News

The government has outlined contingency measures to ensure supermarket shelves remain stocked amid potential farmer protests over inheritance tax reforms. However, ministers reassured the public that food supplies will not be disrupted, even as tensions rise within the agricultural community.

Farming leaders have warned of deep unrest, labelling the policy change a “betrayal” of rural communities. They stopped short of endorsing strike action but acknowledged mounting frustration over the government’s decision to impose inheritance tax on farms valued over £1 million.

Addressing concerns, farming minister Daniel Zeichner urged calm. “The vast majority of farmers will not be affected,” he told the BBC. “Treasury figures indicate fewer than 500 farms a year are likely to fall within the scope of the tax. I encourage everyone to seek advice, as each case is unique.”

The reforms, which ministers argue will primarily impact the wealthiest estates, have triggered backlash from farmers who fear the policy could threaten family-run farms. Up to 20,000 farmers are expected to descend on Westminster to voice their discontent.

While defending the government’s stance, transport secretary Louise Haigh praised farmers for their contributions to the economy and food security. She described the changes as “fair and proportionate” and noted that the tax rate for affected farms is significantly lower than standard inheritance tax thresholds.

Haigh reassured consumers that the government prioritises food security, revealing that contingency plans are in place to mitigate potential disruptions. “We will work closely with farmers and the supply chain to safeguard food availability,” she stated.

Farmers, meanwhile, have staged protests, including a recent demonstration outside the Welsh Labour conference attended by Sir Keir Starmer. Some have even proposed withholding produce from retailers to highlight the country’s reliance on domestic agriculture.

Tom Bradshaw, head of the National Farmers’ Union, stressed that his organisation does not condone such measures. “Emptying supermarket shelves is not an NFU tactic,” he said. “However, I understand the depth of feeling among farmers. They feel betrayed by a government that once promised no inheritance tax on farmland.”

Bradshaw called the policy a threat to food security, citing government figures that indicate a significant number of farms producing the UK’s food exceed the £1 million threshold. “This move undermines the very industry tasked with securing our nation’s food supply for the future,” he added.

Read more:
Farmers protest inheritance tax changes as ministers unveil food supply plans

Growing a business is an exhilarating journey filled with opportunities and challenges alike. Yet, as a company expands, its legal landscape becomes increasingly complex.

Regulatory obligations, contractual agreements, and employment laws all demand meticulous attention to detail, leaving little room for error. Unfortunately, even a minor legal oversight can lead to significant complications.

For companies aspiring to scale, understanding when and why to seek legal advice can be the difference between thriving and facing avoidable setbacks. Partnering with a reliable legal expert—like a New York Long Term Disability Lawyer—can be an invaluable step in safeguarding growth and operational stability.

Understanding When Legal Guidance Becomes Essential for Growing Businesses

For many small businesses, the initial stages of operation are often managed with a “DIY” mindset, handling legal matters with essential online resources or templates. However, as businesses grow, the stakes also rise, making a proactive approach to legal management critical. Some business owners may hesitate to involve legal professionals until they encounter an explicit issue, yet waiting for problems to arise can lead to costly and disruptive consequences.

A business owner who consults with a legal expert early gains access to valuable insights on compliance, risk management, and strategic planning. These aspects protect the business and can contribute to its growth by paving a secure path forward. Legal counsel can be pivotal in helping to interpret evolving regulations and align the company with legal standards that may affect operations, especially in sectors prone to frequent regulatory updates, like finance, healthcare, and e-commerce. By consulting a legal expert before final decisions, businesses can save time, money, and potential headaches.

Key Areas Where Legal Experts Can Support Business Growth

Employment law is one of the most crucial areas where legal expertise is invaluable. Hiring, managing, and terminating employees is governed by an intricate set of rules that vary based on location, industry, and company size. Growing businesses must ensure that their hiring practices, employment contracts, and workplace policies comply with local and federal labor laws. Employment law covers issues like wage regulations, benefits, employee rights, and anti-discrimination policies—all essential to avoid disputes and ensure a positive work environment. When layoffs, discipline, or termination arise, missteps in handling these matters can open the door to legal disputes, which can be both time-consuming and financially draining for the business.

