‘Mum guilt’ costing families an extra £2,500 a year

20th March 2026 Consumer Collections | #spending

New research commissioned by subscription lender Creditspring found that more than three quarters of mothers (77%) have worried about money in the past three months because of child-related costs such as birthday parties, activities, clothes and days out. That compares with 70% of fathers. The research also suggests many mums feel responsible for managing these…

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One in four pensioners were struggling financially before Iran war

New data by Age UK has found that more than one in four (28%) pensioners said they were struggling financially before war broke out in Iran, with energy being the main issue. Following on from the Government’s announcement this week providing £53m of support for oil-heated households, Age UK warns this package won’t be enough…

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Over half of Gen X heading for inadequate retirement income

New research from The Social Market Foundation has warned that many workers may face a ‘pension shock’ in the coming decade, as they realise their retirement income is likely to be significantly lower than expected. Gen X (those born between 1965 and 1980) fall in the gap between the two pension systems. Many were too…

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Warning over spate of new ‘friendship fraud’ cases targeting older people

19th March 2026 Consumer Lending | #fraud

New TSB data shows a series of recent scams in which criminals use social media to lure people into online friendships, then extract money ranging into the tens of thousands. TSB’s fraud expert, Stephanie Harrison, warns that ‘friendship fraud’ mirrors romance scams in its approach – with fraudsters building trust and rapport before demanding money.…

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Business adviser banned as company director for second time after running up £120,000 tax debts

19th March 2026 Commercial Credit Management |

A business adviser from Surrey has been disqualified as a company director for a second time after failing to pay more than £100,000 in tax. Richard Beal was the sole director of management consultancy firm Larter Beal Limited, which owed more than £70,000 in corporation tax and £50,000 in VAT when it went into liquidation…

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Personal insolvencies increased in February

Latest monthly figures from the Insolvency Service for England & Wales have indicated that personal insolvencies increased by 18% when compared to February 2025 and 6% higher than in January 2026, totalling 11,609 insolvencies. The personal insolvency data consisted of 768 bankruptcies, 4,210 debt relief orders (DROs) and 6,631 individual voluntary arrangements (IVAs). The 6,631 IVAs registered…

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Business insolvencies increase by 7.4%

18th March 2026 Business | #business insolvencies

Latest figures from the Insolvency Service have shown that the number of business insolvencies in England and Wales increased by 7.4% in February 2026 when compared to the previous month. The data showed that there were 1,878 business insolvencies. The figures was  7% lower than the same month in the previous year (2,015 in February…

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Northern Irish business and personal insolvencies rise

Latest monthly statistics from the Insolvency Service show that business insolvencies and personal insolvencies rose in Northern Ireland in February 2026. The data showed that there were 25 company insolvencies registered in Northern Ireland, 19% higher than in February 2025. The insolvencies comprised of eight compulsory liquidations, 16 CVLs and one administration. There were no CVAs or receivership…

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Scottish business insolvencies fall 5%

Latest figures from the Accountant in Bankruptcy (AiB) have shown that business insolvencies in Scotland fell in February 2026. The data show that there were 98 business insolvencies registered in Scotland, 5% lower than the number in February 2025. The business insolvencies comprised of 50 CVLs, 39 compulsory liquidations, six administrations, two receivership appointments and one CVA.

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Fraudster ordered to pay back more than £120,000 after securing Covid loans in his wife’s name

A jailed fraudster has been ordered to hand back more than £120,000 after securing Covid loans in his wife’s name. Shohid Ahmed applied for three maximum-value Bounce Back Loans on behalf of Red Square Restaurants Limited, using his wife’s name because she had a better credit history. The 41-year-old, of Bardsey Crescent, Bradford, received £100,000…

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Business bank lending increased by 9% in 2025

The British Business Bank’s Small Business Finance Markets 2025/26 report has found that gross SME bank lending increased by 9% to £68bn in 2025, making it the second highest level in the past 13 years after 2020’s covid peak, as credit conditions eased gradually through the year. Business dynamism is showing signs of improvement, with…

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Government announces Financial Ombudsman Service reforms

17th March 2026 Consumer Lending | #FOS reform

Plans to reform the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) have been revealed by the Government. The reforms will return the FOS to its original role as a simple, impartial dispute resolution service that resolves complaints quickly and effectively, while ensuring it operates within a clearer and more predictable framework alongside the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The…

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Azets makes Insolvency Practitioner appointment

17th March 2026 Appointments |

Azets has announced that it has appointed Nick Cusack as an Insolvency Practitioner in its Restructuring & Insolvency team. Cusack has worked in the profession for over 22 years been a licensed Insolvency Practitioner for over ten years. He has gained a breadth of experience in all types of corporate rescues, but with a particular…

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