Big name, big pay, even bigger hours: Welcome to City law firms September 25, 2025 The salaries of junior lawyers is a topic that sparks headlines, adding even bigger sparks to debates over 20-something-year-olds pocketing hefty wage packages. However, considering the hours they work and what is expected of them, the money is earned. US firms, many of which now dominate London, not only compete over lawyer rates but also [...]
Is Britain open for business or not? September 25, 2025 Britain’s tax rate is neutral at best when it comes to attracting investment, and as international competitors up their game, we may need to go further just to stand still, says Tim Sarson How attractive is the UK as a place to invest? It’s confusing, isn’t it? In the last few weeks we’ve had a [...]
London hot on New York’s heels as financial centre race ramps up September 25, 2025 London is now within a whisker of ousting New York as the world’s leading financial hub, fresh rankings reveal, but risks remain over the capital’s fintech prospects. The City was chomping at the heels of the Big Apple with just a singular rating point between the two. New York once more topped the rankings in [...]
High net worths rejig estates as inheritance tax overhaul looms September 24, 2025 The high-net-worth clients of a leading wealth manager are rearranging their estate planning to get ahead of potential changes in the Budget, fearing the Chancellor will mount another inheritance tax grab to help plug the Treasury’s £30bn fiscal hole. Rathbones said that interest from its customers in inheritance-related advice has “risen sharply” since the start [...]
‘We’re already at peak government inflicted costs’ BT chief warns Chancellor September 24, 2025 The boss of BT has joined a chorus of chief executives urging the Chancellor not to raise the costs of doing business at her forthcoming Budget, warning the telecoms industry was “already at peak government inflicted costs.” In an on-stage interview with City AM at the Connected Britain conference on Wednesday, Allison Kirkby said: “We [...]
Rachel Reeves urged to reconsider Labour manifesto tax pledges September 24, 2025 Chancellor Rachel Reeves has been warned that tweaking small levies and relying on the wealthy to contribute to the state would hinder growth as another prominent report has called for Labour manifesto commitments to be reversed. In a report by the Institute for Government (IfG), Labour strategists were criticised for the party’s “original sin” of [...]
OECD: Taxes and tariffs to damage UK economy September 23, 2025 Higher taxes and the sting from US tariffs are set to restrain UK growth, according to forecasters at the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), with inflation soaring above all other countries other than the US. The OECD’s latest update on the state of the global economy said the UK’s “tighter fiscal stance” means [...]
OpenTable launches AI concierge, but do we really need a bot to book dinner? September 23, 2025 OpenTable has launched Concierge, its new generative AI assistant, or ‘agent,’ designed to give diners instant insights across more than 60,000 restaurants worldwide. From menu details and dietary options to opening hours, the assistant aims to streamline the often frustrating process of restaurant research. But in an era of sweeping automation, is AI really the solution [...]
Autumn tax hikes would lead to inflation over five per cent ‘well into next year’ September 23, 2025 Food inflation will rise and remain above five per cent well into 2026 if the retail industry is hit by further tax rises at the Autumn Budget, a leading lobby group has warned. The British Retail Consortium (BRC) said that the government risks ‘losing the battle’ against inflation if business rates on large shops rise [...]
Don’t rule out another rate cut this year September 23, 2025 Many are assuming the Bank of England will hold rates for the rest of the year. But scratch the surface and there is a case for another move before year-end, says Martin Beck Most analysts reckon the Bank of England is done cutting rates in 2025, a consensus reinforced by the Bank’s decision today to [...]