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 […]

Commercial Property Review – March 2024

Commercial property industry largely disappointed by the Spring Budget  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.    Jeremy Hunt announced that Multiple Dwellings Relief (MDR) on Stamp Duty Land Tax in England and Northern Ireland will […]

News in Review

“Britain looks to be out of recession already” 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. Main contributors to growth in the month were services output […]

News in Review

“A plan to grow the economy, a plan for better public services, a plan to make work pay” 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 […]

Financial pitfalls primarily impacting women 

Research1 has shone a spotlight on the financial challenges that prevent women from accumulating the same wealth as their male counterparts.  The report found that having children continues to have a disproportionately large impact on women’s finances, as do other life events such as the menopause.  The findings  Amongst the report’s findings were the following […]

The scammers targeting YOU 

According to a study from NatWest1, seven in 10 people have been targeted by scams over the last 12 months. Vulnerabilities brought on by cost-of-living challenges have likely contributed to the high numbers.  Sadly, 13% of people have fallen prey to such scams, which are growing in both number and sophistication – targeting young and […]