September 29th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

Buying your first home is one of life’s most significant milestones, but the excitement of owning your own space can be significantly reduced by paperwork and finances. If you’re eyeing new homes, by taking a step-by-step approach, you can make the experience less stressful.

Here are some practical steps you can take to be well on your way to unlocking the door to your new home with confidence.

1. Setting Your Budget and Financial Foundations

Before you even begin browsing new build homes, you need to assess your finances. Setting a clear budget will save you time and avoid heartache later. Start by calculating your income and outgoings. Be realistic about what you can afford for a deposit, as well as ongoing mortgage payments. A good rule of thumb is that your monthly housing costs should not exceed a third of your monthly income.

Next, look at your credit score. Lenders will assess your credit history when deciding on your mortgage application. If you have any outstanding debts, try to clear them before applying for a mortgage, as this can help secure better terms.

2. Tapping into Government Support

As a first-time buyer, you have access to a range of government schemes designed to ease the burden of the initial costs. For example, Shared Ownership is an option that allows you to buy a portion of the home and rent the rest, making it more affordable.

You should also keep an eye on the Lifetime ISA (LISA), which lets you save up to £4,000 per year, and the government adds a 25% bonus on top. This can go a long way toward helping you cover your deposit. Research these options carefully and consult a financial adviser to figure out which is best for your situation.

3. Finding Your Perfect New-Build Property

Once you’ve established your financial foundation, it’s time to start the exciting search for your ideal home. New build properties often offer a range of benefits, from modern, energy-efficient designs to a more hands-off experience when it comes to maintenance.

You may be able to personalise your new house with custom flooring or kitchen fittings, making it truly feel like home from day one. Take the time to understand what the builder offers in terms of warranties, upgrades, and finishes.

Pay attention to the location as well. Is the area growing? Are transport links good? Even a lovely house can lose its charm if the neighbourhood doesn’t suit your lifestyle.

4. Navigating the Legal and Mortgage Processes

Once you’ve chosen your property, you’ll need to secure a mortgage. You can work with a mortgage broker who will help you find the best deal based on your financial profile. They can also guide you through the necessary paperwork and get pre-approval for your mortgage.

You’ll also need a solicitor or conveyancer to handle the legal aspects of the purchase. They will review contracts, ensure the property is legally sound, and make sure there are no surprises when it comes to ownership.

5. Settling into Your New-Build Community

When you finally get the keys to your new house, get to know your neighbours and join local groups or events to feel more connected.

Don’t forget to take care of your new house, too. Modern homes come with advanced technology and energy-saving features, but it’s still important to keep everything maintained. Regularly check your home’s systems, like heating and plumbing, and take advantage of any warranties the builder offers. By staying proactive, you can avoid any costly surprises in the future.

September 25th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

Flexible checkout options are a modern boon for businesses willing to change with the times and upgrade their payment systems. No longer is cash king, as today, customers of all ages want a range of ways to pay, such as digital and credit cards. From increased conversions to competitive advantage, here’s how offering more than one way to pay will help your business. 

Lower Cart Abandonment

Cart abandonment is one of the biggest contributors to lost revenue. There are some methods of regaining a customer, such as reminder emails, but they aren’t reliable. It is better to reduce the likelihood of a cart being abandoned in the first place. Offering multiple ways to pay is a guarantee of increased sales, which is why most businesses learn how to accept credit card payments in various ways, including via digital wallets through online store purchases.

Flexible Checkout Options Increase Conversions

A study by Stripe found that conversion rates increase by as much as 2x on average when a business offers additional ways to pay, such as Apple Pay. But why would you consider this?:

• You can turn browsers into buyers by providing multiple payment methods.
• Purchase hesitation is reduced when your business caters to different preferences.
• The result is higher conversion rates that equate to increased overall revenue.

You Reach a Wider Audience

Casting a broader net that appeals to a larger demographic increases the potential for more sales. While it’s wise to focus on the core audience for online marketing, it also helps to consider a wider demographic, too. Of course, not all customers in one age range or group will use the exact same payment method either. Today, people of all ages, social groups and ethnicities use a wide variety of payment methods, so why exclude what could be a boost?

Flexible Checkout Options Encourage Spending

According to Deloitte, UK retail losses are up by 33% since COVID, with 2023 seeing a loss of £7.9 billion. Adding flexible checkout options increases the appeal of a store as it widens the demographics that can confidently use it, but that depends on the methods preferred by each.

• Gen-Z and younger people prefer to use digital payment methods such as Apple Pay.
• Millennials are much more likely to use contactless cards when making purchases.
• The over-55s have been shown to prefer chip and pin cards and cash when buying.

