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The UK bus manufacturing sector took a major step forward on 13 March, as industry leaders and Metro Mayors gathered for the first-ever UK Bus Manufacturing Panel. The initiative aims to support British bus production, strengthen local economies, and accelerate the shift toward zero-emission transport. Held at the Canon Medical Arena in Sheffield, the event brought together key industry players, including representatives from Alexander Dennis, the Urban Transport Group, the Confederation of Passenger Transport, and local government leaders. Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood hosted the event, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to modernising public transport. Driving Growth in British Bus Manufacturing…

Cement manufacturer Cimpor entered the UK market, marking a significant milestone in its global expansion strategy. The move follows a change in ownership in 2024 and a fresh wave of capital investment. The company registered Cimpor UK Limited in April 2024, establishing its base in Cheadle. As part of its expansion efforts, Cimpor has committed between £17m and £21m (€20m-€25m) to develop a state-of-the-art terminal at the Port of Bristol. Strengthening Global Supply Chains Cimpor’s UK expansion is a strategic step aimed at enhancing its global supply chain. Berkan Fidan, Chief Technology Officer of Cimpor Global, emphasised the company’s commitment…

Investor sentiment towards UK and European markets is strengthening as confidence in US stocks declines, according to a recent Hargreaves Lansdown survey. The study found that investor confidence in North America dropped 17% in March, with concerns over new US policies. Meanwhile, sentiment towards the UK surged by 16%, and confidence in European markets jumped by 48%. With renewed interest in UK investment trusts, here are two promising options for investors seeking exposure to local markets. 1. Schroder European Real Estate Investment Trust (SERE) The Schroder European Real Estate Investment Trust (LSE: SERE) is currently trading at a 35.2% discount…

A growing number of UK pension savers want their money invested in domestic businesses, according to a new study by the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA). The research found that 53% of savers prefer their pension investments to stay in the UK. The study revealed that 37% of savers would opt for UK-based investments if they delivered similar returns to global alternatives. Meanwhile, 16% prioritise UK investments even if they generate lower returns. The PLSA highlighted these findings as evidence that UK investments should align with savers’ financial interests while also benefiting the economy. Balancing Climate Concerns and Financial…

To build generational wealth in the stock market, you need to stay calm and vigilant—is a long-term game. By investing wisely, individuals can create a financial legacy that benefits their families for decades. But where should you start? Here are three proven investment strategies that could help secure financial freedom. 1. Passive Investing: The Hands-Off Wealth Builder Passive investing involves buying index funds that track the overall market instead of picking individual stocks. This strategy requires patience but has historically produced strong returns. Investment pioneer John Bogle, founder of Vanguard, believed in owning the entire stock market through index funds…

With global tensions rising, many nations, including the UK, are ramping up defence spending. European countries, alongside Asian powers like China, India, Japan, and South Korea, have announced major increases in military budgets. Meanwhile, the United States may reduce its commitments to Europe under President Donald Trump’s leadership, prompting Canada and others to boost their own defence investments. Can Defence Spending Revitalise the Economy? History suggests that military spending can stimulate economic growth. During the 1930s Great Depression, increased defence investment played a key role in economic recovery, particularly in Germany, the UK, and the US. By the time World…

The Bank of England (BoE) is expected to keep interest rates at 4.5% this Thursday (March 20), as policymakers tread carefully amid economic uncertainty. Despite gradual reductions in borrowing costs since August 2024, concerns over inflation, global trade policies, and upcoming UK tax changes have slowed the pace of rate cuts. Why Are Interest Rates Staying at 4.5%? Governor Andrew Bailey has stressed the need for a “gradual and careful approach” to monetary policy. While inflation has eased from its post-pandemic peak of 11.1%, it still sits above the Bank’s 2% target, reaching 3% in January 2025. Rising costs in…

The UK economy hit a stumbling block in January, with gross domestic product (GDP) shrinking by 0.1%, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This unexpected decline raises concerns about the country’s economic stability, particularly as finance minister Rachel Reeves works to boost growth. The contraction follows a stronger-than-expected December, where GDP expanded by 0.4%. Economists had predicted a modest 0.1% increase for January, making the downturn a setback for the government’s economic ambitions. Industries Hit Hard The manufacturing and industrial sectors were among the worst affected, experiencing a notable slowdown. The ONS data highlighted a significant drop in…