“Conditions facing manufacturers have taken a turn for the better” 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. As demand uncertainty recedes and financing concerns reduce, investment intentions […]
Author archives: charlie
News in Review
“With UK inflation finally falling below the US, its unwanted outlier status is over” 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 […]
Residential Property Review – April 2024
Upcoming election has not discouraged potential movers A survey by Savills has found that the prospect of the UK General Election has not put off the majority of home movers. According to the report, 79% of respondents have not changed their intentions to move because of the UK election; in fact, 13% said that they […]
Commercial Property Review – April 2024
Commercial property market update Latest research from Cluttons indicates that vacancy rates hit 4.1% at the end of 2023 – up from 3.8% in September. This is partly due to e-commerce activity remaining strong and the demand for buildings to meet net zero standards. Vacancies are expected to keep increasing as supply continues to be […]
News in Review
“The economy is turning a corner” 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%. […]
News in Review
“Shop price inflation eased to the lowest level since December 2021” 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 […]
Economic Review – March 2024
Short-term growth forecasts upgraded 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. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt unveiled the independent fiscal watchdog’s latest forecasts during his Spring Budget delivered to the House of […]
News in Review
“Another month of growth for UK car production is welcome news” 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. Almost 80,000 units were manufactured […]
News in Review
“We have turned a corner after the shocks of the past few years” 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 […]
Residential Property Review – March 2024
RICS responds to the Spring Budget The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has released a statement in response to the Spring Budget. On 6 March, the Chancellor announced that twenty more towns will join the Long-Term Plan for Towns, each receiving £20m. RICS was supportive of this investment, as well as the government’s deeper […]