OPTIMAL4 (2022 Winner: Management Consulting Awards)

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Gen Z Prioritises Financial Planning and Saving Amidst Growing Economic Challenges

New research shows that Gen Z would use financial support from parents to prioritise saving for their future and deposits for a mortgage over one-off purchases and travelling. Four in five (81%) Gen Z adults have had a conversation about what they might inheri

Business woman at working with financial reports and laptop computer in the office

Common Bookkeeping Mistakes That Could Cost Your Business Thousands

One of the most important functions of running a business is bookkeeping, yet it is so often neglected or poorly performed. The consequences can be costly, potentially resulting in tax penalties or lost investment growth opportunities. These mistakes can occur

Senior mature business woman holding paper bill using calculator

Less Than Half of UK Adults Aware of Pension Tax-Free Cash Limits

According to data from investment, life insurance and retirement specialist LV=, only 46% of non-retired UK adults with a pension say they understand the financial implications of how much tax-free cash they can take from pension savings. The findings have bee

Personal Finance Tips for Young Professionals

Starting a career is exciting, but financial responsibilities can quickly become overwhelming. Young professionals often struggle with managing money, saving, and making smart financial decisions. Learning basic financial principles early can help build long-t

How to Access the Right Credit Card for Your Financial Needs

How to Access the Right Credit Card for Your Financial NeedsCredit cards serve as valuable financial tools for individuals looking to establish or rebuild their credit. Making payments on time is usually reported to credit bureaus, which can help improve a cre

The Correlation Between Money and Happiness

Money plays a significant role in daily life. It determines where you live, what you eat, and how you spend your free time. But does having more money automatically mean more happiness? Many people think so. A higher income provides freedom and reduces worries

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Happy optimistic young girl student holding credit card.

Personal Credit Finance: 7 Reasons Why ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ Services Are More Popular Than Ever

Over recent years, more than 26.4 million of us have turned to ‘buy now pay later’ (BNPL) services to help us pay for both essentials and treats by spreading payments over a number of months. Research from last Christmas shows that one in four of us used B

Lost in Translation: Navigating the Global Financial Landscape with AI

By Lloyd Farrow, Sales & Marketing Director at LanguageLine Solutions UK As international markets become increasingly interconnected, financial institutions are extending their reach beyond domestic borders to access new markets and diversify their portfol

How Embedded Finance is Redefining the Travel Industry

By Philipp Buschmann, Co-Founder and CEO of AAZZUR In the world of travel, convenience is king. From the moment we start dreaming about our next vacation to the time we finally sink into that beachside lounge chair, we want everything to flow smoothly. But the

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The Average Cost of a Data Breach in the Finance Sector is $6.08 Million, a Staggering 22 Percent Higher Than the Global Average of $4.88 Million

According to IBM’s 2024 Cost of a Data Breach report, finance has the second highest breach costs of the 17 industries studied By AJ Thompson, CCO, Northdoor plc    IBM’s 2024 Cost of a Data Breach report has highlighted the increasing cost for o

Experts Reveal How School Leavers Hoping To Start Their Own Business Can Spot Online Payment Scams This Summer

When it comes to online shopping, customers aren’t the only ones who can fall victim to scams. Many scams target sellers instead – and these can harm anyone, including school leavers planning to bypass university and start their own business instead. Anyon

dealer salesman giving car key to owner.

The Real Impact of Your Credit Score on Car Financing

When it comes to car financing, your credit score is a crucial factor that can significantly affect the terms and conditions of your loan. As an expert in financial matters, I aim to demystify the complexities surrounding credit scores and their impact on car

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Digital Banking, Mobile Finance, Secure Transactions

Arma and DAI Magister Founder Launches Specialist Tech Investment Bank Artis Partners

Headed by Victor Basta and Steve Bachmann, the boutique firm will focus on delivering high-value exits for US and European growth stage companiesVictor Basta, together with Steve Bachmann and Dorian Maillard, has launched a new investment bank, Artis Partners,

Analyst team use sticky note and laptop for financial insight with business Fintech paper for data analysis dashboard. Creative and analytic brainstorming for business marketing strategy idea.

5 Essential Marketing Strategies for Lenders and Brokers to Drive Growth

By Nicola McCoosh, founder and CEO of Yada Yada Finance In today’s competitive financial services landscape, many lenders and brokers struggle to meet their growth targets when relying solely on ad-hoc or siloed marketing activities. Whether it’s sporadic

Lost in Translation: Navigating the Global Financial Landscape with AI

Close up young businessman standing near table with pen in hands, ready signing profitable offer agreement after checking contract terms of conditions, executive manager involved in legal paperwork

6 Common Mistakes That Could Invalidate Your Business Insurance

Business owners are being warned to keep their providers up to date or risk invalidating their insurance. Insurance comparison experts from Quotezone.co.uk have highlighted six ways businesses may have unknowingly invalidated their business insurance

Pretty young woman shopping online with credit card and laptop while sitting on sofa at home.

