Thousands of UK companies in ‘ill financial health’, Tesla's EV sales struggle with sales

1. Tens of thousands of UK companies are showing “distinct early signs of financial ill health” despite being predicted to grow by 20 per cent over the next year, according to a new report. Data released in the first-ever Growth Flag Annual Report shows that 13.1 per cent of businesses are likely or very likely to grow by a fifth in the following 12 months. However, more than 66,000 of those have been identified as at risk. 2. Wizz Air said it had swung to a loss in the last quarter as supply chain issues at a key engine provider and costs associated with the Israel-Gaza conflict hit the bottom line. The low-cost carrier reported a loss of £90.20m (€105.4m) in the three months to December, down from a profit of €33.5m the prior year. Operating losses increased by 16 per cent, from €155.5m to €180.4m. 3. Tesla said it expects electric vehicle (EV) sales growth to come in “notably lower” this year despite its aggressive cost cutting strategy, amid a slowdown in demand. Elon Musk’s outfit said it was between “between two major growth waves,” but company shares fell by nearly six per cent in New York following the announcement.