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 […]
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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 […]
Residential Property Review – September 2025
Any Autumn Budget changes to Stamp Duty and CGT could heavily influence housing activity in late 2025 Mortgage rates dipped below 5% but gilt yields raise concern of further increases 15% of property sales fell through in 2025, with converted homes most affected Housing market outlook According to Savills, housing market performance for the rest […]
Commercial Property Market Review – September 2025
City investment volumes reached £2bn by July, 33% below average, but deal sizes are notably larger The outlook for H2 2025 is brighter due to improved credit and stabilising investor confidence in offices and industrials London construction faces pipeline contractions, though government-backed infrastructure projects show some momentum City investment market update The latest statistics from […]
News in Review
GDP grew by 0.2% in the three months to July, a slowdown from 0.3% recorded in Q2 US inflation was higher than expected in August with CPI rising 0.4%, the sharpest increase since January ONS revealed the latest wages data showing that total pay, including bonuses, for the three months to July was 4.7% “’In […]