Financial Advisors: The Types of Purchases That Could Impact Your Credit Score When Made on a Credit Card

Credit cards are a convenient way to manage finances, but how you use them can significantly affect your credit score. Sovereign Boss Financial Advisors, a leading financial advisory firm in the UK, outlines the types of purchases that could harm your credit s

Fintech Start-Up Founder of the Year 2024: Shawn-Marc Melo

Shawn-Marc Melo has come a very long way since he first started his sales career 15 years ago. With an impressive array of experience under his belt, he soon discovered his dream to launch his own fintech brokerage - and, two years ago, he did just that in the

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Gen Z Prioritises Financial Planning and Saving Amidst Growing Economic Challenges

Common Bookkeeping Mistakes That Could Cost Your Business Thousands

Less Than Half of UK Adults Aware of Pension Tax-Free Cash Limits

Couple handshake mortgage officer worker

Maximising Wealth Preservation with Family Investment Companies

By Joe Cobb, Head of Private Wealth at JMW Solicitors Families looking to preserve and maximise their financial assets have a range of financial and wealth management options. One of the most effective tools is Family Investment Companies (FICs), which are us

Arma and DAI Magister Founder Launches Specialist Tech Investment Bank Artis Partners

Unrecognizable woman holds receipts pencil uses laptop plans budget

Closing the ‘Tax Gap’: More Businesses than Ever to Face HMRC Investigations

As the government seeks to crack down on tax avoidance and fraud, HMRC is preparing itself for a record number of investigations. In 2025, the new government’s changes to the tax system will gradually roll out, including measures to reduce what it calls the

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British Pounds, Calculator and Money File

UK Cash Savings Surge to Record £2.05 trillion Leaving Savers Heavily Exposed to Falling Interest Rates

Cash savings have risen £51bn year-to-date to reach £2.05 trillion* Cash savings are now worth 80% of UK National Debt But despite high interest rates, cash has returned less than a third of that returned by stocks and shares this year Savers have missed out

Economy finance and investment background

Why Your Business Won’t Secure VC Funding

UK start-ups raised £2.2 billion in new venture capital funding in the third quarter of 2024, marking a significant decline from the £4.4 billion secured in the previous quarter, according to recent data from HSBC. In this increasingly competitive landscape,

5 Essential Marketing Strategies for Lenders and Brokers to Drive Growth

Woman In Grocery Aisle Of Supermarket With Coupons

Coupon Expert Reveals How You Can Save Hundreds On The Weekly Shop

In today's world of rising living costs, finding ways to save money on weekly shopping is more important than ever. Making small changes to the way you shop, and mastering the art of couponing, can lead to significant savings, sometimes hundreds of pounds over

Young couple reading bad financial report

Home Fuel Expert Shares How Switching from Oil to LPG Can Have a Positive Impact on Your Finances

Choosing the right fuel to power your property is an important decision, as it can affect how warm your home gets during the cold winter season and save you precious money on the gas bill at the end of the month. For those householders who live off the grid, o

Almost a Third of UK Business Owners to Sell Up to Fund Retirement

Almost one third (30%) of UK business owners plan to sell their businesses to help fund their retirement, according to new research. Business owners across the country have been fighting rising costs from energy bills to higher living wages and it seems

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finmid Expands to 20 Countries, Empowering Platforms to Drive SME Financing in Europe

With unmatched geographical reach, finmid enables platforms to close financing gaps for SMEs across underserved European markets. finmid enables B2B platforms to offer financing solutions to small and medium-sized businesses. Its modular financing infrastructu

A car dealer signs a contract for a new car at a car dealership.

Decoding Car Finance: Expert Tips for Selecting the Best Payment Plan

In recent years, 80% to 90% of new cars and an increasing number of used vehicles have been bought with finance agreements. With car prices continuing to rise, the growing need for car financing has become more evident as consumers increasingly rely on various

A group of investors discussing investment opportunities in a boardroom

Engaging the Next Generation of Investors

By Matt Ryan We are used to seeing the word ‘millennial’ as a shorthand for young people, or even teenagers, often alongside shopworn cliches about avocado toast and phone addiction. However, as of 2024 millennials can be as old as 43 – some are grandpar

Smiling female financial adviser talking with a customer.

