On the first Monday of the year, (5th January, 2026), StepChange Debt Charity had its busiest day in more than a year, as 800 clients went through debt advice, which is higher than any day in 2025. The charity has also seen nearly 100,000 people visit its website since the start of 2026. Almost 4,000…
Read moreFinancial confusion and overwhelm are quietly draining the wallets of millions of people, costing them hundreds of pounds annually. On average, people lost over £640 in the past year alone because they delayed major financial decisions, according to new research from financial education charity Money Ready. Left unchecked, these annual losses can add up: over £3,000…
Read moreHampshire Trust Bank (HTB) has announced it has promoted Barry Ireland and Wes Baker to Regional Account Director roles. During 2025, both played a key role in supporting brokers through increasingly complex transactions, as deal structures became more involved and expectations around clarity and delivery continued to rise. That experience has been particularly relevant as brokers…
Read moreLatest analysis by BDO of retail sales showed that December marked the worst set of total monthly sales figures since November 2024, with total like-for-like retail sales dropping by -1.4% in December. In-store sales fell by -0.5% and online sales by -0.6%, compared to December 2024, as sales volumes declined across channels. This follows disappointing…
Read moreThe Resolution Foundation has warned that 2026 could be a turning point for UK productivity, but expects short-term pain from the collapse of struggling ‘zombie’ firms. Rising interest rates, energy costs, and higher minimum wages are likely to force inefficient businesses to exit the market, creating opportunities for more productive replacements. The Foundation says that…
Read moreIn December, the following administration notices were issued and advertised in the London Gazette for the following companies: 10 DENHAM STREET LLP 10 DENHAM STREET PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LIMITED 11 POPES LANE LLP 11 POPES LANE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LIMITED 30 BRUTON STREET RETAIL LTD A P M G LIMITED ALL DAY RECRUITMENT LIMITED ANGOLO A SUD…
Read moreIn December, Winding Up Petitions (Companies) were issued and advertised in the London Gazette for the following companies: 13109114 LTD 1ST CHOICE ANIMALS LIMITED 3 DOT HERTS LIMITED 59 EDGWARE ROAD LTD AAGRAH FOODS LIMITED ACCTURA SERVICES LTD ADH PORSCHE LTD AG CONSTRUCTION (HILTON) LTD AGCI LTD AIFILIA LTD ALBURY HILLS LTD ALFRESCO KITCHENS LTD…
Read moreCreditors Voluntary Winding-Up – Appointment of Liquidators notices have been issued in the London Gazette for the following companies in December: 03948266 LIMITED 13TH DAY FILMS LIMITED 1ST CHOICE ANIMALS LIMITED 1ST UK CHOICE LIMITED 20 DSL LIMITED 2036 MINT LANE LINCOLN (LEASECO) LIMITED 247 MEDIA GROUP LIMITED 3`S A CROWD BREWING LTD 3M &…
Read moreThe Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has announced that it has fined two former finance directors for their part in misleading statements being issued by Carillion plc. Richard Adam and Zafar Khan were both aware of serious financial troubles in Carillion’s UK construction business but failed to reflect this in company announcements or alert the board…
Read moreFree debt and money advice service, Money Wellness, has reported a significant rise in people seeking support over the festive period, highlighting growing financial pressures on households as they head into 2026. Between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day, 6,083 people contacted Money Wellness for advice on managing debt – a 29% increase on last year.…
Read moreNew research from Novuna Business Finance has revealed a five-year peak in the percentage of small business owners (84%) who are starting 2026 with plans to invest in new growth initiatives to make their enterprises stronger for the year ahead Following a challenging trading period in 2025, during which the percentage of small business owners…
Read moreThe British Retail Consortium has warned that shop price inflation is likely to remain elevated into 2026 as retailers face ongoing labour, logistics and compliance costs. Latest data shows that shop price inflation picked up to 0.7% year on year in December, against growth of 0.6% in November. This is in line with the 3-month…
Read moreLatest credit card analysis by Fico has revealed that pre-Christmas spending and average active balances fell, whilst average balances for missed accounts remain high, reflecting continued financial pressure. The October 2025 data showed a decline in credit card spending compared with the previous month and the previous year. Lower spending led to average balances falling…
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