BUSINESS LIVE: UK business confidence hits four-year high; Dividend payments threatened by new pension rules; Ofgem launches £450m fund to help ensure businesses and homes go green
Business confidence across Britain has hit a four-year high, driven by rising optimism about the post-Covid recovery, but some companies highlighted concerns about staff shortages.
The vaccine rollout, scrapping of lockdown restrictions and changes to self-isolation rules all contributed to greater optimism among firms this month, according to the latest snapshot from Lloyds Bank.
Elsewhere, fresh rules could force blue-chip businesses to allocate spare funds to pension schemes instead of hiking dividend payments after the pandemic.
Speaking to The Times, actuarial firm LCP warned that companies should not underestimate the significance of the new Pension Schemes Act 2021.
And, energy company regulator Ofgem has today launched a £450million fund aimed at projects that will help the country meet its net zero climate targets.
Ofgem will make the money available to energy network companies that are trying to ensure homes and business are going green.
