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.

August 18th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

Financial independence is the point at which your savings or other sources of passive income are enough to cover your living expenses without relying on a wage, but how much would it take for the average household to reach a point where they can consider themselves to be financially independent?

New research from Shepherds Friendly has analysed average household spending across the UK, the typical value of household debt, and the amount recommended for a six-month emergency fund to uncover how much you would need to save to achieve 25 years of financial freedom in retirement.

To calculate this, they considered two key factors: the rising cost of goods over 25 years, based on an average annual inflation rate of 2.88% (using historical UK data), and a 5% return on savings or investments. These assumptions help estimate how much money a household would need today to fund 25 years of expenses while only withdrawing what’s needed each year.

The full research can be found here: https://www.shepherdsfriendly.co.uk/resources/cost-of-financial-independence/

To live financially independently for  25 years, the average UK household would need to save £743,338.

The average UK household spends £31,653 a year – totalling £1,168,765 over 25 years with yearly inflation applied. Add in average household debt of £121,525 and a six-month emergency fund, and the cost of financial freedom rises to £743,338.

According to household spending by income level, the lowest earning 10% have a current annual expenditure of £15,551 and an average debt of £83,597, meaning they would need approximately £381,107 for 25 years of financial freedom, after adjusting for inflation.

On the other hand, households with higher-than average expenditure and debt will face a steeper target. A household in the top 10% of earners has an annual average expenditure of £57,914 and around £218,727 in debt, meaning they would need as much as £1,322,483 to achieve financial freedom for 25 years, with inflation applied.

It’s important to acknowledge that these are estimates based on current spending, so individuals will need to make adjustments if their spending habits shift over time, if they plan to retire sooner, or if they outlive their 25-year pot.

Financial freedom for life could cost over £1 million for those wanting to get ahead early in life.

For many, financial independence isn’t just about retiring early – it’s a long-term goal to live free from work for life. The data reveals that age plays a huge role in determining how much you would need to save to be financially free until 90 years old.

For those aged 18-30, financial independence for life means covering expenses for a longer period of time, and they must take into account inflation over a longer period. With this in mind, the average amount needed for financial independence up until the age of 90 increases to £1,183,363, a figure which again takes into account yearly inflation.

The closer you get to retirement age, the more the financial burden eases. Those in their 50s and early 60s could need just under £1 million, while people aged 65–74 require around £500,000. For those already over 74, the cost drops to approximately £180,000.

Derence Lee, Chief Finance Officer at Shepherds Friendly, reveals manageable ways to help reduce debt and build your wealth, helping to pave the path for financially secure future:

1. Plan effectively and set realistic milestones for saving: Have an understanding of your future costs and consider the best places to keep your money. For example, emergency savings are likely best kept in easy-access accounts so you can take funds out quickly if needed. For medium- to long-term goals, like a house deposit or a new car, ISAs offer a better balance of flexibility, as well as growth potential thanks to any interest earned being tax free.

2. Take your debt, starting with high interest debt: A common and effective strategy for becoming debt free is to focus on paying off high-interest debts first, as these cost you more over time. If you’re unsure, you may wish to speak to a financial adviser, as they can help you to find ways to tackle your debt that suit your current situation.

3. Build an emergency fund: Save 3-6 months’ worth of essential expenses to cover unexpected costs like job loss or car repairs – helping you avoid further debt. Start small and gradually build your fund over time as even modest savings can help to prevent you falling back into debt when the unexpected happens.

4. Protect savings from inflation: Leaving savings in a standard account can mean they lose purchasing power over time. A Stocks & Shares ISA, for example, offers a tax-efficient way to diversify your financial portfolio, allowing you to invest in a wide range of assets – such as index funds, bonds, and equities – while protecting your returns from income and capital gains tax. Over the long term, a Stocks and Shares ISA can also help protect your savings from inflation.

