July 15th, 2026 | Andrew Hagger | News

The broadband experts at Go.Compare have explained consumers’ rights and shared the steps they can take to leave their contract following the news that Ofcom is fining Virgin Media for preventing contract cancellations.

The industry regulator Ofcom announced earlier in the week that it has fined Virgin Media £28 million for breaching its consumer protection rules, following an investigation.* It cited that millions of calls made by customers between January 2022 and September 2024 were likely mishandled to delay or prevent a cancellation.

In response to the news, Catherine Hiley, broadband expert at Go.Compare, said: “We all have the right to leave a broadband provider at any time, even if you’re mid-contract – although this will likely incur an early termination fee. Providers also can’t try to delay or prevent a cancellation to get you to stay, as this goes against Ofcom’s rules, which state that cancellation procedures must not act as a disincentive to customers who wish to leave. If you believe this has happened to you, you can make a complaint.

“Start by following your provider’s complaints process and gathering as much evidence as possible to support your claim, including records of previous communications and details of when you contacted them. If your complaint hasn’t been resolved after eight weeks, or if your provider issues a deadlock letter before then, you can escalate it to an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) scheme. They can investigate the complaint independently and may award compensation where appropriate.

“You can also report your experience to Ofcom. While it doesn’t investigate individual cases, consumer complaints can help it identify wider issues and may lead to enforcement action, as we’ve seen with Virgin Media this week.

“It’s also worth remembering that, while leaving a contract early will usually come with a charge, you may be able to leave without paying an early termination fee if your provider isn’t delivering the minimum level of service it promised and the issue can’t be resolved.”

This follows the news that 43% of UK households now feel broadband is the connected expense that has increased the most over the past five years, according to Go.Compare’s latest research.** It also found that the average UK household now spends £774 a year on broadband, mobile and digital subscriptions combined.

In addition to this, Catherine Hiley shared the following steps customers can take to cancel their broadband contract:

• • “Check if you’re mid-contract: You may have to pay an early termination fee to cancel if you’re mid-contract, so be sure to check this and consider if you’re willing to pay it before cancelling. You might prefer to wait until the end of your contract, when you can leave for free. You can also leave for free if you’re still within the provider’s cooling off period.
  • “Check your provider has been delivering the service promised: You can leave for free if they haven’t, even if you’re mid-contract, but you will need to attempt to resolve the issue with them first. Use a broadband speed checker to get proof that the speed promised isn’t being delivered, taking screenshots of the results. Use this to complain to your provider about their service, keeping a record of each time you contacted them. If the issue still isn’t resolved, you can then use all of this as evidence to leave penalty-free.
  • “Compare deals to switch providers: If you decide you’re cancelling after this, your next step should be to compare other providers so that you can find a deal to replace them. Ofcom’s One Touch Switch policy means you no longer have to tell your current provider about a switch – your new provider does this for you. Once you’ve found a deal you prefer you can simply agree to switch with your new provider. You might even be able to find a deal that will give you some money towards any early cancellation fees. So it’s well worth shopping around, even if you’re not out of contract yet.
  • “Cancelling without switching: If you’re not switching providers and just want to cancel your contract, you will need to get in touch with your provider directly. Each provider has a different process for this, so you’ll need to check the process for yours.”

More information on cancelling broadband contracts, including details on how to cancel deals with the major providers, can be found on Go.Compare’s website: https://www.gocompare.com/broadband/broadband-cancellation-rights/

July 15th, 2026 | Andrew Hagger | News

July 8th, 2026 | Andrew Hagger | News

New research by Nationwide suggests 2026 summer holiday plans are being reshaped due to global uncertainty, with many opting to delay or cancel trips, stay in the UK or keep options open.

This is backed by Nationwide’s own spending data, which highlights a -1.2% fall in average holiday spending year on year. Customers spent an average of £498 on holidays between January and April last 2025, compared to £492 in the same period this year, reinforcing signs of more cautious consumer behaviour.

The poll of 2,000 people, conducted in May, found that almost a quarter (23%) say global events have already changed their holiday plans. Among those affected, the most common responses include delaying decisions (28%), increasing flexibility (22%) and booking UK holidays instead of travelling abroad (23%). Others are choosing cheaper trips (17%) or shorter breaks (16%), while some 15 per cent are cancelling holidays altogether (15%), or switching to day trips (15%).

Concerns linked to Iran and fuel costs are influencing decisions, with 18 per cent of those whose plans have changed saying this is a reason they are not going away this year. Overall nervousness remains high, with over four in ten (41%) cautious about booking holidays and a third holding off or keeping plans flexible.

