15.9 C
London
Thursday, 6 November 2025
type here...
Home Blog Page 2

Finance tips to help navigate through the coronavirus pandemic

By
Kyle Faulkner
-
0
Finance tips

The crisis of the coronavirus pandemic has left many people out of work and those who have kept their jobs are looking at reduced hours. Working from home had become the norm for many workers where entire companies had to adapt to this increasingly growing pandemic. While physical distancing is still in place many events have been cancelled from weddings to a simple holiday.

With these fresh points on your mind it has become a lot harder for households to financially plan. As to not put you in future financial troubles we have a short guide on some tips you can follow to help you through the coronavirus pandemic.

Reducing your costs at home

Due to factories, businesses and companies being closed the price of electricity has dropped across the globe. In the UK you can get a dual electricity and gas tariff for 750 pounds a year for an average sized house. With many people working from home – cutting back on your energy bills is a great way to stay afloat during the pandemic time. The UK government has also come out and said that they are extending them three-month payment holiday on mortgages by another 3 months. It’s recommended to take advantage of this scheme if you are in financial trouble as it could greatly help you out.

Claim lost income

Depending on your households income, the rent you pay and other factors such as children – you could be eligible to claim benefits to top up your income. Turn2U is the charity that is helping people out in this time and they have a calculator on their website to help households understand what they could be eligible for.

If your annual income is 60,000 pounds or less and you have children you can restart your child benefit scheme. It’s worth up to 1,820 pounds a year if your family has two children. Families who never claimed it to begin with or had opted out are still eligible to opt back into the program.

Will it be tougher to get a mortgage?

By
Kyle Faulkner
-
0
The Bank of England

The Bank of England has been informed by mortgage providers that the chances of getting a new home will drop significantly in the upcoming months. The news comes from fewer mortgage products being offered meaning only a select few individuals would fulfil the criteria if they were to pursue the endeavour.

Due to the financial strain that the coronavirus pandemic has had on the economy, lenders are more cautious offering their products to Britons. With the government income support slowing down as well, there is a growing concern over a rising unemployment rate which would affect mortgage payments.

From all of these circumstances lenders are hesitant to dish out deals to the public as they can’t afford people defaulting on their payments. Additionally there are signs that the property market in the UK is falling despite all of the schemes in place to counteract it.

With less mortgage products available for the public, the ones that are being offered are offering a smaller deposit. Sources indicate that there is only one deal that offers a two year fixed rate with a 5 percent deposit. Before the crisis there were 137 products offering a similar deal. While there are still many products offering higher deposit deals, there is a long way to go before the mortgage market returns to normal.

Mortgages aren’t the only things being affected during the pandemic. Loan providers are also telling banks that they are less likely to hand out approvals despite the high demand.

While the beginning of the lockdown created a lot of hesitancy on the market, many providers were optimistic that it would recover quickly. However due to the trends we are seeing from numerous providers and the banks, it is unlikely for the lending industry to return to normal any time soon.

UK’s Billionaire Richard Branson

By
Oliver Sharpe
-
0
Richard Branson

Sir Richard Branson is perhaps one of Britain’s best known billionaire, the founder and leader of Virgin Group is worth approximately $4.1 billion and is responsible for controlling more than 400 companies. The billionaire became interested in business ventures even from a very young age and began a mail order record business in 1970 then known as Virgin Records. The business experienced rapid growth in the 1980s and he expanded his business ventures to start the Virgin Atlantic Airline and a music label. He also founded his own spaceflight company called Virgin Galatic in 2004 with the aim of promoting space tourism.

Richard Branson famously received his knighthood in 2000 for his entrepreneurship and is very well known for his outgoing and slightly eccentric character, humanitarian work and business ventures across the globe. He is one of the richest men in the United Kingdom.