5. Cut unnecessary spending: Review subscriptions, switch providers, and renegotiate bills. These small changes can free up funds to put towards your goals. This doesn’t mean giving up everything you enjoy – but small changes can add up.

For more information on the study, please see the blog post here: https://www.shepherdsfriendly.co.uk/resources/cost-of-financial-independence/

August 12th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

Big purchases can be exciting, but they can also keep you awake at night if you’re not confident you’ve made the right decision, and whether it’s a house, a car, or a major renovation, the difference between feeling satisfied and feeling stressed often comes down to preparation and perspective. With that in mind, keep reading to find out more and help yourself feel better about spending your money.

Take Your Time Before Committing 

Impulse buys might be fine for a pair of shoes, but not for something that will affect your finances for years, and when you take time to research, compare options, and understand exactly what you’re paying for, you’re far less likely to regret it later. That means digging into the details, from the total cost of ownership to ongoing maintenance, and even the potential resale value.

Focus On The Long Term

When you’re in the moment, it’s easy to be swayed by impressive features or a persuasive salesperson, but a big purchase should meet your needs not just now, but in five or ten years. Ask yourself how this purchase fits into your long-term plans, whether that’s a growing family, a change in lifestyle, or a change in income, because the more it supports your future goals, the more confident you’ll feel about it.

Work Out A Realistic Budget

One of the main reasons people regret large purchases is that they stretch themselves too far financially, so before you even start shopping, set a budget that includes not just the initial cost but any extras, which might include delivery, insurance, maintenance, and unexpected repairs. It’s worth being conservative here; if your budget is tight, even a small surprise can turn excitement into regret.

Get Expert Help

Some purchases are too important to handle alone. Buying a home, for example, can involve complicated financial products, legal processes, and negotiations, and i that case, having experienced mortgage brokers on your side can give you the confidence that you’re making the smartest decision possible. In the end, the right expert can help you see options you might have missed, negotiate better terms, and protect you from costly mistakes.

Avoid Outside Pressure

Friends, family, and even social media can push you toward choices that don’t actually suit you, and although it’s fine to gather opinions, the decision should be based on your own needs, finances, and priorities. Remember, you’re the one living with the purchase, not them.

Sleep On It 

Finally, before you sign anything, give yourself a pause to really think things through because rushing into things is never a good idea. The fact is that a day or two of space can give you clarity you might not have in the excitement of the moment, and if you still feel good about the purchase after that, it’s a strong sign you’re ready to commit and that’s it’s worth your money.

Final Thoughts 

If you think about big purchases with patience, careful planning, and the right guidance, you can feel confident that your investment will bring satisfaction instead of second thoughts, and that’s the best situation to be in.

August 12th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

Many individuals and business owners face taxes each year, and even small mistakes can lead to unexpected penalties and stress. Tax rules often change, and understanding the latest guidance can feel overwhelming. Misreporting income, forgetting to file on time, or incorrectly calculating figures can all attract attention from HMRC.

What begins as an oversight can become a drawn-out enquiry if not addressed correctly. This is why identifying where errors often occur, and understanding how to avoid them, is key to protecting your finances and maintaining compliance.

Undeclared Income and Tax Reporting Discrepancies

A frequent cause of HMRC enquiries is income that has not been declared or does not align with reported figures. Money entering personal or business bank accounts must be accounted for correctly. If the amount stated in a tax return differs from that in financial records, HMRC may open an enquiry. These situations can escalate quickly, particularly where digital data-matching tools flag inconsistencies.

When income discrepancies arise, it helps to seek support with resolving complex tax issues from professionals familiar with HMRC’s processes. Clarity and complete records are essential when dealing with small business sales, casual freelance earnings, or other income streams.

Rental income is another area where people often make mistakes. Even letting out a room occasionally or renting out property for a few weeks a year must be reported. Similarly, income from overseas sources is often overlooked. UK residents are responsible for declaring all worldwide earnings, which include rental income from abroad, dividends from foreign investments, and overseas employment income. Failing to report these streams correctly can result in increased penalties and lengthy reviews.

