Two thirds of pensioners expect to rely on the state in retirement

Latest analysis by Hargreaves Lansdown (HL) has found that two-thirds of people admit they will rely on the state pension ‘to some extent’ in retirement. Almost one-in-ten say they will be totally dependent on the benefit. Almost one in five say they will be heavily reliant on it, whilst 14% of people say they are unsure. Women…

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Four in ten Gen Z keep their finances secret

Despite growing up in one of the most connected generations, many young adults are keeping their finances firmly behind closed door. The research by Skipton Building Society found that four in ten (40 per cent) Gen Z don’t want to reveal how much they spend, earn or save with others. This ranges from talking about…

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Consumer demand cools as temperatures soar

Latest British Retail Consortium data has shown that consumer demand slowed in the summer heat wave. Total retail sales increased by 1.3% year on year in July, against a growth of 2.5% in July 2025. This was below the 12-month average growth of 1.8%. Food sales increased by 3.8% year on year in July, against…

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Consumer confidence hit 21 month high in July

Consumer confidence in the UK reached its highest level in 21 months in July, according to Barclays’ survey. About 30% of respondents expressed optimism about the economy, a 6% increase from June. Consumer card spending was up 2per cent, with discretionary spending also up 1.6 per cent. The new data follows a 1.9 per cent…

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Largest businesses are the country’s worst payers

Research by Dun & Bradstreet has found that the UK’s largest businesses are the country’s worst payers, as  insolvencies remain at their highest sustained level since the financial crisis The data showed that the largest businesses pay suppliers on time on fewer than one in seven occasions. Businesses employing more than 1,000 people paid suppliers…

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PM vows crackdown on cost of living challenges

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has outlined a series of measures to tackle the cost-of-living challenges. The plan includes a ban on fake discounts and making it easier for people to opt out of unwanted subscriptions. Responding to the plans, Dame Clare Moriarty, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said “For too long consumers have been tricked…

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Almost a fifth of people have no clear long-term financial priority

11th August 2026 Consumer Lending | #finances#savings

Almost a fifth (18 per cent) of UK adults do not have or cannot identify a long-term financial goal, new research from Scottish Friendly has found. Nearly one in five people surveyed told the mutual they did not know what they wanted their finances to achieve over the next five years or more, according to…

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Call for Government to be ready to provide targeted energy support

A targeted energy discount scheme could save eligible households £175 and soften the impact of any further gas price shocks this winter. But the Government will need to act fast to have a scheme ready by January 2027, the Resolution Foundation warned. Despite the Prime Minister’s welcome day-one VAT cut on electricity bills, further escalation…

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Second-hand car dealer ordered to repay Covid loan in full

A second-hand car dealer has been ordered to repay the Covid funds he fraudulently secured in full. Javed Akhtar was handed a confiscation order of £66,917 when he appeared at Bradford Crown Court. Akhtar must repay all the money within three months. If he fails to do so, he could face six months in prison…

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Small businesses divided on whether to use AI for growth

Three in ten small business owners (31%) say they are already using AI to support their enterprises – although 27% say they either have no plans to use it – and a further 21% don’t regard AI as relevant to their business, according to new research from Novuna Business Finance. Whilst some small businesses see…

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Bank of Mum and Dad handing over £10k to help adult children get ahead

Research from the savings app Spring has found that adults receiving financial support from their parents receive an average of £11,241, highlighting the role family wealth plays in helping adult children navigate major financial milestones. While around one in seven (15%) UK adults receive financial support from their parents, those who do are often receiving…

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FSB appoint Interim Chair

10th August 2026 Appointments |

Tina McKenzie has been confirmed as Interim National Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), as Martin McTague steps down from the National Chair role to become a member of the House of Lords. McKenzie has been part of FSB’s Board of Directors since 2021, and for the last four years has been National…

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CEO confidence holds steady despite geopolitical disruption

CEOs are maintaining confidence in their companies’ growth prospects despite navigating an increasingly volatile business environment marked by geopolitical disruption, rising energy costs and more complex strategic decision-making, according to research by PwC. The survey of hundreds of CEOs across more than 50 countries finds overall confidence in revenue growth has remained unchanged over the…

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