Jessica Miller
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Investigative journalist | Formerly Jessica Miller | New byline, same reporter for @sltrib | Reach me at jschreifels@sltrib.com
Articles by Jessica Miller
Rising inflation puts squeeze on households and businesses, says MHA’s economic adviser
The rise in UK inflation will hit the lowest paid households hardest, squeeze margins for businesses and lead to an “uncomfortable” autumn for the prime minister and chancellor. That is the verdict of Emeritus Professor Joe Nellis, Head of Economic Research at Liverpool accountancy and advisory firm MHA. While the increase was ‘widely expected’, Joe has warned against a temporary inflation spike becoming structural, if expectations, wages and prices begin responding to it.
Bank of England holds interest rates at 3.75%
Holding the base rate at 3.75%, the Bank of England reported that inflation has dipped slightly to 2.6% in the period leading up to June, but it is expected to rise again later in the year due to the volatility caused by the conflict in Iran. UK economic growth is also forecast to reach 1.1%, a marginal increase on previous predictions.
LJLA expecting another record summer
This is the airport’s busiest time of the year, with almost 930,000 passengers due to pass through its terminal between the start of the school holidays and the end of August – an increase of 7% over last year as families from across the region head off overseas on holiday.
No. 10 North Can Be Catalyst For Effective Devolution
“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. “This is something that our Chamber Network understands only too well. Our 51 Chambers are rooted in their local communities and work tirelessly to strengthen their local business environment.
Mixed Picture for UK Exporters On US Tariffs
“The Economic Prosperity Deal with the US also means that automotives, pharmaceuticals, steel and aluminium are insulated from these changes and should not face further investigation. “However, there will be concerns about the loss of the UK’s competitive advantage over the EU and other countries which have secured a more favourable deal in other goods sectors. “The US is also carrying our further investigations over digital service taxes which could lead to further uncertainty for firms.
Business Rates Changes Must Go Further
“Any action on rates is long overdue and very welcome, but root and branch reform of the system was a Labour manifesto commitment, and it is time to deliver on that promise. “A step-by-step action plan is required. First, the government must mitigate the steep jumps in bills across all sectors caused by the 2026 revaluation. That means introducing a single flat rate multiplier and making bills easier to understand.
Inflation Eases But New PM Must Tackle Business Costs
“The cost of doing business remains stubbornly high, with firms continuing to face high employment costs and energy bills that are squeezing margins and limiting investment. “As the dust settles from political change in Downing Street the new Prime Minister must act quickly to ease the cost of doing business. We stand ready to work in partnership with the new government to drive forward trade, investment and productivity.
Weak Business Confidence Impacting Hiring
“With unemployment for 18–24-year-olds rising to 14.8%, the outlook for young people is becoming increasingly alarming as they struggle to get a foot on the career ladder. The BCC expects youth unemployment to reach 17% this year. “Against this backdrop it was encouraging to hear the new Prime Minister placing a renewed emphasis on education in his first speech, yesterday.
Morecrofts marks milestone 10th Domestic Abuse Conference
Skip to main content Morecrofts Solicitors hosted its 10th annual Domestic Abuse Conference on Thursday July 9, bringing together 130 professionals from across the legal, policing, housing, charity and support sectors to share knowledge and strengthen the response to domestic abuse.
Delivering Growth Must Be Priority Number One
“Firms will want to see swift action that shows the new Government understands the cost pressures they face and is willing to work with them to cut that burden. “There can be no room for error. Previous missteps, such as the rise in National Insurance Contributions, have undermined much of the current government’s good work by severely denting business confidence. “Successive governments have piled too much additional cost on firms when external economic shocks were already making life difficult.
Alarm Bells Ringing As Services Exports Fall
Skip to main content “Goods exports fared well in May with a 5.2% increase in volume, particularly in chemicals exports to the rest of the world. By comparison, goods exports to the EU rose more modestly across a variety of commodity lines. “But sluggish trade in services is a deepening concern. In May, there was a static picture in exports accompanied by a 0.7% fall in imports. Looking at the past three months, services exports have now fallen into negative territory.
New PM will Inherit Fragile Economy
“For most businesses, recent cost rises, including the national insurance hike, are just the tip of the iceberg. BCC analysis shows government-imposed costs on a typical SME have risen by more than 70% in just 10 years. “The impact is clear – business confidence is low, and our latest SME survey shows investment plans at their weakest level since the pandemic. “From the moment Andy Burnham enters Downing Street, he must back business.