Avoiding Self-Assessment Errors

Late self-assessment returns are one of the most common ways individuals face fines. Missing the filing deadline, even by a single day, automatically triggers a penalty. Filing further beyond the due date can lead to additional charges that accumulate quickly. It is crucial to track all deadlines carefully and allow enough time to prepare documentation to prevent this.

Errors within a self-assessment form can be equally problematic. This includes simple miscalculations, entering incorrect figures, or misunderstanding the allowances and tax bands. Mistakes such as applying the wrong tax rate or missing out on legitimate deductions may result in paying too little or too much tax. Both outcomes will likely prompt a review, and HMRC typically views such errors as signs of negligence.

VAT and Business Tax Compliance

As a business grows, tax responsibilities become more complex. One common oversight is failing to register for VAT once the business reaches the threshold. Not registering in time can result in financial penalties based on the amount of VAT that should have been paid.

Mistakes also occur when businesses apply the wrong VAT rate to products or services. It is easy to get this wrong because some items have different VAT rates despite being similar in nature. The result is an incorrect VAT return that may lead to further scrutiny.

Cash-based businesses are particularly at risk. Since tracking income from cash payments is more difficult, HMRC often monitors lifestyle indicators and bank activity to detect unreported income. Businesses operating mainly in cash need strong internal systems to record every sale accurately. If issues arise, professional support may be necessary to navigate any resulting enquiries or disputes.

Responding to Contact from HMRC

Receiving a letter from HMRC can be unsettling, but it is important to remain calm and understand what is being asked. HMRC may be conducting a general review, seeking clarification on a specific entry, or opening a full enquiry into tax affairs. The letter should outline which of these applies.

Responding promptly is essential. In most cases, there is a 30-day deadline to reply. If more time is needed to gather documents or seek advice, it is advisable to request an extension rather than risk ignoring the deadline. Communication is key to preventing escalation.

Using Alternative Dispute Resolution

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) offers a more collaborative option when agreement cannot be reached with HMRC. ADR involves a trained mediator working with the taxpayer and HMRC to find a mutually acceptable outcome. This route is often quicker and less formal than taking a dispute to a tribunal.

Documentation plays a critical role in participating in ADR or any tax dispute process. Organising tax returns, receipts, bank statements, and related correspondence ahead of time ensures a clearer picture and speeds up the resolution. The ability to back up every figure or claim with evidence not only improves the outcome but also demonstrates cooperation and transparency.

Preventing Mistakes Before They Happen

Taking steps to avoid tax issues before they arise can save time, money, and stress. Using digital accounting tools simplifies record-keeping, reduces calculation errors, and ensures all transactions are documented. Many platforms now link directly with HMRC systems, making it easier to meet reporting requirements.

Reviewing tax records regularly, ideally every quarter, helps spot inconsistencies or gaps before they lead to enquiries. A regular check ensures that income is recorded correctly, expenses are supported by receipts, and any outstanding payments are up to date.

Marking all relevant deadlines on a calendar or digital planner also helps prevent missed submissions. Self-assessment, VAT returns, payroll submissions, and other filings must each meet specific due dates. Reminders should be set in advance to ensure enough time to prepare.

If you discover a past mistake in your tax affairs, it is better to inform HMRC voluntarily. This proactive approach is typically viewed favourably, and penalties are often reduced. Waiting for HMRC to find the issue usually results in higher fines and longer reviews.

Stay Ahead with a Proactive Tax Strategy

Tax compliance does not need to be a source of worry. Most penalties arise from avoidable mistakes such as missed deadlines, incorrect figures, or failure to declare all income. You can manage your tax affairs more confidently by staying organised, keeping accurate records, and using the right tools.

If you encounter challenges or receive unexpected contact from HMRC, do not delay seeking professional support. Acting early can make a big difference to the outcome and may reduce the stress and cost involved.

