News - Page 18 of 115 - Auto Enrolment

The Autumn Budget may bring tax changes affecting pensions, IHT, savings and investments Speculation is high, but proactive planning can strengthen financial resilience ahead of announcements Reviewing contributions, allowances and inheritance strategies ensures you’re prepared for future changes As the Autumn Budget approaches, speculation is growing about what the Chancellor may announce. The National Institute […]

News in Review

The BCC has urged the government to take decisive action to improve the competitiveness of the UK economy 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 proportion of cash payments fell from 12% in 2023 to 9% in 2024, the […]

Homing in on the mortgage challenges facing gig workers

76% of UK gig workers face mortgage and loan application rejections despite good credit Traditional credit systems don’t reflect gig workers’ multiple income sources Expert guidance helps gig workers improve mortgage approval odds by validating diverse income Variable income streams. Multiple employers. Seasonal side hustles. This is business as usual for gig economy workers, freelancers […]

Is ‘financial independence’ a better option than retirement?

Financial independence means working becomes optional, not essential Diversifying income beyond pensions offers lasting security and freedom A clear plan helps you align your later life with your long-term goals Retirement used to mean the end of working life, but that’s definitely no longer the case. People are living longer, staying healthier and keen to […]

Economic Review – September 2025

UK inflation remained at an 18-month high of 3.8% in August, driven by food prices. Above the BoE 2% target UK GDP growth fell to 0.2% in the three months to July and output failed to grow at all in July In the UK jobs market payrolls fell for the seventh consecutive month and wage […]

News in Review

OECD forecasts slower global growth ahead due to tariffs, trade barriers and policy uncertainty The UK economy faces a weaker outlook with highest G7 inflation in 2025, easing slightly in 2026 Labour signals fiscal prudence, hints at tax rises, while pledging support for youth employment initiatives ‘Finding the right balance in uncertain times’ The Organisation […]

Gen X stash the cash

Gen X savers are cautious, with over £34k on average held in cash savings Less than a third also invest, risking long-term value erosion from inflation Balancing cash investments can offer better growth without excessive risk Nearly two in three Brits born between 1965 and 1980 hold ‘significant’ savings in cash, new research1 shows, while […]

Demand for second homes falls: what does it mean for local buyers and sellers?

Council Tax hikes on second homes are triggering a surge in holiday property sales In popular holiday destinations the number of properties being listed for sale has increased over 40% This shift in property ownership has the potential to impact entire communities From country cottages to seaside retreats, the second home market is facing challenges. […]

A closer look at the ‘nearshoring’ trend

Nearshoring is rising as firms prioritise bringing supply chains closer to home Trump Tariffs’ have only underlined the need for companies to explore their options As the global economy evolves, identifying long-term trends is important The pandemic, raised geopolitical tensions and supply chain shocks, have all forced companies to rethink how they operate. Many, although […]

News in review

The Bank of England held rates at 4%, signalling cautious future cuts as inflation remains at 3.8% US-UK ‘Tech Prosperity Deal’ secures £150bn in pledged investment, focused on AI, quantum computing and clean energy UK consumer confidence declined in September, with households increasingly pessimistic about the economic outlook and personal finances “’We’re not out of […]