from the bank accounts of individuals and businesses. The proposed measures would apply to those owing up to £5,000 for individuals and £10,000 for firms, where HMRC’s standard collection efforts have been exhausted. An estimated 4.8 million taxpayers are expected to be affected, with total unpaid debts amounting to approximately £4 billion.
PPHE Hotels, which operates the Park Plaza and Art’otel chains, has reported a strong financial recovery despite the collapse of a £920.9 million buyout bid by competitor Fattal Group. The planned takeover was halted by shareholder opposition, but PPHE affirmed it remained focused on its business. The company’s half-year pre-tax profits surged to £135 million, reversing a £10 million loss recorded in the same period last year.
Retailer Halfords has raised its annual profit forecast amid heightened consumer demand for bicycles, camping equipment, and air conditioning services during the summer months. The company credited its “seasonal ranges” with generating an additional £5 million in profits, which helped offset increased operating costs. Halfords now expects pre-tax earnings between £55 million and £65 million, up from earlier projections of £48.9 million to £55.1 million.
In labour news, gardeners employed by contractor Idverde at several of London’s notable parks—including Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, and St James’s Park—are set to strike for three days next week over pay disputes. Represented by the GMB union, the workers have emphasized the value of their skilled labour in negotiations.
Edinburgh’s Princes Street is scheduled to fully reopen tomorrow following a major fire that occurred on 9 July at the former Debenhams site. The City of Edinburgh Council confirmed the building is now deemed safe, allowing tram services between the airport and Newhaven to resume and ending bus diversions that had disrupted local transit. The fire had posed challenges to the city’s festival season earlier in the summer.
In fitness industry developments, PureGym plans to more than double its number of new openings in the second half of the year. Having launched 17 gyms in the first half, the Leeds-based company aims to open 42 additional locations by year-end. Currently, PureGym operates 728 venues worldwide, with 467 located in the UK, and foresees potential for up to 750 further locations globally in coming years.
Railway cleaners and catering staff working on TransPennine Express trains have initiated strike action today over pay disagreements. These workers, members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union, are employed by private contractors Rail Gourmet and Bidvest Noonan. The current strike follows earlier industrial actions taken amid ongoing negotiations.