Developing a functional food or nutraceutical?
We’re increasingly seeing a disconnect between the scope of protection available through patent use claims for…
UK Economic Review: Resilient Growth Amid Persistent Cost Pressures
The UK economy delivered a positive surprise in Q2, with GDP growing 0.4% between April and June — ahead of economist expectations despite ongoing cost pressures on businesses and households. Services and manufacturing were the main drivers, with warm weather and the World Cup providing a boost to hospitality and leisure. Chancellor John Healey highlighted the UK's position as the fastest-growing G7 economy this year, while acknowledging the need to "drive growth in every postcode."
The labour market presents a more subdued picture. Job vacancies have fallen to their lowest level in over five years, and payrolled employment is down year-on-year, though unemployment has remained steady at 4.9%. Wage growth continues (regular earnings up 3.5% annually), but graduate opportunities have nearly halved over the past twelve months, reflecting intensifying competition across the market.
Inflation rose to 2.9% in July, driven primarily by higher energy costs following Ofgem's 13% increase to the price cap, alongside broader pressures linked to the Middle East conflict. Retail spending also softened, with hot weather dampening non-food sales, though food and drink performed well, buoyed by England's World Cup run.
On the fiscal front, government borrowing came in well above forecast, which may constrain the Chancellor's options ahead of the Autumn Budget on 28 October.
In summary: the UK economy is showing welcome resilience, though underlying cost pressures and a cooling labour market remain key themes to watch.
Source: Quilter Economic Review - September 2026, review of August
Are you managing your money in a way that improves your life?
Do you know if you have enough? Is your wealth working as hard as it should? Is your pension…
Travel planning, Family Holidays
Lapland 2026: The ultimate guide to Santa, snow and...
Few family holidays create quite the same sense of anticipation as Lapland. One moment you’re wrapped up in thermal…
Why Small Businesses Struggle with HR and How to Fix It
Let’s be honest. Most small business owners don’t start their business dreaming of writing contracts or dealing with…
More Articles
Hr consulting, HR Consultancy, Flexible working
The 8 Reasons You Can Refuse Flexible Working Requests...
We were speaking with a client recently who said they are seeing more and more flexible working requests coming…
Be your own boss, Dog Walking Business
Launching a Pet Business with PHG
𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀. 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 a pet care 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁…
Debt Advice, Debt Managment, Finacial advice
Meet the team behind Debt Correct 👋
15+ years of experience.
One team. Real people.
Behind every case is a team of experienced professionals who understand…
