News in Review
The Bank of England cut rates to 3.75%, signalling cautious easing as inflation pressures continue to recede Farmers gain relief as the government raises Inheritance Tax thresholds following industry backlash and sustained protests UK markets opened 2026 strongly, with Boxing Day footfall rising and the FTSE surpassing 10,000 “We still think rates are on a […]
Economic Review December 2025
“We still think rates are on a gradual path downward… how much further we go becomes a closer call” The BoE Governor recently warned about the impact AI could exert on employment ONS statistics show retail sales volumes fell 0.1% in November, below analysts’ expectations Pace of rate cuts could slow further While the latest set of consumer price statistics did […]
Commercial Property Review – December 2025
Business rate reforms aim to support smaller retail assets but may unintentionally impact high-value offices and logistics buildings Regional office rents reached record growth as ESG-compliant, prime stock remains scarce across major UK cities Investor confidence strengthened in the West End, while occupiers increasingly favour flexible, fully fitted office space Business rate changes announced in Budget In the Autumn Budget 2025, […]
Year in Review 2025
A whistlestop tour of the last 12 months, some key events in 2025 impacting the global economy, and looking ahead to 2026 “We are at an inflection point” Equity markets in 2025 have been impacted by a mix of competing forces. Geopolitical tensions and evolving US trade policies have sparked short periods of volatility, while […]
News in Review
UK GDP contracted unexpectedly in October, reflecting production declines, construction weakness and businesses delaying decisions pre-Budget Budget measures may ease inflation from April 2026, while economists anticipate a Bank Rate cut to support growth Mortgage lending surged in Q3, with higher loan-to-value borrowing reaching levels last seen before the financial crisis “We are determined to defy forecasts on […]
News in Review
Global growth is set to cool as tariffs bite, though resilient economies and easing inflation support longer-term stability UK conditions remain mixed, with modest growth, persistent inflation pressures and regional housing markets moving at varied speeds Construction output weakens sharply while long-term energy network investment pushes household bills higher over the coming years ‘The global economy has […]
News in Review
The Budget included a number of tax and spending measures, estimated to raise £26bn in taxes by 2029/30 Key announcements included changes to Dividend Tax and changes to salary-sacrificed pension contributions An extension of the freeze on Income Tax and secondary NIC’s thresholds until April 2031 was also announced “This Budget will bring down inflation and provide immediate relief […]
Economic Review – November 2025
ONS data reveals the UK economy barely expanded across Q3, with the economy contracting by 0.1% in September alone The Monetary Policy Committee voted to leave Bank Rate on hold by a 5–4 majority in November The headline index from last month’s GfK consumer confidence survey fell two percentage points OBR downgrades UK growth forecasts New projections from the […]
Commercial Property Market Review – November 2025
Retail investor demand continues rising sharply, supported by reduced interest rates, tighter supply and greater vendor realism in valuations M&S strengthens its UK logistics network with a major pre-let hub in Avonmouth, backed by significant long-term investment. Office take-up in Big 6 cities remains broadly aligned with five-year averages, with standout growth in Bristol and major Manchester deals Retail investment activity strengthens […]
News in Review
Inflation eases to 3.6%, with falling energy and accommodation costs providing relief ahead of today’s Budget announcement Deposit protection rises to £120,000, strengthening consumer confidence and safeguarding savings Consumer confidence weakens before the Budget, reflecting concern over economic conditions and expectations of tough fiscal decisions “Price pressures are gradually subsiding” The latest figures from the […]