Retirement planning for the self-employed
Three in five self-employed workers could be missing out on crucial peace of mind and tax benefits Making regular contributions can be more achievable and build a bigger retirement pot than waiting for ‘surplus’ income Retirement saving can be more complex for self-employed workers. It’s never too late to improve retirement readiness Around 40% of […]
Remortgaging on the rise
Remortgage applications have risen sharply as pandemic-era fixed deals come to an end Shorter-term mortgage fixes are gaining popularity in uncertain interest rate conditions Landlords are increasingly refinancing to improve returns and release equity Remortgaging is firmly back in focus. Recent analysis1 shows applications surged by around 45% in Q1 2026, driving overall mortgage activity […]
Positive momentum in protection – but gaps remain
Data shows that around £21.9m is paid out daily in protection claims – a 10% increase in individual claim value There are also encouraging signs among younger consumers. Many are locking in lower premiums early While the trend is positive, protection should be part of a wider plan with the right level of cover in […]
Economic Review – August 2026
Recent data shows the UK second-quarter growth was more resilient than anticipated – 0.4% growth The latest Labour Market Overview published by ONS in August painted a muted picture of the UK jobs market According to ONS, consumer spending slowed as the volume of goods sold fell by 0.5% over the month UK second-quarter growth […]
Keep your cool in the housing market
Organisation and preparation are key to helping reduce stress throughout the homebuying journey Realistic budgeting and taking account of all costs helps avoid affordability issues and unexpected expenses Future planning can prevent the need for repeating the whole process again too soon and resulting in an unexpected move Few people imagine buying a house to […]
In the news
Many buyers remain positive but affordability pressures continue delaying home purchase decisions Property investors face lower profits, requiring greater adaptability in changing market conditions Multi-generational living is driving demand for flexible and independent home spaces Buyers hesitate despite market confidence Research1 shows that around 41% of prospective buyers are delaying their move while waiting for […]
Wealth in an age of uncertainty – how investors are adapting to a changing world
The International Monetary Fund expects global growth to slow to 3.1% in 2026 before edging slightly higher in 2027 Despite geopolitical headwinds and trade disputes, global wealth creation continues at remarkable speed For investors, the focus is not only on growing wealth but positioning capital intelligently in a more complex world For investors, structural weaknesses […]
Residential Property Review – August 2026
Construction sector – Glenigan index figures indicate that the construction sector is stuck in neutral Property sales – The number of council homes sold under the Right to Buy scheme increased by 90% in 2025 Regional outlook – Sales activity in Devon and Cornwall has not picked up despite holiday let reforms Construction sector stuck […]
Commercial Property Review – August 2026
Office occupancy – AI firms are helping to drive demand for office space in Central London Hotel sector – UK hotel investment volumes reached approx. £2.1bn in the first half of 2026 Retail – Retail park vacancy rates hit a record low, with 1.8% of the total UK floor space currently available Office sector update […]
In the news
UK dividend growth has strengthened, supporting improved income prospects for long-term investors and diversified portfolios Investment scams are becoming more sophisticated, making vigilance and financial advice increasingly important Many savers remain in low-interest accounts, potentially reducing wealth through inflation and missed opportunities UK dividends show signs of recovery UK dividend payouts made a stronger-than-expected start […]