The billionaire was born in Blackheath, London and recived his education in Surrey and Buckinghamshire. He struggled in his school years due to dyslexia. His parents also had an entrepreneurial spirit and were very supportive of his business ventures. He began his life in London as a squatter between 1967 and 1968 and began his career by trying to sell Christmas Tree before he started a magazine called student, less than a year later he had already amassed a net worth of £50,000.

When he started his record store business he was able to grow quickly and make sales because he was able to undercut the prices of larger retailers. The name ‘Virgin’ was selected for his business because he was relatively new to business and because he and his employees were new to business.

Though he has seen his net worth drop recently he continues to be one of the most successful British entrepreneurs in the modern age.

What will the UK economy look like in 2050?

By
Courtney Rowe
-
0
UK economy

Economic forecasts for 2050 predict that the UK will remain a top ten global economy and that its economic growth is likely to outpace the growth of major European Union countries such as Germany, France and Italy. The country’s economic growth potential is however likely to be hampered, at least in the short term, by the impacts of Brexit and the coronavirus pandemic. Forecasts for 2050 by PwC do however predict that the UK is likely to fall from 5th to 9th place in the global economic rankings by the time of 2050. The UK’s position in the global economic rankings is expected to be buoyed by their larger than average share of working-age population when compared to other top ranking countries.

The countries continued economic strength will be reliant on their ability to continue to attract and retain top talent however, with some fearing that there may be an exodus following Brexit and a reduction in immigration from skilled workers. Successful trade relationship with major emerging markets like China (which has already overtaken the USA as the world’s largest economy) and India will also be key to the UK’s success in the future. India is expected to also overtake the US in the world’s economy ranking by 2050. Predictions for 2050 also show that Indonesia is likely to overtake the UK and other major markets such as Germany, Japan, Brazil and Russia.

By the time of 2050 it is expected that the E7, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Russia and Turkey may represent close to 50% of the world GDP.

Even if Brexit had not happened the UK would have needed to rely on these emerging markets for growth. Now that the UK has broken away from the EU, strong trade relationships with the E7 will be even more important going forward.

 

The decline of the US on the world stage

By
Nathan Bailey
-
0
Donald Trump

The President of the United States, Donald Trump, has received a lot of criticism as of late for his handling of the coronavirus crisis. In March 2020 he proudly announced that between 100,000 and 200,000 deaths only would constitute a good job – the statement was seen as a sign of success for the President of the US as projections for the death toll were as high as 2.2 million but the world reacted with horror to the announcement.

In China news about Trump and his comments began to trend with many criticising the way the country had handled the crisis. Since the beginning of the pandemic the world has looked on with the headlines highlighting the vast issues in the US. The country quickly overtook other countries as the nation with the most cases of coronavirus and it became clear that the hospitals, police force and government were not prepared to properly handle the onslaught of sick people.

The tide has turned when it comes to public perception of the US as the world’s most developed nation with many around the globe lamenting the countries issues with healthcare, police brutality and crisis management. Recent global events have hurt the reputation of the US immensely and this will have far reaching consequences, especially when it comes to their relationship with China. In the past China as an emerging nation has always viewed the US with a level of respect and awe, but now as the world’s largest economy and with an increasingly connected, young population, the country is now coming to the realization that the US is no longer the check that it used to be for Chinese growth.

Many of the weaknesses of the US have now been exposed and it looks set to change the way the world works moving forward.

Meet the First Independent Filipina Artist Who Made it to the Times Square Billboard – Red Tan

By
Daniel Storey
-
0
Red Tan
Red Tan

Sometimes beautiful things are born out of personal tragedy – this is what happened to Red Tan. After losing her husband, the singer decided to chase her dreams and become a full-time artist. She was first discovered by Chris Grayston, the producer of Open Mic UK contest, in which the singer took part after winning Bronze medals at the World Championships of Performing Arts in LA.

Red Tan is the first pure Filipina independent artist who with her talent and passion, was featured on a billboard in Times Square. “I’m a full-blooded Filipina. I was born and raised in a humble town in Manila and my parents are from Southern Leyte and Agusan del Norte Philippines. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that one day my music could go international and would be in the world’s famous advertising spot.” Red Tan points out in her interview.

