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Mid-market surge lifts UK business confidence at end-2025: NatWest

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Mid-market surge lifts UK business confidence at end-2025: NatWest



UK private sector activity closed 2025 on a firmer footing, driven by a sharp upswing in mid-market output that has strengthened business confidence for 2026. UK Purchasing Managers’ Index data for manufacturing and services rose to 55.3 in December from 54.3 in November, signalling a faster pace of expansion, according to the latest NatWest UK Business Growth Tracker.

Mid-market firms reported solid growth in December, supported by stronger order books, planned recruitment and healthier sales pipelines, alongside expectations of a broader economic pick-up this year. The improvement aligns with recent Office for National Statistics data showing the UK economy grew 0.3 per cent in November, NatWest said in a press release.

The growth among mid-market firms was broad-based, with manufacturing recording an index of 51.1. Businesses linked higher activity to rising new orders, and new product launches, and an influx of customers.

UK PMI data for manufacturing and services rose to 55.3 in December, signalling faster expansion, as per NatWest’s UK Business Growth Tracker.
Private sector activity ended 2025 stronger, led by mid-market firms reporting solid output growth, healthier order books, and improved confidence for 2026.
SMEs remained under pressure, though declines eased, amid persistent cost inflation.

In contrast, small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) continued to face challenging conditions. While small and medium-sized enterprises business activity remained in contraction territory, the pace of decline eased in December. Economic uncertainty, including the late November Budget, was cited as a factor delaying customer decisions and hiring plans. Employment levels at SMEs fell for a 15th consecutive month, although the rate of job losses softened.

Cost pressures intensified across the board, with SMEs experiencing the fastest rise in input costs since last April, driven by higher food, staffing and raw material expenses. Mid-market firms also reported a pick-up in input cost inflation, reaching a seven-month high. Efforts to protect margins led SMEs to raise output charges at the strongest pace in five months, while mid-market companies increased selling prices at their fastest rate since last August.

Sebastian Burnside, chief economist at NatWest, said businesses are entering 2026 with greater certainty and improving confidence. He noted that mid-market firms closed 2025 with a strong surge in sales, maintaining momentum despite fiscal uncertainty, while SMEs remain hopeful that easing inflation will gradually reduce cost pressures.

Andy Gray, managing director of commercial mid-market at NatWest, highlighted the segment’s economic importance, noting that even modest growth among mid-market businesses could add significantly to UK gross value added by 2030. He said NatWest will continue working with industry leaders and government to unlock further growth potential.

Overall, business expectations for 2026 improved, with confidence strengthening across the mid-market, reinforcing its role as a key engine of UK economic growth.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)



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Currency shift drives Australian wool fall despite firm exports

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Currency shift drives Australian wool fall despite firm exports




Australia’s wool market eased in AUD terms this week, driven mainly by currency strength rather than weaker demand.
The EMI fell to 1,665 ac/kg, but USD prices rose, with the EMI reaching its highest level since July 2019.
Merino prices softened, cardings firmed, and clearance rates stayed healthy.
A strong offering of 40,480 bales is due next week.



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US brand NikeSKIMS unveils Spring ’26 head-to-toe women’s collection

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US brand NikeSKIMS unveils Spring ’26 head-to-toe women’s collection



NikeSKIMS is debuting its first head-to-toe system of dress with the Spring ’26 Collection. The collection features footwear, apparel and accessories that are inspired by the modern ballerina and designed to represent grace in motion and strength in form.

Crafted to fit every curve, the new Spring line offers a fresh take on performance silhouettes with five apparel collections, the introduction of the NikeSKIMS Rift Satin and updated accessories.

NikeSKIMS will debut its Spring ’26 collection with a head-to-toe system of dress inspired by the modern ballerina.
The range spans five performance-led apparel material stories, updated accessories and the new NikeSKIMS Rift Satin footwear.
Fronted by Lisa and filmed in Paris, the campaign highlights grace, strength and engineered comfort for every body.

