Diversification spreads risk across different assets, markets and tax wrappers. It helps private investors smooth returns instead of relying on a single share, fund or property. The principle is simple: assets rarely move in perfect sync, so setbacks in one area may be offset by steadier performance elsewhere. A balanced portfolio is therefore less exposed…

Exports already account for around 30% of UK gross domestic product (GDP), and the government wants that share to rise further by helping more small firms sell overseas. In the 2024 Autumn Statement, ministers renewed the goal of lifting UK exports to £1 trillion a year by 2030. Although the headline target often makes the…

Unemployment has risen to 4.5%, the highest level since summer 2021. The figure covers the first quarter of 2025 and marks a 0.2 percentage point increase from the previous quarter. The rise in joblessness is based on data from the Office for National Statistics’ (ONS) Labour Force Survey, which has faced heavy criticism due to…

The Bank of England has cut interest rates by 0.25% to 4.25%, aiming to support the UK economy as uncertainty rises. It marks the fourth reduction since August 2024. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) warned that economic growth will likely remain subdued, predicting a further 0.3% slowdown over the next three years. Two members called…

From 6 May 2025, HMRC is no longer confirming a taxpayer’s unique taxpayer reference (UTR) number over the phone. This change applies to individual taxpayers and agents calling on behalf of clients. Instead, UTR numbers will only be available through HMRC’s digital services via the HMRC app or a personal tax account on gov.uk. Taxpayers…

Britain and India have signed a long-anticipated trade deal that is expected to boost the UK economy by £4.8bn a year by 2040. Finalised after more than three years of negotiations under multiple governments, this agreement is one of the most significant post-Brexit wins for British trade. The deal focuses heavily on tariff reductions across…

A merger or acquisition can open new doors for growth, streamline operations, and enhance market presence. Businesses across the UK often consider combining forces to improve economies of scale, benefit from complementary expertise, or secure new technology. Although this form of restructuring can bring advantages, it also involves risks if it is not managed correctly.…

The State Pension remains a foundation of retirement income for millions across the UK. Although private pensions and other investments often play a significant part in retirement plans, the State Pension provides a consistent baseline of support. Many people seek clear guidance on what to expect from the State Pension, especially when government policies evolve.…

Nearly half of UK businesses are rethinking their recruitment plans in response to higher employment taxes and labour costs According to new research by recruitment company Reed, 46% of companies said the recent rise in national insurance contributions (NICs) would impact their hiring decisions. From 6 April, employers began paying NICs at a higher rate…

The UK Government has taken control of British Steel’s Scunthorpe plant after passing emergency legislation in a rare Saturday sitting of Parliament. The new law gives Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds sweeping powers to intervene in the operations of the Chinese-owned site, including the ability to enter the plant by force to secure assets and ensure…

The Bank of England (BoE) is now widely expected to cut interest rates in May, as escalating trade tensions sparked by Donald Trump’s tariff hikes weigh heavily on the global economic outlook. President Trump has imposed a 10% tariff on all UK exports to the US (although a 90-day pause on proposed tariff hikes has…

According to a new survey from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), business confidence in the UK has dropped to its lowest level in two years. The industry body found that rising tax concerns, persistent cost pressures, and weakening sales expectations weigh heavily on companies. Its business confidence index fell to…

Economic outlook, fiscal stability and planning reforms Introduction The Government of the United Kingdom has typically held two major fiscal events each year – the Autumn Budget and the Spring Statement – with each updating on the economy’s performance, significant tax changes, fiscal measures and adjustments to allowances. In 2024, however, Chancellor Rachel Reeves committed…

Strategies for minimising IHT liabilities. Inheritance tax (IHT) in the United Kingdom applies to the transfer of wealth after death. It can affect property, savings, investments, and other assets. Although it applies to a smaller portion of estates, those crossing certain value limits may face a 40% tax charge on amounts above available allowances. Thresholds…

Unlock funding to grow your business. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the economy, comprising 99.9% of all businesses and employing a significant portion of the workforce. To support the growth and sustainability of these enterprises, the government offers a variety of grants tailored to diverse business needs. Understanding and accessing these…

Tax changes could cost drivers up to £600. Many electric vehicle (EV) owners are unaware that road tax charges will rise from April 2025. A survey of 2,000 UK car owners by used car retailer Motorpoint found that 83% of EV drivers did not know they would soon need to pay vehicle excise duty (VED).…

Landlords and sole traders to receive letters from April. HMRC is set to inform taxpayers affected by Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax. Initially, these will go to landlords, sole traders, and self-employed individuals earning over £50,000. From 6 April 2026, those earning above this threshold must report income quarterly. While this is the…

Business activity across the UK private sector has fallen again, with weak consumer spending weighing on companies. The latest growth indicator from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) shows that private sector activity declined faster in the three months to February than in the previous quarter. All sectors reported falling business volumes, pushing the CBI’s…

HMRC’s clampdown on IR35 off-payroll working rules has raised £4.2bn in additional tax, National Insurance, and apprenticeship levy payments between October 2019 and March 2023. Around 120,000 contractors were affected, with the average individual paying £10,000 more in tax. The reforms first hit the public sector in April 2017, followed by the private sector in…

By your 50s, retirement planning often moves to the top of the financial agenda. If your pension pot isn’t where you’d like it to be, there are ways to increase contributions, take advantage of tax reliefs, and strengthen your long-term financial security. This guide outlines the latest pension rules, allowances, and strategies, helping you make…