Navigating Market Uncertainty: Financial Advisers on Elections and Planning

By Chris Metcalfe, IBOSS Chief Investment Officer, part of Kingswood Group Understanding market reactions to elections Elections invariably stir up a blend of anxiety and anticipation among investors, advisers, and clients. This year has seen its fair share of

A financial advisor reviewing investment plans with clients

Empowering Luxury: Why Luxury Brands Should Adopt Embedded Finance Solutions

By co-founder and CEO of AAZZUR, Philipp Buschmann Luxury is a powerhouse sector that shows no sign of slowing down, this year the Luxury Goods market is projected to generate a revenue of US$368.90bn. Luxury and innovation have always gone hand in hand with

FX Risk Management Should Always Be a Priority

Market volatility has been reserved in recent times but there are signs the tide is turning. Laurent Descout, Founder and CEO of Neo, discusses the importance of FX risk management and why it should always be a priority. 2024 so far has been a relatively quiet

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Gen Z Prioritises Financial Planning and Saving Amidst Growing Economic Challenges

Less Than Half of UK Adults Aware of Pension Tax-Free Cash Limits

Decoding Car Finance: Expert Tips for Selecting the Best Payment Plan

young business woman hand putting coin into piggy for saving cost

Closing the Gap: Empowering Women’s Financial Futures

According to data from life insurance specialists, LV=, 71% of women surveyed didn’t feel confident in what steps to take to avoid running out of money during their retirement years, compared to 50% of men. Similarly, 77% of women said they lacked confidence

Hand putting Coins in glass jar with calculator and alarm clock for time to money saving for retirement concept

Navigating Retirement: The Nation’s Outlook on Financial Planning

According to data from life insurance and retirement specialists, LV=, 60% of adults surveyed in its Wealth and Wellbeing research programme, over the age of 50, think they’ll struggle financially in retirement. Moreover, more than 6 out

Personal Credit Finance: 7 Reasons Why ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ Services Are More Popular Than Ever

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Less Than Half of UK Adults Aware of Pension Tax-Free Cash Limits

Audit-Proofing Your Tax Write-Offs

Maximizing your tax deductions can reduce your taxable income, but if you’re not documenting them currently, you could set yourself up for an IRS audit. The agency isn’t just looking for errors — it actively scans for inconsistencies, missing receipts an

Closing the ‘Tax Gap’: More Businesses than Ever to Face HMRC Investigations

Inheritance Tax: Essential Updates and Strategic Insights for Wealthy Individuals

By Andrew Titmus, Partner, Solicitor, and Head of Estate Planning, Trusts & Tax at Parfitt Cresswell Solicitors Inheritance Tax (IHT) has been the subject of a lot of media and online discussion; some of it inaccurate. What are the changes and how are the

Six Key Policies Outlined Ahead of General Election to Fuel Britain’s Entrepreneurial Renaissance

Introduction of start-up concierge service, tax incentives and greater education all called for in new business manifesto With the UK approaching a pivotal general election this July, a new manifesto is calling on all political parties to implement policies de

Businesspeople Using Laptop In Office with Calculator

Once-in-Generation Opportunity to Fix Tax Advice Market

The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) has responded to HMRC’s long-awaited consultation on “Raising standards in the tax advice market”, which closes for submissions today. HMRC has asked the industry and consumers for their views on

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business hand working with Data protection Cyber Security

Cybersecurity Trends of 2025: What the Experts Expect to See

With the recent news from GCHQ that the UK is facing a “widening gap” in its ability to fight cyber threats, 2025 looks to be an increasingly tough year for cybersecurity experts. Today, cybersecurity solutions provider ramsac share their top trends for 20

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Commercial Cyberattacks Reach an All-Time High

By AJ Thompson, CCO at IT consultancy Northdoor plc Third-party IT consultants can provide IoT and cybersecurity expertise that in-house teams struggle with According to a new report, UK businesses encountered more than 753,341 malicious attempts each to breac

Hands Typing on Laptop with Futuristic Digital Interface and Cybersecurity Icons

New Year, New Threats: Strengthening Cybersecurity in Construction for 2025

Technology is driving a digital revolution in construction, and with this hi-tech transformation comes new threats as firms are exposed to more sophisticated cyber risks than ever before. According to research, cyber attacks have cost UK businesses including t

Fake QR Code scams fraud phishing concept

With QR Code Redemption Set to Surge to 5.3 Billion in 2025, Cybercriminals will Increase Their Quishing Attacks

Rob Batters, Director or Managed and Technical Services, Northdoor plc Quishing involves the embedding or attaching of QR codes into phishing emails which take victims to malicious websites A recent report by security firm Egress has highlighted the incr

System hacked alert after cyber attack on computer network

Top Cyber Threats to Watch Out For

As the festive season comes to an end, cyber criminals and malicious actors are still poised, ready to strike on unsuspecting victims. With many hunting for a bargain or looking for that perfect gift, it’s the perfect time for scammers to act, and many are s

Rise in Hackers Exploiting Software Flaws

Warnings from security experts increase after reports of a staggering 26% rise in cyber attacks in quarter three of 2024, highlighting a rising cybersecurity crisis, as businesses brace for even more of these threats in 2025. In the lead up to winter, power an

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Management Consulting Awards 2022

OPTIMAL4