Business & Economy

Published: 17 August 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online Fast-fashion giant Shein is targeting a valuation of almost $27bn when it makes its long-awaited debut on the Hong Kong stock exchange on 1 September, marking a major milestone for the company after years of regulatory obstacles in other major financial centres. The Singapore-headquartered retailer, which was founded in China in 2008, said it plans to offer almost...

Published: 17 August 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online The way business rates are calculated for pubs and hotels in England and Wales is to undergo a major review, in a move that could eventually lead to significant changes in how hospitality businesses are taxed. The Treasury has appointed business rates specialist Jerry Schurder to lead the review, which will examine how properties are valued for business...

Published: 17 August 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online China has launched an investigation after footage emerged appearing to show cabbages being treated with a formaldehyde solution before being transported for sale, raising fresh concerns about food safety and prompting authorities to carry out checks across markets. Officials in the north-eastern province of Hebei said they had verified video footage showing individuals dipping cabbages into a liquid...

Published: 17 August 2026 | The English Chronicle Desk | The English Chronicle Online The Tata Group is preparing for a significant leadership transition after the resignation of Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran, leaving one of corporate India's most influential positions vacant at a particularly challenging moment for the conglomerate. Chandrasekaran's departure has created uncertainty at the top of a business empire valued at roughly $300bn, with interests ranging from...

Published: 22 August 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online Trade unions have warned the Labour government that its planned reforms to zero-hours contracts could fail to deliver one of the party’s key manifesto commitments unless ministers remove proposed restrictions on which workers will be entitled to guaranteed hours. Union leaders are seeking assurances from Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds as the government prepares to finalise legislation aimed at...

Published: 22 August 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online. Canada has vowed to match US tariffs “dollar for dollar” after trade negotiations with Washington collapsed without an agreement, opening a new and potentially damaging chapter in the economic relationship between two of North America’s closest allies. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Ottawa had negotiated in good faith but could not accept what he described as unfair...

Published: 15 August 2026.The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced a £65m package of support for drought-hit farmers in England, stepping up the government’s response to the worsening effects of extreme heat, prolonged dry weather and water shortages after mounting pressure from Labour MPs and grassroots members. The package is designed to provide immediate assistance to farmers struggling with falling crop yields, rising...

Published: 15 August 2026.The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online. Weight-loss medication may reduce grocery spending, but only the highest earners appear likely to save enough on food to offset the cost of the drugs, according to an analysis that has raised concerns about growing inequality in access to obesity treatments. Research by consultancy Baringa found that people taking GLP-1 weight-loss medication would generally spend less on food, but...

Published: 15 July 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online. The embattled giant Thames Water faces a difficult road ahead despite confirming sufficient cash reserves. Executives recently announced the company has enough funding to operate until the year concludes. However, the utility firm highlighted significant material uncertainty regarding its long-term financial survival. This massive corporation provides essential water services to sixteen million people across London today. Management is...

Published: 15 July 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online. Thousands of vulnerable heating oil customers across the United Kingdom are finally receiving significant financial redress today. This development follows a rigorous investigation conducted by the national competition watchdog into unfair business practices. Many households had their fuel deliveries abruptly cancelled during the height of the recent international energy crisis. The Competition and Markets Authority stepped in to...