- Home
- About us
- Our Services
- Personal Financial Planning (Individual & Family)
- Corporate Advice
- Meet the team
- News & Views
- Contact Us
Major changes to the Inheritance Tax (IHT) regime surrounding pensions are coming in April 2027 (subject to legislation) and it’s important to be prepared for them.
Read More
The 2025 Autumn Budget delivers wide-ranging tax, spending and investment measures across the economy – including personal taxation, wages, savings, pensions, NHS, education and more. Explore what it means for you. Economic forecasts On Budget day, the Chancellor highlighted improved OBR forecasts, with growth rising to 1.5% this year and steady at 1.4–1.5% in the […]
Read More
In October’s Residential Property Review we cover the latest housing and rental trends, government proposals to reform the buying process and the winner of Britain’s top architecture prize. Plus, the latest government data on house prices.
Read More
In October’s Commercial Property Market Review we cover the latest trends shaping the UK’s commercial real estate sector, including stable yields amid uncertainty, strong hotel investment growth and Scotland’s steady market performance despite reduced deal activity
Read More
This week’s News in Review looks at the latest ONS data on the UK’s GDP, the IMF’s predictions for global growth, renewed US-China trade tensions and shifting mortgage rates.
Read More
Latest housing data from Halifax shows a slowdown in activity, but affordability is improving. IFS has a warning for the Chancellor ahead of the Budget. Trump hails “the historic dawn of a new Middle East”.
Read More
The investing landscape is rapidly evolving due to geopolitical uncertainty, inflation, AI and a changing labour market. The IMF forecasts 3% global growth, but risks remain. Staying agile, diversified and long-term focused is vital to capture growth while managing risk.
Read More
Autumn is a natural time to review your finances. Check pensions, savings and investments to ensure plans match your goals. Building short-term resilience and strengthening long-term security can help you feel confident about your financial future.
Read More
The UK housing market moves into autumn with steady momentum. Buyers can expect to benefit from improved affordability and negotiating power due to a high volume of homes on the market. This is influencing how sellers approach pricing.
Read More
According to ONS, UK GDP is estimated to have grown by an unrevised 0.3% between April and June, compared to an increase of 0.7% in Q1. The BCC has urged the government to take decisive action to improve the competitiveness of the UK economy. In a new report they caution that, without increasing investment and […]
Read More
UK data highlight persistent pressures – inflation stuck at 3.8% (largely due to food costs), GDP slowed to 0.2%, payrolls fell, with wage growth at 4.8%, while retail sales rose in August but sentiment weakened.
Read More
Global growth is slowing, UK inflation leads G7 and Labour signals tough fiscal choices ahead.
Read More
The Bank of England held rates at 4% as inflation stays high. UK secures £150bn US tech investment. Consumer confidence dips.
Read More
Read the latest in our Commercial Property Market Review. City investment hits £2bn by July with bigger deals but lower volumes. The outlook for H2 brightens with rate cuts, while London’s construction pipeline contracts despite infrastructure support
Read More
The housing market hinges on potential Autumn Budget tax changes. Mortgage rates dip but gilt yields pose risk. 15% of sales fell through in 2025, while affordability drives London’s buyer hotspots.
Read More
The UK economy flatlined in July, in line with expectations and follows GDP growth of 0.4% in June. US inflation was higher than expected in August, with CPI rising 0.4%, the sharpest increase since January.
Read More
The Autumn Budget is set for 26 November with tough choices looming. Services sector strengthens, but mortgage borrowing dips despite retail lift.
Read More
UK growth beat expectations in Q2, while inflation climbed to an 18-month high. The Bank of England cut rates, but future policy looks uncertain. Public borrowing improved, though fiscal pressures mean tax rises are still likely in the autumn.
Read More
Bank Rate was cut to 4% in August. UK house price growth slows, but homes are still 20% more valuable since 2020. Northern regions outperform while London lags. Read more in our Residential Property Review.
Read More
Read the latest in our Commercial Property Market Review. London’s data centre boom continues, retail investment rebounds and UK commercial property has mixed momentum. Central London offices and industrial rentals lead growth, highlighting resilience despite national stagnation.
Read More
Retail struggles – data shows sales fell again in August. Financial Conduct Authority scam reports near 5,000. UK car production rises, supported by stronger US demand. UK house price growth slows as affordability challenges persist.
Read More
UK inflation ticked up to 3.8% in July, but government borrowing fell and mortgage rates dipped below 5%. Households face a squeeze from rising costs, yet lower borrowing and cheaper mortgages offer some cautious optimism.
Read More
UK economic growth outperformed expectations in Q2 but fragility remains. Ukraine peace talks progressed cautiously. AI has fuelled a 20% rise in UK data centres, bringing both opportunity and environmental challenges.
Read More
The Bank of England has cut interest rates to 4% as it targets 2% inflation. The National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) warns taxes may need to rise in the Autumn Budget to meet fiscal goals. Trump’s tariffs impact trade with over 90 countries.
Read More
Our latest Economic Review looks back on July – the UK economy continues to struggle with weak growth, surprise inflation increases and a cooling jobs market. Despite headwinds, interest rate cuts are still expected as policymakers weigh mixed data and softening demand heading into the second half of 2025.
Read More
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has predicted global economic growth of 3% in 2025 and 3.1% in 2026. This is an upward revision from the IMF’s forecast in April, partly due to recent front-loading in anticipation of higher tariffs. Easier financial conditions and fiscal expansion in some major jurisdictions also contributed to the improved outlook.
Read More
Big changes brewing in Britain – a historic trade deal with India, automotive output struggles and soaring public borrowing mark a pivotal moment in UK economic trends. Eyes now turn to Autumn’s Budget for what’s next.
Read More
The UK housing market is finding its feet. New-build demand stays strong in key cities, while buyer confidence returns. Flipping is down, but smart investors are focusing on the north. Read more in our Residential Property Review.
Read More
Read the latest commercial property news in our Commercial Property Market Review. London’s investment market shows strong recovery signs, owner-occupiers are fuelling demand as buying becomes cheaper than renting. In Scotland, hotels lead despite a slower H1.
Read More
Inflation’s surprise rise to 3.6% had cast doubt on imminent rate cuts, despite an upbeat retail performance. Unemployment and falling vacancies are deepening concerns. The economic outlook is clouded, calling for cautious optimism and close attention to policy decisions and labour market trends.
Read More
The Bank of England stresses stability amid global volatility. Despite recent GDP dips, UK banks stay robust, households resilient and the housing market appears to be stabilising. The Chancellor delivered her Mansion House Speech.
Read More
Our latest Economic Review looking back on June includes – UK economy Q2 figures, BoE keeps Bank Rate, what will happen in the Autumn Budget and retail sales figures show a sharp drop.
Read More
Key central bankers have gathered at the ECB Forum to tackle an “uncertain” global outlook. Meanwhile, services saw their fastest growth since August 2024, boosted by easing costs and rising demand.
Read More
Ten years after Pension Freedoms too many are still withdrawing lump sums without advice or tax awareness. And the so-called ‘lottery effect’ is leaving savers exposed in later life. It’s time for informed Retirement Planning and not guess work.
Read More
Summer’s a great time for some Financial Planning – review your goals, contributions and allowances. With the Autumn Budget ahead, smart moves now can protect your future. Keep a Smart investing mindset and make your money work harder.
Read More
As summer begins, house prices hit highs, but slowing growth hints at a buyers market. Moving costs surge by 13% with Stamp Duty changes driving expenses higher across the UK. First time buyers benefit from affordability and more low or no deposit mortgage options.
Read More
Housing prices dip and consumer spending rises. From cautious consumers to council tax changes, here’s what’s shaping UK households at the start of July.
Read More
Read the latest commercial property news in our Commercial Property Market Review. London’s City investment market is rebounding fast, retail saw a major surge in April and Scotland’s deal sizes hit a 3-year high.
Read More
UK home sales hit a post-2022 high in May, but tax changes pressure Prime Central London. Meanwhile, Labour pledges £39bn for affordable housing — the biggest investment in half a century.
Read More
Uncertainty in the Middle East continues. On home shores, Bank Rate and inflation remain steady. The mortgage market is evolving, with the number of interest-only mortgages shrinking fast. Read more in the News in Review.
Read More
Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Spending Review delivers £29bn boost for NHS, £39bn for housing and expanded defence, energy, and transport investments. GDP shrinks by 0.3% in April—economic headwinds persist.
Read More
Global growth is slowing, but there’s good news for retirees: energy costs are down, the winter fuel payment is back for many and pension reforms promise better value. Read our latest News in Review.
Read More
Our latest Economic Review includes – UK economic growth surprise in Q1, with 0.7% GDP rise. BoE cut rates again, but inflation spiked to 3.5%. Labour market softens with fewer payroll jobs and higher unemployment.
Read More
Retail confidence sinks to its lowest since 2020, despite signs of economic recovery. Pension megafunds set to double by 2030. IMF upgrades UK growth forecast — recovery underway, but fiscal pressures remain. Read our latest News in Review.
Read More
UK inflation hit 3.5% in April, driven by energy and services. The ISA limit is to remain at £20,000, but reforms are expected. More details are expected on winter fuel payments in the Autumn Budget. Read our latest News in Review.
Read More
Read the latest commercial property news in our Commercial Property Market Review. Including a rebound in West End investment, UK and regional offices thrive, led by Manchester and Leeds and while retail struggles, the industrial sector remains hot.
Read More
Read the latest residential property news in our Residential Property Review – including an upgrade to Knight Frank’s UK house price forecast, March transactions soar pre-Stamp Duty changes and buy-to-let investors target the north.