Legal professionals can also play an instrumental role in drafting and reviewing contracts. For growing businesses, contracts form the backbone of relationships with clients, suppliers, contractors, and employees. A well-crafted contract is a protection mechanism and sets clear expectations between parties. However, contracts are also complex, often containing nuanced legal language that can be difficult for non-experts to interpret accurately. A seasoned legal expert ensures these agreements align with the business’s best interests, covering potential liabilities, compliance issues, and terms that might be overlooked. Consulting a legal expert before signing contracts, mainly when dealing with high-value transactions, partnerships, or new markets, ensures that business dealings remain secure and mutually beneficial.

Advantages of Consulting Legal Experts Early On

By consulting legal experts early, business owners mitigate risks and enhance their company’s growth potential. Legal professionals can assist in drafting policies and procedures that establish consistency and clarity across the organization. Such internal guidelines, aligned with legal standards, reduce ambiguity and create a workplace environment where employees and management are on the same page. A well-drafted employee handbook, for instance, sets forth expectations and can be a valuable resource in minimizing misunderstandings or conflicts that might arise in the future.

In addition, establishing intellectual property (IP) protections is crucial for any growing business. Intellectual property law shields a company’s innovations and brand identity from unauthorized use, from trademarks to patents. Failure to secure IP rights can result in lost revenue and weakened brand positioning. Consulting with a legal expert early on ensures that businesses are adequately protected and can enforce their rights if infringement occurs. A legal expert can assist in trademarking a company’s logo, slogan, or product names, thereby safeguarding the brand’s identity and value.

In some cases, legal experts can also help businesses with dispute resolution by providing options such as mediation or arbitration before resorting to costly litigation. While conflict is often unavoidable, handling it effectively can prevent lasting damage to business relationships and finances. Legal experts can advise on the most appropriate course of action, aiming to resolve disputes with minimal disruption to the company’s operations. This strategic approach to conflict resolution demonstrates that legal experts are not solely there to “fix” issues but to actively support the business’s stability and reputation proactively and constructively.

Conclusion: Legal Support as a Pillar of Business Growth

As businesses scale, legal complexities naturally increase. Legal challenges can be daunting, whether it’s navigating employment regulations, managing contracts, or ensuring compliance with industry standards. Involving a legal expert as part of a growing business’s strategy can streamline operations, protect the organization from potential risks, and foster an environment where the industry is positioned for sustainable growth. With expert legal support, companies are better equipped to face challenges, secure their assets, and focus on their core mission—continuing their journey to success.

Read more:
Navigating Legal Complexities for Growing Businesses: When to Consult a Legal Expert

In today’s competitive marketplace, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must find innovative ways to connect with their customers. One such strategy gaining momentum is gamification—integrating game-like elements into non-gaming environments to drive engagement.

Inspired by the success of industries like online gaming, where platforms like High Roller have mastered the art of captivating user experiences, SMEs can use similar techniques to build stronger relationships with their customers.

Here’s how gamification can transform customer engagement for SMEs and practical steps to implement these strategies.

What is Gamification?

At its core, gamification involves applying game mechanics—such as points, rewards, leaderboards, and challenges—to non-game settings. These elements tap into fundamental human motivations like competition, achievement, and the desire for recognition, making interactions more enjoyable and rewarding.

For instance, online casinos have effectively used loyalty programs, tiered rewards, and interactive gameplay to retain users. SMEs can take inspiration from this model, creating engaging experiences that encourage customers to interact with their brand more frequently and enthusiastically.

Benefits of Gamification for SMEs

Gamification offers several benefits for SMEs aiming to strengthen customer loyalty and engagement:

1. Boost Customer Retention

Gamification keeps customers coming back for more by making their experiences fun and interactive. For example, a coffee shop could implement a digital loyalty app where customers earn points for every purchase, unlocking rewards after reaching specific milestones.

