Business
18 March 2026
Business owners have felt the mood shift in recent weeks. Optimism has dipped as global events increase uncertainty, and many say the landscape simply feels tougher. Yet years of shocks have made many UK SMEs more resilient and determined to focus on their ultimate aims according to business consultancy Elephant’s Child.
3 minutesInvesting
11 March 2026
“It might be a small stretch of water, but the Strait of Hormuz is something rarely far from the minds of anyone who follows geo-economics. The speed at which tanker traffic has halted and translated into supply bottleneck concerns goes to show its importance to energy markets.” – Hetal Mehta, Chief Economist, St James’s Place.
2 minutesInvesting
10 March 2026
After years in the doldrums, 2025 was a standout year for emerging market equities. 2026 has started in a similar vein, with some markets in Asia delivering double digit returns so far. What is driving this reversal in fortunes?
4 minutesInvesting
6 March 2026
As International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated on 8 March, campaigners are calling for women to take greater control of their finances.
3 minutesInvesting
5 March 2026
With the rise in inflation and the freeze on income tax thresholds until at least 2031, the tax burden has increased considerably for many of us. This is especially true for those who have benefited from rising wages but who have moved into higher income tax bands as a result. Here we explore five allowances you can use before the end of the tax year on 5 April.
4 minutesInvesting
5 March 2026
The recent attacks on the Iranian leadership and subsequent retaliatory actions across the Middle East have caused widespread geopolitical volatility. Unsurprisingly, they have also left many investors wondering what actions they should now be considering.
5 minutesBusiness
4 March 2026
The Spring Statement has now been delivered. In truth, there is little to highlight for the SME market. There were no major support measures. No large intervention packages. No clear direction for small and medium-sized businesses. For many business owners, it felt like activity without action. Martin Brown from Elephant's Child explains what SME leaders should really be thinking about.
3 minutesInvesting
3 March 2026
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has delivered her Spring Statement against the backdrop of intensifying conflict in Iran and the Middle East.
4 minutesInvesting, Business
26 February 2026
In recent months, access to finance has improved for small and medium sized businesses. Lending volumes are rising, conditions are easing, and interest rates are beginning to fall. Businesses also have more choice about who they borrow from and the terms of the loan.
4 minutesInvesting, Protecting
24 February 2026
If you are unable to work due to a serious illness or injury it can be extremely stressful, particularly if you do not have employee sick pay or savings to fall back on. A protection insurance policy offers peace of mind that you and your family would have financial support during a difficult time.
4 minutesInvesting
23 February 2026
It was a twin speed US market last week, relatively subdued until the news on Friday that the US Supreme Court had ruled President Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs illegal.
6 minutesInvesting
19 February 2026
For years, owning a portfolio of buy-to-let properties was seen as a reliable way to earn steady income and build long-term wealth.
4 minutes