Author: Sam Allcock

UK market growth is gaining traction as the FTSE 100 looks set for an upward trend, reflecting renewed economic confidence. The index has seen a 0.27% rise in futures, following last week’s 1.1% gain, indicating positive sentiment across UK financial markets. This growth comes at a time when key economic and regulatory developments are shaping the country’s financial landscape. Economic Shifts and Regulatory Reforms The British Finance Minister is in talks with regulators to introduce a simplified business regulation framework, aiming to reduce red tape and stimulate economic expansion. However, the Resolution Foundation has warned of a looming £4.4 billion…

Mirakl AI investment is driving a bold expansion as the company aims to surpass £155M in revenue by 2025. The French SaaS powerhouse, renowned for its marketplace solutions, has reported strong 2024 financial results and is now allocating unprecedented resources to artificial intelligence (AI). AI: The Competitive Edge in E-Commerce AI is rapidly transforming e-commerce, revolutionising logistics, advertising, and customer experience. Mirakl is well aware of this shift and is making AI a core driver of its growth. The company, valued at £2.75B since 2021, has reported an annual recurring revenue (ARR) of £137M for 2024—a 15% year-on-year increase. The…

With UK property prices set to rise 21.6% in the next five years, investors are looking for ways to maximise returns. The key? Finding the right UK property investment partner. The UK remains a prime location for real estate investment, attracting both domestic and international buyers. A stable market, strong rental demand, and a transparent legal system make it an appealing choice. However, investing in UK property isn’t just about choosing the right location—it requires navigating tax regulations, financing structures, and legal requirements. Without the right investment partner, even experienced buyers can face costly mistakes. Why UK Property Investment Remains…

New research highlights a sharp increase in UK investment in the Middle East, with business leaders prioritising the region for expansion. A growing number of UK businesses are setting their sights on the Middle East as a prime investment destination, with interest doubling in recent years. According to a new study by leading advisory firm Pagefield, 36% of UK business leaders now view the region as a key growth hub—up from just 18% previously. Middle East Investment Gains Momentum As UK firms look to diversify, the Middle East has emerged as a high-potential market alongside Asia, where investment interest has…

Atoa has secured FCA Authorised Payment Institution status, enabling it to scale operations and offer regulated payment services across multiple industries. UK-based FinTech firm Atoa has received Authorised Payment Institution (API) approval from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This milestone allows Atoa to expand its payment solutions, reaching larger businesses across the UK. What This Means for Atoa With its new status, Atoa can now offer a broader range of regulated payment services, targeting industries such as hospitality, retail, law, beauty, and automotive. The company’s solutions allow businesses to process payments without relying on card networks, enhancing speed and efficiency.…

The UK FinTech funding sector maintained its position as the second-largest globally in 2024, trailing only the US. However, despite securing $4.9 billion in investments, the industry experienced a five-year funding low, marking a 2% decline from 2023 and a staggering 57% drop from 2022. A Tracxn report attributes this downturn to several factors, including tighter regulations, inflationary pressures, and rising interest rates. The evolving digital asset and payment compliance landscape has also created uncertainty among investors, leading to more cautious funding decisions. FinTech Sector’s 2024 Performance Last year, the fintech sector secured $4.9 billion across 327 funding rounds, which…

The financial sector is facing increasing regulatory scrutiny in 2025, with the Critical Third Parties (CTP) regulation now in effect. Introduced by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA), the CTP regime aims to ensure that financial organisations and their key suppliers are equipped to handle digital disruptions and operational risks. Why the CTP Regulation Matters Modern financial institutions rely heavily on a small number of third-party providers to support their services. While these partnerships improve efficiency, they also introduce vulnerabilities. A cyber-attack, power outage, or operational failure within a critical supplier can significantly impact consumers,…

The Bank of England rate cuts may face a pause as rising inflation sparks concerns among policymakers. Despite a recent quarter-point rate cut, the UK’s economic landscape is becoming more uncertain, with higher energy and food costs driving inflationary pressures. According to a Yahoo Finance report, the Bank of England, often known for its unpredictable policy decisions, is now weighing its next move carefully. The decision is complicated by increased employer payroll taxes, which could affect business growth and hiring trends across the country. Inflation and Its Impact on Rate Decisions Recent economic data suggest that inflation is being pushed…

The UK manufacturing output fell by 1.1% in January 2025, following a modest increase of 0.6% in December 2024, according to the latest economic indicators. The sector, which plays a crucial role in the UK’s production industries, continues to face challenges, including declining new orders, weaker client confidence, and rising inflation. Manufacturing’s Role in the UK Economy Manufacturing is a vital part of the UK’s production sector, alongside mining, electricity, water & waste management, and oil & gas extraction. In the final quarter of 2024, manufacturing contributed 8.6% to the UK’s total economic output (gross value added) and 8.0% to…

The UK economic growth rate declined in January 2025, with GDP shrinking by 0.1%, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This unexpected contraction follows a 0.4% growth in December 2024, raising concerns about the economy’s stability. What is GDP and Why Does it Matter? Gross Domestic Product (GDP) measures the total value of goods and services produced in a country. It reflects the economic activity of businesses, the government, and individuals. The ONS releases monthly GDP updates, but quarterly figures are more significant for understanding long-term trends. A rising GDP generally means higher consumer…