2. Enhance User Engagement

Just as players return to gaming platforms for the thrill of leveling up or achieving new milestones, gamified elements can encourage customers to explore more of what your business offers. For instance, an e-commerce store could introduce a progress bar showing how close customers are to earning free shipping.

3. Encourage Brand Advocacy

Gamification can turn satisfied customers into brand advocates. Creating shareable, competitive elements like leaderboards or social challenges allows customers to engage with your brand while spreading the word among their social circles.

Gamification Strategies for SMEs

Here are practical gamification strategies that SMEs can implement, regardless of their industry:

1. Introduce a Loyalty Program

Create a points-based system where customers earn rewards for specific actions, such as making a purchase, leaving a review, or referring friends. Ensure that the rewards are enticing enough to motivate participation.

2. Use Badges and Levels

Introduce achievement badges or tiered levels based on customer activity. For example, a fitness studio could offer badges for completing a certain number of classes, with higher tiers unlocking exclusive discounts.

3. Host Challenges or Competitions

Encourage customers to participate in challenges that align with your brand. For example, a bakery might create a contest where customers submit photos of their creative cake designs, with winners earning gift cards or discounts.

4. Gamify the Onboarding Process

For businesses with apps or online services, gamifying the onboarding experience can help familiarize customers with your platform. Providing tutorials or small rewards for completing initial tasks can encourage early engagement.

Case Studies in Gamification

Many industries have successfully implemented gamification to enhance customer experiences. For example:

Retail: Brands like Starbucks have embraced gamified loyalty programs, allowing users to earn “stars” through purchases and unlock free items after collecting enough.
Fitness: Apps like Nike Run Club integrate leaderboards and social challenges to keep users motivated and engaged.

SMEs can adapt these principles to fit their unique business models, tailoring the gamification elements to their target audience.

The Role of Technology

Leveraging technology is essential for implementing gamification effectively. Digital platforms, mobile apps, and CRM tools make it easier to track customer interactions and reward behaviors in real time. SMEs can explore partnerships with software providers or use gamification platforms like Badgeville to streamline their efforts.

For more insights into gamification and its psychological impact, resources such as Harvard Business Review provide research-backed perspectives on consumer behavior and engagement strategies.

Conclusion

Gamification offers SMEs a powerful way to connect with their customers by creating experiences that are engaging, interactive, and rewarding. Whether it’s through loyalty programs, challenges, or competitive elements, these strategies can significantly enhance customer engagement while fostering brand loyalty. Drawing inspiration from industries like online gaming, SMEs can adopt creative gamification techniques to stand out in today’s crowded market.

Read more:
How SMEs Can Leverage Gamification Techniques to Enhance Customer Engagement

FXGiants has taken a strategic step to widen its trading portfolio by adding over 300 assets, giving clients more financial instruments to interact with.

This addition includes forex pairs, commodities, metals, indices, shares, and the notable addition of futures CFDs. The extended index is intended to cover the changing requirements of traders who seek to broaden their CFD trading portfolios and tailor strategies according to their market objectives.

The incorporation of futures CFDs is a significant component of this move, highlighting the increased focus of modern clients on advanced trading options. Adding these contracts gives FXGiants’ traders the chance to explore both short-term and long-term market movements. CFDs generally provide clients with more market exposure due to leverage and flexibility compared to traditional financial assets.

This latest expansion underscores the firm’s willingness to adapt its offerings in line with the latest trends, making it a notable choice across different trader demographics.

Robust Trading Infrastructure and Comprehensive Services

FXGiants remains dedicated to providing an environment built on convenience and client-centric services. Since its inception in 2015, the broker has listed a range of services to improve the trading experiences. They put forward competitive spreads, deposit bonuses, adjustable leverage options, and efficient fund transfer processes so that clients can focus on their trading strategies alone.

Also, the broker’s key trading platform, MetaTrader 4, features a variety of components, such as analytical tools, charting capabilities, and customisation options that can enable users to tailor the platform to their unique trading style. Moreover, the firm provides two account types for CFD trading, including Live and STP/ECN, both structured with zero commissions and zero spread options. For deposits and withdrawals, the broker offers instant processing through various payment methods, striving to give users flexibility in managing their funds.

