Unity Trust Bank, which supports organisations that create positive social impact across the UK, has reported that more than half of its lending went to customers delivering services in areas of high deprivation in 2024. In its annual results, Unity’s overall lending remained at over £1bn with 50.5% (2023: 45.3%) committed to where it is […]
Commenting on the FCA’s 5-year strategy, Darren Ketteringham, PwC’s Financial Services leader, said: “The FCA’s new strategy marks a notable evolution in its approach — one that acknowledges the importance of enabling responsible risk-taking to support long-term economic growth and improved financial outcomes for consumers. “The regulator’s drive to simplify the rulebook, promote innovation, and […]
Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) remain a key priority for UK lower mid-market businesses, with 22% identifying it as one of their top three core growth strategies over the next three years, according to new research from business advisory group Dow Schofield Watts. As firms navigate an increasingly competitive landscape, M&A is seen as a critical tool […]
Last Friday’s closure of Heathrow Airport disrupted the supply of over £5.43m of goods, says the international delivery expert Parcelhero. The cost could ultimately run to millions. Many delayed products, such as pharmaceuticals and fresh foods, have a limited shelf life. The full impact of the closure of Heathrow Airport on the UK supply chain […]
The latest Lloyds UK Sector Tracker, compiled using exclusive PMI survey data from around 1,300 private sector companies, reveals that more sectors reported month-on-month growth in February. Four sectors saw output rise (up from one in January) – the most since November 2024. Software & IT services grew at the fastest pace (58.7), and the […]
The majority shareholders of United Trust Bank (UTB), a leading UK specialist bank, and Warburg Pincus LLC have successfully completed a transaction in which Warburg Pincus has acquired a minority equity interest in UTB. This investment, which values the banking group at approximately £520m, supports the continuation of UTB’s strong and profitable growth and is a significant […]
Buy-to-let lender Landbay has announced rate reductions of 0.10% across its limited edition small HMO/MUFB products. The five-year fixed rate products now start at 4.99% at up to 75% loan-to-value (LTV). The four products joined the popular limited edition product range at the start of the month to support loans between £150,000 and £500,000. Alongside […]
Assetz Capital, a leading specialist in development finance, has announced a major enhancement to its funding model at MIPIM 2025. Increasing LTGDV to 72% and 87.5% Loan-to-Cost (LTC) for housing schemes will drive a surge in day one lending advances for developers. This significant move is designed to accelerate housebuilding, improve cash retention, and ultimately […]
Independent SME lender, Time Finance, has been recognised as one of the UK’s best companies to work for, with the business achieving the status of ‘Very Good Organisation’ in a recent review and analysis from Best Companies. Achieving this recognition, Time Finance joins a select group of businesses to receive the honour, which is awarded […]
The latest insight from The Global Payroll Association (GPA), reveals that 89% of small-to-medium sized businesses (SMEs) in the UK have reduced their workforce since the Autumn Budget of October 2024. The government’s Spring Statement Budget will be delivered on Wednesday 26th March. It will be the first budget since the now notorious Autumn Budget in […]
