New data from IHS Markit suggests that British households have become increasingly pessimistic regarding the long-term economic prospects following last year’s vote to leave the EU. The March poll, conducted by Ipsos MORI, showed the proportion of people expecting the UK economy to fare better over the next ten years falling to 29%, down from…
The recent slump in sterling should prompt a significant readjustment of the UK economy away from consumer spending towards exports, according to the EY ITEM Club winter forecast. But while economic growth will be better balanced it is also likely to be slower. The respected economic forecaster says that the impact of sterling in increasing…
The UK economy will grow 2% in 2016 before slowing to 1.4% in 2017, according to the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR). At the same time, consumer price inflation will accelerate, peaking at around 4% in the second half of 2017 and making an impact on real disposable income. The think-tank expects sterling to remain…
The Government has launched an Inclusive Economy Unit which will focus on supporting mission-led business plus strengthening the social investment market and social impact bonds. Key aims are as follows: Encourage better use of private investment and support markets that deliver social impact as well as financial returns. Improve delivery of public services: increasing social…
The Government has introduced the Digital Economy Bill to Parliament in a move that should pave the way for the introduction of a new Broadband Universal Service Obligation – giving all homes and businesses the legal right to have a fast connection installed if they request it. The Bill should also give consumers the power…
Total transactions for the UK’s five most prominent sharing economy sectors – collaborative finance, peer-to-peer accommodation, peer-to-peer transportation, on-demand household services and on-demand professional services – could see a 20-fold increase to £140 billion by 2025, up from £7 billion today, according to new analysis by PwC. Over the past year the UK’s sharing economy…
Small and medium-sized towns and cities (SMCs) are essential to boosting growth in the Northern Powerhouse, according to a new report from think tank, IPPR North. The research finds that the North’s smaller cities represent one third of the Northern economy and play a key role supporting the growth of their bigger neighbours. The report…