London pension fintech Smart gears up for deals after $95m funding injection May 15, 2023 London-based pensions fintech firm Smart said it was gearing up for a flurry of dealmaking today as it bagged a $95m funding round from a host of big name backers including New York based outfit Aquiline.
Banks set to ramp up lending as UK economy dodges recession May 15, 2023 Banks are expected to ramp up their lending this year as the UK economy dodges the gloomiest recession predictions and the housing markets shows signs of some revival, according to a panel of top economists. Total UK bank loans are now expected to rise 1.2 per cent this year, a net increase of £29bn, upgraded [...]
M&G calls bosses back into the office – and they can’t be TWaTs about it May 14, 2023 Investment firm M&G has called on its managers to get back in the office for three days a week in a bid to boost the morale and development of its junior staff - but they won't be allowed to simply swan in on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Mortgages: Are 100 per cent no deposit loans about to make a comeback? May 9, 2023 One of the UK’s largest building societies is considering launching a no deposit, or 100 per cent loan to value mortgage. Mortgages which do not need a downpayment, or deposit, were phased out after the financial crisis. Although 100 per cent or zero deposit mortgages have been available since 2009, lenders will only offer them [...]
Coronation and your cash: How much have prices – and life in the UK – changed since 1953? May 5, 2023 When Queen Elizabeth II was crowned 70 years ago in 1953, the price of a pint was less than 10p, the average house price was around £1,800, and the average salary was £10 a week. But that’s not all that has changed, this year’s Coronation of King Charles III takes place in a nation where life [...]
Coronation weekend: Brits to splash out an extra £3bn on food, drink and entertainment May 4, 2023 Brits are expected to ring in the Coronation of King Charles III this weekend in the time honoured tradition of emptying their wallets faster than usual. It is predicted consumers will fork out around £8bn over the Coronation bank holiday weekend, with £3.22bn more spent than during a typical May bank holiday. Of the £3bn [...]
“Confidence returns”: Improved Hargreaves Lansdown update suggests clients bullish once more May 4, 2023 "Confidence" has returned, reckon bosses at the retail trading platform, in what could be a good sign for the UK economy at large
Allica Bank’s Richard Davies on navigating crises and plans for business banking domination May 4, 2023 Amid a crowded field of UK challenger banks, Allica's function-over-fashion approach is serving it well, says CEO Richard Davies
House prices rise for the first time in seven months but analysts still expect a rough ride May 2, 2023 The housing market showed “tentative” signs of recovery in April as the price of homes rose 0.5 per cent during the month, however prices remain four per cent below their August 2022 peak. The Nationwide house price index showed that the annual rate of house price growth improved to -2.7 per cent from -3.1 per [...]
Property: Has spring sprung? Mini budget ripple blamed for keeping a lid on monthly sales April 28, 2023 UK residential transactions in March 2023 totalled 89,560 which was 19 per cent lower than the same month a year ago but 1 per cent higher than February 2023, according to HMRC. The seasonally adjusted figures also show the total of non-residential property purchases, including commercial and factory property was 10,640, three per cent higher than [...]