Read More
The Uk’s latest GDP beats forecasts at 0.7% in Q1. UK and EU reset ties with landmark deal, 13 million Brits face low financial resilience. Read more in the News in Review.
Read More
The UK has secured a historic deal with the US to cut tariffs cut and protect jobs, a landmark UK-India trade pact is expected to boost trade by £25bn, the Bank of England cut Bank Rate to 4.25%. Read more in the News in Review.
Read More
UK house prices dip for the first time since Aug 2024, the US economy shrinks in Q1, and a new US-Ukraine deal aims to fund reconstruction through shared energy profits. Markets and geopolitics are shifting fast. Read more in the News in Review.
Read More
Our latest Economic Review looking back on April includes – the UK economy returns to growth, inflation eases, strong rise in retail sales, jobs market continues to weaken and the markets at month end.
Read More
The IMF warns that Global growth is slowing, UK consumers and manufacturers are feeling the squeeze. A rush to beat the Stamp Duty deadline gave the housing market a brief boost.
Read More
Read the latest residential property news in our Residential Property Review – including slowing mortgage borrowing data, homeowners undervaluing their homes and house moving costs on the rise.
Read More
Read the latest commercial property news in our Commercial Property Market Review. Including the latest on Scottish hotel investment, growing appetite for healthcare property and the outlook for the UK office market.
Read More
A global trade war would create renewed inflation, increasing pressure on British families
Read More
President Trump’s surprise pause on tariffs boosted markets, though long-term clarity is lacking. The UK economy saw stronger-than-expected February growth. Meanwhile, emergency action was taken to safeguard British Steel. Despite stagnant unemployment, wage growth remains robust.
Read More
Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs sparked global market chaos. With initial levies up to 54%, China retaliated, before having tariffs upped by a further 50%. The UK government plans to help the car industry cope by relaxing EV sales targets.
Read More
Last week, President Trump took to the podium to make his much anticipated ‘Liberation Day’ global trade announcement. He unveiled a raft of expensive new tariffs on almost all imported goods to the US, set to affect nearly every country in the world, with the intention of increasing homegrown production and addressing what the President […]
Read More
Read our latest newsletter – Your Window on Wealth – including positioning your portfolio in a protectionist word, HNWIs facing gaps in retirement and succession planning, start the new tax year off with a robust plan and take a look at global megatrends reshaping our world
Read More
Read our latest newsletter – Your Window on Money – including ‘death cleaning’ your finances, kickstarting the new tax year, protection insurance – are you covered? Also, closing the investment gap, pensions and IHT and the value of financial advice in uncertain times
Read More
Spring tips for UK homebuyers, UK property market growth, one in six plan to move in 2025, Scotland to lead UK house price growth in 2025 and why lifeinsurance matters
Read More
Our latest Economic Review includes – the Chancellor’s spending plans were revised in the Spring Statement, a dip in inflation… but for how long, a “modest expansion” in business activity and an unexpected rise in retail sales
Read More
Chancellor Reeves’ Spring Statement cut spending but avoided tax hikes. UK growth was revised to 1% for 2025, with forecasts of brighter prospects ahead. Meanwhile, retail sales dip again and UK carmakers brace for hefty US tariffs.
Read More
We have sought to pick out all the key points from the Spring Statement 2025, including:
At its meeting on 19 March, eight Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) members voted to maintain Bank Rate at 4.5%, with the sole dissenting voice seeking instead a quarter-percentage point reduction to 4.25%.
Read More
Thousands of first-time buyers (FTBs) are set to miss out on the current Stamp Duty savings, with Rightmove estimating more than 25,000 property purchases will complete in April rather than before the 31 March deadline.
Read More
Changing business needs are seeing industrial spaces playing a key role. Investment in industrial real estate is also surging. In 2024, UK commercial property investment grew by 20% compared to 2023, with industrial assets leading the way in the fourth quarter, according to Cushman & Wakefield.
Read More
The UK economy shrank unexpectedly in January, according to official data released on Friday by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). With a contraction of 0.1%, the economy fared worse at the start of 2025 than analysts had predicted, with the figure seen as a blow to the government ahead of its Spring Forecast later […]
Read More
The most recent House Price Index data from Halifax released on Friday showed an unexpected fall of 0.1% in February; a Reuters poll of economists had expected a 0.3% uptick in the month.
Read More
A trade deal between the UK and US could be agreed “very quickly,” President Donald Trump said at a White House press conference with Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Read More
Data released last month by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that the UK economy unexpectedly grew in the final three months of last year, although more recent survey evidence still points to a sluggish outlook.
Read More
The latest inflation figures released last Wednesday by the Office for National Statistics showed an unexpected surge, with the headline rate climbing to 3% in January from December’s 2.5%, marking the highest level in nearly a year. This increase surpassed the Bank of England’s (BoE) 2% target and exceeded economists’ forecasts of a rise to […]
Read More
The Bank of England cut Bank Rate from 4.75% to 4.5% at the latest meeting of its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) in early February,
Read More
Demand for investment in commercial property has soared following recent cuts to Bank Rate, according to Rightmove’s Quarterly Commercial Insights Tracker.
Read More
The latest UK growth data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows the economy grew by 0.1% in the fourth quarter of last year, exceeding expectations. A Reuters poll of economists had forecast that gross domestic product (GDP) would shrink by 0.1% in the period.
Read More
In their latest meeting on 6 February, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted by a 7 to 2 majority to cut Bank Rate by 0.25 percentage points to 4.5%, in a widely expected move. The two dissenting voices wished to reduce Bank Rate by 0.5 percentage points to 4.25%.
Read More
Chancellor Rachel Reeves made a series of major announcements in a highly anticipated speech last Wednesday at Siemens Healthineers in Oxfordshire. Setting out more plans to boost growth, Ms Reeves unveiled fresh promises for infrastructure and redevelopment projects. “We can do so much better,” Ms Reeves remarked. “Low growth is not our destiny… but growth […]
Read More
On 29 January, the Chancellor outlined her plan to boost economic growth during a speech in Oxford, although data released last month suggests the UK economy remained largely stalled at the start of this year.
Read More
The World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos wrapped up on Friday after an eventful week. Coinciding with the inauguration of Donald Trump, the talking shop for world leaders and business bosses featured prominent discussion around trade, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and climate action.
Read More
Property experts Savills are hopeful that 2025 will be a positive year for the housing market, despite some challenges.
Read More
According to Savills, the outlook is for increased stability in the UK commercial property market for 2025, following a 20% rise in investment volumes for the office and industrial sectors in 2024.
Read More
The global economy is projected to expand by just 2.7% in 2025 and 2026, according to a report released last week by the World Bank, with developing countries set to bear the brunt of geopolitical and economic headwinds. By growing at the same pace as in 2024, the world economy would flatline at its joint […]
Read More
UK consumer card spending was flat in December 2024, according to a report released last week by Barclays Bank. With year-on-year growth at 0.0%, consumer card spending lags significantly behind the latest inflation figure of 2.6%.
Read More
House prices increased by 4.7% over the year to December 2024, to finish only slightly below an all-time high, according to new data released last week by Nationwide Building Society. Having accelerated by 0.7% month-on-month, the average house price finished the year at £269,426.
Read More
As a new year dawns and we ponder what the next 12 months may hold for us as individuals and investors, one thing is for certain – some familiar challenges lie ahead.
Read More
As we step into 2025, now is the perfect time to set your financial plans in order. With changes on the horizon – like many pension pots becoming subject to inclusion in Inheritance Tax (IHT) calculations from April 2027 – it’s wise to prepare early.
Read More
In the latter part of 2024, the UK housing market experienced robust sales momentum, driven largely by higher disposable incomes and easing rates on some mortgages. What can we expect for the housing market as we enter 2025?
Read More
Release of the latest inflation statistics showed consumer prices are now rising at their fastest rate since March 2024, while last month also saw Bank of England (BoE) policymakers become more divided over the need to cut interest rates.
Read More
As we approach the new year, Zoopla has highlighted trends in the UK property market in 2024.
Read More
The Scottish hotels market continued to show resilience in Q3 according to Colliers.
Read More
The UK economy contracted again in October, according to official figures released on Friday by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The unexpected fall of 0.1% marked two consecutive months of negative growth for the first time since the onset of the pandemic in March and April 2020.
Read More
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer delivered a speech last Thursday at Pinewood Studios on the government’s ‘Plan for Change.’ In it, he set out “six milestones” to be completed before the next general election, with new targets on housebuilding, NHS waiting lists, policing and clean power.
Read More
Last month, the Bank of England (BoE) cut interest rates for only the second time since 2020 but also warned future reductions were likely to be more gradual due to the prospect of inflation creeping higher next year.
Read More
Buying a home is becoming more affordable relative to income, according to the latest Halifax Affordability Review released last Thursday, as the house price to income ratio continues to fall.
Read More
There was some uncertainty within the housing market ahead of the Autumn Budget at the end of October, which was reflected in muted consumer activity.
Read More
Despite anticipation of the Autumn Budget, Savills reported that the commercial property market remained stable in October, with some areas of growth.
Read MoreUK inflation was 2.3% in October, according to figures released last week by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the first rise in the UK’s consumer prices index (CPI) for three months.
Read More
Last Thursday, Chancellor Rachel Reeves used her first Mansion House speech to outline her new plan for pension funds, intended to shake up UK pension saving and unlock £80bn of investment.
Read More
Last week, after intense months of campaigning, Donald Trump made a triumphant comeback to be voted 74th President of the United States. The Republicans secured a decisive victory, winning crucial swing states, also regaining control of the US Senate.
