September 10th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

In the food industry, success doesn’t just come from branding, pricing, or even presentation. It starts with your ingredients. Whether you’re running a bakery, a beverage company, or a larger scale food production facility, the quality and consistency of your ingredients have a direct impact on your product, your reputation, and your bottom line. 

For instance, choosing the right type of sweetener, like invert sugar syrup, can influence taste, shelf life, and customer satisfaction. Let’s take a look at why sourcing the right ingredients is one of the most important choices you’ll make in your food business.

1. The quality of your ingredients impacts product consistency. One of the most critical elements of running a food business is consistency. Your customers expect the same great taste and texture every single time they buy your product. So if your ingredients vary in quality or composition, your product will too. And that’s a quick way to lose loyal customers. Using a consistent ingredient like invert sugar syrup, which has a reliable sweetness profile and stability, helps to maintain uniformity across batches. This is especially important in packaged foods and beverages where texture, sweetness, and appearance need to be consistent.
2. Ingredients improve shelf life. Shelf life is a key factor for any food business, especially if you distribute your products over long distances or store them for extended periods. Choosing functional ingredients can improve how well your product holds up over time. Take invert sugar syrup as an example. Again, it’s not just a sweetener. It helps to retain moisture, and using the right ingredients can reduce your rates, lower return rates and improve customer satisfaction.
3. Your ingredient choices affect production efficiency. Your ingredients don’t just influence your final product, but they also impact your production process. Some ingredients are easier to store, mix or measure, and others may require special handling or more labour intensive processing. Choosing high quality, functional ingredients can streamline your operations. For example, liquid sweeteners are easier to blend and dissolve compared to granulated sugar, which will save time and energy during production.
4. Customers do care about what’s inside. Today’s consumers are so much more ingredient savvy than they ever have been. They read the labels, they research sourcing, and they care deeply about what goes into foods that they eat. If your ingredients don’t align with your brand’s promises, you risk losing customer trust. Sourcing the right ingredients shows that you care about quality and transparency along with the health of your consumers.
5. Better ingredients protect your brand. If something goes wrong with an ingredient, whether it’s a contamination issue, poor quality, or inconsistent supply, it damages the reputation of your brand, which you could be avoiding. Choosing trusted suppliers and proven ingredients help to mitigate that risk. A reliable ingredient from a reputable source can mean fewer production issues and happier customers. 

September 5th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

Capital on Tap surveyed over 250 UK business owners and 1,000 British consumers to understand how people are using credit and how credit habits differ between business owners and consumers.

• 46% of business owners don’t have a business credit card, with 54% of consumers actively avoiding them

• Small business owners spend over £1,900 per month on employee-related expenses alone

• Brits spend nearly £400 per month on credit cards towards holidays and travel

• Over three-quarters of Brits aged 18-24 have maxed out their credit card

• High interest rates or fees are the biggest blocker to credit card usage

For many businesses and consumers, using credit cards is a practical and helpful way to manage everyday cash flow, build credit scores, and spread costs. A new survey conducted by Capital on Tap of 250 UK business owners and 1,000 British consumers revealed that 36% of business owners have never owned a business credit card, and 54% of consumers said they actively avoid using credit cards.

The survey also revealed the reasons behind these stats, as well as showing how attitudes towards credit cards vary by business industry and across generations.

You can read the research in full here: https://www.capitalontap.com/en/blog/posts/the-uks-attitude-towards-credit/

Small business owners spend an average of £1,903 per month on employee-related expenses alone

For business owners, cash flow management is the main purpose of a credit card, with 80% highlighting this as their reason for use. But how much are small business owners spending on their credit cards?

Employee-related expenses such as payroll and employee perks rank as the biggest expenditure for small businesses, with an average of £1,902.90 spent each month on these costs. This is followed by raw materials (£1,707.50) and professional services (£1,429.40). Interestingly, businesses that have operated for over a decade invest more in professional services, spending an average of £2,076.70 per month in this area.

The survey also explores how different industries engage in credit cards, with the building and construction industry topping the list: nearly two-thirds (65%) of owners in this sector state they use a credit card. At another end of the scale, just 23% of personal care business owners currently use business credit cards.