In addition to these offerings, FXGiants has integrated a variety of partnership programs, including Introducing Broker (IB), Affiliate scheme, and White Label for clients and businesses who want to expand their income streams. Through these programs, the company aspires to help partners establish their professional presence in the trading sector.

Adapting to Market Needs and Client Expectations

FXGiants’ decision to expand its CFD trading offerings come amid an environment where market trends and client needs are constantly shifting. The addition of futures CFDs and other financial instruments reflects the company’s proactive approach to staying ahead in the competitive brokerage space. With traders looking for brokers who provide a full suite of financial products, FXGiants responds with a broadened range, aligning with trader preferences for adaptability.

From the very start, FXGiants has signaled its commitment to providing an infrastructure that keeps pace with the demands of modern trading. The broker’s blend of diverse assets, advanced technology, and multi-faceted services is directed to support a trading environment that appeals to a global client base. Overall, the company is set on fostering a trading landscape where each user can advance confidently, backed by a reliable and forward-thinking platform.

All trading involves risk. It is possible to lose all your capital.

FXGiants is a trade name of Notesco Int Limited; a company incorporated in Anguilla with registration number A000001800 and registered address The Valley, AI2640, Cosely Drive, 1338, AI.

Read more:
FXGiants Adds Futures to Its Lineup, Now Offering 300+ CFD Trading Assets

As a homeowner, securing a favourable loan rate can make a significant difference in your long-term financial well-being.

Homeowner loans, also known as home equity loans or second mortgages. This type of loan allows you to leverage the equity built up in your property to access additional financing.

Despite that, it’s still challenging to navigate the complexities of homeowner loan rates, which can be a daunting task. Professional companies can help you get a deeper understanding of the factors that influence them and all you need to know.

A Professional Take

“Homeowner loan rates are a crucial consideration for any property owner looking to access the equity in their home. By understanding the key drivers behind these rates, homeowners can make informed decisions and secure the best possible deal for their financial needs,” according to Gary Hemming, Finance Expert at ABC Finance.

Homeowner rates have many core elements. Influences include the prevailing market interest rates, your credit profile, the amount of equity you have in your home, and the loan term you select. Let’s explore these factors in more detail.

What Influences Homeowner Loan Rates?

Market Interest Rates

The broader economic conditions and the overall interest rate significantly impact the determining factor of homeowner loan rates. When the Bank of England raises benchmark interest rates, it increases homeowner loan rates in a domino effect.

Credit Score and History

Your credit profile is an important factor in the interest rate you’ll receive on a homeowner loan. Lenders assess your creditworthiness by looking at your credit score, payment history, and debt-to-income ratio to determine the level of risk associated with your loan. Borrowers with stronger credit profiles generally qualify for lower interest rates.

Equity in Your Home

The amount of equity you have built up in your property is a key consideration for lenders. The more equity you have, the lower the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, which can translate into more favourable interest rates. Homeowners with significant equity are seen as lower-risk borrowers.

The Loan Term

Shorter-term homeowner loans, such as 5-year or 10-year loans, typically come with lower interest rates compared to longer-term options like 15-year or 20-year loans. With a shorter loan term, the lenders have lower risk.

“Longer-term loans may provide more manageable monthly payments, but a shorter-term option can result in significant interest savings over the life of the loan,” Hemming said.

Strategies for Securing the Best Homeowner Loan Rates

Watch the Market Trends

Stay informed about the current interest rate environment and watch for any changes or fluctuations in the market. This will help you time your homeowner loan application to take advantage of favourable market conditions.

Improve Your Credit Profile

Experts at ABC Finance like Hemming suggest working towards improving your credit score and reducing your debt-to-income ratio. It’s best to do so before applying for a homeowner loan. This will demonstrate to lenders that you are a low-risk borrower, potentially qualifying you for lower interest rates.

Maximise Home Equity

Consider making extra mortgage payments or investing in home improvements to increase the equity in your property. The more equity you have, the better the loan terms you can expect.