Read More
New economic projections produced by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) suggest the Labour administration’s first Budget will provide only a ‘temporary boost’ to UK economic output.
Read More
Rachel Reeves delivered the first Labour Budget in 14 years on 30 October, during which she announced £40bn of tax rises. She outlined a series of new tax and spending measures, some of which had been widely trailed prior to Budget day, saying, “This government was given a mandate to restore stability to our economy […]
Read More
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, delivered the Labour government’s first Budget on 30 October with a promise to “restore economic stability” and “invest, invest, invest” to promote growth. In her statement, she outlined a number of new tax and spending measures that she said would create “an economy that is growing, creating wealth and […]
Read More
The International Monetary Fund’s (IMF’s) new World Economic Outlook entitled ‘Policy Pivot, Rising Threats,’ outlines global growth expectations of 3.2% in both 2024 and 2025. The international soothsayer predicts that rate cuts are ‘poised’ to continue, inflationary pressures will ease, growth will be modest, while geopolitical risks ‘remain threats to global stability and growth.’
Read More
Activity in the residential property market is picking up as house prices continue to show modest growth, according to Savills.
Read More
UK commercial real estate continues to perform well, according to BNP Paribas Real Estate.
Read More
Data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rate of inflation fell to its lowest rate in three and a half years in September. Easing to 1.7%, the rate dipped well below the Bank of England’s (BoE’s) 2% target.
Read More
Keir Starmer vowed on Monday to rip up investment-blocking red tape and make regulation “fit for the modern age” as he wooed global business leaders in the hope of attracting companies to invest billions of pounds in Britain.
Read More
Last Thursday, Bank of England (BoE) Governor Andrew Bailey spoke in an interview about the pace at which interest rates are being cut. With two more Monetary Policy Committee(MPC) meetings this year, the Governor said the Bank could afford to be “a bit more aggressive” with its rate reduction approach, while acknowledging inflation as a […]
Read More
An updated forecast published last month by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) suggests the UK will be the joint-second fastest growing economy among the G7 nations this year.
Read More
Reassuringly for investors, the latest batch of projections from economic soothsayers continues to predict a period of steady, if unspectacular, global growth. The forecasts also highlight a number of economic concerns including ‘sticky’ inflation, large budget deficits and geopolitical uncertainties, which could inevitably create some investment challenges.
Read More
Several retirement reports have hit the headlines recently with a consistent message: if you want a comfortable retirement, you should plan early and be flexible.
Read More
The summer was largely positive for the housing market due to a boost in confidence following the General Election and the reduction to Bank Rate. So, where are we now and what does the autumn have in store?
Read More
Last week the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) released its latest forecast, which outlines global growth prospects of 3.2% both this year and next. In its interim economic outlook, the well renowned think tank concluded, ‘The global economy is turning the corner as growth remained resilient through the first half of 2024, with […]
Read More
Recent data indicates that the residential property market is continuing to recover.
Read More
Savills expects to see growth in the UK’s commercial property market in Q4.
Read More
Last week, the latest UK inflation data for August came in as anticipated at 2.2%, still marginally above the Bank of England’s (BoE’s) target level of 2%. The rate, published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), was unchanged from July.
Read More
Last week, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who faced criticism over the Winter Fuel Payment vote, said the Budget on 30 October is set to involve “difficult decisions,” on key areas such as spending, tax and welfare.
Read More
The UK economy will now grow at a faster rate than previously thought in 2024, according to a report by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) released last week.
Read More
In early August, the Bank of England (BoE) sanctioned the first reduction in interest rates since March 2020 and economists expect a second cut to be announced before the end of this year.
Read More
Fashion retailers trying to shift stock through summer sales helped shop prices to record their first annual fall for nearly three years, according to research from the British Retail Consortium (BRC).
Read More
The Bank of England has reduced Bank Rate for the first time in more than four years.
Read More
The commercial property market remained relatively flat in Q2 of this year, according to the latest Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) survey.
Read More
In a speech from the Downing Street Rose Garden on Tuesday, the Prime Minister told an audience of voters he met along the campaign trail that, while his government may not get everything right, everything it does will be with them in mind.
Read More
The UK’s economy grew by 0.6% between April and June, according to the latest gross domestic product (GDP) figure released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on Thursday.
Read More
The release last week of a closely watched construction survey offered optimism for the sector and further evidence of the UK’s economic recovery.
Read More
Last week, the Bank of England’s (BoE’s) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted by a narrow majority of 5 – 4 to reduce Bank Rate by 0.25%, to 5%. Four committee members expressed a preference to maintain it at 5.25%.
Read More
Figures released last month by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed the UK economy grew faster in May than had been predicted, while survey evidence points to a more recent post-election pick-up in business activity.
Read More
Although the latest Confederation of British Industry (CBI) Business Trends Survey showed manufacturer optimism tempered slightly in July, there is an expectation that output is set to increase over the next quarter, with overall sector growth predictions now at their strongest since March 2022.
Read More
Following the Labour Party’s landslide election win, what changes might be in store for the UK housing market?
Read More
According to MSCI, annual retail rental growth was 0.9% in May – the highest annual growth rate since 2016. While rental values have grown modestly since 2022, values are still 17% lower than the peak seen in 2018.
Read More
The government’s legislative agenda was set out in the King’s Speech last Wednesday. Delivered at the State Opening of Parliament, the government set out a package of bills it intends to introduce to Parliament in the coming sessions and months, in addition to outlining various policy priorities which don’t require legislation.
Read More
Last week, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the launch of a National Wealth Fund (NWF), which has been created to increase investment in the UK. A key Labour manifesto promise, the Chancellor pledged £7.3bn of state funding to “unlock investment” in UK growth industries.
Read More
One week on, as the dust settles on Labour’s landslide victory, the new government have wasted no time getting to work.
Read More
After a historic landslide victory for the Labour Party, Sir Keir Starmer became the seventh Labour Prime Minister on Friday. Securing a massive 412 seats, the incoming Prime Minister spoke outside 10 Downing Street for the first time, declaring “Our country has voted decisively for change, for national renewal and the return of politics to […]
Read More
Following weeks of intense campaigning, the electorate has delivered its verdict. As widely expected, the Labour Party has secured a historic landslide victory, soaring past the magic 326 seat mark in the early hours of Friday morning.
Read More
While last month once again saw the Bank of England (BoE) leave interest rates unchanged at a 16-year high, the minutes to the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting signalled a notable change in tone and economists now view a rate cut as the most likely outcome when the MPC next convenes.
Read More
New retail data from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has highlighted a softening in retail sales in June, with a similar expectation for July, as “unseasonably cold weather” impacted, while “internet retail sales fell sharply too,” according to Interim Deputy Chief Economist at the CBI, Alpesh Paleja. Measuring volumes year-on-year, the CBI’s monthly retail […]
Read More
According to research1, 81% of the UK’s wealthiest individuals are ‘stressed’ about their finances, suggesting financial wellbeing is about more than just the totality of your wealth. So, virtually everyone has concerns about what their financial future will look like.
Read More
This year, summer brings hope of a better financial future as inflationary pressures recede and the economy continues to grow. It could therefore be an ideal opportunity to prioritise a range of pension-related issues in order to ensure brighter days do lie ahead.
Read More
Do you have hopes to buy? Whether you’re looking to get on, move up or down the ladder, your property dreams are possible with a little preparation. Here’s how you can get yourself mortgage-ready this summer.
Read More
With less than a week until polling day next Thursday, the last few days of campaigning have become more heated as all parties put their cases to the electorate.
Read More
Data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that for the first time in almost three years, the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rate of inflation had returned to the 2% target in the 12 months to May, down from 2.3% in the 12 months to April.
Read More
The UK housing market continues to show modest signs of recovery, according to the latest data from Savills.
Read More
Flexibility, sustainability and diversification are key trends in the commercial property market so far this year, according to PropertyWire.
Read More
The election campaign clock keeps ticking with less than two weeks until polling day. All candidates have been beating the campaign trail and over 600,000 people registered to vote on deadline day.
Read More
The UK economy did not grow in April, official data released last Wednesday by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed. The headline figure followed a month of wet weather, with ONS suggesting that the rain might have affected consumer spending.
Read More
This week, the election campaign grew in policy substance, as the major parties published manifestos detailing their visions for the UK, and leaders were interviewed and visited key constituencies. As expected, tax plans were a major talking point for all parties.
Read More
Last Tuesday, figures from the latest Barclays Consumer Spend Report revealed that consumer card spending fell to a three-year low in May. As households continue to feel the squeeze, overall spending grew by just 1.0% for the month, its lowest rise since February 2021.
Read More
The second full week of the campaign began with Monday’s YouGov poll projecting the Labour Party was on course to win 422 seats, securing the biggest parliamentary majority since 1924, when Stanley Baldwin was elected. The poll predicted the Conservative Party would win 140 seats, the Liberal Democrats 48 seats and the Scottish National Party […]
Read More
The UK experienced a modest rebound in house price growth in May, according to the latest Nationwide House Price Index, released on Friday. Prices rose by 0.4% month-on-month to reach an average house price of £264,249. The annual growth rate picked up to 1.3%, from 0.6% in April.
Read More
Last month’s release of first-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) statistics confirmed the UK economy has now exited the shallow recession entered during the latter half of last year, while survey evidence suggests private sector output has continued to expand across the past two months.
Read More
The property market continues to find its feet after a difficult 2023, with buyers remaining cautious due to the higher cost of borrowing.
Read More
Data from Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) shows that the central London office market had a slightly weaker start to the year.
