High earners see purchasing powers eroded after Budget measures December 15, 2025 High earner households could lose thousands in purchasing power over the next few years as a result of measures introduced in last month’s Autumn Budget. According to analysis of HM Treasury data, high earners not rich yet (HENRY) households will see an average reduction in their annual purchasing powers by over £15,000 by 2029, due [...]
Inside London’s occult bookshops December 9, 2025 As I stood outside Watkins Books, the oldest occult bookshop in London, an old man approached me. “Number 23 is the one you want,” he said, pointing down the street. I looked confused. “Murder! A woman stabbed in the basement!” The man, who quickly walked on, was referring to the 1961 murder of Elsie Batten, [...]
Where to drink wine in London with a touch of old-fashioned glamour December 8, 2025 It is a pattern we see repeatedly. At times of austerity and economic hardship: people crave luxury, colour and escapism. During the Great Depression we saw the rise of jazz, dancehalls and art deco glamour, while the World War II ushered in an era of escapist, technicolour movies filled with flights of fancy. Now in the [...]
Economic uncertainty leads to dwindling vacancies in London December 8, 2025 Permanent hires in London fell for the eighth consecutive month in November, driven by ongoing economic uncertainty and dwindling vacancies. According to the latest report from professional services firm KPMG and the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), the decrease in hiring quickened in the capital last month, with the reduction in permanent vacancies one of [...]
Salary sacrifice: Millions of pension savers impacted by overhaul December 5, 2025 Millions of UK pension savers are set to be hit by salary sacrifice changes unveiled in the Budget, according to new figures. According to figures published by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), an estimated 7.7m employees use salary sacrifice to make pension contributions. This means employees effectively take a pay cut in exchange for higher [...]
House prices hit record high but overall growth slows December 5, 2025 UK house prices reached a record high in November, however overall growth slowed to the weakest rate since 2024 according to the latest data from Halifax’s house price index. Prices were broadly unchanged last month, edging up £138, bringing the average house price to £299,892, a new record high. This follows a 0.5 per cent [...]
What’s on London in December 2025 December 4, 2025 | City Talk London is gearing up for a spectacular December, and the city is brimming with seasonal excitement. Plan your festive days around a truly diverse selection of activities, featuring everything from captivating exhibitions and brand-new store openings to amazing seasonal offers and must-see Christmas celebrations. It’s a fun, festive month with something for everyone, and your [...]
Young Brits complain of older co-workers stereotyping Gen Z December 4, 2025 Gen Z officer workers have reported experiencing criticism from older colleagues due to negative stereotypes linked to their generation. According to the latest report from workforce engagement platform Kahoot, nearly 50 per cent of young Brits have reported being criticised in the workplace, leading to increased stress and tension. Among those who have been subjected [...]
London has world’s second-best tech sector December 4, 2025 London boasts the second-most vibrant tech sector in the world, according to a closely-watched study which found Zurich had leapfrogged San Francisco and Singapore to top the rankings. Britain’s capital nudged up one place in Z/Yen’s Smart Centres Index into second place in the biannual study that assesses cities’ ability to create, develop and deploy [...]
A Record-Breaking Summer of Sport across the Capital December 3, 2025 | City Talk London, UK – 3.12.2025 – Central London Alliance’s London Sports Festival 2025 has concluded a landmark five-month run, successfully drawing more than 30,161 participants across the capital and reaffirming sport’s power to drive economic recovery, community engagement and footfall in central London. Delivered by Central London Alliance (CLA), with headline partner, Blue Orchid Hospitality, plus [...]