Red Tan

Despite a trendy electronic sound common for her music, an attentive listener will be able to recognize Red Tan’s Asian roots – it’s like she exhibits the same unguided vigor and enchanting feast that K-pop artists often share. For only Red Tan is from Philippines – and she is ready to bring P-pop to the mainstream music.

Red Tan has already released a number of songs from her upcoming EP, including “Don’t You Dare”, “Don’t Let Go”, “Be There For You” and the latest is “Toxic”. She wrote her first single “Don’t You Dare” in a small Airbnb apartment in Southampton, UK and recorded it together with a sound producer Luke Adams at River Studios in the same town. Her music, in general, is a callback to Lady Gaga’s dance-pop era, albeit wrapped in more current sound and accompanied with rounder vocal arrangements.

The singer’s music video which was directed by Loraa White and her new release, “Toxic” which supports Women’s Aid UK were both featured on five boards in Times Square. This is a good reminder how pop music remains one of the greatest platforms to tackle social issues and spread the word to the public. The music industry is a challenging and dynamic arena, and with cut-throat competition, only the best can survive. But despite all the challenges, Red Tan has made a place for herself in this constantly evolving environment with her addictive and soulful music.

Listen to the song here:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2DwVUeMpUF3OVPL3VHD4CH

www.redtanmusic.com

Red Tan

 

Boohoo being investigated for underpaying workers

By
Sienna Flynn
-
0
Boohoo

British online fashion brand, Boohoo has promised to act on any recommendations made to them by their legal counsel who are investigating their supply chain in the UK after allegations were made that they were paying workers in their Leicester factories below the minimum wage. Boohoo has not yet published the results of the report or findings on the current investigation into the allegations.

The independent review by the brands lawyers is being managed by Alison Levitt QC who said that results of the investigation would be finalised by September and will include recommendations for Boohoo to assess. The finalization of the report is ahead of the originally expected schedule which would have seen results a full four months later. Boohoo has promised to provide updates on the report along with their half year results at the end of September.

The independent review aims to examine the fashion brands obligations and duties to their workforce in Leicester and will involve public calls for evidence. The review will try to determine if the allegations of underpayment are true and will also try to work out whether or not Boohoo was aware, or should have been aware of the issues at their Leicester supply chain if underpayment was occurring. The review will also look at whether Boohoo has been properly complying with laws in the UK. A number of clear and actionable recommendations are expected to come out of the report. Boohoo has grown exponentially in just fifteen years, going from being a small three person business to be a huge operation with more than 5,000 workers. The retailers share price has taken a considerable hits since the allegations were made after an undercover reporter revealed that factory workers were allegedly being paid well below minimum wage.

Tech for growth programme launched

By
Michael Nash
-
0
Tech for growth programme launched

The UK has launched a new ‘Tech for Growth’ programme aimed at supporting the growth of trading relationships between the UK and emerging economies.

The programme is set to begin in Africa where technology will be used to improve access to financial services. It’s anticipated that the programme will also be implemented across South East Asia and Latin America in future years.

In its first year the programme will aim to expand the access of African communities to financial services, it will also look to deliver an expansion of the FinTech trade by identifying commercial opportunities and managing the barriers to the trade in Africa. Additionally the programme will seek to collaborate with governments and regulators in the region with the aim of improving trade partnerships between the UK and Africa.

The programme comes as the UK recognises the vital role that technology will play in the global post-pandemic recovery. The country is uniquely positioned to push tech innovation in emerging countries because it is home to the headquarters of some of the biggest tech companies in the world.

The ‘Tech For Growth’ programme will involve a research programme which will investigate the barriers to trade and will aim to find opportunities to improve technology to enhance trade relationships. Private and public partners to the programme will help to address the barriers and underlying issues that limit trade between the UK and Africa.

