CorpNordic Sweden AB, acting in its capacity as agent for the noteholders under the terms and conditions of the notes, has on request of the issuer on 19 September 2014 initiated a written procedure in which the noteholders could approve or reject a request made by the issuer. The request involved amendments of clauses 11.3.1, […]
The majority of people aged over 55 do not think the government’s pension reforms will impact them, according to a report by Aviva. From April 2015, retirees will have greater freedom to choose how they access their pension savings. This includes being able to take lump sums without incurring a 55% tax charge on withdrawals […]
Products labelled ‘Made in Britain’ are more attractive to overseas consumers than those with no declared country of origin, a study by Barclays Corporate Banking has found. The research found that 64% of consumers in new and emerging markets are more likely to buy a product when it displays the Union Flag. The study was […]
The 55% tax charge on inherited pensions will be abolished from April 2015, the Chancellor George Osborne has announced. Inherited defined contribution (DC) pensions that have a drawdown arrangement or have not been accessed will face new tax treatment depending on the age of the owner on death. New rules Death after 75 – the beneficiary […]
UK SMEs have seen bigger increases in their export turnover than their European counterparts, a survey by UPS has found. The survey of more than 8,000 SMEs across 7 European countries found that an average 43% of European exporting SMEs have increased turnover exporting within and outside the EU. However, UK SMEs were 26% more successful at […]
The online retail sector grew by 18% in the year to August 2014, according to e-retail industry body IMRG. Around £8.1 billion was spent online between August 2013 and August 2014, the highest level of growth since November 2013. The IMRG figures also show: the clothing sector recorded annual growth of 20% the accessories subsector […]
Almost two-thirds of SME owners say running a business is a ‘constant challenge’, a survey for card payment provider First Data Merchant Solutions has found. YouGov asked more than 1,000 SME owners about their work-life balance and found that 44% have missed a personal occasion because they were too busy running the business. The survey […]
More than 100 of Britain’s biggest businesses have called on political parties to reform the business rates system. The group of 107 businesses said the current system is “no longer fit for purpose” in an open letter calling on the 3 main political parties to commit to “fundamental reform” at the next general election. The […]
Peer-to-peer lenders have given more than £2 billion to businesses and individuals, according to data published by AltFi. The total amount lent has doubled from £1 billion to £2.004 billion since December 2013. The sector has experienced rapid growth so far this year, growing by an average annualised rate of 158%. Peer-to-peer lenders connect individual […]
A third of SMEs are unaware of funding options other than the traditional forms offered by their high street bank, a survey by Aviva has found. Some 29% of surveyed firms said they weren’t aware of ‘alternative’ options – such as peer-to-peer lending and crowdfunding – for financing their business plans. The figure rises to […]
More than a quarter of people look for a higher interest rate when deciding whether they should switch their current account, according to research by MoneySuperMarket. The price comparison website analysed search data and found that 27% of consumers prioritise in-credit interest when choosing their current account. A fifth prefer accounts that offer cashback and […]
Three in 5 SMEs are confident they can secure a bank loan to fund investment plans, research by Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks has found. The survey of more than 850 SMEs found that buying equipment, premises and recruiting more staff are the top investment priorities. The poll also reveals that many SMEs are increasingly optimistic […]