Brits spend an average of £389.20 per month on credit cards towards holidays and travel

The survey also explored how the general population uses credit cards and their spending habits. Brits rely on their credit cards the most for holidays and travel, spending nearly £4,670.40 a year on this.

The second biggest spending area is rent and utilities (£318.20), followed by insurance (£244.70).

Over three quarters of Brits aged 18-24 have maxed out their credit card

The survey highlights how age plays an important role in attitudes toward credit cards and debt. Of all respondents, 53% have maxed out their credit card at some point, a figure that increases to 78% among 18-24 year olds.

However, the older generation appear to be more cautious, with just 31% of 65 or over maxing out their card and only 6% missing a credit card payment.

High interest rates or fees are the biggest barriers to credit card usage

Despite the survey highlighting the advantages of credit cards with 63% of business owners stating that perks and rewards are their main attraction towards credit,there is still a shared sense of uncertainty among both business owners and consumers. Specifically, 34% of business owners and 31% of consumers report that high interest rates and fees are a concern.

For consumers, worrying about overspending is the biggest barrier to owning a credit card, with 36% stating this as their main concern. This is followed by concerns about debt (33%).

While nearly a third of consumers (31%) prefer to pay upfront using methods like cash, bank transfers, or savings, this is less of a concern for business owners, as only 21% cite it as a reason for hesitating to use credit cards.

Alex Miles, Chief Operating Officer at Capital on Tap, explains that the idea that credit cards mean taking on debt is one of the biggest credit myths: “The key is to spend within your means. If you’re new to using credit, consider setting a lower credit limit to help manage spending. It’s also wise to integrate your card into your monthly budget and set up a direct debit to automatically repay your balance on time. That way, you stay in control without the stress.”

September 5th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

With the cost of living still squeezing household budgets, many people feel their monthly salary disappears almost as soon as it arrives.

According to Christie Cook, Managing Director of Retail at Hodge Bank, making your money go further isn’t about cutting out everything that brings you joy, it’s about finding the right balance and being more intentional with your spending.

“People often think financial progress comes from big, dramatic changes like cancelling holidays or never eating out.

However, small, consistent tweaks to your everyday habits can have a much bigger impact over time. By making your salary work harder for you, you can enjoy today while still planning for tomorrow.”

• Start with a payday plan

“When your salary lands, consider deciding exactly where it’s going, before you spend a penny. You can do this by moving a set percentage into a savings account or separate ‘essentials’ pot for bills and food.

This ‘pay yourself first’ approach could help to ensure your must-haves and future goals are covered before everyday spending starts. You’re effectively making savings and security a non-negotiable part of your budget, rather than an afterthought.”

• Time your big purchases

“Not all spending needs to be immediate. From electronics and furniture to seasonal clothing, retailers have predictable discount cycles and end-of-season sales. By planning ahead and waiting for these windows, you can often save 20–50% on major purchases.

That’s money that can be redirected towards savings, debt repayment, or experiences you truly value, and it helps your monthly salary stretch further without reducing what you buy.”

• Make use of work-related perks

“Many people don’t fully explore the benefits their employer offers, yet these offers can be worth hundreds of pounds a year. Common perks include discounted gym memberships, cycle-to-work schemes, season ticket loans, and subsidised canteens. Others may offer retail discount platforms or wellness allowances. It’s effectively free money that can reduce your outgoings and help you reallocate that cash elsewhere.”

• Turn small spends into bigger wins

“While cutting small spends out of your routine entirely might not be the best option, things like your daily coffee, snacks, or lunches can amalgamate to higher spends. For example, £5 spent three times a week adds up to nearly £800 a year.

By consciously swapping just a few of these for homemade options, you could free up a lump sum to put towards something bigger, such as a holiday, home upgrade, or emergency fund. This way, you’re still enjoying life’s small pleasures but aligning them with larger, more rewarding goals.”

• Review your regular outgoings quarterly

“Subscriptions, memberships, and forgotten direct debits can slowly chip away at your salary when forgotten about. Setting aside time every three months to review your bank statement and cancel anything you no longer use is a simple but effective way to reclaim extra cash.

Even if you only find £20–£30 a month in unused services, there’s still a saving to be made when streamlining your subscription outputs, without making any lifestyle sacrifices.”

