In the weeks leading up to the UK Budget, the industry has struggled to read the signs from the Treasury as to what was most likely to happen in the Autumn Statement and what new taxes were to be introduced – we just knew that tax would rise.
NEWS
Income
AUTUMN STATEMENT – SPENDING REVIEW
With a yawning £41 billion hole opening up in Britain’s books, this autumn’s Budget is shaping up to be less about giveaways and more about plug holes.
SPRING STATEMENT UPDATE – THE KEY NEWS FROM THE CHANCELLOR’S SPEECH
After Rachel Reeves’ first Budget in autumn 2024, you might have been concerned about the announcements that would be included in her Spring Statement on 26th March 2025. Thankfully, the major headline from this year’s springtime fiscal event is that Reeves made few announcements that are likely to directly affect you and your personal finances.
SALARY SACRIFICE – GENUINE & IMMEDIATE SAVINGS FOR EMPLOYEES & EMPLOYERS ALIKE
Salary sacrifice is not ideal for everyone, but it legitimately provides employers with a means of saving significant sums of money that can be used within the business, whilst simultaneously improving the net monthly pay of staff and increasing their pension contributions each month.
INCOME PROTECTION – THE FINANCIAL SAFETY NET YOU HOPE YOU NEVER NEED
No one likes thinking about a future where they’re ill and unable to work, whether for a few months or longer. But going through the unpleasantness of thinking about it and making plans is nothing compared to the potentially life-changing impact of finding yourself ill, unable to work, and with no income.
LATEST NEWS
MIDDLE EAST ESCALATION: EARLY MARKET IMPACT & PORTFOLIO IMPLICATIONS
Following the weekend escalation involving US – Israeli strikes on Iran and Iran’s subsequent response, markets have – so far – reacted in a relatively orderly way. The immediate transmission mechanism is energy, because the Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil and gas flows.
GETTING MY HEAD AROUND AI: WHY MARKETS ARE EXCITED — AND NERVOUS
Artificial Intelligence has moved from novelty to necessity in what feels like months. Markets have reacted accordingly. Some technology shares have surged on the promise of AI, while others have fallen sharply on fears that AI could undermine existing business models. Like many investors, I’ve been trying to get my head around what is actually happening — and why the stakes suddenly feel so high.
UK TAX: THE PAIN DEFERRED – WHY THE REAL IMPACT COMES LATER
Financial markets were primed for sharp, immediate tax rises. Commentators warned of fiscal tightening. Yet when the Chancellor delivered the measures, the initial reaction was muted. Markets barely moved. The plaster came off—and it didn’t hurt.
THOUGHTS ON THE IMPACT OF THE BUDGET
In the weeks leading up to the UK Budget, the industry has struggled to read the signs from the Treasury as to what was most likely to happen in the Autumn Statement and what new taxes were to be introduced – we just knew that tax would rise.