The UK is on course to deliver full-fibre broadband to nearly every household by 2027, according to Ofcom, marking a major milestone in Britain’s digital infrastructure ambitions. In its latest telecoms access review, which will shape broadband regulation from 2026 through to 2031, the communications regulator said that 96% of homes and businesses could be connected to high-speed fibre within the next two years—up from 69% today. Ofcom said it would focus on “clarity and...
Public sector borrowing has surged past official expectations by more than £20 billion so far this financial year, piling pressure on Chancellor Rachel Reeves ahead of next week’s Spring Statement. Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that in February alone, the government borrowed £10.7 billion—making it the fourth-highest total for that month since records began in 1993 and higher than economists had predicted. This brings total public borrowing between April 2024 and...
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has revealed that inheritance tax (IHT) receipts reached £7 billion between April 2024 and January 2025—£700 million more than during the same period last year—putting the government on track for another record-breaking year for IHT revenue. With £7.499 billion collected in the 2023–24 tax year, the latest figures suggest this total will be surpassed well before the end of the current tax year in April. Nicholas Hyett, Investment Manager at...
It’s a strange thing, the way we form connections with voices. Proper, deep-rooted, personal connections. The kind that feel like friendship, even though the other person has no idea we exist. The kind that, when news breaks of their passing, leaves us unexpectedly bereft—as though a part of our own personal history has just been snatched away. That’s exactly how I felt when I heard that former F1 team boss Eddie Jordan had died this...
Sends is thrilled to join the Pay360 Conference on March 25-26, 2025, at booth 188, ExCeL London. The event focuses on “The Future of Payments and Digital Innovation”, where Sends will showcase its payment offerings. Sends is a Gold Sponsor this year. Visitors can explore a wide range of Sends’ solutions, including personal and business accounts with SEPA/SWIFT/UK Local Payments setup within 48 hours, seamless payment acceptance through Apple Pay and Google Pay, and fast...
With the mobile app market generating a staggering $38 billion in Q3 2024 in revenue, it’s no surprise that many businesses are asking, “How much does it cost to develop an app?”. In today’s fast-paced world, people expect solutions at their fingertips. Whether you’re in retail, healthcare, logistics, or any other industry, a mobile app helps you connect with customers, improve workflows, and gather insights to personalize future offerings. In this article, we’ll explore the...
On February 18, the President of Uzbekistan signed the Law “On Guarantees for the Protection of Bank Deposits.” This legislation aims to enhance the security of citizens’ savings and strengthen the country’s financial system. Under the new law, the government guarantees the return of deposits up to 200 million UZS per bank. What Changes Await Depositors? Rustam Rafikov, Acting Managing Director – Head of Retail Banking at Octobank, explained how this law will impact bank customers...
Specialist agricultural lawyers at Clarke Willmott LLP have reported a surge in enquiries about pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements from farming families, following recent government changes to inheritance tax on farm assets. With succession planning now a pressing concern, private client and family law specialists are seeing increased demand for legal advice to safeguard farming assets, ensuring they remain within the family for future generations. Holly Smith, an associate in Clarke Willmott’s family law team, explained...
Britain’s high streets continued to shrink in 2024, with an average of 35 stores closing each day as retailers battled online competition and economic uncertainty. However, despite 12,804 closures last year, the latest data from PwC indicates a more positive outlook for the sector, with the rate of closures slowing compared to 2023, when 14,801 stores shut their doors. While closures outpaced new openings, the retail landscape saw signs of resilience, with 9,002 new shops...
A landmark tribunal ruling could provide major inheritance tax relief for families who engaged in historic ‘home loan’ schemes, potentially saving them six-figure sums in tax bills, according to national law firm Clarke Willmott LLP. The ruling in Elborne v HMRC overturned a previous decision that would have allowed HMRC to claim inheritance tax on properties placed in trust decades ago. The case involved the estate of Leslie Elborne, who used a ‘home loan’ scheme...
