King’s Speech: Small businesses welcome late payment announcement

Small businesses have welcomed new legislation aimed at curbing late payments, calling it a historic moment. The King’s Speech introduced measures that empower the Small Business Commissioner to investigate and fine firms that consistently delay payments. The Late Payments Bill enforces a maximum payment term of 60 days and mandates interest for late payments at…

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Remortgage searches fall 32%

New data from Twenty7tec’s April 2026 Mortgage Market Snapshot (MMS) has revealed a significant slowdown in mortgage search activity following the heightened levels seen earlier this year, underscoring the market’s continued sensitivity to broader economic pressures and borrower affordability concerns. Total mortgage searches fell by 20% month-on-month in April, dropping from 2.15 million in March…

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Nine in ten social media posts offering low quality financial guidance

Financial guidance shared by ‘finfluencers’ on popular social media platforms is generally low quality, despite being widely used by UK adults, according to new research released by Queen Mary University of London, supported by Aberdeen Group Charitable Trust. The research analysed nearly 2,500 finfluencers on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, alongside a survey of more than…

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Asset finance new business grew by 9% in March

New figures released today by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) show that total asset finance new business (primarily leasing and hire purchase) grew by 9% in March 2026 compared with the same month in 2025.  In Q1 2026, new business was 3% higher than in Q1 2025. The plant and machinery finance sector reported…

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Second charge mortgages grow by 20%

Latest figures released by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) show that second charge mortgage new business volumes  grew by 20% in March 2026. Commenting on the latest new business figures for the second charge mortgage market, Fiona Hoyle, Director of Consumer Finance & Mortgages and Inclusion the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA), said “The…

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Consumer car finance new grows by 8%

13th May 2026 Consumer Lending | #car finance

New figures released by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) show that consumer car finance new business volumes grew by 8% in March 2026 compared with the same month in 2025. The corresponding value of new business was 11% higher over the same period. In Q1 2026, new business volumes grew by 4% compared Q1…

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Consumer finance new business grew by 9% in March

New figures released by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) show that consumer finance new business grew by 9% in March 2026 compared with the same month in 2025.  In Q1 2026, new business in this market was 6% higher than in Q1 2025. The credit card and personal loans sectors together reported new business…

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Dudley Building Society appoints Chief Growth Officer

13th May 2026 Appointments |

Dudley Building Society has announced the appointment of Helen Smith as Chief Growth Officer, as part of its ongoing focus on growing the Society, strengthening customer outcomes, supporting its communities, and developing its people. Smith joined the Society in April and brings extensive board-level experience across financial services, insurance, healthcare and funeral care. She has…

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INSOLVENCY NOTICES: Appointment of Administrators – April 2026

In April 2026, the following administration notices were issued and advertised in the London Gazette for the following companies: 16 STRATTON STREET LIMITED 30 PONT STREET LIMITED 66/67 PS PROPERTY LIMITED 7 BEAUFORT GARDENS LIMITED A CODA RESIDENCES LIMITED A D REFFOLD (ELECTRICAL) LIMITED ACUTE AMBULANCE & MEDICAL SERVICES LIMITED AIR SEA LOGISTICS LIMITED B…

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LIQUIDATION NOTICES: Creditors Voluntary Winding-Up – April 2026

In April 2026, Appointment of Liquidators (Creditors Voluntary Winding-Up) were issued and advertised in the London Gazette for the following companies: 05726382 LIMITED 101 BESPOKE KITCHEN LTD 11158996 LIMITED 15 MARKETING LIMITED 1998 MINI MART LTD 1ST CARS LTD 1ST CHOICE ESTATE & LETTINGS LIMITED 1ST DRYWALL LIMITED 1ST PAY LIMITED 1ST TRADING LONDON LTD…

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INSOLVENCY NOTICES: Winding Up Petitions – April 2026

In April 2026, Winding Up Petitions (Companies) were issued and advertised in the London Gazette for the following companies: 1101 HOLDING LTD 2ND GENERATION FACADES LTD 3 DOT HERTS LIMITED 357 GROUP LTD 786 MOTOR SOLUTIONS LIMITED A A LAW (LANCASHIRE) LTD AAF MCR LTD ACCOUNTED LTD ACET CIRCULAR SOLUTIONS LTD ACTIVE BIZ SERVICES LTD…

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First-time buyers facing reduced choice and stretched affordability challenges

Latest data from Moneyfacts has revealed that despite mortgage turmoil easing in April, first-time buyers remain under pressure from reduced choice and stretched affordability. Mortgage product choice has contracted by around 10% since the start of March, with higher loan-to-value deals (10% or less deposit or equity) falling by 14%, a blow to first-time buyers…

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Middle East conflict increases longstanding challenges on retail and hospitality businesses

The conflict in the Middle East is forecast to weigh on the UK economy and exacerbate longstanding challenges for retail and hospitality businesses, according to the new EY UK Economic Outlook. The analysis shows that, prior to the outbreak of the conflict in the Middle East, UK GDP was on track to grow by 1.3% in…

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