P2P securitisation is coming: how the industry is approaching the financial practice November 26, 2015 Securitisation is still a naughty word. For many, it’s a throwback to the 1980s, while others will think immediately of 2008, when funding locked up. But recently, it’s been heard far more frequently within the P2P and debt-based crowdfunding industry, as platforms grow, take more institutional money and look for further ways to diversify funding [...]
Autumn Statement 2015: The government must simplify pensions and cut fees so the over-50s can properly plan for retirement November 25, 2015 The UK’s retirement landscape has changed radically over recent years. While the reforms that have been introduced recently are designed to make life better for those approaching and at retirement, they have yet to have the desired effect right the way across the board. Some of today’s announcements in the Autumn Statement should go some [...]
Autumn Statement 2015 roundup: From London Help-to-Buy to potholes, here’s everything the chancellor announced today November 25, 2015 There weren’t many surprises in today’s Autumn Statement – from housing to the Northern Powerhouse, we were fairly well-versed in the measures included. Indeed, shadow chancellor John McDonnell’s decision to quote Mao ZeDong in the Commons may have been more eyebrow-raising than any of George Osborne’s measures. Landlords once again found themselves punished, with a new three [...]
Autumn Statement and Comprehensive Spending Review 2015: Housing set to dominate – as well as what time it starts, how to watch it and what will be in it November 25, 2015 Later today George Osborne will take to the despatch box to give his combined Autumn Statement and Comprehensive Spending Review. George Osborne has already tweeted the front cover of the document, saying it will "deliver economic and national security – the foundations of everything we do". Today's Spending Review will deliver economic and national security – the [...]
Where in the UK has the biggest pension pot? The only way is Essex, but Surrey, Hertfordshire and East Sussex not far behind November 25, 2015 When it comes to pension pots, the only way is Essex, with residents sitting on more retirement savings than any other part of the country, at £125,478. Retirees in Surrey, Hertfordshire and East Sussex are also sitting on a nice nest egg, with the spots also boasting a pension pot in the top five in the UK, while [...]
Organic coffee company Cru Kafe turns to Seedrs to raise £300,000 in crowdfunding campaign to “stabilise its working capital” November 24, 2015 Ethical coffee brand Cru Kafe is looking to raise £300,000 in an equity fundraiser on crowdfunding site Seedrs. In exchange for 5.76 per cent of the company's stock, the Cru Kafe, which makes organic, Fairtrade coffee capsules for espresso machines, is looking for cash to help grow its business. Co-founder and chief executive Colin Pyle told City A.M. the [...]
This Autumn Statement could significantly change the UK state and the Tories’ fortunes November 23, 2015 For the third time in a year, tomorrow, George Osborne will take to the despatch box to deliver a budget or budget-like statement. We will be treated to a feast of announcements as the Treasury pontificates on just about every policy issue imaginable in its “Autumn Statement” – showing the huge governmental power hoarded within [...]
November Spending Review 2015: Chancellor George Osborne to say basic state pension will rise by the most in 15 years in 2016 November 21, 2015 The basic state pension is set to rise the most in real terms since 2001, according to media reports. Chancellor George Osborne will confirm that 2.9 per cent increase to £119.30 a week from April 2016 in next week's widely anticipated Spending Review. The government has committed itself to a so-called "triple-lock" on state pensions over the next five [...]
A meal with a view: Why street food market maverick London Union is looking for investors November 20, 2015 We're just scratching the surface of what’s possible in London,” says Jonathan Downey, co-founder of London Union, which transforms sad corners of the city into vibrant street food markets. Downey, known as JC and founder of Street Feast, teamed up with Henry Dimbleby, the founder of restaurant chain Leon, to start the new company. [...]
Facebook Fundraiser: Is Facebook taking on Kickstarter and other crowdfunding platforms with this JustGiving-style donation tool? November 19, 2015 Is Facebook planning to give crowdsourcing platforms like Kickstarter a run for their money? Looks like it. The social media giant has launched a new fundraising tool set to help charities and non-profits raise money through the social network. The tool, similar to existing fundraising sites like JustGiving, lets charities easily set up a page [...]