York’s tourism sector is becoming an increasingly significant contributor to the city’s economy, despite visitor numbers still lagging behind pre-pandemic levels. According to a new report from Make It York, the sector generated £2.01bn in 2024, marking a 5.04% increase over the previous year.

The report reveals that retail, food and drink, and accommodation were the largest sectors for visitor spending. Retail saw 34% of visitor expenditure, followed by food and drink (27%) and accommodation (25%).

Visitor numbers in 2024 reached 9.4 million, still falling short of pre-pandemic figures. Although the city has seen growth in both domestic and international tourism, the pace of recovery remains slower than anticipated. Overseas visitors made up nearly a quarter of the tourism revenue.

The tourism sector also experienced employment growth, with 16,788 people employed in the industry, representing a 4.8% increase compared to 2023.

Overnight stays in York also saw a slight rise to 1.7 million, with more than half of these visitors opting for serviced accommodation such as hotels. However, concerns have been raised about the impact of short-term rentals on the housing market, and Make It York is looking into ways to balance tourism growth and sustainability.

The organisation is also exploring the broader social impact of tourism, such as encouraging public transport use to avoid over-tourism and ensure long-term benefits for both locals and visitors.

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is set to cut up to 500 management jobs in the UK, a decision prompted by pressure on sales and profits, partly due to US trade tariffs. The cuts, which amount to about 1.5% of its UK workforce, will be part of a voluntary redundancy programme. This move is seen as part of “normal business practice” as the company adapts to changing market conditions.

JLR reported a decline in sales for the three months to June, influenced by a halt in exports to the US due to tariffs, as well as the phase-out of older Jaguar models. The carmaker had already warned that the 10% tariff imposed by the US on British car exports would negatively impact its profits. Despite this, JLR remains optimistic about future investments, particularly following the UK-US trade agreement that has reduced tariffs on a limited number of vehicles.

The company’s strategy includes a shift towards electric vehicle production, which has led to an increase in the mixed workforce. The ongoing global trade challenges, including the imposition of a 25% tariff on UK car exports earlier this year, have caused significant disruption.

JLR, a key player in the UK automotive sector with over 30,000 employees, continues to face complex market dynamics as it navigates this period of change.

Esselle, a retail group based in Lancashire, has acquired Agden Consulting Limited, trading as Facetheory, in a transaction that saw the skincare brand enter pre-pack administration. This acquisition, which includes the transfer of 28 employees and the Regent Street retail store, strengthens Esselle’s presence in the consumer goods market.

Facetheory, founded in 2013, has built a loyal customer base with its sustainable skincare products. The brand holds certifications such as B Corp and PETA, reflecting its commitment to eco-conscious practices. However, the company faced financial difficulties, reporting a loss of £1.1 million for the year ending April 2024, despite a turnover of £13.7 million. The challenges were compounded by a disruptive rebranding and the recent departure of founder Jamie Shuker.

The acquisition aligns with Esselle’s growing portfolio. Esselle, launched in 2023, initially acquired Arthouse, a home furnishings business, for £1.5 million. Esselle, owned by retail entrepreneur Suraj Lalvani, plans to expand Facetheory’s reach in the clean beauty sector, assuring customers that there will be no disruption in fulfilling current or future orders.

The deal signals Esselle’s commitment to scaling Facetheory’s innovative skincare products and building deeper customer relationships in the growing clean beauty market.

The UK and Germany have cemented their commitment to closer collaboration with the signing of the Kensington Treaty. This agreement, the first of its kind since World War II, aims to enhance cooperation in trade, defence, security, and various bilateral exchanges.

At a ceremony held at London’s V&A Museum, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz formalised the treaty, which includes provisions for joint efforts in reinforcing Euro-Atlantic security. Both leaders have committed to further strengthening their defence forces to effectively deter potential threats. The treaty also reiterates support for NATO and its allies.

A key part of the agreement is the facilitation of passport e-gates for UK citizens arriving in Germany, set to roll out by the end of August, initially for frequent travellers. The nations have also agreed to explore the potential for direct train services, with hopes of launching them within the next decade.

Additionally, the treaty highlights the importance of bilateral school and youth exchanges, aims to combat cross-border crime, and outlines joint work on security issues such as arms control, counter-terrorism, and space security.

This treaty signals a renewed focus on addressing global challenges such as people smuggling, with both nations committed to tackling organised crime, including migrant smuggling. This agreement is part of broader efforts to strengthen UK-Germany relations and address pressing issues across Europe.