Read More
Last Wednesday, hot on the heels of fresh inflation data, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak took to a rain-soaked Downing Street podium to announce the date of the General Election – which is due to be held on 4 July. The countdown is on. The statement signals the start of intense campaigning for 650 Parliamentary seats […]
Read More
New research from the Resolution Foundation has shone a light on the impact of inflation on the UK economy. The prolonged spike in inflation has ‘left British households spending less and saving more’ as elevated prices have affected spending behaviour, living standards and public finances.
Read More
Last week, during their third meeting of the year, the Bank of England’s (BoE’s) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted to retain Bank Rate at 5.25% by a majority of seven to two. Two members of the committee preferred to reduce the rate by 0.25 percentage points, to 5%.
Read More
The recently released Lloyds Bank’s Business Barometer has revealed that during April overall business confidence was consistent at 42%. The confidence recording remains considerably higher than the Barometer’s long-term average of 28%. In the last year, only the reading in January 2024 has seen businesses reporting higher levels of confidence (44%).
Read More
Official statistics published last month showed the UK economy returned to growth in the first two months of 2024, while more recent survey data suggests the recovery from last year’s shallow recession continues to gather momentum.
Read More
Sentiment in the manufacturing sector took a positive upturn in April, with output expectations hitting a six-month high, according to the latest Industrial Trends Survey, released by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) last week.
Read More
A survey by Savills has found that the prospect of the UK General Election has not put off the majority of home movers.
Read More
Latest research from Cluttons indicates that vacancy rates hit 4.1% at the end of 2023 – up from 3.8% in September
Read More
New data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rose by 3.2% in the 12 months to March 2024, down from 3.4% in February. The March CPI rate is the lowest in two and a half years and considerably down on the peak of 11.1% in October 2022.
Read More
Last week, positive news came in the form of the latest UK gross domestic product (GDP) data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) which showed the economy grew by 0.1% in February. This extends the economic recovery after growth in January was revised up to 0.3% from 0.2%.
Read More
New data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) has revealed that shop price inflation has reduced to its lowest level in over three years. Recordings for the first week of March show an easing in annual price growth to 1.3%, a considerable reduction on the February reading of 2.5%, and well below the three-month average […]
Read More
New economic predictions produced by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) suggest the UK economy is set to grow by more than previously expected over the course of the next two years.
Read More
New data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has revealed that UK car production increased by 14.6% in February, marking the six consecutive month of growth in the sector and the best February performance since 2021.
Read More
Inflation has fallen to its lowest level in almost two and a half years, according to data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) last week. The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) increased by 3.4% in the 12 month period to February 2024, reducing from the 4.0% figure recorded in January.
Read More
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has released a statement in response to the Spring Budget.
Read More
The Chancellor’s Spring Budget has been mostly met with disappointment from the commercial property industry, with many experts left wanting a stronger financial commitment to the sector’s development.
Read More
New UK growth statistics released from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) last week showed that monthly real gross domestic product (GDP) is estimated to have increased by 0.2% in January, following a 0.1% contraction in December.
Read More
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt delivered his Spring Budget last week, during which he provided an economic update from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). The latest projections showed the rate of inflation is expected to fall below the Bank of England’s 2% target level in “a few months’ time.” The OBR expects economic growth of 0.8% […]
Read More
On 6 March, Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt delivered his Spring Budget to the House of Commons declaring it was “a Budget for long-term growth.” The fiscal update included a number of new policy measures, such as a widely-anticipated reduction in National Insurance, abolition of the non-dom tax status and new savings products designed […]
Read More
House price data released last week from Zoopla highlighted that the number of homes on the market has increased by 21% year-on-year, as pentup demand provides a boost. Buyer demand has also picked up, with an 11% increase on the year, while sales agreed are 15% higher than this time last year.
Read More
Official statistics released last month showed the UK economy fell into recession during the second half of last year, although more recent survey data does suggest the recession could already be over.
Read More
Last week, Bank of England (BoE) Governor, Andrew Bailey, indicated that the UK recession may already be over, citing “distinct signs of an upturn.”
Read More
Increased demand from buyers and sellers is helping to get the housing market back on track this year.
Read More
The recently released UK Commercial Market in Minutes from Savills has identified 2024 as a pivotal year for the commercial property investment market. Expectations are for an uptick in investment volumes versus 2023, after a couple of years of falls, with some strengthening in prime yields also likely.
Read More
Data released last week from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that UK gross domestic product (GDP) shrank by 0.3% in Q4 2023. Following a 0.1% contraction in Q3, the data shows that the UK slipped into a technical recession in the second half of 2023, measured by two consecutive quarters of GDP contraction. […]
Read More
Last week the latest data from the Halifax House Price Index for January showed that the average house price increased by 1.3% in the month, the fourth consecutive monthly rise. The average home in the UK now costs £291,029.
Read More
Last week, during their first meeting of 2024, the Bank of England’s (BoE’s) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted to retain Bank Rate at 5.25% by a majority of six to three. Two members of the committee preferred to increase the rate by 0.25 percentage points, to 5.5%, with one member voting to reduce the rate […]
Read More
Official statistics show the economy returned to growth in November, although analysts believe it remains a close call as to whether or not the UK will once again manage to avoid a recession.
Read More
On Friday, the latest UK consumer confidence data from GfK showed that households are more optimistic about their personal finances. The index recorded a three point increase in January, to a reading of -19, the highest level in two years.
Read More
The newly-released UK Commercial Cross Sector Outlook for 2024 from Savills has provided insight for the year ahead. Expectations from Mat Oakley, Director of Commercial Research, suggest that the factors impacting property values and confidence are set to improve this year, but as high inflation and interest rates abate, different challenges are set to confront […]
Read More
Hope seems to be on the horizon for the housing market as the year gets off to a promising start.
Read More
Last week, data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed the UK’s annual inflation rate, as measured by the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) increased by 4% in the year to December. An unexpected uptick from the 3.9% reading in November, it contrasts with expectations of a modest decline to 3.8% in a Reuters poll […]
Read More
New data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed that UK GDP is estimated to have grown by 0.3% in November 2023, this follows a fall of 0.3% in the previous month, and just exceeds a Reuters poll of economists who forecast growth of 0.2% in the month.
Read More
There was good news for supermarkets last week, as new data from market research firm Kantar showed they experienced their busiest Christmas in four years. During the four-week period to Christmas Eve, Britons made 488 million visits to supermarkets, 12 million more trips than the same period the previous year, and the highest number since […]
Read More
A surprise sharp decline in the rate of inflation has ignited hopes of an interest rate cut by spring, despite the Bank of England (BoE) insisting it is ‘too early’ to speculate about when rates might be reduced.
Read More
Latest inflation data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) reduced to 3.9% in the year to November 2023, down from 4.6% recorded in the previous month.
Read More
According to recent analysis by Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), real estate and investment management services provider, ‘grey’ warehouse space is increasing.
Read More
Sellers accepted an average discount of £18,000 on their property sale in November 2023 – the highest average price cut in five years.
Read More
Last week, during their final meeting of 2023, the Bank of England’s (BoE’s) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted by a six to three majority to retain Bank Rate at 5.25%, with the minority voting to raise the rate by 0.25%. This outcome was widely predicted, with all but one of 68 economists in a recent […]
Read More
Last week the European Commission proposed a three year postponement on the imposition of tariffs on electric vehicles (EVs) traded between the UK and the EU. Originally agreed as part of the Brexit deal, the tariff exemptions were due to end on 31 December 2023.
Read More
World leaders gathered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), last Thursday for the 28th United Nations climate change conference (COP28). At the invitation of UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, King Charles addressed heads of state, leaders of governments and delegates at the opening ceremony.
Read More
Revised forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) suggest the UK economy is set to grow more slowly over the next two years than previously predicted.
Read More
Last week, Jeremy Hunt outlined 110 growth measures which he said would boost business investment by £20bn a year, as part of the Autumn Statement. In an effort to get the economy “back on track” the measures are intended to cut business taxes, raise business investment and get more people into work, in what he […]
Read More
November’s UK Commercial Market in Minutes from Savills has highlighted the continued robustness in the industrial and logistics sector, despite a reduction in take-up during the year due to economic uncertainty.
Read More
According to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) October UK Residential Market Survey, demand is still falling faster than supply.
Read More
On 22 November, Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt unveiled the government’s latest tax and spending plans saying “we back British business” announcing 110 growth measures which he said would boost business investment by £20bn a year. The Chancellor said the government had taken difficult decisions to put the economy “back on track” and claimed, […]
Read More
Some positive economic news was delivered last week in the form of better-than-expected inflation data for October. The latest official release from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that in the 12 months to October, the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rose by 4.6%, down from 6.7% in September. A Reuters poll of economists had […]
Read More
Last Friday, UK growth figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that the economy is estimated to have shown no growth in the third quarter of the year, following an increase of 0.2% in Q2. UK gross domestic product (GDP) is estimated to have increased by 0.6% in Q3 2023 compared with the […]
Read More
As highly anticipated, the Bank of England’s (BoEs) Monetary Policy Committee voted to retain Bank Rate at 5.25% last week for the second consecutive month. Six members of the committee favoured this course or action, while three members preferred a 0.25 percentage point increase to 5.5%.
Read More
The Bank of England (BoE) Governor has described the latest batch of inflation statistics as “quite encouraging,” adding that he expects a “noticeable drop” in the headline rate when the next set of data is released later this month.
Read More
Ahead of this week’s first ever Artificial Intelligence (AI) Safety Summit at Bletchley Park, Rishi Sunak delivered a speech last Thursday on the global responsibility required to address and build a shared understanding of the risks posed by AI. Also, to realise its benefits and identify opportunities for future generations.
