Economic Update
Autumn Budget 2025: Underwhelming — and Exactly What Britain Needed
By Samuel Mather-Holgate What today’s announcements mean for your taxes, pensions, savings, and household finances. After months of noisy rumours, political kite-flying and leaks that sent markets on edge, Rachel Reeves has delivered her second Budget — and in many ways, it was underwhelming.But that’s precisely what the country needed today. With inflation proving sticky,…
Read MoreBig Changes Ahead for Childcare Funding — What’s Coming in September 2025?
Back on 8th August 2024, we explained how childcare funding was expected to expand — including the move to offer 30 hours of free childcare for eligible 2-year-olds and beyond. Today, those reforms are becoming concrete. The final phase kicks in from September 2025, dramatically extending support for working families. What’s New Since Our Last…
Read MoreBank of England Cuts Rates to 4%: What Swindon Savers and Borrowers Need to Know
By Samuel Mather-Holgate Today, the Bank of England lowered the base rate from 4.25% to 4.0% in a narrow 5–4 vote — its fifth cut since August 2024. The decision was described by Governor Bailey as “finely balanced” Let’s break down the context, implications, and what this means for people in Swindon. Why Did the…
Read MoreBank of England Interest Rate Decision: What It Means for Your Money in 2025
By Samuel Mather-Holgate On Thursday 19 June, the Bank of England (BoE) will make one of its most closely watched decisions of the year — whether to change interest rates or hold steady at 4.25%. And while the headline decision is likely to be “no change”, that doesn’t mean this moment lacks importance. In fact,…
Read MoreTrump’s Reckless Tariff Strategy: Markets in Meltdown
By Samuel Mather-Holgate The financial markets have had a rough ride recently, and if you’re watching the news or checking your portfolio, you’ve probably felt the impact. One of the key drivers of this turbulence? The escalation of trade tariffs under former President Trump’s renewed economic influence, which is sending ripples—and in some cases, shockwaves—through…
Read MoreHow the 2024 U.S. Election Results Could Impact Your Investments
By Samuel Mather-Holgate It’s already been a week since the US general election and with Donald Trump elected to a second term as President of the United States, it’s natural to wonder how this change in leadership might affect financial markets and, in turn, your investments. While political developments can sometimes spark uncertainty, successful investing…
Read MoreKey Highlights from the 2024 Autumn Budget
The Chancellor’s first Autumn Budget under the new Labour government introduced significant updates that could impact your financial plans. From adjustments to stamp duty land tax and pensions to changes in inheritance tax and capital gains, these new measures reflect the government’s goals to stabilise finances while funding essential public services. You can read the…
Read MoreUK Autumn Statement: How Labour Might Tackle the Fiscal Deficit Without Raising Income Tax, National Insurance, or VAT
Introduction With Labour’s recent election win, attention is now focused on their upcoming Autumn Statement, which will reveal their plans to address the so-called “fiscal black hole.” Labour has already ruled out increasing income tax rates, National Insurance, or VAT, narrowing the options available to raise the necessary revenue. This blog explores the potential tax…
Read MoreBudget Update 2024
On 6 March, Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt delivered his Spring Budget to the House of Commons declaring it was “a Budget for long-term growth.” The fiscal update included a number of new policy measures, such as a widely-anticipated reduction in National Insurance, abolition of the non-dom tax status and new savings products…
Read MoreMonday Market Update – 2nd October 2023
Economic resistance is about to be tested September is rarely a great month for investors, and last month proved no exception. Broadly, both equities and bond values declined and there is increasing sentiment that the 2023 market recovery is running out of steam or may even be turning. This may seem surprising to investors as…
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