Jonathan Moyes, head of investment research, Wealth Club: “This was a slightly softer month for inflation than expected, coming in 0.1% below expectations at 2.6%. This likely gives the Bank of England the green light to cut interest rates in its May meeting. The UK economy is not out of the woods yet. There is […]
While only 0.06% of parcels were officially declared lost, this still amounts to approximately 3.72 million missing items over the four-month period. As well as 0.06% of parcels being officially declared by carriers as ‘lost’, the number of actually lost parcels could be as high as 0.7% due to parcels categorised as ‘potentially lost’, due […]
The percentage of UK small businesses predicting growth has fallen to a four-year low (29%) – with significant falls in the manufacturing, construction and retail sectors – according to new figures from Novuna Business Finance. Nationally, growth outlook now stands at its lowest level since Q1 2021 (26%), and – if the first lockdown periods […]
A surge in buyer demand, strong seasonal expectations and optimism of further reductions in mortgage rates have driven UK home prices higher, according to Home.co.uk’s Asking Price Index for April. But while this burst in sales activity presents several positive metrics regarding the current UK housing market, it is important to also note some dark clouds on […]
The number of growing UK sectors held steady in March, according to the latest Lloyds UK Sector Tracker. Compiled using exclusive PMI survey data from around 1,300 private sector companies (between 12 – 27 March), the report shows that four sectors saw output growth, the same number as in February. Real estate services expanded for […]
The imposition of VAT on private schools could lead to ‘carnage’ in the summer holidays, says a sector specialist. Fees at the UK’s 2,500 private schools have been liable for 20% VAT since 1 January following a decision made by the Labour government soon after it came to office last July. But because the measure […]
Trump’s tariff-led trade war is pushing the world’s two largest economies toward a new front: a currency war— “one that will be gradual, deliberate, and globally disruptive,” warns the CEO of global financial advisory giant, deVere Group. With US tariffs on Chinese goods now averaging 145%, Beijing is under growing pressure to respond. But with traditional […]
In such a crowded industry as home and garden retail, having a competitive advantage is essential to set you apart from your competitors, and lead to an increase to your businesses profitability. Could using a same day courier be the difference for your home and garden business? What is a same day courier? A same […]
A new study by media and market intelligence provider, CARMA, has revealed that nearly half (46%) of all negative media coverage of UK banks in 2024 focused on concerns over conduct. The report, The Reputation Economy: Media and Consumer Insights from Top UK Financial Institutions, highlights mounting issues related to transparency, compliance, and ethical standards, which have […]
365 Finance, an award-winning SME funder, has reported that the UK hospitality sector accounted for £43.7m of funding in 2024*, representing a 16.9% increase compared to 2023. For the first three months of 2025 this upward trend has continued, with hospitality businesses during 2024 and this year to-date being among the most frequent applicants for […]