Mark Nalder, Payments Director at Nationwide, said: “Our latest research shows that uncertainty this year is having a clear impact on people’s holiday plans. It could also be we are seeing the rise of the ‘delaycation’ as many choose to delay booking holidays, while a growing number are cancelling plans or opting for UK staycations to keep a tighter grip on their finances and budgets. Quick transfer features and budgeting tools like those on our app can be a big help when balancing spending and manage money when plans change”.

July 7th, 2026 | Andrew Hagger | News

If you aren’t in control of your finances, then it’s reasonable to claim that you aren’t in control of your life or your destiny. Your long-term spending priorities, like a deposit for a house, or a pension pot, might end up being undermined by short-term, frivolous spending decisions.

So, how can we solve this problem? Let’s take a look a few key tips for staying in control of your spending.

Understand Where Your Money Is Going

Before you attempt to cut costs in a meaningful way, you’ll need an idea of what those costs amount to. Get a budget together for the average month. Review old bank statements, and try to divide spending into essential and non-essential. Fortunately, many modern digital banking services will provide tools that make this much easier to do.

Cut Household Bills Without Cutting Comfort

Of course, just because a give expense is ‘essential’ doesn’t mean that you can’t lower it. By comparing services and costs from different energy, broadband, and mobile phone providers, you may find that you can save money without compromising on the quality of the service you enjoy.

Shop Smarter Rather Than Spending Less

Often, you might find that spending big on quality items might help you to spend less in the long term. Price comparison services, discounts, and loyalty schemes might all offer scope for savings. The same goes for the second-hand market, which can often lead to major savings, too. Second-hand jewellery often represents much greater value than the pieces you buy fresh off the rack.

In short, cutting down on spending doesn’t always mean that you need to give up the things that you really appreciate. If you go into the task of reviewing your spending thinking that you’re going to end up giving things up, then you’re likely to put it off – perhaps indefinitely. But the truth is that this is rarely necessary.

Find Everyday Savings That Add Up Over Time

Often, it’s not the major items of spending that make the biggest difference, but the small, seemingly minor ones. It’s easy to leave savings on the table when it comes to things like food shopping, transport, and energy usage, because these areas of spending so often amount to a myriad of smaller costs.

For example, when it comes to spending on energy, you might find that changes in your heating habits make a big difference to the amount you spend over the course of a given winter. Try to keep the temperature on your thermostat low, and to dial down the temperature in rooms that don’t need it, like hallways and spare bedrooms. In the long term, the savings that you accrue will add up.

Finally, you might consider performing a financial ‘health check’ every so often. This is a review that will ensure that your spending remains aligned with your goals, and that you haven’t slipped back into bad habits.

June 29th, 2026 | Andrew Hagger | News

June 25th, 2026 | Andrew Hagger | News

Growth can be exciting as an SME and something that is the target for most, but it is important to be aware of the financial risks of growth. There are a handful of financial risks that can threaten sustainable growth, so this post will offer practical guidance on how to monitor and mitigate these risks before they become serious problems. Keep reading to find out more.

Cash Flow Pressure & Working Capital Risk

Growth can put pressure on cash reserves even when sales are increasing. Expanding often requires upfront investment, but income can be delayed due to extended payment terms, which creates a risk. This is why effective cash flow forecasting is key for projecting income and outflows so that you can create a plan to meet your obligations. Keep out for warning signs, such as reliance on overdrafts, delayed supplier payments, or shrinking cash reserves. 

Customer Concentration, Bad Debt, & Commercial Disputes

It is also a risk to rely too heavily on a small number of loyal customers as you experience growth. There can be a strong financial impact of late payments, unpaid invoices, and contractual disagreements. This is why businesses need to establish credit control measures, customer due diligence, and clear contracts and procedures for recovering debts when disputes arise. Dispute resolution lawyers should be utilised for contractual disagreements, unpaid invoices, or supplier disputes before they escalate into significant financial losses.

Compliance, Governance, & Insolvency Risk

SMEs should also be aware of the financial consequences of failing to meet statutory obligations, including financial penalties and reputational damage (which can be hard to recover from). To avoid these, be sure to file tax returns on time, ensure accurate financial reporting, and understand compliance with tax requirements. Directors need to understand their responsibilities if the business shows signs of insolvency, including persistent losses, mounting debts, and creditor pressure.