Shop Around with Multiple Lenders

Don’t settle for the first offer you receive. Compare rates and terms from multiple lenders, including banks, credit unions, and online providers, ensuring you get the best possible deal.

Negotiate with Lenders

Once you’ve gathered quotes from several lenders, don’t be afraid to negotiate. Lenders may be willing to offer a lower interest rate or more favourable terms to secure your business.

Making It Work

Homeowners can unlock the full potential of their home equity and achieve their financial goals by understanding and using the best strategic approaches. Whether you’re looking to consolidate debt, fund home renovations, or finance a major purchase, a well-structured homeowner loan might be the perfect answer.

Read more:
Homeowner Loan Rates: Unlock the Best Deal for Your Home

On Tuesday, I’ll be joining a Westminster protest for the first time in my life. Yes, me—a man more comfortable behind a laptop than in front of a megaphone, who once thought the height of rural activism was separating the recycling correctly. But something has stirred me into action: the plight of British farmers under proposed changes to inheritance tax.

Now, I’m not a farmer. But for five years, I lived in Little Brington, a beautiful farming village in rural Northamptonshire. It was there that I truly grasped the essence of multi-generational farming. Families whose names have been etched on the same fields for centuries, their livelihoods tied to the land like ancient roots. These families don’t just work the land—they are the land.

When I heard Rachel Reeves announce the proposed changes to inheritance tax, my first reaction was disbelief. These policies feel like they’ve been dreamt up in some Whitehall echo chamber by people who think milk comes from Tesco and wheat arrives pre-sliced. The new rules, which could force families to sell parts of their land to pay inheritance tax, don’t just threaten their livelihoods—they threaten their legacies, their histories, and, frankly, our food security.

If you’ve ever watched Clarkson’s Farm, you’ll know what I’m talking about. Jeremy Clarkson, that unlikely champion of agriculture, peeled back the pastoral curtain to reveal the grim economics of British farming. A farmer might own 400 or 500 acres of land worth £10,000 per acre, plus a farmhouse and some battered machinery totalling another couple of million. On paper, they’re millionaires. But in reality? The average British farmer scrapes by on a profit of around £75,000 in a good year. Factor in bad weather, fluctuating market prices, and skyrocketing costs, and it’s easy to see how the balance sheet ends up looking like a punchline to a bad joke.

Yet under these proposed inheritance tax changes, farmers are being treated like cash-rich oligarchs. Imagine a family that’s spent generations stewarding 500 acres of farmland, only to find that the tax bill when the patriarch or matriarch dies forces them to sell off large chunks of their estate. It’s not just a financial blow—it’s an emotional and cultural gut-punch. And it’s happening at a time when we should be doing everything in our power to protect British farming.

Because let’s be clear: farming is not just about fields and tractors. It’s about feeding a nation. British farmers already face relentless competition from cheap imports and the looming uncertainty of trade agreements. Add punitive inheritance taxes to the mix, and you’re essentially dismantling an industry that’s already hanging by a thread.

Living in Little Brington gave me a front-row seat to the quiet heroism of farming life. I remember waking up to the hum of tractors before sunrise, seeing sheep huddled against winter winds, and chatting with neighbours, who could tell you the exact day their grandfather bought the land we were standing on. Farming isn’t just a job—it’s an identity, a legacy, a calling.

But it’s also relentless, underpaid, and often thankless. Watching Clarkson’s Farm drove home the point that farming isn’t for the faint-hearted. It’s a high-risk, high-stress business where one bad season can spell disaster. And yet, these are the people who ensure that milk, meat, and veg end up on our plates. It’s a responsibility they carry with dignity, even as policymakers pile more weight onto their already bowed shoulders.

This is why I’m standing with British farmers next Tuesday. I’ll be there in my decidedly non-rural coat, probably clutching a thermos of coffee and wondering how exactly to chant without feeling like an idiot. But I’ll also be there because this isn’t just a fight for farmers—it’s a fight for all of us. A fight for the landscapes we love, the food we rely on, and the communities that make Britain what it is.