Read More
The latest UK inflation data for September was released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) last week, disclosing that the overall Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rate unexpectedly remained at 6.7%, ending three consecutive monthly declines. This clearly exemplifies that the battle with inflation is still at play, and at 6.7% remains the highest of […]
Read More
The most recent data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) highlighted a modest 0.2% expansion in August, following a sharp 0.6% reduction in July. The monthly growth was in line with expectations from a Reuters poll of economists.
Read More
Financial services activity held relatively firm in the third quarter, according to the latest Financial Services Survey released last week by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).
Read More
The UK’s economy has grown faster since the start of the pandemic than had initially been stated, according to new data released last week by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Read More
At its meeting last week, the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) narrowly voted to maintain Bank Rate at 5.25%, ending a run of 14 consecutive increases.
Read More
Latest official figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimate that the UK economy contracted by 0.5% in July. The reduction was higher than the 0.2% decline which had been forecast by a poll of economists and follows a 0.5% increase in June.
Read More
The G20 summit concluded in Delhi on Sunday with a joint declaration that denounced using force for territorial gain but fell short of explicitly condemning Russia. Ukraine reacted angrily to the watered-down wording about the war, with foreign ministry spokesperson Oleg Nikolenko saying that the G20 had “nothing to be proud of”.
Read More
The latest Nationwide House Price Index (HPI) has highlighted ‘further weakness in house prices’ in August, registering a 0.8% fall month on month. Average UK house prices are currently £259,153, 5.3% below the August 2022 peak, an annual reduction of around £14,600.
Read More
Early S&P Global/CIPS UK Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) survey data for August has highlighted that weaker household spending and increasing interest rates contributed towards a decline in demand for both services and goods during the month.
Read More
The latest inflation data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has shown that the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) measured 6.8% in the 12 months to July 2023, down from 7.9% in June, the lowest rate since early 2022.
Read More
Last Friday, newly released data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed a better-than-expected uplift in UK economic growth.
Read More
Last Thursday, the Bank of England’s (BoE) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted to increase Bank Rate to 5.25%, a fourteenth consecutive rise that has taken Bank Rate to its highest level in 15 years.
Read More
Interest rates in the UK will need to stay higher for longer than previously forecast to tackle inflation, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned last week, despite improvements in the country’s economic outlook since the start of 2023.
Read More
Last week, official data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that inflation in the UK fell further than expected in June to settle at 7.9%, down from 8.7% a month earlier and its lowest point since March 2022.
Read More
Official figures released last week by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that UK gross domestic product (GDP) contracted by 0.1% in May. Analysts pointed to the additional bank holiday for the coronation as a key factor in this decline.
Read More
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced a package of reforms designed to boost pensions and increase investment in British businesses, in his first Mansion House speech which took place on Monday evening. He stated that the Mansion House Reforms aim to secure the best possible outcome for pension savers, whilst prioritising a strong, diversified gilt market and […]
Read More
Last week, around 85% of lenders operating in the UK’s mortgage market signed a government Mortgage Charter agreeing to support borrowers, following a meeting with the Chancellor to discuss the impact of rising mortgage rates on homeowners.
Read More
Last Thursday, the Bank of England (BoE)’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted to increase Bank Rate to 5%, a half percentage point rise that caught many economists by surprise.
Read More
New gross domestic product (GDP) figures released last week show the UK economy is estimated to have grown by 0.2% in April, following a fall of 0.3% the previous month, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The latest data also revealed that GDP rose by 0.1% in the three months to April.
Read More
Rishi Sunak made his first trip to the White House as Prime Minister last week. His whirlwind two-day visit was meeting-filled, with US President Joe Biden saying that “important and positive discussions” had taken place “to deepen our bilateral economic relationship and expand our cooperation to shape the challenges and future for the remainder of […]
Read More
Last Thursday, the US Congress approved a deal to lift the country’s borrowing limit, thereby averting a crisis mere days before the country was due to default on $31.4tn of debt.
Read More
Official data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) last week revealed that inflation returned to single digits in April, following even consecutive months residing above 10%. The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) increased by 8.7% in the 12-month period to April, down from 10.1% in March.
Read More
Rishi Sunak attended the G7 Summit in Hiroshima on Thursday, stopping off in Tokyo to agree new defence and economic deals; a UK business summit for Japanese corporations in the capital has resulted in a reported £18bn investment in UK property, windfarms and other projects.
Read More
As widely expected, the Bank of England’s (BoE’s) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted to increase Bank Rate by a quarter of a percentage point to 4.5%, at its meeting last week. Seven members of the committee voted to raise the rate, while two members favoured maintaining Bank Rate at 4.25%.
Read More
The Coronation of King Charles III was expected to bring an additional £180m to UK hospitality and leisure businesses over the long weekend, according to recent estimates from Barclays. The same report noted that almost three in five UK small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) expect revenues to increase on a quarterly basis in Q2 2023.
Read More
The latest quarterly Recruitment Outlook from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has highlighted that challenges remain for businesses surrounding the hiring of new staff. The survey of over 5,000 UK companies of differing sizes, from various sectors, who are attempting to recruit, has shown that firms in the manufacturing and hospitality sectors are most […]
Read More
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) highlight that the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) increased by 10.1% in the 12-month period to March 2023, down from 10.4% in the year to February. A poll of economists had predicted that inflation would fall below 10% in the month, but soaring food and drink […]
Read More
New data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that the UK economy flatlined in February as strikes by public sector workers weighed on growth. Despite consensus estimates from a poll of economists forecasting a 0.1% increase in the month. The flat month-on-month performance can be attributed to the offsetting of construction growth by […]
Read More
Speaking at an event last week, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Kristalina Georgieva outlined the financial agency’s global growth expectations for 2023. The Fund believe, that despite labour market resilience and strengthening consumer demand, economic growth will drop below 3% this year and remain at around 3% over the next five years.
Read More
On Friday, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revised its Q4 2022 data showing that the UK economy performed better than previously estimated. UK gross domestic product (GDP) is now estimated to have increased by 0.1% in the final quarter, up from the previous estimate of no growth.
Read More
The decision to increase Bank Rate to 4.25%, followed the announcement that inflation had reached 10.4% in the year to February, its highest level for 40 years. Read more on this and other news from the week in our latest News in Review.
Read More
Jeremy Hunt delivered his first Budget last Wednesday, billing it as “A Budget for Growth.” The Chancellor kicked off his statement with a commentary of the latest economic projections from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR).
Read More
UK gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 0.3% in January, according to the latest official figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on Friday. Higher school attendance and the return of Premier League football helped growth return after a 0.5% contraction in December, though quarterly figures show that the economy stagnated between November […]
Read More
Footfall in UK retail stores bounced back in February 2023 from the levels recorded a year earlier, according to the latest data released on Friday by the British Retail Consortium (BRC). In total, footfall increased by 10.4% on an annual basis, but fell by 2.1% month-on-month.
Read More
On Friday, the latest release of GfK’s Consumer Confidence Index revealed a month-on-month improvement in consumer sentiment. In February 2023, total confidence was -38, seven points higher on a monthly basis. All five measures that make up the overall gauge increased in comparison to January’s readings.
Read More
Last Wednesday, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) released its latest UK inflation figures, which revealed the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rose by 10.1% in the year to January.
Read More
The UK has narrowly avoided entering a recession by the slimmest of margins, as figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show the economy had zero growth in the last three months of 2022. The official figures for December alone indicate that the economy fell by 0.5%, with strike action totalling 843,000 working days […]
Read More
Last week, the Bank of England’s (BoE) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted by a majority of seven to two, to increase Bank Rate by 0.5 percentage points to 4%, its highest level for 14 years. The two committee members who opposed the half-point hike, favoured maintaining Bank Rate at 3.5%.
Read More
Last Friday, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt outlined his long-term vision for how to boost UK economic growth. This plan is based on four pillars which Mr Hunt said are “essential for any modern, innovation-led economy” – enterprise, education, employment and everywhere.
Read More
Data released last Wednesday revealed that UK inflation slowed for a second consecutive month, though prices still rose by 10.5% in the year to December. The small drop, down from 10.7% in November, came despite food prices soaring to their highest level since 1977 in the month. Restaurant and hotel prices also rose sharply in […]
Read More
Good news came on Friday, when the latest data release from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that UK monthly real gross domestic product (GDP) was estimated to have increased by 0.1% in November. Beating expectations of around 0.2% economic contraction, this small figure follows robust monthly growth of 0.5% in October, bolstered by […]
Read More
Last Wednesday, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made his first major speech of the year, setting out five key goals on which he insisted voters should hold him to account. In a wide-ranging set of promises, Mr Sunak committed to halving inflation in 2023 and bringing down NHS waiting lists in the next two years. He […]
Read More
The government has confirmed the extension of the Mortgage Guarantee Scheme by one year to the end of December 2023. Positive news for people with 5% deposits, the scheme provides lenders with the financial guarantees they need to provide mortgages that cover the other 95%, on a house worth up to £600,000.
Read More
At the Monetary Policy Committees’ (MPCs’) December meeting, members voted by a majority of six to three to increase Bank Rate from 3% to 3.5%. The ninth consecutive hike, rates are now at their highest level for 14 years. With inflationary pressures persisting, the MPC said they ‘will respond forcefully as necessary.’