New Era As UK-India Trade Deal Begins
“Chambers across the UK and our in-country affiliate, the UK India Business Council, are now starting the real work of turning this policy into practical delivery. “We are working closely with the Indian High Commission and partners in both countries to develop a UK–India Trade Accelerator. Once established, this will give ambitious firms the market insight, regulatory guidance, trusted relationships and in-market support they need to succeed.
Business Backs Focus On Trade and Devolution
“There were clear themes in tonight’s speech by the Chancellor that businesses will hope are carried on by Andy Burnham’s new administration. “Over the last two years, the Chancellor has supported important steps in the right direction. Her ambition to build a closer trading relationship with the EU is something that will resonate with many firms. Reducing barriers with our largest trading partner can lower costs, boost export opportunities and support growth for firms of all sizes.
BCC Welcomes Enhanced Swiss Trade Deal
“This is an important upgrade as Switzerland is one of the UK’s largest trading partners, especially in services. It will provide welcome certainty for thousands of companies in the legal, financial services, and accounting professions. “It includes improvements on mobility of staff and allows UK nationals to work in Switzerland for 90 days every year visa-free.
Business Investment Plans Hit Post-Pandemic Low
The UK’s largest independent business sentiment survey also shows confidence weakened in Q2, with fewer firms increasing sales and inflation re-emerging as the leading concern. The key survey findings: Only 17% of responding firms plan to increase investment, down from 21% in Q1 Just 44% of businesses said they expected improved turnover in the next 12 months, down from 49% in Q1.
Defence Spending Vital To Economy
“The release of this spending plan is long overdue. Businesses have been patiently waiting to get a better understanding of the government’s priorities and how these dovetail with long-term procurement and supply chain resilience plans. “National security and economic security must go hand in hand. Boosting defence manufacturing and exports have to be key goals for the next decade and beyond. “This includes protecting access to steel.
Liverpool set to host new international music tech hub in city centre
H.O.M.E (House Of Music & Entertainment), an international network connecting entrepreneurs, investors and creatives, has announced plans to open a new workspace at The Royal Court later this year. The Liverpool base – set to open in July – will provide a landing point for the music and music tech industry while helping local firms tap into global opportunities.
Bathgate Business Finance supports Adferiad purchase of former Blind Veterans centre with £1.5 million deal
The purchase marks a new chapter for Adferiad, which earlier this month celebrated its 50th anniversary at the new site. The building will be transformed into Parkland Place, a 40-bed detoxification facility, providing safe, structured detox for adults with substance use disorders, including individuals with additional complexities.
Burnham’s Long-Term Plan Must Work for Business
“Firms need consistency, clarity and stability from policymakers, if business confidence is to be improved. “Businesses will judge Andy Burnham’s plans on whether they deliver the boost to investment, productivity and trade desperately needed to unlock growth. As our recent report outlined, government must always ask whether policy passes a ‘growth delivery test’ to encourage firms to invest and grow.
Michelle O’Dwyer revealed as Merseyside Woman of the Year 2026
Michelle O’Dwyer, celebrated chef and founder of Bay Tree Cookery CIC, has been named the Merseyside Woman of the Year 2026.
Record year for Sciontec as occupancy soars and HEMISPHERE One progresses
Innovation space developer and operator Sciontec has delivered record £3.7m turnover and high occupancy levels in the last financial year according to its audited accounts.
Recruitment challenges continue to stall hiring
Less than a quarter (23%) of firms are expecting to increase the size of their workforce over the coming months, according to the latest data from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). The BCC’s Quarterly Recruitment Outlook shows most businesses (66%) are planning to keep with their existing staffing numbers, while 11% of firms are planning to cut staff. The research also shows persistent hiring challenges for businesses, with 73% of firms trying to find new staff reporting difficulties.
Mayor sets out plan to take back public control of Merseyrail
“Since becoming Mayor, I’ve been determined to build a transport network that works better for the people who rely on it every day – one that’s easier to use, better connected and designed around passengers. “We’ve already introduced the country’s first publicly owned train fleet in a generation, delivered new rail stations, taken back control of our buses, rolled out tap-and-go ticketing and started laying the foundations for a rapid transit network.
Business investment plans hit post-pandemic low
“The Iran war has had a huge impact on business confidence and our customers are postponing investments that they had planned to make. It has been the hardest quarter for us since the financial crash of 2008.” “Despite having good rates of remuneration there is a severe shortage of skilled personnel available making recruitment and long-term expansion difficult.
easyJet announces new route from Liverpool John Lennon Airport to Budapest
easyJet has today announced the launch of a new route from Liverpool John Lennon Airport to Budapest, with flights now on sale. Flights to Hungary’s capital will start on 19 November 2026 and operate twice a week on Thursdays and Sundays, providing customers with even more choice of winter city break destinations direct from Liverpool.
