Cancelling unwanted direct debits could revive your pension January 6, 2026 Cancelling unwanted direct debits could add thousands to Brits’ pension pots, as more people look to rein in unnecessary spending to beef up their retirement savings. The average Brit wastes nearly £40 a month on direct debits they no longer need or regularly use, such as streaming services, gym memberships and old insurance policies, according [...]
Vessel insurance in focus after US strikes on Venezuela January 6, 2026 The waters surrounding Venezuela see significant maritime traffic. However, following US air strikes on the country on Friday, an insurance body has advised shipowners to consult with underwriters before sailing. Venezuela is home to the largest proven oil reserves on earth, resulting in busy trade via its waters. Puerto Cabello is the country’s busiest port, [...]
Fiscal drag to push thousands of families into child benefit tax charge January 6, 2026 The Chancellor’s decision to freeze tax thresholds will leave thousands of families forced to pay High Income Child Benefit Charge, eroding the value of government support. According to official HMRC forecasts, uncovered in a freedom of information request by Quilter, fiscal drag will force 35,000 more families into paying the charge, jumping from 324,000 in [...]
Howden expands US footprint with acquisition of Atlantic Global Risk January 5, 2026 Insurance giant Howden has acquired US independent transaction-liability insurance broker Atlantic Global Risk as part of its US expansion. New York-headquartered Atlantic Group has over 110 people across four key business areas: representations and warranties insurance, tax liability insurance, contingent risk insurance, and credit risk insurance. Howden’s focus in the USA is a strategic and [...]
London’s future will be determined by choices, not rhetoric January 5, 2026 2026 will be the year the City moves from post-Brexit design to delivery, says Chris Hayward As the new year begins, London’s position as a leading global financial centre is often framed in binary terms: rise or decline. That is no bad thing. Competition sharpens performance, and financial centres that assume their leading position rarely [...]
UK economy showing signs of ‘zombie apocalypse,’ says think tank January 5, 2026 The UK economy faces a “zombie apocalypse” in the coming year, as years of tough trading conditions force thousands of unproductive firms to the wall, an influential left-leaning think tank has predicted. The Resolution Foundation forecasts a “triple whammy” of multi-year increases in interest rates, energy prices and the minimum wage will lead to the [...]
Fines for uninsured drivers could rise under new plans January 4, 2026 Uninsured drivers may face higher fines and tougher penalties under new government plans to improve road safety and reduce the cost of car insurance. Under current rules, an uninsured driver may face a £300 fine and six points on their licence, which is less than the average annual insurance premium. The government is seeking to [...]
Three sport law disputes to watch for in 2026 January 3, 2026 Joel Leigh and Rufus Scholefield take a look at the sectors that could define sport law in 2026 The left over mince pies are running out and the sporting world is looking ahead and bracing for a year that promises thrilling competition but also, significant legal and regulatory challenges. 2026 looks certain to be remembered [...]
The 13 unmissable TV shows to watch in 2026, from Industry to Bridgerton January 2, 2026 It’s set to be another blockbuster year for TV shows in 2026, with the return of much-loved franchises like Bridgerton and Industry, as well as a range of new launches, including – for the young and perpetually online – Ryan Murphy’s The Beauty, a thrilling-sounding look at “ozempic culture,” and the return of Dawn French [...]
Knight Frank appointed for bumper Brighton Palace Pier sale January 2, 2026 Knight Frank has been instructed on the sale of Brighton Palace Pier, two months after the Grade II-listed landmark’s owners revealed their plans to offload the amusement park amid a barrage of economic headwinds. The Brighton Pier Group appointed the property giant to seek a buyer for the coastal attraction, which its operator said in [...]