Author: Scott Dylan

UK pensioners might face higher council tax as the single-person discount’s potential abolition raises concerns amid rising living costs and financial vulnerabilities.

Royal Mail’s CEO, Martin Seidenberg, urges Labour to back postal reforms amid financial strains and shifting market demands, or face dire consequences.

A recent report, spearheaded by Sir Nigel Wilson, former head of Legal & General, concludes that the UK must harness its domestic pension funds and transform its capital markets to secure the £1 trillion investment needed to achieve a targeted three per cent growth rate over the next decade.Wilson’s analysis, which formed part of a government initiative aimed at revitalising the City, reveals that the UK needs to attract £100 billion annually over the next ten years. However, the report underscores that British markets have been hindered by a pervasive ‘risk-off’ culture, which has significantly reduced investment from top institutions…

Complaints related to fraud have reached their highest level since early 2018, according to the UK’s Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS), amid growing pressure on payment firms due to new reimbursement rules.From April to June, the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) received 8,734 complaints about fraud and scams. This figure marks a significant increase from the 6,094 cases reported during the same period last year, representing the highest quarterly reading since the FOS began accurately tracking this data in the 2018/19 financial year.Several factors contribute to this increase, including consumers filing multiple claims if more than one firm is involved, a rise…

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and various firms have called upon the government to overhaul the ‘antiquated’ business rates system, which they believe is inhibiting productivity and economic growth.A panel of representatives from the retail and manufacturing sectors convened to formulate proposals aimed at improving the current business rates system. The overarching goal is to stimulate investment and boost the economy. The CBI’s chief executive, Rain Newton-Smith, emphasised the urgency of this reform, stating, “It’s time to fix the antiquated business tax system once and for all, seizing the chance to boost investment and grow the economy.”The call for…

In a recent interview, Anthony Scaramucci expressed strong scepticism regarding the feasibility and potential impact of a proposed tax on unrealised gains that was introduced by Kamala Harris.Scaramucci stated, “Listen, that’s never going to happen. They don’t have enough Democratic votes to pass that. No Republican I know would vote for that. There’s many Democrats that would never vote for that.”Scaramucci argued that if such a tax were implemented, it would have a catastrophic impact on trading behaviour, deterring investment and destabilising the capital market in the United States.Discussing the current economic landscape, Scaramucci predicted that the Federal Reserve would…

Levi Strauss has reported that its UK sales are being impacted by consumers on the hunt for bargains as the company aims to attract “young and cool” customers.The UK division of the renowned jeans brand, based in Northampton, noted an expansion in retail partnerships within the country, as department stores face ongoing challenges and a reduction in their market presence. These insights were shared in the latest financial statements submitted to Companies House for the year ending 30 November 2023.During this period, Levi Strauss UK saw its turnover rise to £89 million from £77.7 million, with pre-tax profits also climbing…

After facing a relentless decline and fierce competition from online giants, a well-known retail company is reviving one of its most iconic slogans. This move comes as the company seeks to reconnect with its roots and restore its reputation amidst changing market dynamics.The slogan, dormant for just two years, returns with added emphasis on quality, service, and price. The question now is, can this nostalgic nod to the past help the retailer regain its former glory?The Enduring Impact of a Timeless SloganIt’s hard to imagine a better advertising slogan than ‘Never Knowingly Undersold’. This famous phrase, created by the company’s…

Constructing Excellence North East has recently appointed Darush Dodds, from Esh Group, as chair of its People Group. Supported by Angela Carney, the vice chair and managing director of Carney Consultancy, the People Group aims to enhance skills across the construction sector, making it a more inclusive place to work since its establishment in 2021.Mr Dodds remarked, “The People Group is a conduit between employers, colleges, universities, schools, the people who work within our sector and those considering a construction and built environment career. We want to attract people of all ages and backgrounds to our sector, train, develop and…

A reduction in mortgage interest rates has rendered home loans more accessible, propelling house prices to their highest levels in two years.Though this trend is generally viewed positively, underlying issues could trouble those intending to purchase property in the near future.Mortgage Rate Cuts Drive Upward TrendThe housing market has experienced a notable uptick. According to recent figures from a major lender, prices increased by 0.3% in August. This brings house prices to a two-year high. Currently, the average property price has moved up to £292,505 from £291,585 in July. It’s a significant rise considering the average wage remains just below…