The proposed inheritance tax changes are not just bad policy—they’re a betrayal of the people who keep this country fed. We’re talking about families who work seven days a week, 365 days a year, in conditions most of us wouldn’t last a day in. And yet they’re expected to swallow the idea that the government can swoop in and take a massive chunk of their estate simply because they’ve had the audacity to die.

This isn’t about special treatment for farmers—it’s about fairness. It’s about recognising that farming is not like other businesses. You can’t liquidate a few hundred acres without fundamentally destroying the operation. You can’t put a price tag on centuries of heritage. And you certainly can’t replace British farmers with faceless conglomerates and expect the same care and commitment to the land.

Ex-Labour adviser John McTernan has suggested that what Starmer is doing to farms is ‘what Thatcher did to coal mines’.

So, yes, I’ll be at Westminster. And I won’t just be protesting the tax changes—I’ll be standing up for the farmers of Little Brington and everywhere else. For the people who rise before dawn to tend to their herds, who battle through rain and snow to harvest their crops, who live and breathe the land in a way most of us will never understand.

This isn’t just their fight—it’s ours too. Because when the farms are gone, we’ll realise too late what we’ve lost. And I, for one, refuse to let that happen without a fight.

If you’d like to join the protest on Tuesday 19th November the organisers are asking people who plan to attend to register online first so they can work with the Metropolitan Police on managing numbers and also communicate maps and itineraries.

Read more:
Why I’m Supporting British Farmers Against Ill-Thought-Out Inheritance Tax Changes

AN online gaming platform is looking for a new CEO to join the company with the power to ‘name their own salary’ and help ‘shape the future of gaming’.

In what it claims is an ‘industry first’, Ancient Gaming is giving an ambitious professional over the age of 21 the chance to step up and help lead ‘one of the industry’s most influential skin gambling’ companies.

‘Skin gambling’ offers a variety of virtual games for players to bet and win ‘new skins’ otherwise known as virtual items within a computer game that can be bought for money or won as a reward for playing good gameplay. These virtual items are contained in ‘loot boxes’ or ‘cases’ which gamers pay small sums for such as a devastating weapon for a shooter game or a striker in a football game who could make the difference in winning a league title.

Skins can be bought through the CSGORoll marketplace, transferred between players into a game in order to give them a competitor advantage. Players can also load up their accounts with funds and place bets on the platform.

Elnaz Gerami, CEO, from This Is It Marketing, who are behind the campaign, said: “Have you ever applied for a job where you get to set your own salary? At CGSORoll, we’re giving ambitious young professionals under 30 the chance to do just that by inviting them to step up and lead us on the next part of our journey. This isn’t your typical role – it’s an unprecedented chance to help shape the future of gaming while setting the terms of your own success.

“Designed to attract passionate, driven individuals, this role offers a fresh approach to leadership, emphasising freedom, creativity, and a bold vision. We’re not looking for someone who just wants a job. We’re seeking someone with a true passion for gaming, a vision to inspire, and the drive to change the game.”

CSGORoll was founded in 2016 by a group of enthusiasts who wanted to create a ‘fair and transparent platform’ for skin gambling. It has become one of the most well-known skin gambling sites in the world. The platform uses a provably fair system to ensure the fairness and transparency of the gameplay. CSGORoll offers a wide variety of virtual games, including roulette, dice, jackpot as well as match betting and more.

The recruitment process for the CEO post involves applicants submitting a 45-second video introducing themselves and their professional background. Once this is reviewed and approved by CSGORoll, participants receive their first clue and are directed a ‘digital scavenger hunt’.  This gaming-inspired hunt features clues hidden as fun symbols, gaming terms, with hints and clues popping up on social media to guide applicants through what is an unconventional application journey.

Elnaz added: “This is a competitive and challenging opportunity, open only to those prepared to bring a fresh perspective to the world of gaming and lead with confidence.

“This rare role invites candidates to become a central figure in the gaming industry, work alongside one of the industry’s most influential skin gambling companies with the freedom to set their own salary. For those who love gaming and are ready to redefine what it means to lead, this is the opportunity of a lifetime.”

