Investing
International Women’s Day: Taking charge of the financial future
6 March 2026
As International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated on 8 March, campaigners are calling for women to take greater control of their finances.
3 minutesView All
146 articles
Investing
Five allowances to use before tax year end
5 March 2026
With the rise in inflation and the freeze on income tax thresholds until at least 2031, the tax burden has increased considerably for many of us. This is especially true for those who have benefited from rising wages but who have moved into higher income tax bands as a result. Here we explore five allowances you can use before the end of the tax year on 5 April.
4 minutesInvesting
Keep calm and carry on - geopolitical effects on markets prove temporary
5 March 2026
The recent attacks on the Iranian leadership and subsequent retaliatory actions across the Middle East have caused widespread geopolitical volatility. Unsurprisingly, they have also left many investors wondering what actions they should now be considering.
5 minutesBusiness
Spring Statement - what SMEs should be thinking about
4 March 2026
The Spring Statement has now been delivered. In truth, there is little to highlight for the SME market. There were no major support measures. No large intervention packages. No clear direction for small and medium-sized businesses. For many business owners, it felt like activity without action. Martin Brown from Elephant's Child explains what SME leaders should really be thinking about.
3 minutesInvesting
Middle East conflict overshadows Spring Statement
3 March 2026
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has delivered her Spring Statement against the backdrop of intensifying conflict in Iran and the Middle East.
4 minutesInvesting, Business
Funding options for small businesses
26 February 2026
In recent months, access to finance has improved for small and medium sized businesses. Lending volumes are rising, conditions are easing, and interest rates are beginning to fall. Businesses also have more choice about who they borrow from and the terms of the loan.
4 minutesInvesting, Protecting
Preparing for the unexpected: protecting your income in illness
24 February 2026
If you are unable to work due to a serious illness or injury it can be extremely stressful, particularly if you do not have employee sick pay or savings to fall back on. A protection insurance policy offers peace of mind that you and your family would have financial support during a difficult time.
4 minutesInvesting
WeekWatch - 23/02/2026
23 February 2026
It was a twin speed US market last week, relatively subdued until the news on Friday that the US Supreme Court had ruled President Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs illegal.
6 minutesInvesting
Buy-to-let - are the tax benefits still worth it?
19 February 2026
For years, owning a portfolio of buy-to-let properties was seen as a reliable way to earn steady income and build long-term wealth.
4 minutesInvesting, Business
Dividends vs salary - why getting it wrong can hurt
18 February 2026
Now that the self-assessment deadline has passed, many directors are taking the opportunity to review how they extract profits from their companies.
4 minutesInvesting
2026 – the Year of the Horse and China’s two-speed system
18 February 2026
Chinese New Year, the most significant annual holiday for the approximately 1.5 billion Chinese worldwide, began this week. Also known as Lunar New Year, it follows the phases of the moon. In contrast, the western calendar tracks the orbit of the sun. This is why the date varies year to year but usually falls between 21 January – 20 February.
4 minutesInvesting
Ageing Asia - a widening demographic problem?
12 February 2026
Shifting demographics across parts of Asia could spell future problems for the growth of many of these economies and their financial markets. Widespread declines in the average birth rate in countries such as China and Japan can affect economic growth by reducing the pool of available workers. This can then push up spending and borrowing costs for governments. Yet these changing demographics can also shape the nature of opportunities, such as which sectors step up to lead the way. We take a closer look.
4 minutes