Read More
Last Friday, as temperatures plummeted, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced a package of over thirty UK financial services regulatory reforms, dubbed the ‘Edinburgh Reforms,’ which the government intends will ‘unlock investment and turbocharge growth in towns and cities across the UK.’ A considerable overhaul, the effects will be far-reaching, with the financial services sector contributing £216bn […]
Read More
UK house prices fell by 1.4% month-on-month in November, according to the latest Nationwide House Price Index released last Thursday, the biggest monthly drop since June 2020. At £263,788, the non-seasonally adjusted November average price was 4.4% higher on an annual basis, compared to a yearly growth of 7.2% recorded in October.
Read More
On Friday, retailers received a boost from deal-seeking shoppers who defied fears of a dampened event to spend more than in 2021. Amid inflationary pressures and cost-of-living concerns, Black Friday – historically the biggest online spending day before Christmas – saw a 3.2% increase in transactions, according to Barclaycard Payments. Footfall also increased and a […]
Read More
Last Thursday, Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt set out his plan to “tackle the cost-of-living crisis and rebuild our economy” in his first Autumn Statement. Striking a defiant tone, the Chancellor said that he was “taking difficult decisions”, while emphasising that the government’s priorities are “stability, growth and public services.”
Read More
Last week’s release by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) of its quarterly gross domestic product (GDP) estimate for July to September painted a picture of a shrinking UK economy. GDP fell by 0.2% in the third quarter, slightly less than predicted by some City economists, but enough to push the UK a step closer […]
Read More
At the latest meeting of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) concluding on 3 November, Bank Rate rose by 0.75 percentage points, an eighth consecutive increase and the biggest for 33 years. Members of the MPC voted by a majority of seven to two to raise Bank Rate to 3%; of the two […]
Read More
Last week during the first meeting of the new Cabinet in Downing Street, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced the postponement of the government’s fiscal statement from 31 October to 17 November. Delayed by over a fortnight, the MediumTerm Fiscal Statement, due to be delivered in the House of Commons on Halloween, along with a forecast from […]
Read More
In another whirlwind week in UK politics, Liz Truss resigned last Thursday, the shortest serving Prime Minister in British history. Speaking outside Downing Street she said she could not deliver the mandate on which she was elected. Her resignation after just 44 days kickstarted a contest to find the next Conservative leader and PM.
Read More
Last Friday, in response to the mounting political crisis over his taxcutting Growth Plan, Kwasi Kwarteng arrived back earlier than scheduled from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) conference in Washington, and headed straight to Downing Steet, where the Prime Minister sacked him from the role after just 38 days.
Read More
Last week, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva delivered a speech in Washington DC entitled ‘Navigating a more fragile world.’ She referred to the combined impact of a trio of challenges – recovery from the pandemic, the Ukraine invasion and climate issues – which have driven a global price surge and referred to […]
Read More
The Prime Minister and Chancellor met with the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) on Friday morning to discuss the ramifications of their Growth Plan. In a move widely seen as an attempt to reassure financial markets following a challenging week, the Bank of England stepped in with a £65m intervention to carry out a temporary […]
Read More
Last Friday, Kwasi Kwarteng outlined a series of tax cuts and measures aimed at boosting economic activity. His Growth Plan was built around three key priorities: reforming the supplyside of the economy, maintaining a responsible approach to public finances and cutting taxes to boost growth, he pledged, “Our entire focus is on making Britain more […]
Read More
A day after Bank Rate rose from 1.75% to 2.25%, Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng delivered his first statement on 23 September, outlining a series of tax cuts and measures aimed at boosting economic activity and growth.
Read More
The nation ground to a halt on Monday to observe a Bank Holiday for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral, rounding off an emotive period of mourning. Attended by world leaders, foreign royal families, heads of state, foreign dignitaries and representatives from across the Commonwealth, opening the service at Westminster Abbey, the Dean of […]
Read More
Just two days after appointing her fifteenth Prime Minister, the world was shaken by the news on Thursday of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Balmoral Castle, in Scotland. Speaking at Downing Street on the evening of the Queen’s death, new Prime Minister Liz Truss proclaimed, “Queen Elizabeth II was the rock […]
Read More
As widely expected, Liz Truss was announced as the new leader of the Conservative Party and the next Prime Minister on Monday afternoon at the QE2 conference centre in the capital. The Foreign Secretary was victorious over rival Rishi Sunak, winning 57% of Conservative Party member valid votes, a narrower margin than expected. Following the […]
Read More
Last Friday, Ofgem, the government regulator for the electricity and downstream natural gas markets in Great Britain, confirmed the energy price cap will increase from £1,971 to £3,549 a year from 1 October. An Ofgem press release justified the highly anticipated move stating, ‘The increase reflects the continued rise in global wholesale gas prices, which began […]
Read More
UK retail sales improved in July, according to data released on Friday from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Sales volumes rose by 0.3% in the month, outperforming predictions of a 0.2% decline.
Read More
In a week where droughts were officially declared across England, the Office for National Statistics’ (ONS) latest assessment of the UK economy revealed tough economic conditions. In the second quarter, the UK’s gross domestic product (GDP) fell by 0.1%, largely the result of a 0.6% monthly dip in June. According to ONS, June’s poor reading […]
Read More
After five successive smaller rises, last week saw the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) up the ante and increase Bank Rate by 0.5 percentage points, the biggest rate hike since the MPC was established in 1997.
Read More
Last week saw the International Monetary Fund (IMF) release its latest economic assessment and forecast for the global economy. Following the effects of the pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the IMF now expects growth to slow to 3.2% in 2022, a downgrade of 0.4 percentage points from its previous publication in April.
Read More
Retail sales edged lower last month as people reduced their fuel consumption, while households continue to struggle with fast rising prices. According to the most recent Office for National Statistics (ONS) data released last Friday, retail sales volumes fell by a smaller-thanexpected 0.1% in June; economists surveyed in a Reuters poll had widely expected a […]
Read More
Data released from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) last week shows how the UK economy returned to growth in May, recording expansion of 0.5% during the month. After shrinking in April and March, the growth experienced in May was higher than the flat growth widely anticipated by economists polled by Reuters.
Read More
Political news came thick and fast over the last week or so. Following Boris Johnson’s resignation last Thursday, a timetable for succession has now been announced by the 1922 Committee of backbench MPs, with potential contenders already jockeying for position as the race to replace the PM begins. The economy and the cost-of-living crisis are […]
Read More
Despite a combination of economic and inflationary headwinds, homebuying demand remained strong during Q2 according to the most recent Homebuyer Hotspot’s Demand Index from GetAgent.
Read More
UK retail sales contracted in May as consumers reduced their spending, according to data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) last Friday.
Read More
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted to raise Bank Rate last week, hiking the rate from 1% to 1.25%, the fifth consecutive rate rise. The MPC voted six to three to raise the rate by 0.25 percentage points, with the members in the minority voting for a 0.5 percentage point rise to 1.5%. Pushing the […]
Read More
The release of the latest Economic Outlook from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) last week, highlighted that global GDP is now projected to slow this year to around 3%, remaining at a similar pace next year.
Read More
Over the last week, the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations largely dominated the news. The extended bank holiday weekend provided an opportunity for people and communities throughout the UK to come together to celebrate the historic milestone.
Read More
“I am not trying to claim we have solved the entire problem for everyone… no government could”
Read More
Inflation continues its ascent, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rising to 9.0% in the 12 months to April 2022, up from 7.0% in March, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Rishi Sunak addressed the Confederation of British Industry last week, following release of the latest data saying, “the […]
Read More
With challenging financial and economic news in abundance, there are some good signs at least for the UK car industry. Recent analysis from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has shown that sales of used cars in the UK increased by 5.1% in Q1, with 1,774,351 cars changing hands.
Read More
Interest rate rises were big news last week on home shores, across the pond and in Australia, as central banks acted in an effort to curb inflation. The Monetary Policy Committee voted by a 6-3 majority to increase Bank Rate by 0.25 percentage points to 1%, with further tightening expected in the coming months. Interestingly, […]
Read More
The US economy contracted in Q1 as surging inflation and supply disruptions weighed on output. A slower pace of inventory investment by businesses also weighed on the growth of the world’s largest economy, as did fading government stimulus. The 1.4% decline in gross domestic product in the first quarter marked a sharp turnaround from the […]
Read More
As expected, the latest data set from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) highlighted that consumer spending, impacted by rising costs, led to a reduction in UK retail sales throughout March. As people tightened up on nonessential spending, retail sales volumes fell by 1.4% in the month following a decline of 0.5% in February. This […]
Read More
Speaking in Washington DC prior to the release of the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) biannual World Economic Outlook this week, Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva previewed her thoughts on the global economy. Opening her speech, she declared, “To put it simply: we are facing a crisis on top of a crisis… First, the pandemic: it turned […]
Read More
During a week when the news agenda was again dominated by harrowing scenes from Ukraine, the government unveiled its long-awaited Energy Security Strategy. The new plan places renewed emphasis on nuclear power along with an increase in wind, hydrogen and solar production, and aims to boost UK energy independence and tackle rising prices.
Read More
Last Thursday, major news broke as Joe Biden ordered an unprecedented release of crude oil from America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserves to tame rising energy costs. In an attempt to combat what the US President branded “Putin’s price hike,” he issued the release of one million barrels of oil per day from May, totalling 180 million […]
Read More
Rishi Sunak opened the Spring Statement on 23 March by speaking about his admiration for the Ukrainian people, commending the strength of the UK economy to help fund their army and impose sanctions on Putin’s regime. The Chancellor warned that actions against Russia are costly and present a risk – not just to the UK […]
Read More
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, delivered his 2022 Spring Statement on 23 March, confirming implementation of the politically contentious 1.25 percentage-point rise in most National Insurance contributions, though with revised thresholds to mitigate the impact.