Read more:
Set you own salary as gaming’s new boss

The UK housing market showed unexpected resilience in October, with estate agents reporting increased sales, rising buyer inquiries, and a brighter outlook following the Autumn Budget.

Despite pre-budget apprehension, the housing market outperformed expectations, according to the latest survey by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics). Of the 269 estate agents polled, a majority reported more sales in October compared to September, driven in part by buyers seeking to complete transactions ahead of potential budget-related tax changes.

While some agents observed a slowdown in the weeks leading up to the October 30 budget, the overall sentiment was optimistic. “We have had a wave of exchanges and completions, probably prompted by a desire to exchange before the budget,” said Simon Milledge of Jackson-Stops in Blandford Forum, Dorset.

Similarly, John King from Andrew Scott Robertson in Merton, southwest London, attributed October’s surge in activity to a combination of media coverage on potential tax rises and easing mortgage rates.

Ian Perry of Perry Bishop in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, noted: “[There was] a slight hiatus ahead of the budget but the market [is] now perking up again.”

Looking ahead, 34 per cent of estate agents anticipated selling more homes within three months, with even greater confidence about activity levels this time next year.

The survey also found a continued rise in buyer inquiries for the fourth consecutive month, alongside an increase in new listings, creating what the Rics described as a “relatively solid” near-term pipeline. Reflecting this recovery, 16 per cent of respondents believed house prices were rising, a significant shift from two months ago when prices were seen as static.

Tarrant Parsons, head of market analysis at the Rics, highlighted the momentum: “The recent improvement in buyer demand is translating into growth in the number of sales being agreed. Forward-looking sentiment points to this brighter trend continuing in the months ahead.”

However, he warned that a post-budget rise in bond yields, which influence mortgage rates, could pose challenges in the short term.

In the lettings market, tenant demand remained robust over the summer, but supply constraints intensified. A net 29 per cent of letting agents reported a decline in landlord instructions, marking the most negative reading since late 2021.

With rental homes in short supply, most agents expected rents—already at record highs—to continue climbing, further squeezing tenants in a highly competitive market.

Read more:
Housing market rebounds after budget as buyer demand surges

Today, around 99% of all businesses in the UK are classed as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), employing around 61% of the private sector workforce.Yet, despite their critical role in the UK economy, many SMEs are struggling.

A recent study found the number of small businesses in the UK has dropped from 5.9 million in 2020 to 5.5 million today. Many businesses are feeling the squeeze from increased operating costs, slow revenue recovery and, crucially, the ongoing struggle to secure funding.

Addressing these funding challenges is essential to help SMEs to survive and grow, and fintech solutions are making a real impact in this space. PayPal, for example, has stepped in to address a £2.5 billion funding gap facing UK small businesses in the last 10 years through its PayPal Working Capital solution. With its agile approach, PayPal Working Capital offers SMEs a fast and flexible way to access the capital they need, based on their sales history.

 Traditional funding avenues can present roadblocks for small businesses

The UK’s traditional lending system can present challenges to smaller and newer businesses, with extensive documentation, lengthy approval times, and strict lending criteria creating barriers for SMEs. In April 2024, for example, the Treasury Committee reported that small businesses face ‘needlessly tougher’ conditions due to restrictive measures from banks and regulators, which can hold them back from securing essential funds.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has also voiced concerns over declining funding success rates. Prior to the pandemic, 65% of SMEs were able to secure funding, a figure that fell to 61% in 2023. As a result, businesses seeking reliable financing are increasingly turning to fintech options as a more accessible and adaptable alternative. In fact, according to research done by Sonovate in 2023, four in ten SMEs prefer fintech lenders over mainstream banks when seeking business finance.

 Fintech solutions provide SMEs with alternative funding options

From managing cash flow to purchasing inventory, investing in technology or upskilling staff, SMEs depend on financing to support their growth. Fortunately, fintech solutions, like PayPal Working Capital, present SMEs with alternative financing options that are easy to apply and manage.

