Business and Economics

Fears of Britain's exit from the EU is introducing a worrying investment setback as companies and investors keep stalling on investment plans so as not to be caught up in the uncertainty that continues to loom over the economy since the referendum, studies have revealed. Firms, manufacturers, and both domestic and international investors are either pulling back or pressing the pause button on already laid out investment plans. Some businesses are holding back on planning at all until the uncertainties...

Even in an uncertain economic climate brought on by the Brexit tumult, it seems like it’s a good time to own a small business in the UK. With statistics showing how much the region relies upon and caters to small and medium-sized businesses, it seems clear that it is a boom time for budding entrepreneurs. And it doesn’t show any signs of letting up anytime soon. That doesn’t mean that it’s an easy undertaking to fire up a business from...

A damning study has today revealed one in five Brits are now trapped in working poverty as inflation continues to outpace wage growth. Ahead of Living Wage week (6-12 November), KPMG’s annual Living Wage report reveals 21 per cent of people in the UK are still earning below the real Living Wage, meaning that an estimated 5.5 million employees are struggling to get out of in-work poverty. Around 59 percent of those earning below the real Living Wage indicated a sharp...

The Bank of England has raised interest rates today for the first time in more than ten years. The official bank rate has been lifted from 0.25 per cent to 0.5 per cent, the first increase since July 2007. Almost four million households face higher mortgage interest payments after the rise, raising concerns as families struggle to battle rising inflation and stagnant wages. Of the 8.1 million households with a mortgage, 3.7 million, or 46 per cent, are on either...

As we all know Brexit has not happened yet, however the UK economy already appears to be straining under the uncertainty of our withdrawal from the EU. Food prices are rising, property prices in London are falling, sterling has dropped against other currencies and large sections banking sector appears to be planning to shift operations to Frankfurt. Now the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (Niesr) have said that as sterling has plummeted since the vote back in June...

Staying ahead of your competitors is critical to success in the business world, and companies are forever looking for new ways to innovate, progress and grow. Team collaboration is a key driver in achieving this goal, especially for global businesses that operate in different time zones and use myriad devices to communicate and collaborate. Yet, still, they are asked to achieve more together, and work more efficiently. But how? The working world is ever-changing, don’t get left behind Generally speaking,...

London Executive Offices (LEO) conducted a UK survey recently with results finding that 64% of SME’s would choose London for their office location. Over half of the entrepreneurs and business executives surveyed over half said they strongly believe a London based office creates a better brand perception. It might seem old fashioned in an ever-changing digital world but people still look favourably towards a prestigious London address. Beth Hampson, Commercial Director at LEO, said: “Start-ups, in particular, can thrive in...

Retail design has always been an integral part of business planning for a long time, with different approaches created décor experts or adopted by business owners. But some retail designs are popular because of their functionality and usefulness in generating more sales for the business.  Incorporating elements of art and innovation, modern retail stores now do a lot more than just attract potential customers into the office space. The ultimate goal is to hold and keep the client’s attention until...

Everybody needs a lawyer at some point in their life, and for that reason, it is always important to know where the best are, especially in criminal cases. Lawyers are essential for any legal process and this is why you should have the most reliable guide. We know how important it is to have the assistance of a professional lawyer, who will be there when you need to solve a legal problem. Nowadays there are many lawyers, but only a...