UK inflation climbed to 2.6% in November, fresh data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed, exceeding both the Bank of England’s forecast of 2.4% and the 2.3% recorded in October. The surprise jump marks the second consecutive monthly increase, pushing the headline figure even further above the central bank’s 2% target. The acceleration in price growth has reinforced expectations that the Bank of England’s monetary policy committee will vote decisively to hold interest...
Smaller UK exporters have been hit hardest by new post-Brexit barriers, contributing to a £27 billion shortfall in goods sales to the European Union since Britain left the bloc’s single market and customs union. Research from the Centre for Economic Performance at the London School of Economics reveals that Brexit led to a 6.4% drop in the UK’s global exports and a 3.1% decline in imports from the rest of the world. Crucially, the study...
Barclays has lost a pivotal legal challenge that strengthens the position of car finance customers seeking compensation for mis-sold loans. In a ruling with far-reaching implications for UK lenders, the High Court rejected the bank’s judicial review of a Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) decision, potentially opening the floodgates to billions of pounds in claims. At the heart of the case was a £1,327 compensation order issued to Barclays in January, stemming from a complaint by...
Recent parliamentary revelations about widespread swindling at the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) have brought renewed attention to the critical role of payment security systems in social welfare distribution. According to an October 2024 parliamentary statement by ACDP MP Wayne Thring, over half a billion rand has been lost to fraudulent activities in the past decade. This situation, affecting a system that serves 28 million South Africans while drawing from a tax base of...
If you’re hurtling like a juggernaut towards year end with a demanding ‘To Do’ list flashing before your eyes as soon as your head hits the pillow, you are not alone. 2024 has been a year of upheaval, with the UK and US elections, a new UK government, and the Autumn Budget, all fuelling uncertainty. Add to that the whirlwind of client lunches, festive drinks, networking events, meetings, deadlines, planning sessions, and the annual rush...
Wondering if it is legal to gamble in the UK without breaking any laws? This article explains all key age restrictions, legislation, and regulations. Learn which forms of online casino betting are legal, how to follow UK gambling laws, and what government measures ensure your safety. Read on and make informed decisions — stay on the right side of the law. Overview of Gambling in the UK Gambling in the UK remains a major industry,...
In the eyes of a potential customer, what differentiates your brand from that of any other construction business? There might be factors like how well-known you each are, what kind of imagery you used in your marketing materials and the quality of your user reviews, but the core of your company might come across as ultimately non-descript among the wider industry. It can be difficult to change that when you’re just trying to let the...
Quantum computing represents one of the most extraordinary innovations in modern technology, with the potential to radically transform our ability to solve complex problems. Unlike traditional computers, which process information in bits represented by 0s and 1s, quantum computers use qubits. These can exist in superposition states, allowing simultaneous calculations on a scale unthinkable for conventional systems. How Does Quantum Computing Work? Quantum computing exploits the principles of quantum mechanics, a field of physics that...
A leading Welsh start-up accelerator programme has honoured six entrepreneurs for their breakthrough innovations, marking the end of an intensive 12-week initiative designed to supercharge business ideas into market-ready ventures. The Business Wales Start-Up Accelerator Programme, funded by the Welsh Government, assembled 21 aspiring entrepreneurs, equipping them with expert mentorship, hands-on support, and unparalleled networking opportunities. After three months of rigorous development, the top participants were recognised for their achievements across six award categories: Sales...
Choosing the best proxy provider may seem as simple as opting for the one with the largest pool of IPs, but it is not so easy at all. A great proxy offer aligns with your specific use case and provides reliable safeguards in case of failures. Nowadays proxies have become essential tools for navigating the internet safely and efficiently. Proxies enhanced privacy, bypassing geographical restrictions or performing data scraping to secure online activities. Though there...