Read More
Last Thursday, as highly anticipated, the Bank of England (BoE) announced the third increase in Bank Rate in four months, placing more pressure on household finances. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) members voted by an eight to one majority in favour of the 0.25 percentage point rise from 0.5% to 0.75%, in a bid to […]
Read More
With a week to go until the next fiscal event in the government’s calendar – the Spring Forecast Statement on 23 March – new research from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has highlighted its belief that the Chancellor has some big decisions to make in the face of soaring living costs and new economic […]
Read More
Last week, as the invasion of Ukraine entered a second week, the President of the World Bank declared the situation “a catastrophe” for the world. Although David Malpass stressed his biggest concern is “about the pure human loss of lives” he also highlighted the economic impact of the war, which, although devastating for Ukraine, also […]
Read More
‘Freedom Day’ in England was overshadowed last Thursday as Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine, with troops attacking the country from the north, south and east. The European Union hailed the invasion as one of the darkest hours for Europe since World War II, warning Russia will be hit with ‘massive sanctions.’ […]
Read More
Storms Dudley, Eunice and Franklin swept the country over the last week or so, causing major disruption. With trains and flights cancelled, schools and venues closed, people were urged to avoid travel and to stay at home. The economic impact will no doubt be felt as people hunkered down to stay safe.
Read More
With the dust settling on the recent rise in Bank Rate and an increase in springtime inflation expectations, some positive news was released at the tail end of last week in the form of Q4 GDP data. The official statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that GDP increased by an estimated 7.5% […]
Read More
Financial announcements came thick and fast last week, impacting household budgets and living standards for millions across the UK. As anticipated by many economic commentators, on Thursday the Monetary Policy Committee voted to increase Bank Rate from 0.25% to 0.5%, in an effort to dampen the pace of price rises over the longer term. Despite […]
Read More
Some interesting data was released last week, which prompted speculation as to the Chancellor’s intentions regarding the rise in National Insurance Contributions (NICs) in April. The data showed that government borrowing reached nearly £17bn in December; despite this being the fourth highest December figure ever recorded, the figure was below expectations. Total borrowing in the […]
Read More
The biggest economic story of last week is something impacting everyone’s pockets – inflation. Data released from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on Wednesday revealed that surging food and energy prices had pushed inflation to a near 30-year high of 5.4% in December, up from 5.1% the previous month.
Read More
A raft of economic news landed in the last week or so, one of the most prominent being the latest UK gross domestic product (GDP) statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which highlighted that the UK economy surpassed pre-COVID levels for the first time in November – a significant milestone.
Read More
As the new year takes root, the latest IHS Markit/CIPS Purchasing Managers’ Index has highlighted an elevated level of optimism amongst UK manufacturing firms. Although supply issues and staff shortages continue to hamper growth in the sector, production rose at the end of last year and output ticked up across the consumer, intermediate and investment […]
Read More
As wages stagnate, and energy bills and taxes rise, the latest quarterly Labour Market Outlook released by the Resolution Foundation has warned that millions of families face a ‘year of the squeeze’ in 2022, potentially leaving the average household £1,200 worse off. The expected rise in the energy price cap and National Insurance contributions in […]
Read More
Last week the Bank of England (BoE) became the first major central bank to raise interest rates since the onset of the pandemic. At a meeting ending on 16 December, the Bank’s nine-member Monetary Policy Committee voted by an 8-1 majority to raise rates to 0.25%, an increase of 0.15 percentage points. Speaking after announcing […]
Read More
New restrictions have been imposed in England to help target the rise of the Omicron variant. The measures announced last Wednesday include increased requirements for maskwearing, working from home where possible and proof of vaccination or COVID status at nightclubs and crowded indoor spaces. In addition, Boris Johnson addressed the nation on Sunday evening to […]
Read More
Last week saw the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) publish its latest appraisal of world economic prospects. In a relatively upbeat assessment, the Paris-based soothsayer predicted that global growth will hit 5.6% this year before moderating to 4.5% in 2022 and 3.2% in 2023. However, the OECD did warn of potential risks suggesting […]
Read More
Following the discovery of the COVID-19 Omicron variant on UK shores, Boris Johnson took to the Downing Street podium on Saturday to announce “temporary and precautionary” measures to contain the spread of the variant.
Read More
During a week which saw the government confirm it was cancelling the Leeds leg of the HS2 high-speed rail line, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) said more needed to be done to end the North-South divide and ensure economic growth was evenly spread around the UK.
Read More
At a Downing Street news conference on Sunday evening, following the conclusion of the COP26 Summit, Boris Johnson hailed the climate deal as “game-changing”, before adding that it sounds “the death knell for coal power.”
Read More
Following many hours of discussions, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decided to retain the Bank of England (BoE) base rate at its record low of 0.1% at its meeting last week. The decision was made despite predictions of inflation hitting a peak of 5% next April. BoE Governor, Andrew Bailey, clarified that inflation is currently […]
Read More
All eyes turned to Glasgow on Monday as world leaders convened for COP26, which is being hailed as the most important climate change summit since the Paris Agreement was struck in 2015. The next couple of weeks are set to be packed with important announcements about the future of the planet.
Read More
A closely monitored survey, released last week, suggests the UK economy unexpectedly regained momentum during October. The preliminary reading of the IHS Markit/CIPS Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose to 56.8, up from 54.9 in September. This represents the largest monthly increase since May and beat the consensus forecast in a Reuters poll of economists […]
Read More
Chancellor Rishi Sunak stressed the importance of nations working together to tackle supply chain issues at a meeting of G7 (Group of Seven) nations in Washington last week. The meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors discussed the importance of ensuring that global supply chains become more resilient.
Read More
In its latest assessment of world economic prospects published on Tuesday, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) lowered its 2021 global growth forecast slightly to 5.9%. The international soothsayer also stated that risks to economic prospects have increased, while policy trade-offs have become more complex in the ongoing pandemic.
Read More
The easing of COVID restrictions has resulted in an economic rebound that has exceeded initial estimates, according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). During Q2, the economy grew by 5.5%, up from the 4.8% forecast earlier this year. This is a result of higher spending since April, when the first lockdown easing […]
Read More
In a unanimous decision, the Bank of England (BoE) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted to maintain Bank Rate at its record low of 0.1% last week. The vote came as the supply chain crisis, largely driven by an ongoing shortage of heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers, shows signs of holding back economic recovery.
Read More
The travel industry has featured prominently in the news over the past seven days, with an easing of travel restrictions announced on both sides of the Atlantic. Last Friday, simplification of the traffic light system and testing requirements in England, was greeted positively by business groups, with the British Chambers of Commerce describing the move […]
Read More
Over the past seven days, government plans to raise National Insurance contributions to fund the health and social care system have continued to feature prominently in the news headlines. Last Wednesday, despite warnings of a mass Tory rebellion, MPs voted by 319 votes to 248 to approve the new ‘health and social care levy’.
Read More
On Tuesday, Boris Johnson took to the Downing Street podium, following an earlier appearance in the House of Commons, to set out the government’s intentions to “help our NHS recover from the pandemic and build back better by fixing the problems in health and social care.”
Read More
With the summer holiday season drawing to a close, travel stocks were impacted last week, following the latest announcement from the Transport Secretary.
Read More
During a week in which the news agenda was dominated by Afghanistan, the US Federal Reserve warned it could start cutting back support for the economy sooner than markets had previously expected.
Read More
With double jabbed people, as well as those aged under 18 in England and Northern Ireland, no longer legally required to self-isolate if they are identified as a close contact of a positive COVID-19 case, many will be breathing a sigh of relief, not least businesses who have struggled with staff shortages.
Read More
In an open letter to UK institutional investors last week, Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak urged pension schemes to invest more of savers’ money into UK assets, to help drive the economic recovery and boost longterm growth prospects.
Read More
Last week saw the International Monetary Fund (IMF) release its latest assessment of the global economy. Among the headline stories was a sharp increase to this year’s UK growth forecast, with the renowned international soothsayer now predicting a 7% expansion – 1.7 percentage points higher than its previous projection published in April.
Read More
During a week which saw the delayed Tokyo Olympics finally get underway, the news agenda on these shores was largely dominated by the so-called ‘pingdemic’.
Read More
Ahead of so-called ‘Freedom Day’ on Monday, Boris Johnson urged people to exercise caution as most restrictions on social contact were lifted in England. With the Prime Minister and Health Secretary currently isolating, and UK daily infections totalling around 50,000, there are warnings that cases will surge over the summer.
Read More
In Monday’s Downing Street briefing, Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed that almost all remaining coronavirus restrictions will lift on Monday 19 July, despite cases and hospital admissions rising, as it was felt that a further delay could risk a bigger surge in the autumn.
Read More
In a Downing Street briefing on Monday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said ministers will make a final decision on 12 July, whether step four of restriction easing would happen as planned on 19 July.
Read More
Last week, the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), unanimously voted to maintain base rates at an all-time low of 0.1%. In a statement released on Thursday, the MPC shrugged off concerns over a pick-up in inflation, saying its expectation is that ‘the economy will experience a temporary period of strong GDP growth and […]
Read More
Last Friday, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) published its latest economic forecast, which predicts UK GDP growth is set to bounce back to pre COVID levels by the end of the year, despite the four-week delay in lifting all lockdown restrictions.
Read More
The G7 Summit in Cornwall dominated headlines over the weekend, with leaders of the ‘Group of Seven’ (UK, US, Canada, Germany, France, Italy and Japan) meeting to discuss global worldwide issues, including vaccination programmes, economic recovery and climate change.