BCC Director General Shevaun Haviland: Back Business to Deliver Growth
At the BCC’s Global Annual Conference, Haviland will outline how successive governments have hobbled Britain’s business prospects and the three drivers of growth through which the damage can be fixed. She will urge the next Prime Minister to resist the temptation to pile costs on business, if they want the economy to deliver the growth needed to fund wider priorities.
Brexit Burden Must Be Cut
BCC research shows over half of UK exporters (54%) think the current trade deal with the EU is making it harder to export and the need for change is urgent. Only 16% say the current deal is supporting them to grow. This has been a consistent picture since BCC started to track the impact of the deal in 2021.
Liverpool John Lennon Airport announce appointment of new Chairman
Skip to main content Clive has had a distinguished career and brings a wealth of international experience in board level executive, non-executive and chair roles in the aviation, infrastructure and logistics industries.
No Surprise As Interest Rate Held
Skip to main content “Holding the interest rate at 3.75% is the common-sense call, given yesterday’s better-than-expected inflation data and falling oil prices after the USA and Iran signed a peace deal. “The cost of a misstep is far higher than it was in the 2022 inflation crisis. Back then, the Bank was tightening into an overheating post-pandemic economy. Today, growth is weak, the labour market is loosening, and the interest rate is already restrictive.
easyJet announces new winter routes from LJLA to Reykjavik and Kittilä
Flights to Reykjavik will start on 2nd November 2026 and operate twice a week on Mondays and Fridays, while flights to Kittilä, in Lapland will begin on 25th November 2026 and operate twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays, providing customers even more choice of winter destinations direct from Liverpool.
Liverpool Chamber of Commerce
“While unemployment fell slightly to 4.9 per cent, the expectation is that it will rise as businesses remain cautious about hiring. Our latest forecast suggests it could reach 5.2 per cent by Christmas as firms struggle with labour cost pressures. “With vacancies falling and a rise in economic inactivity, this would suggest many businesses are pressing pause on recruitment as uncertainty looms around costs, global headwinds and domestic policies.
Starmer is gone and Burnham’s coronation seems imminent — how will the financial markets react?
Emeritus Professor Joe Nellis is economic adviser at MHA, the accountancy and advisory firm. The expectation of the Prime Minister’s resignation in recent days had already driven volatility in financial markets – a spike in bond yields and fall in sterling this morning shows that his resignation is only adding to that. This is not because of any great love the markets have for the outgoing PM, but for fear of what comes next.
Time Running Out On Steel Quota Cliff-Edge
“The cliff-edge on these plans is fast approaching so the opportunity is narrowing to avoid huge self-inflicted damage to the economy. “Affected sectors rely heavily on imported steel products that can’t be obtained domestically, and some will be facing millions of pounds in additional costs when quotas are exhausted. “Some businesses have told us they will not be able to continue, while others have said they will have no choice but to relocate to the EU.
‘Growth Delivery Test’ Can Turn Ambition into Action
A major new report, co-authored by Andy Haldane, says the UK can break through its decades long economic growth ceiling by focusing on the decisions businesses make every day. Based on research from the BCC Insights Unit, the report identifies five practical levers for growth: skills, technology adoption, trade, finance and business scaling. In a survey of 875 firms in April, respondents were asked what would directly support growth in their business.
Trade Holding Up As Fuel Imports Shift
“Rising fuel prices due to the Iran War are now clearly influencing international trade. April was another quiet month for UK services trade with export volumes growing 0.2 per cent. “There was steadier growth in the volume of goods exports, which rose 1.3 per cent. But fuel imports from the Gulf region fell as the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz continued to be felt.
Firms Resilient As Global Headwinds Rise
“Much depends on the length of the conflict. While our forecast has already downgraded growth expectations to 0.9% for the year, inflation is not expected to hit the same levels as the 2022 crisis. But this could all change if the conflict deepens. “Against this backdrop, it is vital that the UK remains a stable and supportive environment for business. Firms are not looking for quick fixes, they want certainty to make long-term decisions on investment, hiring and expansion.
Tourism tax could hit some North West regions harder than others, says MHA expert
A proposed law enabling English regions to impose a tax on overnight stays could put some areas of the North West at a disadvantage and threaten visitor numbers, according to a regional tourism finance expert. The Overnight Visitor Levy, proposed in this month’s King’s Speech, would give some mayoral authorities the means to apply charges to overnight accommodation stays to help fund local services.