Fraud, Cybersecurity, & Operational Disruption

Fraud, cybercrime, and operational disruption are major threats and can be costly in more ways than one. Payment diversion scams, phishing scams, and supplier fraud can lead to immediate financial losses, while data breaches and system outages can lead to downtime and erode customer trust. To protect your SME, implement strong internal controls and cybersecurity measures, including staff training, secure networks, and regular system updates. Business continuity planning is also important for minimising any disruptions.

These are the main financial risks to be aware of for growing SMEs. Growing your business can be exciting and take you to new levels of success, but it can also introduce wide-ranging risks that need to be understood and mitigated.

June 17th, 2026 | Andrew Hagger | News

New data from Santander UK’s Scamtracker has revealed the devastating cost of fraud on male customers, who have had £22 million stolen by scammers in the first half of 2026, 50% higher than the figure reported by women (£14 million).

Santander’s quarterly Scamtracker, which charts volumes, values and trends in authorised push payment scams, found that men handed over the equivalent of £100,000 to scammers every day during the first six months of the year, with the biggest hitters by value being investment and purchase scams.

The bank’s data shows an alarming £14 million stolen from male account holders through investment scams over the last six months, more than double the amount reported by female customers in the same period (£6 million). Among those investment scams reported, cryptocurrency and property proved some of the most frequent investment opportunities that resulted in scams being reported.

The second biggest hitter was purchase scams, with men reporting over £4 million worth of scams after attempting to buy something that did not then exist or was fundamentally different to how it was advertised. The source of these scams were: Facebook (23% of cases), WhatsApp (9%), TikTok (5%), and Instagram (4%), with other customers reporting the scam begin on Autotrader, Gumtree, VivaStreet, Checkatrade and Amazon.

Men have also reported over £1 million stolen through impersonation scams: one in 10 of which were “Hi Dad” impersonation scams, where fraudsters targeted potential victims via WhatsApp, text or an AI-generated phone call, pretending to be their child requesting money or to make a payment.

Chris Ainsley, Head of Fraud Risk Management at Santander UK said: “As a parent myself, I know how busy life gets – juggling kids, work and a social life – and fraudsters often target people when they know they might not have time to properly consider what they’re being asked to do. Whether it’s an investment opportunity that sounds too good to be true, or a text or phone call out of the blue from your child asking for money, we are urging people to stay alert and stay safe ahead of this Father’s Day.”

Tips to stay alert and avoid falling for scams:

• Always take time to think before making a payment, especially if it’s a large amount of money. Speak to someone you trust first, like a friend or family member.
• Pay extra attention to the warnings provided when making a payment. They’re in place to help you bank safely and avoid being scammed.
• Always take time to complete extra checksbefore paying for goods online. This is to make sure the person and the payment are genuine. This can be reading reviews, researching companies or websites, and checking the person or company is who they say they are.
• Anyone can be easily impersonated, and criminals can make the caller ID, email address or name look exactly like the genuine caller. If you get an email, text or call, check it’s genuine by phoning them back on a known and trusted number.
• Don’t allow anyone remote access to your devices. Criminals can ask you to click on a link or download an app which will give them control over your device.

June 16th, 2026 | Andrew Hagger | News

If you’re sitting there thinking that your office is perfectly safe, then think again. Offices can actually be home to all sorts of hazards that you wouldn’t expect, and these spaces tend to be very different from domestic environments. Even if you aren’t operating heavy machinery or handling toxic chemicals, there may be numerous hazards in your office that compromise the health and safety of all of your staff.

Poor indoor air quality

Poor indoor air quality is one of the biggest issues that modern offices and workplaces experience. As carbon dioxide and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from synthetic carpets and cleaning agents build up, they can affect people. Airborne particulates circulate through the HVAC system, leading to so-called sick building syndrome (SBS).

Sick building syndrome sounds like something that has been made up, but research shows that elevated CO2 levels can lead people to experience headaches and reduced cognitive function, preventing them from being as productive as you’d like them to be. Therefore, you’ll want to take safety issues in your office seriously before they get out of hand.

Poor wiring

Inadequate wiring in your office is another safety concern. If your electrical system isn’t up to scratch, it can compromise your fire safety, even if you have sprinklers and an evacuation policy. 

Faulty wiring is often an issue when the circuits in your building are not sufficient for the currents that you want to pull through them. Many companies try daisy chaining extension cords and attaching multiple computers to the same plug socket, but this is not advisable. The more current that goes through the wire, the more heat that’s generated, and the more likely it will set fire to the surrounding casing.