SMEs need modern funding solutions suited to the realities of running a small business, and options such as PayPal Working Capital present an appealing alternative. Unlike traditional business loans from banks, PayPal Working Capital provides funding based on an SME’s PayPal sales history. This helps to enable businesses to borrow up to 35% of their annual PayPal sales without the need to demonstrate extensive financial forecasts. The application process is quick and straightforward, with funds available fast.

Moreover, with PayPal Working Capital small businesses choose the percentage of their PayPal sales that will go toward repaying the cash advance so it can be tailored to suit the business’ cash flow needs. Repayments are tied to daily sales, which means businesses pay more when they have high sales and less during slower periods. With a single fixed fee, business owners are freed from ongoing interest charges and have a clear view of total repayment costs, meaning no unwelcome surprises.

How can fintech solutions help your business to grow?

Since its inception in 2014, PayPal Working Capital has distributed £2.5 billion to 58,000 UK businesses across a variety of sectors. From fashion to auto-parts, these cash advances have allowed small businesses to flourish in today’s challenging economic landscape3. Nine out of 10 (91%) of these businesses have said their revenue either increased or remained steady thanks to the funding they received.

The London Candle Company is one of the businesses that has benefitted from PayPal Working Capital. A small business focused on selling high-quality, competitively priced candles in bulk to businesses in the catering and hospitality industry, The London Candle Company took advantage of PayPal Working Capital’s innovative approach to repayments.

“PayPal Working Capital has been so helpful when I’ve needed to stock up on bulk candles ahead of the busy winter months, especially because I need to pay my suppliers right away,” Founder and Managing Director, Jonathan Welland explains, “I’ve found it simple and easy to use too, as you choose the percentage of your sales that you pay towards the advance – you’ve still got cash flow coming in but you’re only losing a portion of it. And before I know it, it’s been paid.”

Small business owners across the UK, like Jonathan, are already making the most of fintech models, which are rapidly transforming the traditional lending industry. Could your business be next? Discover more information about PayPal Working Capital and empower the expansion of your business.

Any information provided is general only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs.

Read more:
How fintech financing is plugging the £2.5 billion funding gap for small businesses in the UK

UK export growth could shrink by up to £8.5 billion over two years if a full-scale US-China trade war erupts, Allianz Trade has warned.

A protracted trade conflict between the world’s two largest economies could severely impact the UK’s manufacturing sector, according to Allianz Trade, the trade credit division of the global insurance and investment manager Allianz, formerly known as Euler Hermes.

The organisation cautioned that an escalation of US tariffs on China to 60 per cent for all goods—both critical and non-critical—and 10 per cent for imports from the rest of the world could result in significant economic fallout. However, Allianz Trade described such a scenario as “unlikely,” highlighting the detrimental effects on the US economy itself, including a projected 1.2 percentage point hit to GDP growth and a 0.6 percentage point rise in inflation by 2026.

Global trade would also feel the pinch, with growth potentially slowing by 2.4 percentage points under the maximum-tariff scenario.

A more moderate tariff increase—raising existing US tariffs on Chinese imports from 13 per cent to 25 per cent and introducing smaller hikes of 5 per cent for imports from other countries (excluding Mexico and Canada)—could still hinder UK export growth by approximately £2.2 billion over two years. It would also reduce global trade growth by 0.6 percentage points, Allianz Trade noted.

Capital Economics offered a more optimistic view, arguing that the UK’s direct exposure to potential Trump-era tariffs would be limited. Unlike China, Mexico, or the European Union, the UK does not run a significant trade surplus in goods with the US. Trade in goods between the two nations is broadly balanced, with the UK’s services exports—twice the value of its goods exports—unlikely to be affected by tariffs.

Capital Economics estimated that a hypothetical 10 per cent tariff on all UK goods exported to the US would result in a negligible impact on UK GDP, ranging from -0.1 per cent to +0.1 per cent. This is due to the likely exemption of services exports and the offsetting effect of a weaker pound, which would make UK goods more competitively priced in US markets.

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US-China trade war risks wiping £8.5bn from UK exports, warns Allianz Trade