What was in Osborne’s red box: our quick summary March 22, 2012 THE ECONOMY/PUBLIC FINANCES The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) forecasts that UK GDP will grow by around 0.8 per cent this year, the same rate as in 2011, up from its earlier forecast of 0.7 per cent. The beneficial effects of falling inflation are expected to be offset by uncertainty over the Eurozone and tighter [...]
A former banker says saving must begin at school September 22, 2011 I REMEMBER my first foray into high finance. Once a week my banker would travel to see me, take my money and give me a deposit receipt in return. He banked this money so it could be saved, bear interest and grow until I was a big girl. I was nine. Only years later did [...]
PERSONAL FINANCE NEWS October 21, 2010 HOME INSURANCE COMPETITION HOTS UP Independent research firm Defaqto has released a report suggesting that the home insurance sector could be in for a rough ride over the next few years, with hot competitionplaying a role. The number of providers has reportedly grown 73 per cent since 2004, driven in part by websites that let [...]
Tax reform is long overdue: The coalition must act soon to boost long-term growth March 15, 2012 THE CONTENT of next week’s budget has been the subject of intense speculation. What will the magic budget briefcase contain? A tycoon tax or a cut in the 50p rate? Help for small businesses or low earners? Relief from rising fuel duty or restrictions on pension tax relief? Most of this discussion is around short-term [...]
PERSONAL FINANCE NEWS October 14, 2010 THIRD OF ADULTS WITHOUT SAFETY NET Almost a third of adults have less than £249 set aside as a financial safety net and 19 per cent have no savings at all to fall back on, according to new research from HSBC. This is equivalent to just five days average take home pay while the recommended [...]
PERSONAL FINANCE NEWS October 14, 2010 THIRD OF ADULTS WITHOUT SAFETY NET Almost a third of adults have less than £249 set aside as a financial safety net and 19 per cent have no savings at all to fall back on, according to new research from HSBC. This is equivalent to just five days average take home pay while the recommended [...]
Consumer confidence declines in July July 29, 2011 UK consumer confidence has fallen sharply in July and is now languishing at one of the lowest levels on record as people fretted over the economy’s future. Think tank GfK NOP said its consumer confidence index fell to -30 in July, the second large fall after a slump to -25 in June from a five-month [...]
The skills you need for the hottest sectors in the City February 22, 2012 ACCOUNTING & FINANCE COLIN WEBSTER, BRUIN MARKET conditions mean that current opportunities are much more heavily weighted towards asset management firms than investment banks. There is continued demand in financial planning and analysis and in the minority interest arenas for candidates at a range of levels. In general we’re seeing a shift to business partner [...]
Cable under fire over lost Eurofighter deal February 12, 2012 BUSINESS Secretary Vince Cable has come under fire for not lobbying hard enough to save the sale of BAE Systems’ Eurofighter jets to India. Fylde MP Mark Menzies said he had tabled questions to the Department of Business over its backing of the bid. BAE thought it had secured a contract to part assemble the [...]
Cable under fire over lost Eurofighter deal February 12, 2012 BUSINESS Secretary Vince Cable has come under fire for not lobbying hard enough to save the sale of BAE Systems’ Eurofighter jets to India. Fylde MP Mark Menzies said he had tabled questions to the Department of Business over its backing of the bid. BAE thought it had secured a contract to part assemble the [...]