Like many of you, I’ve been working at home for the last few weeks in line with government decree. With a four-year-old son around, it hasn’t always been plain sailing, and while it’s been great to spend more time with my family it’s naturally hard to balance a work and home life. With schools and nurseries now officially closed until further notice, and millions of children confined to their own homes, it can be difficult to explain to kids exactly what is going on. My son has asked me several times why he’s not able to see his friends or his grandparents! So, what are the best ways to talk to the young people in your life about what’s happening,... Read More

It’s been a strange few weeks. Less than a month ago we were going to work, watching football, and seeing friends and family while being urged to carefully wash our hands. At the time of writing the country is in lockdown in an attempt to save the lives of thousands. It’s at times like this when it’s good to reflect on what really matters. Maybe you’ve managed to spend more quality time with your family? Maybe you’ve filled the time reconnecting with a hobby or passion that you enjoy? Or maybe you’ve just had time to sort out those little admin jobs you’ve been putting off for weeks? Going back to basics can sometimes be really helpful. So, in these... Read More

We’re currently in the middle of a once-in-a-generation public health emergency. By the end of last week, more than 140,000 cases of the coronavirus had been recorded around the world, with more than 5,300 deaths attributed to Covid-19. As governments across the world introduce drastic measures to try and contain the spread of the virus, one of the most immediate consequences of the outbreak has been the impact on global stock markets. In the month to 13th March 2020, the FTSE 100 lost around 27% of its value. Source: London Stock Exchange Indices around the world have suffered similar losses. However, while you may be justifiably concerned about the short-term volatility of the markets, it’s important to remain calm and... Read More

I know it’s only March, but have you started organising your work Christmas party yet? Chances are the answer to that question is ‘no’. It’s months away, right? Right now, all you know is that there will be a Christmas do of some description. As it comes closer, however, you need to start working on the detail. Where will you go? How many people is it for? What’s the budget? Then, as it gets even nearer, you have to start thinking about granular detail like: who will sit where? Who needs a taxi to the event? And are you having the Christmas pudding or the cheesecake? In many ways, planning your retirement is the same. You might be at the... Read More

This week, Rishi Sunak has delivered the first Budget of the new Conservative government. With a large majority behind him, the theme of the Chancellor’s speech was to deliver the promises made in the party’s election manifesto or, as Sunak himself repeatedly said, to ‘get things done’. Of course, the coronavirus outbreak has significantly changed the Chancellor’s plans. Opening his speech, Sunak said: “We will rise to this challenge – this virus is the key challenge facing our country today.” With a package of measures designed to support the economy through the spread of coronavirus, plus a pledge to deliver manifesto promises, who were the winners and losers in the 2020 Budget? Winners Borrowers Even before the Budget began, the... Read More