Maximising your salary isn’t about cutting out things you enjoy, it’s about making sure the money you work hard for is spent in ways that truly matter to you.

Even small changes can add up to a big difference, helping you feel more in control and more confident about your financial future.

September 2nd, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

September remains one of the busiest months in the housing market, and for good reason.

With kids heading back to school, milder weather making for more pleasant viewing conditions, and a surge in available stock, many buyers and sellers see September as the ideal time to make a move.

However, while the season has its perks, it also comes with hidden costs, tighter timelines, and potential hold-ups, all of which can add pressure to an already high-stakes process.

James Enos, National Account Manager at Hodge Bank, shares his top advice for buyers looking to move this Autumn, and how to avoid common mistakes that could delay, or even derail, a sale.

1. Don’t View Before You’re Mortgage-Ready

“One of the biggest mistakes we see is buyers finding a dream home before sorting out their mortgage. In a competitive summer market, that delay can mean losing the property altogether.

Our recommendation is getting a mortgage agreement in principle before booking viewings, as this helps clarify budget and shows agents and sellers that you’re serious.

Make sure your paperwork, including ID, proof of income, and deposit, is ready to go. That preparation can speed up your offer and reduce the chance of delays down the line.”

2. Hidden Costs Can Catch Buyers Out

“While most buyers focus on saving for a deposit, the additional costs of moving often go under the radar, especially in peak season.

September is a popular time to move, and that demand often comes with a higher price tag. From removals and storage to solicitors and surveys, costs can stack up fast

We always encourage buyers to factor in a contingency fund, as iIt gives you a buffer for unexpected delays or last-minute costs, which are more common than people think, particularly in September.”

3. Expect Delays and Plan Around Them

“Even though the weather may be ideal, September can bring complications behind the scenes. Staff holidays across estate agencies, lenders, and legal firms can slow down processes, a detail many buyers overlook.

If you’re working to a specific timeline, like getting settled before school starts, it’s vital to communicate that clearly from the outset, but if you have flexibility, consider whether a November move might be smoother. There’s often more availability and less market congestion.”

While moving house is never without stress, a well-planned September move can be a rewarding step, especially for those who take a proactive approach.

“Moving is one of life’s biggest financial decisions, the more groundwork you do now, the more confident and in control you’ll feel when the time comes to pick up the keys.”

August 29th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

From taking pictures of your belongings before you zip up your suitcase to keeping a holiday receipts folder, specialist travel insurance provider, Multitrip.com, outlines below a guide to claiming on travel insurance.

1. Start a holiday receipts folder – Include not only the transport and accommodation receipts, but also anything you buy during the year which you might travel with. Why? It is all about proving ownership. Having these well organised, with a clear paper trail, will really help if you need to make a claim.
2. Snap pics before you close the zip – It can be difficult to remember exactly what you packed (especially if you are packing for the whole family). Having photos of what’s inside your suitcase can help to prove what you had with you, as well as helping you remember what has been lost.
3. Know your insurance limits – Before you toss your designer sunglasses and new fancy headphones into your bag make sure your travel insurance policy covers high value items. The level of baggage cover you choose should be enough to cover replacing everything you are holidaying with.
4. Take your policy details with you – Keep your travel insurance policy information easily accessible while you’re travelling so if something goes wrong, you can easily refer to your policy. Make sure you know who your insurance is with, the policy number, name of policy holder, contact number and the dates the policy covers.
5. Get the full picture of any incident – If something happens, from a stolen bag to a sprained ankle, note down everything, the date, time, exact location, and detailed explanation of what happened. Describe any losses, damaged or injuries clearly, and the value of the claim.
6. Report to the police – To be able to claim you must report any loss or theft to the local police in the country where the incident occurred within 24 hours of discovery or as soon as possible after that and obtain a written report.
7. Save ALL your receipts and documents while away for extra costs caused by the incident e.g., tickets, receipts, cancellation notices, medical reports, even a police report if needed. Basically, if it’s related to an incident, hang onto it.
8. Don’t wait too long to make a claim – Multitrip.com customers have 31 days from the time of the incident to make a claim, but different organisations have different limits, so check your policy and don’t put it off.
9. Submit everything you have been asked for – When making a claim you will be told what information you need to submit. Check this carefully and don’t leave anything out – it will speed up the process and help to avoid delays.