“This Spring ‘26 Collection celebrates the timeless poise and elegance of ballerinas but with a distinct modern twist,” says Kim Kardashian, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer, SKIMS. “We obsessed every detail — from the soft lines and feminine colors to the premium materials. Each piece is a statement of beauty and allows women to move with confidence and grace.”

The Spring line offers five material collections across Matte, Stretch Knit, Ribbed Seamless, Weightless Layers and Woven Nylon. The Matte collection includes smooth, sculpting pieces with Dri-FIT technology and two levels of compression. Stretch Knit offers styles that are soft to the touch and lightweight with a flattering drape. The Ribbed Seamless collection includes soft and stretchy ribbed styles with a vintage wash and moisture-wicking tech. Weightless Layers pieces are semi-sheer, ultra-lightweight and feature quick-dry tech. Woven Nylon offers relaxed third layers designed for softness, function and movement.

Also new this season is the NikeSKIMS Rift Satin, which brings the brand’s considered design ethos to footwear. The NikeSKIMS Rift Satin features the iconic tabi-toe design of the original Nike Rift, a sleek strap across the midfoot for quick entry and a secure fit, a soft satin upper material, a minimalist midsole and a textured logo outsole. The NikeSKIMS Rift Satin will be available in two colors, Silt Red and Black.

The NikeSKIMS Spring ’26 Collection comes to life through a campaign starring LISA of Blackpink. LISA is the ultimate multi-hyphenate: a rapper, singer, dancer, actress and style icon.

“When I’m performing, it’s all about looking great while still being able to move and dance,” says LISA. “The NikeSKIMS collection is so comfortable and light that I feel confident wearing it everywhere — from rehearsals to traveling or even relaxing at home. It’s easy to move in, looks amazing and fits perfectly into my everyday life.”

Directed by Sergio Reis, the campaign film celebrates the grace and strength of motion and form while spotlighting LISA’s artistry and passion for movement and dance. Filmed in Paris, the campaign also features professional ballerinas and dancers who helped bring the Spring ’26 Collection look book to life.

NikeSKIMS offers women a complete system of dress that is built on the strength of both brands. From footwear to foundational pieces and bold silhouettes, every product has been meticulously designed to sculpt and engineered to perform for every body.

“The NikeSKIMS Spring ’26 Collection is a true head-to-toe system of dress, designed to make women feel confident and feminine,” says Jamie Jeffries, VP, Global Apparel, Nike. “We’ve paid attention to every detail — from style and function to comfort — so every piece works together seamlessly. By combining Nike’s expertise in performance innovation with SKIMS’s inclusive fit and sculpting technologies, we’re delivering something truly unique for women everywhere.”

Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RM)



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South Indian cotton yarn steady ahead of Union Budget

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South Indian cotton yarn steady ahead of Union Budget



In the Mumbai market, cotton yarn prices did not see significant movement after last week’s rise. The market reported average demand for cotton yarn from the consumer industry. A Mumbai-based trader told Fibre*Fashion, “Cotton yarn demand is expected to improve in the coming weeks. Buyers want to wait for the outcome of the Union Budget, although there is little possibility of major changes for the textile industry. Cash flow is another cause for concern. Traders are diverting funds into precious metals and the stock market for quicker and more lucrative returns, which is slowing payment flows across the textile value chain.”

In Mumbai, ** carded yarn of warp and weft varieties were traded at ****;*,****,*** (~$**.****.**) and ****;*,****,*** per * kg (~$**.****.**) (excluding GST), respectively. Other prices include ** combed warp at ****;****** (~$*.***.**) per kg, ** carded weft at ****;*,****,*** (~$**.****.** per *.* kg, **/** carded warp at ****;****** (~$*.***.**) per kg, **/** carded warp at ****;****** (~$*.***.**) per kg and **/** combed warp at ****;****** (~$*.***.**) per kg, according to trade sources.



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