UK government borrowing blows past estimates on Labour’s spending plans May 22, 2025 Government borrowing spiked in April, official data has shown, reflecting Rachel Reeves’s difficulties in controlling public finances. The rise to £20.2bn in monthly borrowing was more than economists’ prediction of £18bn. Capital Economics suggested that the rise in borrowing costs since March via debt interest payments has slashed Reeves’ headroom down to £5.7bn. Tax receipts [...]
Reeves must provide ‘more stable’ tax policy, finance bosses say May 20, 2025 Rachel Reeves is facing pressure to provide a “clearer, more stable tax environment,” when she delivers her growth strategy in July. The Chancellor is once again in the spotlight after a damning report from finance bosses indicated the industry was prepped to support growth ambitions, but structural barriers were holding them back. Top players in [...]
Week in Business: Small glass of champagne for Reeves? May 15, 2025 There was some welcome economic growth in Q1 but it's in the rear view mirror; is there any on the horizon?
Retail sales shoot up in sunniest spring on record May 13, 2025 Retail sales rose at their fastest rate for more than a year after warm weather drove Brits to bring forward summer purchases. Total retail sales in the UK increased by seven per cent year on year in April after declining of four per cent in the same month last year, according to new figures from [...]
UK financial services can still drive growth in a volatile world May 9, 2025 Geopolitical turmoil is threatening the resilience of UK financial services, but we don't need to sacrifice growth to protect them, writes KPMG's Karim Haji.
PwC US set to cut 1,500 roles May 6, 2025 Big Four firm PwC is set to cut around two per cent of its roles across the Atlantic after a lengthy business review at the consultancy giant
Ex-JP Morgan and Schroders manager launches boutique advisory May 6, 2025 A former fund manager at JP Morgan and Schroders has launched a boutique advisory firm. William Meadon, who managed the JP Morgan Claverhouse investment trust from 2012 to 2024, has launched a new firm called Steppingstone. Meadon said that the firm was launching in a bid to challenge the approach of larger firms, targeting clients [...]
Rachel Reeves has promised UK fintech the world – now she must deliver May 4, 2025 Judgement day looms for Rachel Reeves, and UK fintech will be handing her the verdict. In a keynote speech at Innovate Finance’s 11th global summit, the Chancellor confirmed the Treasury’s inaugural Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy would be published on 15 July. Reeves has lauded the industry’s growth and touted the achievements of fintech [...]
Gary Neville’s university UA92 plots move to ‘stronger footing’ in 2026 May 1, 2025 Accounts show income has increased at University Academy 92 (UA92), the higher education institution set up by Gary Neville and other members of the Class of ’92, amid a rise in costs and “a tough financial climate.” UA92, which has bases in Trafford as well as the city centre, has reported a deficit before tax of [...]
AI use rising in legal services, but public trust remains low April 29, 2025 While AI’s potential to reduce costs and improve efficiency is making waves within the industry, both public and legal professionals remain cautious about fully embracing the technology, especially for legally complex issues. A recent survey by Robin AI found that only 10 per cent of people fully trust law firms, with only 30 pert cent [...]