News

We have been reviewing our portfolio strategy over the last quarter, and I thought it would be interesting to share with you the thoughts of our Chief Investment Officer, Jonathan Prout. The investment team have had a very strong 24 months, investing sensibly through volatile markets and I think his commentary underlines the risk aware, common-sense approach to investing that has served our clients well. “It is now more than six months since hostilities began in the Middle Ea

Labour's annual conference is being held in Liverpool, a city that symbolises both economic renewal and also underlines the Labour party’s complicated relationship with business. Liverpool is seeking billions of pounds of private investment to transform its waterfront, build new commercial developments and create jobs. This regeneration reflects the success seen in Greater Manchester under Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who, as mayor, helped attract investment through infrastru

As widely expected, the Bank of England (BoE) left UK interest rates unchanged at 3.75% at this week's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting. However, while rates were left on hold, the vote split of 6-3 and the tone of the accompanying statement, suggest policymakers remain alert to inflation risks and are not yet ready to declare victory over rising prices. Three MPC members, including Chief Economist Huw Pill, voted in favour of a 0.25% rate increase. This reflects growi

It is not just political headlines that matter, what we should always consider is the actual detail further down the page: does the policy agenda encourage growth, investment, and confidence? That question is becoming increasingly relevant in the UK as Andy Burnham's national profile continues to rise. Having established himself as an effective communicator, generally pragmatic in approach, he has shown a willingness to adapt his views when circumstances change. Yet popularit