9th May 2023

Money – In the news

Digital pound likely this decade  The Treasury and the Bank of England have started consultations on a potential digital pound, or central bank digital currency (CBDC), that could be used by households and businesses instead of cash for everyday payments in-store and online. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said, “We want to investigate what is possible first, […]

3rd May 2023

Over 50 and re-joining the workforce? Remember your pension

It’s estimated that the number of people aged 50 to 64 who are economically inactive sits at 3.6 million, which is 300,000 higher than pre-pandemic1. There is no doubt that the UK’s economic growth will, in part, be reliant on getting the over-50s back into work.  If you retired early but are now having second […]

2nd May 2023

Economic Review – April 2023

Recent signs of economic resilience While the latest gross domestic product (GDP) statistics revealed that the UK economy stagnated in February, recent survey evidence paints a more positive picture with signs of ‘encouraging resilience’ and ‘growth momentum.’ Official data released last month by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that the economy saw no […]

27th April 2023

Commercial Property Market Review – April 2023

Investor confidence returns as pricing plateaus UK commercial investment volumes totalled £5.6bn in Q1 2023, according to a report from Savills, the second lowest quarterly volume since 2009. Amidst a volatile and unpredictable economic backdrop, investment volumes were lower than any quarter except Q2 2020. The average Savills prime yield now stands at 5.57% after […]

21st April 2023

Rising prices add almost 20% to retirement costs 

It can be difficult to understand what funds you’ll need to finance the retirement you dream about and how this compares to your projected pensions income. It’s even harder to keep track when the cost of living is spiralling.  Setting standards  The Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA) developed its Retirement Living Standards1 to help […]

12th April 2023

Take advantage of the new tax year 

A new tax year has begun and with it comes the chance to start your tax planning early, but why rush when there’s almost a year to go? Here are a few reasons:  Why not get the new tax year off to the best start – get in touch.  1Vanguard, 2023  The value of investments […]

4th April 2023

Economic Review – March 2023

UK expected to avoid recession Revised forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) suggest the UK will not enter recession this year despite households facing a record drop in spending power. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt unveiled the independent fiscal watchdog’s latest projections during his Spring Budget statement delivered to the House of Commons on 15 […]

24th March 2023

Residential Property Review – March 2023

Spring Budget – ‘trailblazer’ deals announced In the Spring Budget on 15 March, as part of the Levelling Up White Paper, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced ‘trailblazer’ deals giving new and deeper devolution powers to local leaders in the Greater Manchester and West Midlands Combined Authorities. For the first time outside of London, local leaders will […]

Commercial Property Market Review – March 2023

Spring Budget – Investment Zones announced On 15 March, Jeremy Hunt delivered his “Budget for Growth” focusing on four pillars ‘Everywhere, Enterprise, Employment and Education.’ Encompassed within the ‘Everywhere’ pillar, Mr Hunt spoke about the government’s plans for ‘Levelling Up,’ including the launch of 12 new Investment Zones or “potential Canary Wharfs”. For each of […]

23rd March 2023

Family finances: It’s good to talk

New research1 suggests young adults and their parents are becoming increasingly comfortable talking about money matters, which should ensure future generations are much better equipped to tackle their financial affairs.  Breaking the taboo  Historically, intergenerational discussions about finances have too often been viewed as a no-go area, but the research suggests UK families are beginning […]