News in Review

“Welcome news for millions of families” Data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rate of inflation fell to its lowest rate in three and a half years in September. Easing to 1.7%, the rate dipped well below the Bank of England’s (BoE’s) 2% target. Analysts had […]
Commercial Property Market Review – October 2024

Commercial market update UK commercial real estate continues to perform well, according to BNP Paribas Real Estate. Investor sentiment has improved, with sterling continuing to strengthen, reaching its highest level against the dollar and the euro in over two years. This helps to attract overseas investors and boost UK weightings in global real estate allocations. […]
News in Review

“It’s time to back Britain” Keir Starmer vowed on Monday to rip up investment-blocking red tape and make regulation “fit for the modern age” as he wooed global business leaders in the hope of attracting companies to invest billions of pounds in Britain. Addressing the International Investment Summit, the Prime Minister said “It’s time to […]
News in Review

“Geopolitical concerns are very serious” Last Thursday, Bank of England (BoE) Governor Andrew Bailey spoke in an interview about the pace at which interest rates are being cut. With two more Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meetings this year, the Governor said the Bank could afford to be “a bit more aggressive” with its rate reduction […]
Economic Review – September 2024

UK economic growth forecast upgraded An updated forecast published last month by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) suggests the UK will be the joint-second fastest growing economy among the G7 nations this year. According to the OECD’s latest projections, the UK economy is set to expand by 1.1% across the whole of […]
News in Review

“Inflation held steady in August as various price fluctuations offset each other” Last week, the latest UK inflation data for August came in as anticipated at 2.2%, still marginally above the Bank of England’s (BoE’s) target level of 2%. The rate, published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), was unchanged from July. Services inflation, […]
Commercial Property Market Review – September 2024

Growth expected in commercial property market Savills expects to see growth in the UK’s commercial property market in Q4. The sector had a good start to 2024, as cross-border investment hit $14bn in H1, with the UK attracting more capital than the USA or any European peers. Investors were given a further boost by the […]
News in Review

“I’ve been really clear that the Budget… will require difficult decisions” Last week, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who faced criticism over the Winter Fuel Payment vote, said the Budget on 30 October is set to involve “difficult decisions,” on key areas such as spending, tax and welfare. Her cautionary tone came hot on the heels of […]
News in Review

“While the UK economy will perform better this year, it’s unlikely to be heading into the fast lane any time soon” The UK economy will now grow at a faster rate than previously thought in 2024, according to a report by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) released last week. The upgrade to 1.1% for […]
News in Review

“Shop prices fell into deflation for the first time in nearly three years” Fashion retailers trying to shift stock through summer sales helped shop prices to record their first annual fall for nearly three years, according to research from the British Retail Consortium (BRC). Prices in August were down 0.3% from a year ago, the […]