News in Review

The Bank of England cut rates to 3.75%, signalling cautious easing as inflation pressures continue to recede  Farmers gain relief as the government raises Inheritance Tax thresholds following industry backlash and sustained protests  UK markets opened 2026 strongly, with Boxing Day footfall rising and the FTSE surpassing 10,000  “We still think rates are on a […]

Looking ahead: A new year, a clear plan

As 2026 begins, thoughtful financial planning remains essential for navigating change and securing long-term goals.  Reviewing investments, tax strategies and pensions ensures your financial plans stay aligned with changing circumstances.  Now is the perfect time to take stock and start the year with a clear financial plan.  We’d like to take a moment to thank you for your […]

Planning with purpose in 2026

Providing for family is the strongest motivator for UK adults when it comes to financial planning.  Find a balance between what you value, what you need and what gives you a sense of purpose.  Mental wellbeing plays a vital role in financial confidence – we’re here to help you define your financial purpose.    As we welcome 2026, it’s the […]

It’s that time of year again – consider your end of tax year planning

Consider using ISA and pension allowances before they reset to maximise long-term, tax-efficient growth  Reviewing CGT, dividend and gifting allowances now could reduce unnecessary tax liabilities  Early planning helps protect wealth, improve cash flow and avoid rushed decisions before the tax year ends  As the end of the 2025/26 tax year approaches, it’s the ideal time to ensure you’re making the most of tax-efficient […]

Economic Review December 2025

“We still think rates are on a gradual path downward… how much further we go becomes a closer call”  The BoE Governor recently warned about the impact AI could exert on employment  ONS statistics show retail sales volumes fell 0.1% in November, below analysts’ expectations  Pace of rate cuts could slow further  While the latest set of consumer price statistics did […]

FTBs looking to buy in cities

First-time buyers increasingly prefer city living, reversing the pandemic’s ‘race for space’  Dundee, Edinburgh and Doncaster show the largest rises in FTB city enquiries  London demand has dipped, highlighting the impact of high house prices on affordability  More FTBs are setting their sights on city living, new data reveals1.  The analysis compared FTB enquiries between January and […]

Residential Property Review – December 2025

Rising taxes on rental income may squeeze buy-to-let yields and prompt some landlords to reassess investment strategies  The Renters’ Rights Act marks a major shift toward periodic tenancies, limiting rent increases and strengthening tenant protections  Housing happiness is closely linked to community, safety and environment, with smaller towns outperforming many larger cities  Budget changes reshape the housing market  November’s […]

Commercial Property Review – December 2025

Business rate reforms aim to support smaller retail assets but may unintentionally impact high-value offices and logistics buildings  Regional office rents reached record growth as ESG-compliant, prime stock remains scarce across major UK cities  Investor confidence strengthened in the West End, while occupiers increasingly favour flexible, fully fitted office space  Business rate changes announced in Budget  In the Autumn Budget 2025, […]

News in Review

UK GDP contracted unexpectedly in October, reflecting production declines, construction weakness and businesses delaying decisions pre-Budget Budget measures may ease inflation from April 2026, while economists anticipate a Bank Rate cut to support growth  Mortgage lending surged in Q3, with higher loan-to-value borrowing reaching levels last seen before the financial crisis  “We are determined to defy forecasts on […]

Personal pension age change delays access to savings

From April 2028, pension access rises to 57, impacting those born after April 1973  Early pension access will be limited to those with ill health or protected pension ages  Many are worried about the upcoming change, so seek advice and review your plans  A two-year increase in the normal minimum pension age could impact retirement planning for […]