Read More
Ahead of the G7 Summit in Carbis Bay, Cornwall, later this week, where leaders from some of the world’s most influential countries are meeting to discuss major global issues, several Finance Ministers met in London at the weekend to discuss a whole host of global economic issues, including reforms to the global tax system to […]
Read More
The latest quarterly Service Sector Survey conducted by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), has provided further evidence of growing confidence within the UK economy.
Read More
Good news came over the weekend as a significant vaccination milestone was surpassed. Tipping over the marker, after over 700,000 jabs were administered on Saturday alone, the UK has now delivered over 60 million vaccinations, first and second doses combined.
Read More
Despite concerns growing over the spread of the Indian variant, as clusters of the B.1.617.2 continue to be discovered across the UK, at a Downing Street briefing last Friday, Boris Johnson confirmed the planned phase three easements would proceed on 17 May.
Read More
On Monday, the Prime Minister confirmed that the next stage of easing measures will go ahead as intended on 17 May. People in England will be able to resume numerous activities, including hugging loved ones, meeting indoors, dining inside restaurants and visiting indoor entertainment venues such as cinemas and museums.
Read More
During the May Bank Holiday weekend, a momentous milestone was achieved as the UK surpassed 50 million vaccine doses administered: 34,588,600 first vaccine doses and 15,500,949 second doses.
Read More
US President Joe Biden has pledged to cut his country’s emissions by 50-52% compared to 2005 levels, by the year 2030. The President unveiled the new target during his opening remarks at a two-day virtual Climate Summit, which started last Thursday to coincide with Earth Day.
Read More
A sobering milestone of three million global COVID deaths was surpassed last week, just a day after the Director General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, warned the world was “approaching the highest rate of infection” so far. The US, India and Brazil have recorded the highest number of cases so far, with […]
Read More
As the country embarked on its latest easing of lockdown measures, the Prime Minister urged “everyone to continue to behave responsibly.” In a statement released ahead of the reopening of non-essential shops and pub gardens, Mr Johnson described the rule relaxations as “a major step forward in our roadmap to freedom” and added, “I’m sure it will be a huge […]
Read More
Included in this issue:
On Easter Monday, the Prime Minister confirmed that restrictions in England are to ease as planned on 12 April, with non-essential shops, gyms, hairdressers and outdoor hospitality venues set to reopen. Mr Johnson said, “We set out our roadmap and we’re sticking to it. And I want to stress, that we see nothing in the present […]
Read More
The Prime Minister has stressed “we must proceed with caution” and warned that we do not know “exactly how strong” the country’s defences against another wave of COVID will be despite the UK’s “very impressive” vaccine rollout. Speaking at a Downing Street briefing on Monday, on the day stay-at-home rules ended in England, Mr Johnson added, “it is only because of months […]
Read More
The Prime Minister stressed “Our roadmap to freedom depends on the continued success of our vaccination programme,” during a week that also saw new daily jab records set on three consecutive days and the country come together for a national day of reflection to mark the anniversary of the first coronavirus lockdown.
Read More
Last week, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) released its latest set of forecasts declaring ‘a global economic recovery is in sight.’ The international soothsayer said prospects have ‘improved markedly in recent months’ as vaccine rollouts gather momentum and the US launches a massive new stimulus package.
Read More
The Prime Minister has hailed the collective efforts of the British public, as the country embarks on the first stage of the roadmap out of lockdown. Speaking on Sunday, the day before pupils across England began returning to the classroom, Mr Johnson said the reopening of schools marked a “truly national effort to beat this virus,” adding “it […]
Read More
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, delivered his second Budget on 3 March declaring that “we will recover”. The key fiscal event, which had been delayed from the Autumn due to the pandemic, centred on a £65bn three-part plan designed to continue supporting British people and businesses through the pandemic, ‘fix’ the public finances once recovery begins and lay […]
Read More
On Wednesday afternoon, all eyes will be on the Chancellor as he presents his much awaited second Budget in the House of Commons. COVID support is likely to feature front and centre on Rishi Sunak’s agenda, with immediate areas to address including decisions over furlough and business support.
Read More
The Prime Minister has unveiled a four-step plan to gradually ease lockdown restrictions in England, with the aim of lifting all legal limits on social contact by 21 June. Speaking in the House of Commons on Monday, Mr Johnson told MPs his roadmap was “cautious but also irreversible” and that decisions at each stage would be […]
Read More
As the UK endured icy temperatures last week, the Prime Minister appealed to the two million people from the first four priority groups yet to receive a vaccination, to come forward for their jab.
Read More
The UK passed a significant milestone last week, as 10 million people received their first vaccine dose. The largest vaccination programme in British history is now fast approaching 13 million vaccinated and despite the cold snap prompting the closure of some vaccination centres across the country, is on course to meet the 15 February goal […]
Read More
As the vaccination programme continues in earnest, on Monday, at a Downing Street briefing, Matt Hancock confirmed that 9.2 million people in the UK had been vaccinated to date, including a record 931,204 vaccinations done last week alone.
Read More
Hosting a Downing Street press conference on Tuesday, Boris Johnson said it was “hard to compute the sorrow” after the UK passed a grim milestone of 100,000 deaths from COVID-19. The Prime Minister added, “The years of life lost, the family gatherings not attended and, for so many relatives, the missed chance to even say goodbye – I […]
Read More
The Prime Minister has described the move to extend England’s vaccination programme to people aged 70 and over, along with clinically extremely vulnerable individuals as a “significant milestone.” Mr Johnson’s comments came on Monday, the same day that ten new mass vaccination hubs were opened across England.
Read More
Included in this issue:
The UK is at the “worst point” of the pandemic, Matt Hancock said as he addressed the nation on Monday. Government figures show that over 80,000 people have now died, while over 32,000 are currently in hospital.
Read More
As the UK saw in the New Year in a more subdued way than usual, with much of the country under tier 4 restrictions, fireworks and a light display illuminated the sky over London. An hour earlier, as Big Ben struck 11pm, a new era had begun for the UK, after it completed its formal […]
Read More
After months of negotiations, on issues including fishing rights and business rules, an agreement between the UK and EU was finally reached on Christmas Eve, just days before the deadline.
Read More
As Boris Johnson took to the Downing Street podium on Saturday afternoon, his imminent announcement was a game changer for millions of people across the country. With the virus spreading more rapidly in parts of the country, driven by a new variant, new tier 4 restrictions (applicable from midnight on Saturday) were introduced in London […]
Read More
Brexit talks have restarted after Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen agreed to an extension of their original 13 December deadline. Following a “constructive” telephone call, during which the pair discussed “major unresolved topics”, both parties agreed that talks should continue.
Read More
As the UK death toll surpassed 60,000 last week, the first consignment of the Pfizer/BioTech vaccine arrived in the country from Belgium. With 40 million doses on order, sufficient to vaccinate 20 million people, the first doses have been distributed to various designated hospital vaccination centres across the country. On Tuesday, the NHS embarked on […]
Read More
On 25 November, Chancellor Rishi Sunak stood before the House of Commons to outline the Spending Review for the year ahead. Opening his speech, he delivered a stark warning about the difficulties that lie ahead, stating, “Our health emergency is not yet over. And our economic emergency has only just begun.”
Read More
The International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) recently released annual report, entitled ‘A year like no other’, highlights the extraordinary extent of the government fiscal support provided this year to bolster global growth. As of September 2020, $11.5trn globally has been provided by governments, to extend lifelines to businesses and people. In addition, the IMF has committed over $100bn […]
Read More
Another grim milestone was reached last week, as the UK became the first European country to exceed 50,000 COVID deaths. The UK is now the fifth country in the world to record this toll, after the US, Brazil, India and Mexico.
Read More
As lockdown 2.0 kicked off in England on 5 November, at a Downing Street press conference that afternoon, Boris Johnson confirmed his intention that the rules will expire on 2 December, at which point the tiered approach will resume.
Read More
With a shroud of lockdowns descending over swathes of Europe and the UK, as virus cases surge, England followed suit on 31 October, with Boris Johnson announcing national lockdown measures commencing 5 November for four weeks.
Read More
Last week, as tighter coronavirus rules came into force for millions of people across the UK, Chancellor Rishi Sunak unveiled significant changes to the government’s support package with increased financial assistance for businesses and workers hit by COVID restrictions.
Read More
Last week began with the government’s most senior science and medical advisers issuing a stark warning about the rise in coronavirus cases witnessed over recent weeks. At a Downing Street data briefing, Sir Patrick Vallance and Professor Chris Whitty said that, without any further action, the UK could “end up with something like 50,000 cases […]
Read More
All over the country, people have been struggling to get tested for coronavirus, with appointments paused and the system under immense pressure as demand spikes. Some people in need of a test have reported being directed to sites located hundreds of miles from their homes. Data shows that just a third of tests conducted in […]
Read More
With the number of coronavirus cases rising across the UK, the Prime Minister was back on the Downing Street podium last Wednesday to announce new measures. As we enter the autumn, with the country at a critical moment and the average rate of new infection four times higher than in mid-July, the governemnt announced the introduction […]
Read More
Millions of children in England and Wales returned to school last week. For many, it was the first time in attendance since March, due to the disruption caused by the pandemic. Pupils started adjusting to life in a class or year group bubble, with a raft of precautionary measures in place, such as one-way entrance […]
Read More
In March, Rishi Sunak unveiled “one of the largest and most comprehensive economic responses in the world” to protect the UK’s population against the impact of coronavirus. The £160bn plan, the Chancellor said, was just the first stage of the government’s response to the pandemic. Four months later, on 8 July, the Chancellor stepped up once again […]
Read More