Christian Bennett at Multitrip.com, said: “If something goes wrong on your trip, we want to resolve your claim as quickly and smoothly as possible. The more information and documentation you can provide, the faster we can help. Keeping receipts, noting key details, and hanging onto paperwork from before and during your trip can make all the difference when making a claim.”

He continues, “If you need help finding the closest suitable hospital, or the location of a police station to get a police report, all our policies include an Emergency Assistance Service.”

August 29th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

It’s not easy to go against the grain, especially not when your finances and future success are on the line. Almost every would-be author right now has that same thought, wondering if large-language AI models are going to make human creative writing obsolete, if there’s even a market for what they want to sell, or if it TikTok-recommend Romantasy books are all that’s left, as bookstore displays seem to imply.

Any industry can go through these troubles. We’ve especially seen it in the hospitality sector, where bars, clubs and pubs find themselves closing throughout the year. But does that mean you can’t make a go of it, and find success? Does that mean our would-be author can’t come into the market with something new, refreshing and honest? 

Of course not. Sometimes you just need a plucky hope and a dream, and conditions have been harder than this in the past in many ways. In this guide, we hope you can find some insight for confidently entering that industry, even if you’re in two minds for doing so.

Reasonable Funding & Startup Capital

Getting any business off the ground isn’t cheap, especially in hospitality. Using that as an example, the main costs aren’t just venue itself but the licenses, refurbishment, and the first months of stocking up before regular trade finds its pace. 

As such many owners rely on a reasonable pub mortgage geared with understanding about current conditions to make the numbers work, hopefully providing them the space to invest in location and design without being strangled by rent. 

What matters most is approaching funding with realism. It’s tempting to assume the first busy weekends will cover everything, but success often takes time, and a good financial cushion keeps you steady when the early months are quiet.

Nail Your Target Market, Or Create One Yourself

In any market under pressure, knowing your audience is vital. Struggling sectors can very easily become overcrowded with businesses fighting for the same shrinking slice, so it’s important to narrow your focus or even create some yourself.

At the minimum, it means finding the customers who are still underserved, or rethinking how you position the product so it speaks to a different group entirely. Sometimes, the best approach is creating a market where none existed, using storytelling and brand identity to frame your offer in a fresh way – like a bar with healthy snacks and post-drink hydration packs, so health-conscious Gen-Z goers don’t feel bad about indulging. That’s one example and perhaps not a perfect one, but you see the mindset that is needed.

Provide Something New & Of Value – Don’t Copy The Playbook

It’s easy to look at the business down the road and assume that matching their product or offering is the safest option, but that only leaves you competing for scraps instead of carving out your own corner. 

Customers remember places that feel distinctive, and are doing the fundamentals well while also having its own identity. This makes it harder for a possible closure to seem sad because there are many other places like that in the area anyway.

With this advice, we hope you can confidently enter that struggling market with confidence.

August 25th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

If you’re looking for a fast and potentially competitive way to sell your property, putting your home up for auction could be a good move. While it’s not the traditional route for selling a home, property auctions are becoming increasingly popular, especially for sellers who value speed, transparency, and serious buyers. However, before you take the plunge, there are a few important things that you should know.

1. You need to prepare a strong auction legal pack.

One of the most critical aspects of selling a home at auction is preparing an auction legal pack. This is a set of legal documents provided to potential buyers before the auction takes place. It usually includes the title deeds, a property information form, local authority searches, leasehold information and any special conditions of sale. Buyers will then look over this pack to assess the property’s legal standing and make an informed decision. That’s why it’s important to work with your solicitors to complete a comprehensive and accurate auction legal pack review. You should also review every detail for accuracy and completeness because if there are gaps or mistakes, it could delay the sale or deter bidders altogether.

1. The reserve price gives you protection.

When you’re selling at an auction, you’re not giving up control of the final price entirely. Sellers set a reserve price, which is the minimum amount that you’d be willing to accept for the property. This figure is kept confidential and ensures that you’re not forced to sell below your bottom line. However, it is important to be realistic when setting your reserve. If it’s too high, you risk scaring off bidders. Auctioneers often advise setting a guide price slightly below market value to attract interest and encourage bidding wars. This can drive up the final sale price above your expectations.