Milburn Review ‘Must be a wakeup call’
“Now, government needs to take even bolder action to tackle those at risk before they become NEET. That means earlier and better careers education; more training routes at Level 2; and reducing costs for employers. “Businesses are keen to engage with the Milburn Review and with government in the coming months as solutions to these critical issues are developed.
Firms Warn of Rising Costs from Iran Crisis
“The impact of the Iran conflict is being directly felt by firms the length and breadth of the UK. Higher energy bills, shipping disruption and the rising cost of raw materials are daily concerns for business. “Even if the current ceasefire soon signals the end of the conflict, the economic reverberations will be felt for many months to come. The geopolitical kaleidoscope has been shaken and there’s no quick fix.
More Help Needed on Business Costs
“It’s important to remember that the cost of living and the cost of business are two sides of the same coin. “While most of today’s statement was consumer focused, some additional government support for both the chemicals and ceramics sectors is welcome. Our members will be looking closely at the details, alongside recent changes to the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme. “Yesterday’s announcement that there will be no fuel duty rise this year will offer some relief to firms across the UK.
Gulf Trade Deal ‘A Moment To Celebrate’
Skip to main content “This deal is great news for the UK economy; it will open up new opportunities for inward investment, exports and supply chains. Once ratified, there will be improved market access for key UK services sectors and lower tariffs on food and drink, automotives, and industrial goods. “There is great potential to expand our trade with this key region, which already generates £57bn a year for the UK economy.
Inflation Dip Unlikely To Be Sustained
“Inflation slowing to 2.8% in April is likely to be a temporary quirk due to the timing of some prices changes rather than a signal on the direction of travel. “The key drivers for the slowdown were related to drop in the cost of package holidays and airfares alongside a reduction in energy bills due to the price cap. However, motor fuels saw a substantial rise, and the overall drop is unlikely to be sustained as cost pressures from the Strait of Hormuz blockade continue to feed through.
Procurement Spend with SMEs Hits Six-Year High
SME share of public procurement hit a six year high in 2025, at 21% of all direct spend (£45.2bn) Central government was significantly behind its new SME procurement spending targets last year, averaging 8.4 percentage points below the required levels. Local government continues to be the part of the public sector spending the most with SMEs, £29.1bn in 2025. Local government has seen sustained year-on-year growth in SME spending since 2020, while central government has fallen.
HS2 Crucial to Business Growth
Skip to main content “The HS2 project is a crucial part of creating a modern transport network that helps business boost growth across the UK. We welcome the government’s recommitment to the project today. “Better rail links are essential for the future prosperity of our regional economies, supporting businesses, jobs and investment. Rail is also crucial to the movement of goods nationwide. “The construction project itself will bring huge benefits to SMEs through the HS2 supply chain.
Q1 Growth Shows Business Resilience
Skip to main content “Growth of 0.6% in Q1, shows the initial optimism we heard from our members at the start of the year was well grounded. “Meanwhile GDP rising by 0.3% in March itself also suggests the continued resilience of business in the face of economic shocks. But firms are concerned the full impact of the Iran conflict will start to show in the coming months. “Firms are facing huge cost pressures.
Steel Tariffs Risk Serious Damage To UK Manufacturers
In a letter to the Business Secretary, Peter Kyle, the BCC said the proposed regime risks creating ‘real financial and logistics problems’ for downstream industries. These includeconstruction, engineering and manufacturing, which rely heavily on imported steel products that can’t be obtained domestically. The new system, which is set to be introduced on July 1, reduces tariff-free import quotas by 60% overall, significantly higher than the EU’s 47% reduction.
King’s Speech: Welcome Action But Gaps Remain
“Today’s King’s Speech had some positives for business with action to tackle late payments, simplify trade with the EU and strengthen apprenticeships. “These steps can make a real difference to cashflow and confidence on the ground. “But there are also significant gaps where the Government has not gone far enough. Businesses will be disappointed to see no clear progress on reforming business rates, which remain a major cost burden for firms across the UK.
Merseyside Women of the Year 2026 finalists announced
The public is now able to vote for their overall ‘Woman of the Year’ from the finalists, who have each been recognised for their work driving change and improving lives in Merseyside and beyond, through business leadership, contribution to professional services, voluntary and community work, charitable organisations, and entrepreneurial and creative endeavours.
New Lord Mayor of Liverpool to be sworn in
Cllr William Shortall will become the first wheelchair user in the city’s history to take up the role, and wants to use his year in office to shine a spotlight on inclusion and accessibility. Councillor Shortall was born and educated in the city and earned his law degree through part‐time study with The Open University and the Chester College of Law, balancing his community volunteering with life as a wheelchair user with Muscular Dystrophy (a progressive muscle wasting condition).
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