Trip and fall hazards

Trip and fall hazards are a significant concern in modern offices, simply because of how complex they are. Often, there are wires everywhere or loose charging cables running across walkways, which puts people at risk. Slips, trips, and falls are not just a problem for keeping people present at your business. They can also lead to litigation and legal fees in the future. The main culprits are things like:

• poorly lit transition zones
• smooth flooring surfaces near entryways

When these become slick or people can’t see them properly, falls become more likely. Do an audit and make sure that you’re not at risk.

Sedentary workers

Simply being sedentary is another issue in many offices. When workers sit at a desk for eight hours, it leads to progressive musculoskeletal strain. This doesn’t have the drama of gruesome industrial accidents, but it can lead to things like intradiscal pressure in people’s lumbar spines. Repetitive strain injuries are also a problem, with people constantly clicking their mice and using them in the same way every day.

Cybersecurity threats

Lastly, your office might not be as safe as you think it is because of cybersecurity threats. Many hackers have given up trying to overcome modern digital security systems, so they’re literally reading sensitive data off the monitors of your staff, sometimes from across the room using sensitive equipment. Only make sure authorized personnel are allowed into your office spaces.

June 14th, 2026 | Andrew Hagger | News

Potholes can cause serious problems for cyclists. A sudden impact can throw you from your bike, force you into traffic or cause a collision with another road user.

If you are involved in a cycling accident caused by a pothole, taking the right steps afterwards can help to protect your health and safety. It can also make it easier to keep a clear record of what happened, what injuries were caused and what losses you experienced.

Check for Injuries and Move to Safety

Your first priority should be safety. Check yourself and anyone else involved for injuries. If anyone needs urgent medical attention, call 999 straight away.

If it is safe to do so, move away from traffic. Move your bicycle out of the road if you can do this without risk. If the accident has happened in a busy area, stay in a safe place and wait for help.

Do not put yourself at risk by standing in the road to inspect the pothole or take photographs.

Even if you feel able to continue your journey, you should seek medical advice if you have any pain, discomfort or signs of injury. Some symptoms can become more noticeable later. A medical record may also be useful if you decide to seek advice about a cycling accident claim.

Record the Location of the Pothole

Once it is safe, make a note of the exact location of the pothole. This may include:

• The road name
• The nearest house number, junction or landmark
• The direction you were cycling
• Whether the pothole was in a cycle lane or close to the kerb
• The date and time of the accident

You can also use your phone to drop a pin on a map. Apps such as What3Words can also help you record a precise location. This can be useful if the pothole is on a long road or in an area without clear landmarks.

Take Photographs and Videos

Evidence can help show what happened and the condition of the road at the time of the accident. If it is safe, take clear photographs or videos of:

• The pothole
• The surrounding road
• Damage to your bicycle
• Damage to your helmet
• Damage to your clothing or cycling equipment
• Skid marks, debris or loose road surface
• The weather and lighting conditions
• Any visible injuries

Try to include something for scale, such as a shoe or water bottle. Only do this if you can stay safe and avoid stepping into traffic.

If it is not safe to take photographs at the scene, you may be able to return later when the road is quieter. You should only do this if it is safe and lawful.

Get Details From Witnesses

If anyone saw the accident happen, ask for their name and contact details if you are able to do so.

Witnesses may be able to confirm that the pothole caused the cycling accident. This can be especially useful if the road defect was hard to see, if another road user was involved or if the accident happened quickly.

You do not need to ask them for a formal statement at the scene. A personal injury solicitor can take witness statements later if you decide to make a claim.

If another road user was involved, exchange details with them as you would after any road traffic accident. Where a vehicle was involved, take the driver’s name, contact details, registration number and insurance details.

Report the Pothole to the Right Authority

Potholes are usually the responsibility of the local council or highways authority. The organisation responsible will depend on the type of road and where the accident happened.

You should report the pothole as soon as possible. This can create a record of the road defect. It may also help reduce the risk of another cyclist or road user being injured.

When you report it, include the location, photographs and any details about the accident. Keep a copy of your report and any reference number you receive.

Consider Whether to Report the Incident to Your Insurer

A cycling solicitor will be able to include all relevant losses in your cycling accident claim. This includes injury-related losses, treatment costs, rehabilitation needs, damaged equipment, lost earnings and other expenses linked to the accident.

You may also want to consider whether you should report the incident to your insurer. If you decide to do this, give accurate details about the date, time, location and circumstances. Keep copies of any emails, letters and notes of phone calls.