1. Marketing and timing matter more than you think.

Just like a traditional sale, marketing your auction property is crucial. A good auction house will promote your home across online portals, social media, e-mail lists and printed catalogues. The better the exposure, the more competitive the bidding. Timing does also play a pretty serious role. Auctions are typically scheduled events, and missing key market windows could mean fewer bidders. Work closely with your auctioneer to determine the best auction date and promotional strategy for your property and area.

1. Once the hammer falls, it’s legally binding.

One of the biggest differences between selling via auction and selling on the open market is how binding the process is. When the auctioneer’s hammer falls, the winning bidder is legally committed to buying the property. Exchange of contracts happens immediately, and completion usually takes place within the month. The level of certainty is appealing, but it also means that you need to be fully prepared before auction day. Make sure that your auction legal pack is finalised and has been properly reviewed. You should also ensure that the mortgage has been settled or is ready to transfer and you’re ready to move on schedule. 

August 23rd, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

Running a business is complicated, and there’ll be quite a bit to look after. You’ll need to manage everything, from bringing in supplies to making sure customers are served well. It’s easy to see why all of this can get a bit overwhelming. It happens to everyone.

But, it doesn’t have to be that way. You can make it noticeably easier on yourself by using a few business management tips. They’ll have a significant impact in time.

While there are plenty of these to go with, some could stand out a lot more than others. They offer more than a few benefits and can have a significant impact on your business. Three of these could be worth starting off with to help you make your company more successful.

Automate Time-Consuming Tasks

You and your employees will have quite a few tasks to get done. Many of these can be quite time-consuming, even if they’re not the most important tasks to focus on. Investing in automation can always be an effective way of getting these done quickly and easily.

It frees you and your employees up to focus on more important tasks. That way, you can make your business more productive while still making sure quality remains at a high. You could even reduce labor-related costs at the same time, making it a cost-effective plan.

Look for Professional Help

There could be plenty of times when you’ll need expert help on various areas, and automation mightn’t be appropriate. While you can always hire this help, it could be much more affordable to outsource as much of it as possible. It’s a cost-effective approach.

There are plenty of specialists you can outsource to, ranging from legal help to accountants. Go with the ones you need, when you need it. It’s also worth comparing your options as much as possible to make sure you find the best ones for your needs.

Invest in Ongoing Development

Ongoing development can always be worth focusing on. It helps you – and your employees – learn more job-related skills. In turn, it makes sure you can do your job better and better. You should see the impact this has quite a bit as time goes on, making it worth investing in.

Focus on skills related to you and your employees’ main tasks. This doesn’t always need to mean investing in various courses. You could also go with workshops, mentoring programs, and more. These should end up having a significant impact on how you run your business.

You’ll have a lot to manage when you run a business. It’s easy to see why this can often feel a little overwhelming. But, you don’t have to settle for feeling that way constantly. Focusing on a few business management tips should be more than enough to help with this.

Some can have a lot more of an impact than you’d think. Once you’ve put them in place, they should help you make your company more successful. With the benefits they offer, there’s no reason not to use them.

August 19th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

New research from HSBC UK reveals that while Brits are actively cutting back on subscription services, many are still losing money to ‘invisible spending’ – particularly through automatic payments they forget to cancel.

The survey of 2,000 UK adults, released as part of HSBC UK’s Invisible Spending campaign, found that people are saving an average of £34 a month (£408 a year) by cancelling subscriptions. The most axed services include streaming platforms (51%), music services (30%) and delivery memberships such as Amazon Prime (29%).

But convenience comes at a cost. Despite these savings, the average person is still wasting £61 annually on services they no longer use – simply because they haven’t cancelled them. Almost half (48%) say the ease of direct debits means they often delay cancelling, while 43% admit to keeping subscriptions “just in case they might use them again.” A further 29% say ‘fear of missing out’ prevents them from cancelling.

Millennials feel the pinch most

Millennials (aged 29-44) are the most affected, both in savings and wasted spend. They’re cancelling more subscriptions than any other group –saving £37 a month – but also wasting the most, at £69 a year. They’re also the generation most likely to feel caught out by automated payments, with 54% saying direct debits delay their decision to cancel.

