Inflation falls to 3% – industry reaction

UK inflation fell to 3% in January, down from 3.4% in December, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This was the lowest inflation figure since March last year. The change was partly driven by lower fuel prices, lower airfares and lower food prices. Core CPI (CPI excluding energy, food,…

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Business cost concerns hit record high ahead of April tax rises

More than half (58%) of finance brokers cite increased running costs as small business owners’ biggest concern, according to iwoca’s latest SME Expert Index. This represents a 10-point increase from 48% in Q3 2025 and is the highest level recorded since iwoca’s SME Expert Index began tracking this question in Q4 2022, highlighting the intensifying…

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Average household spending £119 per week on food shop

19th February 2026 Arrears and Recoveries | #food shop

The average UK household is now spending nearly £119 per week on food shopping, according to new research by Confused.com, amounting to more than £6,000 per year. The research shows that the average food bill is £1,144 per year, or £22 per week, more expensive than in  2024, a 23% increase. This is significantly higher than…

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FLA appoints General Counsel

19th February 2026 Appointments | #appointments

The Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) has announced the appointment of Jeremy Barton as its new General Counsel, The FLA says thatthe new role reflects the growing complexity of the regulatory environment and the FLA’s commitment to supporting members with authoritative legal insight, robust governance, and proactive engagement with policymakers and regulators. Barton is a…

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Evlo and CreditLadder agree rent credit reporting partnership

19th February 2026 Company News |

Evlo has announced a new partnership with rent-reporting platform, CreditLadder. The partnership is the next milestone in Evlo’s industry-focused’ Financial Freedom for Everyone’ campaign, which is calling for reforms that make the credit system fairer and more inclusive for renters. Through this collaboration, Evlo will be able to connect its renter customers, especially those with…

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Qualco UK and Thames Water announced partnership

19th February 2026 Company News |

Thames Water Partners with Qualco UK to Advance Customer Engagement and Affordability Management Qualco UK, part of Qualco Group, has announced a  three-year partnership with Thames Water , the largest water utility in the UK, serving 16 million customers across London and the Thames Valley. Following a comprehensive formal bid and Invitation to Negotiate process,…

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