Rachel Reeves to set ‘binding’ pensions allocations in megafunds launch May 29, 2025 Rachel Reeves has confirmed plans to set “binding” allocations in pension funds as the government prepares for the launch of “megafunds” to encourage fresh investment into UK infrastructure and businesses. The Treasury said it would “take a reserve power” in the upcoming Pension Schemes Bill “to set binding asset allocation targets,” a move it said [...]
Which taxes could Rachel Reeves raise in the Autumn Budget May 29, 2025 Rising borrowing costs, u-turns on spending cuts and a wafer-thin fiscal headroom all point to one thing: Chancellor Rachel Reeves is widely expected to put up taxes later in the year. But given Labour’s manifesto commitment to avoid tax rises on “working people”, and the pain felt by businesses over National Insurance hikes, many are [...]
Reeves’ tax raids crush business confidence – but worst is yet to come May 29, 2025 Business confidence plummeted in the three months to May as Rachel Reeves’ tax hikes took hold and firms have warned more pain is to come. Consumer services’ optimism marked its eight consecutive month of decline at -42 per cent, whilst levels of business value plunged to -56 per cent. This was down from -44 per [...]
Gen Z investors reliant on LinkedIn and TikTok finfluencers for advice May 28, 2025 Gen Z has led the charge in a growing trend of using social media for investment advice, according to new data from Charles Schwab. Over 70 per cent of Gen Z use social media and financial influencers – dubbed finfluencers – when making investment decisions, the data suggests. LinkedIn was valued as the top social [...]
Government slashes red tape to tackle housing crisis May 28, 2025 The government will slash red tape to get more construction by smaller building firms off the ground, and to “get working people on the housing ladder,” Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has said as Labour looks to promote its pro-business credentials. A relaxation of environmental protections is expected, including Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements which [...]
Businesses rethink legal strategy as costs of lawyers surge May 28, 2025 Increasing amount of legal work will be handled by in-house law teams rather than law firms as businesses face cost pressures
HMRC review signals potential pension tax changes in Autumn May 28, 2025 Rachel Reeves could target pension savers in fresh tax grab as the Chancellor looks for additional ways to fund the government’s ballooning spending. His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has published research as part of an official review of workplace retirement schemes, exploring cuts to the tax benefits of salary sacrifice pension schemes. The schemes, [...]
AIM to shed billions as market projected to shrink by a fifth May 28, 2025 London’s junior stock market is set to deepen its listing crisis as it heads towards its 30th birthday. The alternative investment market (AIM) is projected to have £12.3bn of market capitalisation, after 61 companies announced plans to ditch their listing. A combination of mergers, private equity takeovers, delistings in favour of private securities venues and [...]
UK fintech Starling’s profit tumbles as regulatory failings linger May 28, 2025 UK fintech veteran Starling recorded a drop in annual profit for the financial year as it battled with a more competitive fintech landscape and mounting costs. The neobank recorded £223m in pre-tax profit, which was down from £301m the previous year. This came as operating costs ramped up to £403m, from £332m, helping offset modest [...]
Reform present Tories with chance to rebuild economic credibility May 28, 2025 I bumped into a Tory MP in the City yesterday and after a cheerful catch up their mood crumbled when I asked about the state of their party. “We’re finished as a political force” was the frank assessment. A couple of hours later, Nigel Farage was making the same point on stage in Westminster, declaring [...]