The retirement landscape – hybrid working changes the scene

The retirement landscape – hybrid working changes the scene

Hybrid working helps employees phase gradually into retirement while supporting wellbeing  Working part-time after 66 can smooth the retirement transition and boost pension savings  Seek advice as pensions, investments and tax payments could all be impacted  Higher productivity. Better quality of life. Greater satisfaction. These are just some of the potential benefits of hybrid working; […]

Gen Z – betting on an inheritance – time to stand on your own two feet?

Gen Z – betting on an inheritance – time to stand on your own two feet?

Relying on inheritance to fund retirement is risky as it can’t be guaranteed  Starting early with small, regular pension contributions can help you benefit long-term compounding  Take advantage of employer contributions, combine pension pots and maximise tax relief  Retirement can seem an age away when you’re in your twenties and thirties, but it’s never too […]

Selling through the seasons

Selling through the seasons

Buyers can be swayed by seasonal features depending on when they’re buying  Winter buyers prioritise warmth, so would pay more for a fireplace and insulation  Summer buyers are drawn to gardens, pools and air conditioning when purchasing  Thinking of putting your home on the market? The time of year you do it could affect how well your […]

Online fraudsters target UK investors

Online fraudsters target UK investors

Many UK investors use social media to help make their financial decisions   To protect investors from misleading advice, the FCA is taking decisive action  Professional guidance helps investors make safe, informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes  Social media finfluencers. Internet searches. AI chatbots. A growing number of people in the UK are turning to unregulated – […]

Economic Review – October 2025

Economic Review – October 2025

UK GDP edged up 0.1% in August, supported by stronger manufacturing output and improving private sector confidence  Inflation held steady at 3.8%, fuelling expectations of another potential interest rate cut by year-end  Global equities rose as US tech earnings impressed and a US-China trade truce boosted market optimism  UK economy returns to growth  Figures published […]

Commercial Property Market Review – October 2025

Commercial Property Market Review – October 2025

Prime yields remain stable at 5.9%, signalling resilience and predictability in a cautious investment environment  Hotel investment surged 28% year-on-year, driven by strong single-asset deals and renewed investor confidence in London  Scottish market investment dipped 21% but quality assets and international buyers continue to drive solid demand  Monthly market update  The latest data from Savills […]

Residential Property Review – October 2025

Residential Property Review – October 2025

The housing market remains subdued, with buyer demand, listings and sales activity all slipping amid pre-Budget uncertainty  Landlord exits drive a sharp fall in rental supply, prompting RICS to forecast a 3% rent rise next year  The government plans to make reforms to speed home sales and cut fall-throughs, including digital property packs and conditional […]

Adapting to transformation – investing through global change

Adapting to transformation – investing through global change

Investors face rapid change due to inflation, geopolitical uncertainty, AI and the energy transition  IMF forecasts global growth of 3% in 2025, but warns of persistent downside risks  Agility, diversification and long-term structural alignment are vital to manage risk and capture growth  Adapting to transformation – investing through global change  As we enter the final […]

In the news

People don’t understand IHT 

A third of people expecting £300k+ inheritance don’t fully understand IHT, risking lost family wealth   Only 20% plan lifetime transfers, 22% avoid inheritance discussions and 28% don’t understand planning options  UK dividends hit £35.1bn in Q2, with banks and Rolls-Royce contributing to underlying growth  People don’t understand IHT  Research1 shows there’s a significant knowledge gap […]

Mortgage Guarantee Scheme launched

Mortgage Guarantee Scheme launched

The Mortgage Guarantee Scheme is now permanently available across the UK  Lenders are insured against losses, supporting availability of high LTV mortgages  When borrowing at higher loan-to-value levels, it’s important to tread carefully  The government’s new Mortgage Guarantee Scheme became permanently available in July 2025.  The scheme, which was part of Labour’s election manifesto, aims […]