‘Tech For Growth’ recognises the important role that emerging markets will play in the growth of the UK’s economy in future decades – it’s expected that emerging markets will be the key source of growth for the UK imports and export markets in future decades. Removing the trade barriers in emerging nations will help the UK to remain as one of the top ten major global economies.

The free Britney campaign

By
Victoria Rhodes
-
0
Britney Spears

The legal standing and rights of Britney Spears has gained a lot of attention in recent months, with fans calling for an end to the conservatorship that she has lived under for more than ten years. Despite the fact that the singer has maintained a highly successful career as a singer and has brought in millions each year, since a ruling by a judge in 2008 the singer has needed to seek the permission of her father to do things as simple as drive a car, leave her home, hire a lawyer or even to vote. Conservatorships are designed to allow guardians to make decisions about people who cannot take care of themselves, the idea being that guardians will be tasked with looking after the healthcare and financial decisions of their charge. The conservatorship for the singer was only supposed to be temporary, following her 2007 breakdown and time spent in rehab, but it has been extended on several occasions.

Now, with the increased attention many fans are questioning whether the singer  can even vote despite her passionate political stances. At the start of her conservatorship it is likely that she was ineligible to vote because of California law, although it has since change and now means that she will be recognised as able to vote unless proven incompetent in a courtroom.

The singers conservatorship is reviewed on a yearly basis (or every two years) under California law, although the singer can petition the court to review her case at any point in time. Unable to speak out on the specifics of her conservatorship and with the details under lock and key, most people can only speculate about what the singer feels about the situation. With the singer seemingly capable of maintaining a high profile career, calls to review the arrangement do not seem unreasonable.

How self-made millionaire Dan Legg escaped from the Grey UK to a penthouse in Dubai

By
Daniel Storey
-
0
Dan Legg
Dan Legg

Dan Legg’s story is one for the ages, a child born in Spain, he and his family emigrated to the UK when he was a child and lived the working-class life for many years. Dan, ever the achiever, began to dream of living a life of luxury and excitement and saw his opportunity from reading countless success stories from investors. Utilising his newfound penchant for investments and a studious work ethic, he turned a £2,000 investment in the Forex Market to a multi-million pound empire with careful investments and a few harsh lessons. Showing no signs of slowing down Dan has proven that you only need an honest spirit, integrity, and a stringent work ethic to make something out of nothing.

Now heading the illustrious TeamFX  Educational firm, he’s cultivated a life that most of us dream to have. Through the successes and lessons along the way he’s also managed to hang onto his grounded upbringing while still living it up in the ways self-made successes often do. Even going a step further and beginning to offer free classes through his YouTube and Investment sites.

His sunny disposition has led to his new sun-soaked locale on the shores of Dubai. During the height of the pandemic in lockdown-stricken UK, Dan was able to secure the £3m penthouse and is now living a lavish lifestyle in the infamous city of millionaires. With restrictions heavily rescinded in the United Arab Emirates, it’s one of the few slices of paradise with an air of normalcy in the air, even if the city itself is like none other in the world.

The change in location was more than COVID based, although that was certainly a factor with the tempestuous European situation. For several years, Dan Legg has made several trips to the sparkled city and fell in love with the lifestyle on display – deciding many years ago that this was more his speed. After all, this is the entrepreneur who splurged on the ultimate Ibiza 21st experience – yet through all these winding roads, he has no sign of slowing down, and certainly no signs of forgetting his roots.

Using the penthouse as his base of operations, Dan will still continue his streak of trading, teaching and a mixture of philanthropic adventures along the way. Through his personal site, Dan Legg and his trading one, his updates will no doubt keep the world updated on his latest adventures and ventures into the great beyond. In fact, rumours are abound that he will be dipping his toe into the property market and delving into a brand new revenue stream with a few lessons for all of us along the way.

123...12Page 2 of 12

Editor Picks

Must read

Popular categories