Impulse spending undermines efforts to save

While people are consciously cutting back on recurring costs, many struggle to stay disciplined in other areas. Over six in ten (62%) Brits admit they often make impulse purchases – a figure that rises to 71% among Gen Z and Millennials. Boredom (44%) and day-to-day stress (41%) are the top triggers.

The need for better oversight

This battle between planned saving and spontaneous spending highlights a clear demand for better financial management tools. An overwhelming 95% of people said they would find it helpful if their banking app clearly showed all their subscriptions in one place.

Sabine Fichaux, Head of Transactional Banking at HSBC UK said: “Subscription services have made life more convenient – but they’ve also made it easier to lose track of what we’re paying for. Our research shows that people want clarity and control, whilst still budgeting for the things that matter to them. 

“At HSBC UK, we’re committed to delivering that clarity to our customers. HSBC UK’s newly redesigned mobile banking app offers customers a variety of financial tools for spending and budgeting insights, including the ability to see upcoming payments and subscriptions, easily being able to cancel them if that is wanted.”

“Alongside subscription management, we also offer a range of savings products designed to help people build better habits, from flexible options like the Bonus Saver to longer-term products such as the Fixed Rate Saver and Cash ISA.”

August 19th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

A new study suggests the announcement of the Renters’ Rights Bill may have triggered a surge in rent hikes across England. More than half of tenants (53%) have experienced a rent increase since September last year, when the bill was first introduced to Parliament. In comparison, just 38% saw a rise in the months before this in 2024, and only a third saw rent increases across all of 2023.

Once passed, the Renters’ Rights Bill will end no-fault evictions and allow tenants to challenge above-market rent rises. While it’s expected to come into effect in late 2025 or early 2026, it appears that some landlords have imposed rent increases before these rules become law.

The figures come from Go.Compare home insurance, which surveyed tenants on the rent rises they’ve experienced over recent years. Only one in five (19%) renters said their rent hasn’t increased since the start of 2022. The insurance comparison site is advising renters on what they can do if faced with a large increase or a no-fault eviction notice before the bill is passed.

In total, Go.Compare estimates that 2.5 million households have faced a rent increase since the bill was introduced to Parliament in September 2024.  It adds that average rents have increased by around 4% since, equal to approximately £58 per month. This means renters are collectively paying approximately £147 million more towards rent every month than before the bill was announced.

Tenants in smaller properties have been hit hardest by this, the insurance comparison site says. Rents for one-bedroom homes have risen by 4.8% since September 2024, the highest of any property size, equal to £52 per month. Larger homes have had the smallest proportional rises, with rent increasing by an average of 3.7% for properties with four bedrooms or more.

Similarly, flats and maisonettes have seen the steepest monthly rent hikes of any property type, rising by 4.7% on average, equal to around £62 more per month. Detached properties recorded the lowest increases at 3.6% (£54 more per month). This reaffirms that those in smaller homes are experiencing the largest rises, despite likely having fewer or no people to split the cost with.

Go.Compare also noted a slight uplift in ‘accelerated possession orders’ since September, which are issued to tenants who haven’t left by the date specified on their Section 21 notice.

Although the number of Section 21 notices issued has remained stable, the orders rose by 1% compared to the same period in the year prior, and repossessions by bailiffs increased by 10%. This indicates more tenants could be attempting to challenge no-fault evictions.

Nathan Blackler, home insurance expert at Go.Compare, said: “These latest figures indicate that the Renters’ Rights Bill could have had an unwanted side effect on tenants, more of whom seem to be dealing with rent rises since the announcement. Renters should be aware that costs could increase ahead of the bill taking effect.

“If you do experience a rent rise, remember that your landlord must follow certain rules before doing so, like those outlined in your contract, and you can challenge the rise if these haven’t been adhered to. Similarly, a Section 21 notice can be appealed if not served correctly. Consider contacting Citizens Advice to explore your options if this happens to you.

“If you’re evicted, you’ll need to let your insurer know that your address has changed. It can also be worth comparing policies if your rent goes up to help alleviate the extra expenses from the rise, as you might find the same level of protection for a lower price.”

More details about dealing with rent increases and evictions can be found on Go.Compare’s website.