News Archive

BP - 50 Years In The North Sea

September 2014 marked 50 years since the award to BP of Licence P.001, the UK North Sea licence that started it all.  It is a journey that has seen BP present for each of those 50 years and that continues to this day.  

Make the Most of the Sales by Earning Cash Back With Bank of Scotland Everyday Offers

In the year since Bank of Scotland launched Everyday Offers, Bank of Scotland customers have benefitted by earning up to 15% cash back on their everyday spending at places including Argos, The Body Shop, Morrisons and O2, through the initiative.  During the festive sales, it's not too late for savvy shoppers to make the most of their spending by selecting the participating merchants they want to activate for use on their next purchases.  

No Hiding for Those with History of Violence Says Rhoda Grant MSP

Highland and Islands (Scottish Labour) MSP, Rhoda Grant is backing the roll out of an anti-domestic abuse scheme across Scotland following a trial period that was piloted in Aberdeen and Ayrshire in November this year.   The Police Scotland "Domestic Abuse Disclosure Scheme" which allows for men and woman to request information on whether their partner has a history of domestic violence has already received 15 applications in the trial areas and is being tested in Scotland following the introduction of the scheme in England and Wales following the murder of Clare Wood in Salford in 2009 by her ex-partner who has a previous record of domestic violence and abuse.  

Consumer Trends, Q3 2014

In Q3 2014, household spending (adjusted for inflation) grew by 0.9% (£2.5 billion).   The main contribution to growth can be seen in 'Transport' which has increased by 2.9% compared with Q2 2014.  

£26.7bn Payout From The Bank Of Mum And Dad In 2014

- Over £10bn (39%) goes towards younger family members' home buying costs.   - Over half of over-55s feel responsible for helping adult children financially.  

Tidal Stream Turbines Improvements by Alstom

Alstom has taken advantage of its experience with the 1 MW turbine to improve the design of its tidal stream turbine.  They are now offering the Oceade™ 18 - 1.4 MW, making the turbine even more efficient, cost-effective and easy to maintain.  

Christmas Comes Early for Energy Switchers

For the first time ever, fixed rate energy tariffs dominate the top 10 cheapest deals on the market, all offering average bills below £1,000, according to analysis from MoneySuperMarket.   Traditionally the cheaper tariffs offered by energy suppliers were reserved for variable rate online only deals but, for the first time ever the best buy table is dominated by fixed rate deals which are all under £1,000.  

Freeze, Don't Squeeze in 2015: Hold Interest Rates to Protect Hard Pressed Households

With all the major political parties committed to deficit reduction next year, IPPR's chief economist warns in his annual New Year Message, that the greatest risk to Britain's economy is not rampant inflation but stagnation and deflation caused by rapid rate rises.  Writing for the Left Foot Forward blog, he urges the Bank of England to "freeze, don't squeeze" in 2015.  

UK Buy-to-Let: A Look Back at the Market in 2014

In 2014 Britain saw the highest annual increase of house prices amongst EU member states.  In fact, data by the he Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) revealed that the UK was in fact one of the OECD nations with the biggest rise in real house prices, with a 90%+ growth from the 1980s until the beginning of the financial crisis in 2009.  

Asking Prices Set To Rise In 2015

Home.co.uk predicts the South East and East of England will be among the biggest winners over the next 12 months.   The property market in England and Wales is set for continued growth in 2015, with asking prices likely to rise by around 7%.