Our chart this week illustrates how despite being a “tax-raising Budget”, the cumulative net effect of all the changes announced last week is to add £61bn to the public sector net debt forecast for 31 March 2030.
Journalists and politicians talk a lot about ‘the deficit’. But what is it and how does it affect people and businesses? ICAEW experts offer this simple guide on the deficit, why it matters, and the future outlook.
Interest rates are often discussed in the media and political debates. But how are they calculated and how do they affect people and businesses? ICAEW experts offer this simple guide on interest rates, the future outlook and the challenges in managing them.
The UK economy struggles to grow in October. Business confidence continues to fall amid record high concerns over tax ahead of next month’s Budget. ICAEW’s Economies Director Suren Thiru discusses the implications, what you need to know about current economic conditions and key points to watch.
The current agenda for UK monetary policy has all the features of a ‘wicked problem,’ Bank of England Chief Economist Huw Pill tells delegates at ICAEW’s 2025 Annual Conference.
Our chart this week looks at how productivity growth has slowed significantly over the past quarter of a century and asks what can be done to turn it around.
The UK economy continues to struggle as inflation remains uncomfortably high, and the labour market continues to weaken. ICAEW’s Economies Director Suren Thiru discusses the implications.
Our chart this week looks at how business confidence has entered negative territory, driven by uncertainty about both the economic outlook and potential tax rises.
Our chart this week asks whether the recent low rate of growth in numbers of businesses registered for PAYE and VAT is linked to the increasing difficulty of doing business in the UK.
Anxiety over the health of the UK economy grows as GDP and business confidence contracts, while unemployment and inflation rise. ICAEW’s Economies Director Suren Thiru discusses the implications.
What new metrics should business start measuring and tracking given the current economic uncertainty and chaos? Economist Rebecca Homkes outlines five new metrics for a volatile world.
Positive economic data masks deeper trouble as business confidence sinks under rising tax and tariff fears. ICAEW’s Economies Director Suren Thiru discusses the implications.
Underlying momentum in the UK economy remains weak despite a better than expected end to 2024. ICAEW’s Economies Director Suren Thiru discusses the implications.
The OBR’s latest fiscal risks and sustainability report projects that public debt could reach 274% of GDP in 50 years’ time, or 324% if likely economic shocks are included.
UK inflation finally returns to target, but the economy flatlines as UK GDP was dampened by severe weather throughout April. ICAEW Economies Director Suren Thiru discusses the implications.
Significant challenges remain despite the UK’s exit from recession. Ahead of next month’s general election, ICAEW’s Economies Director Suren Thiru discusses the key points to watch.
Our chart this week shows that while headline inflation slowed to 2.3% in April, a core inflation figure of 3.9% means the fight against inflation is far from over.
The Bank of England’s Chief Economist lays out three key metrics for assessing when to shift the bank rate as it sets its sights on an inflation rate of 2% this year.
UK poised to emerge from recession as business confidence hits two-year high. However, emerging challenges may hinder progress. ICAEW’s Economies Director Suren Thiru discusses the key points to watch.
The UK’s recession appears to be ending with cuts to summer interest rate likely. ICAEW’s Economies Director Suren Thiru discusses the key points to watch.
A governance code for state-owned enterprises in Cyprus that emerged following the republic’s economic crisis has much to teach all organisations, says one of its leading authors.
The unwanted recession tag creates a headache for UK policymakers as the economy continues to struggle. ICAEW’s Economies Director Suren Thiru discusses the implications.
There were 294 profit warnings from UK-listed companies last year, with high interest rates and wavering consumer and business confidence among the key drivers.
The UK economy is struggling for momentum amid high interest rates, declining consumer activity and subdued business confidence. ICAEW’s Economies Director Suren Thiru discusses the implications.
Cost pressures have started to ease and the rate of inflation has falling, but the availability and cost of finance remains an ongoing concern for businesses, alongside the difficulty of operating in an uncertain environment.
Marginal lift in business confidence countered by effects of high interest rates and cost-of-living crisis, finds ICAEW’s gauge of sentiment for Q4 2023.
Economic conditions remain challenging despite a dramatic drop in inflation and a positive Autumn Statement. ICAEW’s Economies Director Suren Thiru discusses the implications.
Our chart this week takes a look at how UK public debt has exploded since the financial crisis to more than quintuple from £0.6trn in March 2008 to a projected £3.1trn in March 2029.
Companies need to ensure they are adequately explaining the impact of the ongoing economic uncertainties in their annual reports, the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) advises.
Our chart this week looks at how September’s inflation rate of 6.7% is made up by month, and why a big drop in the annual rate is predicted next month.
The recent financial crisis faced by Birmingham City Council, the administrative body of the UK’s second-largest city, has sparked important discussions about equal pay, financial management and organisational responsibility.
Many employees are struggling with the ongoing cost-of-living situation and the knock-on effects of this at work are cause for concern. How can employers offer their staff practical support?
Cyber security awareness month: cyber security has dropped down the priority list for small businesses during the cost-of-living crisis, but it would be a mistake to assume that smaller organisations aren’t at risk.
The pandemic, Brexit and the cost-of-living crisis are all having a profound impact on the charity sector. A revised edition of the Charity Treasurer’s Handbook offers updated guidance to chart a course through a charity treasurer’s responsibilities.
UK business confidence remains positive, but below pre-pandemic levels, finds ICAEW survey, as record high inflation and salary growth affect sentiment.
Inflation is finally starting to come down in the UK, but not as fast as hoped. That isn’t great news for pensions – but neither is it a complete disaster.
Our chart illustrates how ‘core inflation’, energy price rises, and food, alcohol and tobacco price inflation contributed to a lower than expected fall in the overall rate of inflation in April 2023.
A recent business poll conducted by the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors has revealed a growing apprehension among chief internal auditors regarding financial, liquidity and insolvency risks.
An inflation rate of 10.1% in the year to March 2023 conceals a huge variation in individual price rises, as illustrated by this week’s chart on food prices.
Latest official estimate confirms the UK economy failed to grow in February, as service sector and industrial output fell amid strike action and high inflation.
Official data reveals that UK inflation rose for the first time in six months in February amid vegetable shortages, leaving the Bank of England with a tough decision on interest rates.
Latest official estimate confirms that the UK economy returned to growth in January as the service sector helped lift overall activity, but construction and industrial output fell.
Our chart this week illustrates the slowing rate of inflation and how it should fall further once a big surge in prices between February and April 2022 falls out of the comparison.
