First Equity sets sights on Northwest expansion December 22, 2025 Historic London-based stockbroker First Equity is set to expand into the Northwest of the UK with a fresh presence in Liverpool. The firm, an independent broking boutique dating back to the 1980s, offers investment services to companies listed on the London Stock Exchange, AIM, Aquis Exchange, and JP Jenkins Private Markets. Senior Investment Manager Neil Blankstone, [...]
Private capital is reshaping sport’s financial future, and it’s structural December 20, 2025 Sport is no longer solely passion projects for the super-wealthy. Today, it is becoming a mature asset class supported by institutional and long-term private capital and the shift is visible in the deals transforming clubs, competitions and infrastructure across Europe and beyond. Private capital is stepping in where banks can’t or won’t. Stadium developments, transfer [...]
AI stocks to remain dominant in 2026, analysts predict December 19, 2025 Artificial intelligence is likely to remain a “dominant theme” in markets next year, analysts predict, shaking off fears of an AI crash. St James’ Place expects AI stocks to maintain investor interest in 2026, with analysts and portfolio managers bullish on the sector’s run. Valuations of top tech stocks have been rocketing up since the [...]
Padel match booking firm raises £4.5m in major fund raise December 16, 2025 Major padel match booking app Playtomic has raised €5.1m from an investment raise which will see thousands of players become shareholders. The big-money fund raise closed this month with more than 4,600 investors buying into the social padel service to the tune of £4.5m. The fund was organised through private equity market investment platform Crowdcube, [...]
British pessimism is stalling growth December 16, 2025 British leaders are now the least optimistic cohort internationally, and it's having a real-world impact on growth, writes David Stevens.
Is it time to bulk up your portfolio with these fitness stocks? December 9, 2025 The fitness boom has rocked the global markets in 2025, as both consumers and investors reexamined their approach to health and wellbeing. What was once a spur of the moment run in an old pair of trainers or a reluctant trip to the gym has become a staple in daily life, leading to an increased [...]
Visa shifts European HQ to Canary Wharf December 5, 2025 Payments juggernaut Visa is set to switch its European headquarters to Canary Wharf – hot on the heels of banking behemoth JP Morgan. The move from its current spot in Paddington comes amid a major resurgence in the London financial hub after a number of big firms snapped up offices in the district. Visa will [...]
Cash ISA limit cut: why your tax-free savings are still vital December 4, 2025 Chancellor Rachel Reeves slashed the annual limit for cash ISAs. But this isn’t their death knell – they still have a very valuable place as part of a diversified portfolio. It’s all change for ISA limits For many savers, the cash ISA has been a huge success story. It’s given them a lower-risk, tax-free way [...]
Relief for fintech startups as government plans new short-term FCA licences December 4, 2025 Fintech startups could be about to start trading much sooner after the government signalled plans to issue temporary licences in advance of getting full accreditation. Startups often suffer delays of months or even over a year as they wait for regulators at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to grant them authorisation, during which they burn [...]
AJ Bell: Revenue jumps as customer numbers surge December 4, 2025 Investment platform giant AJ Bell has reported a record financial performance after the group attracted thousands of new customers. Group revenue rose by 18 per cent over its financial year to the end of September to £317.8m, up from £269.4m the 12 months before. Profit before tax increased by 22 per cent to £137.8m, up [...]