Aug 9, 2024 | Current Affairs
In 2023, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) secured just 20% of direct public sector procurement spending, amounting to £39.7 billion. This figure, consistent with 2022 and slightly above the 19% pre-pandemic level in 2019, highlights the modest progress in SME...
Aug 7, 2024 | Current Affairs
Although artificial intelligence (AI) holds promise for the future of finance, some remain hesitant to replace human elements in their roles. While many SME business leaders are confident AI can handle mundane administrative tasks, the majority believe human...
Aug 2, 2024 | Current Affairs
In its first cut for four years, the Bank of England (BoE) has reduced interest rates by 0.25%. The vote to lower the interest rate to 5.0% was close, with five members voting in favour and four against. The BoE was under pressure to make this reduction as inflation...
Jul 31, 2024 | Current Affairs
Since interest rate hikes in 2022, thousands of households remortgaging have experienced significant income drops, pushing them towards poverty. The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) reported that 320,000 mortgage holders are now in poverty. However, government...
Jul 30, 2024 | Current AffairsGovernment Announcements
The Budget date has been set for Wednesday, 30 October, as Chancellor Rachel Reeves outlines plans to address a £20bn deficit. This will be the first opportunity to see Labour’s tax policy direction under the new administration. Reeves has pledged not to raise income...
