News - Auto Enrolment

In the UK, GDP growth is expected to weaken to 0.9% in 2026, down from 1.4% last year A report has calculated that a comfortable lifestyle in retirement would cost £45,400 annually for one person The headline UK Purchasing Managers’ Index reached 53.9 in May – the highest level in four years “Countries need to […]

Passing on wealth – the essentials of IHT

Estates above £325,000 may face 40% IHT, with additional residence allowances available Lifetime gifting and trusts can reduce estate value but require careful structuring Professional advice helps navigate complex rules and avoid unintended tax liabilities Gifting and trust strategies can have tax implications and may not be suitable for everyone. The value of investments can […]

Salary sacrifice – things to consider

Current salary sacrifice rules allow full Income Tax and National Insurance efficiency National Insurance relief will be restricted above £2,000 annually from April 2029 Forward planning could maximise pension contributions under existing rules Salary sacrifice is one of the most effective pension planning tools available, particularly for higher earners. It allows you to exchange part […]

News in Review

Latest Nationwide data shows a drop in house prices for the first time this year, falling by 0.6% month-on-month London tops Europe’s leading tech spots in latest Global Tech Ecosystem Index, ranking fourth globally Households in England, Wales and Scotland are likely to see their energy bills rise by 13% a year in July “The […]

You’ve got a mortgage! Now protect it

Over one-third of mortgage holders have no protection in place Nearly half would struggle within six months of losing income Income protection and life cover safeguard long-term home security Securing a mortgage can feel like the pivotal step in achieving financial independence. Yet, too many mortgage holders are taking on this major commitment without protecting […]

Economic Review – May 2026

The annual rate of UK inflation fell more sharply than expected, down to 2.8% in the year to April Britain’s economy grew by 0.3% in March, defying expectations of a slight contraction linked to global conflict According to ONS, the unemployment rate increased slightly to 5.0% in the three months to March Inflation eases, but […]

News in Review

Latest Office for National Statistics data show inflation slowed to 2.8% in April, down from 3.3% in March The UK agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council is estimated to add £3.7m to the economy and remove £580m in tariffs per year Prime Minister Keir Starmer has now postponed the Fuel Duty increase until the end […]

Residential Property Review – May 2026

Slowing momentum – affordability pressures and cautious consumer sentiment are likely to temper activity in the months ahead Rental market – a 9% annual increase in previously rented properties up for sale in the year up to March UK house sales – research shows the average house sale period is one day longer than the […]

Commercial Property Review – May 2026

Market sentiment – figures show a sharp deterioration in market sentiment as geopolitical tensions rise in the Middle East BTR investment – figures highlight the resilience of residential rental markets as investors remain attracted to stable income streams UK holiday let market – overall demand remains stable, despite travellers becoming increasingly selective Geopolitical uncertainty hits […]

News in Review

In the three months to March, UK GDP grew by 0.6%, the largest contribution coming from the services sector Key parliamentary proposals announced last week included reforms to social housing, flat leaseholds, the NHS and police No major policy deals emerged from President Donald Trump’s China visit, while US inflation continues to rise “Growth picked […]