Pandemic leads to major spike in whistleblowers turning to SFO to report alleged fraud March 14, 2022 The pandemic has led to a near 20 per cent rise in whistleblower reports about alleged fraud. Workers may have falsified accounts to cover up theft or inflated sales figures in a bid to achieve bonuses during the pandemic, a new report by consultancy firm Accuracy has found. There was a 17 per cent rise [...]
Price pinch: Most Brits financially struggling or worried as inflation rises and Ukraine war rages March 14, 2022 Almost 60 per cent of Brits either struggling financially, or concerned about money in the near future, due to Russia’s war in Ukraine and the cost of living crisis. The economic effect of the conflict has exacerbated the rise in energy and food, against the backdrop of increasing inflation, which is set to exceed the [...]
Furlough scheme pushed back age of first-time buyer to 34 March 14, 2022 Despite a property market boom during the pandemic, the furlough scheme pushed back the average age of first time buyers by up to two years. The government’s initiative may have given a lifeline to millions as Covid restrictions plunged society into chaos, but its long term impact has reportedly been to stall many people’s ability [...]
Radiator firm Stelrad’s revenue up almost 40 per cent, with operating profit more than doubling March 14, 2022 A UK-based producer for steel panel radiators has announced a near 40 per cent increase in revenue for 2021. Stelrad made £272m in the last 12 months with its operating profit more than doubling to £33.2 million in 2021 up from £15.6 million the previous year. The firm, which entered into the London Stock Exchange [...]
Automation and decarbonisation could further deepen poverty in London March 14, 2022 Increasing automation and a move to a greener economy could further deepen inequality in the capital post-pandemic. The gap between’s London’s poorest and richest widened during coronavirus, with people claiming unemployment benefit substantially above the national average. As companies seek to recoup lost profits from the pandemic, many are turning to automation of roles, thanks [...]
Life insurance giant Phoenix Group announces record £1.5bn intake for financial year March 14, 2022 One of the largest providers of life insurance in the UK, the Phoenix Group, has announced record financial results for 2021, taking in £1.7bn. The firm surpassed its target of £1.5bn in the last 12 months, with its board announcing a new policy dividend increase of three per cent. Phoenix had a strong performance in [...]
New business growth in London at eight year high amid concern about inflation and input costs March 14, 2022 New business activity in the capital has reached an eight-year high, but optimism remains cautious with rising inflation and pressures on input costs. There has been a resurgence in trade across the London, with growth rising from 57.3 per cent in January to a three month high of 63 per cent, in February. Growth reported [...]
Most millennial investors think they will be financially stronger after the pandemic March 11, 2022 More than 60 per cent of millennial investors believe they’ll be financially stronger after the pandemic then before it. While coronavirus had a devastating impact on many parts of the economy, those aged 18-34 saw it as an opportunity to enter different markets. The majority of millennials looked to adapt to the ‘new normal’, according [...]
Rental market now ‘in full swing’ after strong recovery from pandemic low March 11, 2022 The rental market has returned to “full swing” from the pandemic low as stock levels fell dramatically from this time last year. With all Covid restrictions lifted, tenants are once again looking for a place to call home, with just 64,839 rental properties listed across these 21 major UK cities, according to numbers shared by [...]
Consumer lending surges as war, inflation and post-pandemic impact bite March 11, 2022 Consumer lending experienced a 51 per cent increase in January 2022 from the previous year, as concerns about Russia’s war in Ukraine, rising costs of living and inflation continue to bite. The sector for credit cards and personal loans had a major spike with a 55 per cent, according to new figures released by the [...]
