Author: Scott Dylan

Every adult, regardless of financial standing, encounters numerous financial decisions annually. Balancing staying afloat, preparing for the future, and enjoying life can be daunting.Increasingly, low-cost digital and human advisory options are available in the growing robo-advisory industry. These services now extend beyond automated investment management to comprehensive financial planning tools.Preference: Digital first or human first?For those who are digital natives or at ease with online banking and investing, a robo-advisory service may be an optimal choice. However, those who prefer direct interaction with a professional for tailored, expert guidance might lean towards traditional human advisers. According to Paul Brahim, president-elect…

South Yorkshire has been chosen as the site for a pioneering £1.5 billion mini-nuclear reactor factory. This significant development is set to create up to 3,000 high-tech jobs in the region.The decision follows a rigorous selection process, establishing South Yorkshire as a key location in the UK’s nuclear revival. The factory will manufacture components for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), a technology poised to transform the energy sector.Holtec’s Strategic ChoiceHoltec, a private nuclear company headquartered in Florida, opted for South Yorkshire after considering several UK locations, including the West Midlands, Cumbria, and Teesside. The county’s selection is attributed to its strategic…

Tensions between Boeing and its union members have reached a boiling point. The core issue lies in the elimination of traditional pension plans in 2014, a decision that continues to haunt employees today.The removal of these pensions has ignited a strike, highlighting a broader trend where companies in the US favour shifting retirement risks onto their employees. This article examines the intricacies of the dispute and its implications.The primary conflict driving the strike at Boeing is the removal of the traditional pension plan in 2014. This plan was a critical component of retirement security for many union members. Unfortunately, this…

A study reveals that shopping at convenience stores can be significantly more expensive than at larger supermarket chains.The research focused on 42 popular items across Morrisons Daily, Sainsbury’s Local, and Tesco Express compared to their larger counterparts.Morrisons Daily showed the largest price increase of up to 21% compared with regular supermarkets.Loyalty scheme members at Morrisons and Tesco face even higher mark-ups at smaller outlets.Consumers without easy access to larger stores or online deliveries bear the brunt of these price differences.Shopping at local convenience stores is revealed to be up to 21% more expensive than purchasing the same items at larger…

Frasers Group faces significant audit discrepancies impacting its fashion brands, I Saw It First and Choice.Auditors for I Saw It First could not confirm almost £7 million in wage payments.Choice’s auditors reported missing essential information, impeding their audit process.The payroll data loss at I Saw It First occurred during a system migration.These issues raise fresh concerns about the corporate governance of Frasers Group.Auditing problems have surfaced for two fashion brands under Frasers Group, raising alarms about the firm’s financial management. Auditors at Cooper Parry could not verify nearly £7 million in wages and salary payments for I Saw It First,…

Debenhams is poised to enhance its online presence by launching new international websites.New sites in Ireland and Australia will go live before the Christmas season.The expansion includes a variety of local and international brands.Boohoo Group’s fulfilment service will play a key role in the distribution strategy.High street competitor, Next, also plans a strategic online launch.Debenhams is preparing to extend its global reach by establishing new online platforms in Ireland and Australia. These sites are expected to go live before the Christmas period, offering customers access to both local and international brands.The initiative is part of a broader strategy by the…

The European division of Five Guys, based in London, has demonstrated robust financial performance over the recent fiscal year.With a significant increase in sales, reaching £542.9 million, the company has also successfully reduced losses by more than half.The European arm of Five Guys has reported significant financial recovery, cutting pre-tax losses from £35.6 million to £16.2 million in 2023. This remarkable improvement is attributed to effective management of inflationary pressures and strategic expansion efforts. The company’s revenue surged to £542.9 million, up from £452.3 million the previous year.Five Guys expanded its presence across the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Spain,…

Insolvency figures for August 2024 fell compared to July, providing a glimmer of hope for businesses. This trend offers some respite amidst ongoing economic pressures.Approximately 10,000 individuals were declared insolvent in August 2024, representing a five per cent drop from July but a 16 per cent increase from the previous year.Overview of August’s InsolvenciesIn August 2024, approximately 10,000 individuals faced insolvency. This figure marks a five per cent decrease from July 2024, yet a 16 per cent increase from the same month last year. Such statistics provide a mixed outlook, reflecting both short-term relief and long-term concerns.The month’s figures included…

American Golf has reported a significant growth in its sales and market share for the 2024 financial year. As one of the leading retailers in the golf industry, the company has experienced notable financial improvements.American Golf, headquartered in Warrington and supported by private equity firm Endless, witnessed a rise in like-for-like sales by £1.4m to reach £80.6m between February and August 2024. The company’s market share also increased by 1.4% during this period. This growth indicates a robust recovery and positive momentum for the retailer in a competitive market.The demand for American Golf’s extensive range of equipment, clubs, and footwear…

Middle-class homeowners across the UK have been delaying kitchen renovations due to concerns about potential tax increases in the upcoming October Budget. This hesitation has significantly impacted consumer confidence and the kitchen retail market.The prospect of higher taxes, suggested by Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves, has led many to adopt a cautious approach, preferring to wait for more certainty before committing to large expenditures.Decline in Consumer ConfidenceAccording to kitchen retailers, there has been a noticeable decline in consumer confidence triggered by the possibility of higher taxes. Jamie Everett, co-founder of bespoke kitchen manufacturer Naked Kitchens, reported a sharp drop in orders…