Keep Records of All Losses

A pothole cycling accident can involve more than damage to your bike. Depending on what happened, you may also experience other losses.

Keep records of any:

• Bicycle repair costs
• Bicycle replacement costs
• Helmet replacement costs
• Cycling equipment replacement costs
• Alternative transport costs
• Medical appointment costs
• Prescription costs
• Evidence of time away from work
• Damage to personal items
• Care or support needs

You should keep receipts, invoices, bank statements and written confirmation from your employer if you needed time away from work.

Do Not Arrange Repairs Before Gathering Evidence

You may need to repair your bicycle quickly, especially if you rely on it for commuting or family commitments. However, before repairs are carried out, take photographs of the damage.

You should also ask the bike shop or mechanic for a written report or estimate. They may be able to confirm whether the damage is consistent with hitting a pothole.

Keep damaged items where possible. This may include your helmet, clothing, lights, panniers or other cycling equipment. These items may help show the force of the impact and the effect of the accident.

Consider Whether You Could Make a Claim

If a pothole caused your cycling accident, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries, bicycle damage and related losses. These claims may be made against the council, highways authority or another organisation responsible for maintaining the road.

Useful evidence may show:

• Where the pothole was
• What condition the road was in
• How the cycling accident happened
• What injuries were caused
• What damage was caused
• What losses you experienced

As well as keeping your own record of events, you should speak to a specialist solicitor. They can explain your options, gather further evidence and advise whether cycling accident compensation may be available.

Why a Pothole Cycling Accident Should Not Be Treated As Bad Luck

It is easy to dismiss a pothole cycling accident as bad luck. This can be especially true if the damage seems minor at first. However, roads must be maintained to a safe standard. A dangerous pothole may show that the issue should have been repaired sooner.

Reporting the pothole and raising the issue with the right authority can also help protect other cyclists and road users.

If the accident has caused injury, bicycle damage or other losses, it is worth understanding whether you have grounds to take the matter further. A cycling accident solicitor can review what happened and explain whether you may be able to claim compensation.

June 10th, 2026 | Andrew Hagger | News

British Airways and American Express are celebrating 25 years of partnership with an exclusive anniversary Avios-Only flight from London Heathrow to New York JFK for British Airways American Express^® Cardmembers.

Departing on 15 October 2026 and returning on 18 October 2026, the one-off flight will offer exclusive discounts across every cabin, with every seat onboard available exclusively to eligible Cardmembers booking with Avios.

Return tickets will start from just 25,000 Avios in World Traveller – in a nod to the milestone anniversary – with no cash payment required, giving Cardmembers exceptional value. British Airways American Express^® Cardmembers can register interest here, from today until 23.59 (BST) on 24 June 2026, to ensure they receive booking instructions ahead of booking opening on 15 July 2026.

To mark the 25-year anniversary, Cardmembers will be treated to a one-of-a-kind getaway. In addition to an exclusive onboard experience, including specially curated food and drink offerings, there will be an invitation to a private event at the iconic One Vanderbilt in Manhattan with spectacular views across the New York skyline.

Customers travelling in First will also receive a complimentary BLADE helicopter transfer between JFK and Manhattan upon arrival, taking Avios redemptions to new heights.

Caroline Bouvet, Vice President, UK Products at American Express, said: “Through our 25-year partnership with British Airways we have rewarded our Cardmembers’ everyday spending with valuable travel rewards and memorable experiences. We’re delighted to celebrate this milestone with our mutual customers through an exclusive anniversary flight, combining exceptional Avios value with a truly memorable trip to New York.”

Colm Lacy, Chief Commercial Officer, British Airways, said: “For 25 years, our partnership with American Express has set the standard for rewarding loyalty, creating exceptional travel experiences for millions of customers. This exclusive anniversary flight is a fitting way to celebrate that milestone, and we’re delighted to be giving cardmembers the chance to turn their loyalty into a truly unforgettable journey to New York.”

Cardmembers who register will receive booking instructions the day before booking opens. From 15 July 2026, they will be able to book up to four seats in their chosen cabin and may also use up to two Companion Vouchers. Any additional travellers do not need to be Cardmembers.

To be eligible to book, Cardmembers must register their interest before 23:59 (BST) on 24 June and have sufficient Avios in their own British Airways Club account for all the seats they wish to purchase. Seats are limited and will be offered to pre-registered Cardmembers on a first-come, first-served basis once bookings open.