Protect Your Finances by Avoiding Tax Pitfalls

Now is the time to review your tax records, mark your key deadlines, and strengthen your financial processes. With careful planning and the right guidance, you can stay compliant and avoid costly penalties. If you are unsure about your position or face a potential enquiry, consider speaking to a qualified tax professional who can help you respond effectively and protect your financial health.

August 6th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

More than 4.5 million travellers are estimated to have holidayed abroad last year without proper protection for their gadgets, all because of a simple insurance error, according to new research. Travellers are now being warned not to make the same mistake this year.

The study asked travellers whether they get gadget cover for their valuable tech when they go on holiday, and a staggering 82% admitted they don’t. When asked why, one-fifth said it was because they thought valuables would be protected under a regular travel insurance policy.

However, an expert from Go.Compare, which conducted the research, has explained that a travel insurance policy does not always cover valuable gadgets. Based on the number of people who went abroad last year, this means millions of holidaymakers might not have been protected should they have needed to claim for any damage, theft or loss.

According to the insurance comparison site’s research, a similar number of holidaymakers (around 5.1 million) admitted they didn’t get gadget cover because they didn’t realise it was an option. This means many might be leaving their valuables at risk without realising they could get extra protection.

And close to two in five travellers said they were happy to take the chance with their devices while away. This equates to around 9.2 million holidaymakers who would willingly risk their tech on a trip, despite the expense if they were lost or damaged  The figures are based on a combination of survey data and ONS numbers.

Other reasons that travellers chose not to get gadget cover included thinking it would be too expensive (13%), and because they would be covered by another provider, like their bank or credit card company (14%).

Rhys Jones, travel insurance expert at Go.Compare, said: “Regular travel insurance policies don’t always cover valuable gadgets against theft, loss or damage while you’re on holiday, particularly if you’re packing multiple gadgets or expensive items. Policies can have a limit on the number of gadgets they will cover, and a maximum amount you’d be able to claim for.

“That’s why it’s so important to check the details of your travel insurance policy if you’re planning to take several valuable gadgets with you – especially as some of the latest smartphones can cost in excess of £1,000 today. If you don’t think you’ll find enough protection from your travel insurance, it’s worth considering travel insurance with gadget cover included. This would give you more protection and increased single article limits.

“Travel insurance with gadget cover can cost as little as £13 for a trip to Europe, based on average prices. You can also buy a separate gadget policy, but you’d need to make sure it covers you to take your gadgets on holiday. Similarly, if you think your valuables might be protected under another policy or provider, be sure to check that this includes all your gadgets, and provides cover while you’re on holiday.”

Find more information about gadget cover and protecting your valuable tech while abroad on Go.Compare’s website.

August 5th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

From  30 July 2025 American Express® Platinum Cardmembers and American Express ® Business Platinum Cardmembers will benefit from complimentary UK Priority Pass pre-book entitlements.

Cardmembers will receive 4 complimentary lounge pre-booking entitlements from 30 July to 31 December 2025. And from 1 January 2026 – 31 December 2027 Cardmembers will benefit from a total of 8 complimentary lounge pre-booking entitlements per calendar year. Additionally Cardmembers will continue to have unlimited access to over 1,300 Priority Pass lounges around the world.  To pre-book at one of the eligible UK lounges, Cardmembers will simply need to log into the Priority Pass app or website. If they haven’t activated a Priority Pass online account, they can visit prioritypass.com/activate-your-account.

In addition, there has previously been no Priority Pass lounge access at London City Airport, but now American Express® Cardmembers who have Priority Pass can gain access to Juniper & Co restaurant in the airport and will be entitled to £18 credit off their total bill. For Cardmembers eligible to bring a guest, both the Cardmember and the guest will receive £18 (£36 in total). Cardmembers must present a valid Card and Boarding Pass with confirmed same-day travel before placing an order. T&Cs apply.