Getting customers to part with their money is harder than ever for various reasons, including the cost of living. However, most accept that inflation happens, even when cautious. As a business, it is almost a responsibility to make the payment process as easy as possible for customers.

Establishing Trust and Credibility

Because of issues such as fraud, cybercrime and unethical business practices, customer trust is pretty low these days. It seems like every week, another major business has been hacked and data stolen. So why would consumers trust companies? However, offering more than one way to pay provides a sense of security to customers. Those who don’t trust credit cards believe digital wallets are more secure, and vice versa, so you can gain credibility by appealing to all. 

Flexible Checkout Options Offer an Advantage

Surveys by Forbes have revealed that 96% of customers will switch after a bad experience. That puts you at a competitive advantage if you offer more ways for customers to pay:

• Customers love convenience and flexibility, especially if it reduces payment friction.
• Offering multiple payment options can improve the public perception of a brand.
• A higher level of service results in repeat business and a higher level of loyalty.

Higher Sales Potential

No one likes to feel like they are alienated, but that’s how customers can feel when their preferred payment option isn’t available. This is especially true of the already disenfranchised younger generations. But of course, any customer will feel more obliged and happy to make a purchase when it is just easier for them to do so. Offering flexible options like digital wallets, credit cards, and even crypto will help consumers make a decision when they want to buy.

Summary

Lower cart abandonment is an attractive result of offering flexible checkout options for an online or even offline business. Of course, spending is encouraged when there are multiple ways for a shopper to pay, especially when it covers various demographics. The feeling of inclusion by making sure customers can pay easily in the manner they prefer has many other benefits. This includes a much higher sales potential because customers are less likely to feel alienated.

September 25th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

With the Autumn Budget fast approaching, attention is turning to how the Chancellor will respond to ongoing economic pressures and growing calls for financial support. For many households, the past year has been marked by persistent cost-of-living challenges, fluctuating inflation, and uncertainty around interest rates.

Against this backdrop, there is heightened anticipation around the policies and priorities that will shape this year’s Budget.

Christie Cook, Managing Director of Retail at Hodge Bank, believes the Autumn statement will be pivotal in setting the tone for both immediate household support and longer-term financial resilience, sharing five key themes she expects to see at the forefront of this year’s announcement.

• A Continued Focus on Inflation and the Cost of Living

“Inflation may be easing, but its effects on household budgets are still very real. We are expecting that the budget will continue to place a spotlight on cost-of-living support, particularly for lower- and middle-income households. The challenge for policymakers is finding measures that balance short-term relief with long-term economic stability.”

• Incentives to Save and Build Financial Resilience

“Encouraging people to save has been an ongoing theme for successive governments, and it wouldn’t be surprising if we see new initiatives to boost household savings rates. The ongoing commentary from the Chancellor has been the possibility of limiting Cash ISA allowances, therefore there is a likelihood that the Autumn Budget will encourage individuals to utilise Stocks and Shares accounts.

“Whether through tweaks to ISAs, or broader savings schemes, there’s growing recognition that helping people to prepare for financial shocks is vital in today’s uncertain climate.”

• Housing and Homeownership Under the Microscope

“Housing has rarely been far from the political agenda, and the upcoming Autumn Budget will be no exception, it’s an area that may receive significant attention.

“From support for first-time buyers to reforms in stamp duty, I’d expect the Budget to address accessibility and affordability in the housing market, which continues to be a pressing concern for many.”

• Tax Adjustments on the Horizon

“Taxation will always be a focal point in any Budget. While sweeping tax reforms are unlikely, we may see adjustments aimed at easing pressure on working households or stimulating business investment. Even small changes can have ripple effects on people’s disposable income and savings behaviour.”

• Long-Term Financial Planning in Focus

“Beyond immediate cost-of-living pressures, the government will likely want to highlight long-term financial resilience. That could mean revisiting pension policies or reinforcing the importance of saving for retirement.

“With an ageing population and younger generations struggling to build wealth, it’s an area that demands forward-thinking solutions.”

September 25th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

September 23rd, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

More than half of UK adults could be leaving their loved ones unprotected because they do not realise that, in England and Wales, getting married automatically revokes any existing Will, according to new research from Will Aid.

A nationwide survey of more than 2,000 people, carried out by the annual charity Will-writing campaign, found that 56% of respondents were unaware of this rule. Without making a new Will after marriage, their estate could instead be distributed under the Rules of Intestacy – which may not reflect their wishes.

The law, which dates back to the Wills Act 1837, is currently under review by the Law Commission. In May, the Commission published a draft bill proposing reforms that would prevent an existing Will from being automatically revoked on marriage. These changes are designed to help protect vulnerable or elderly people from so-called “predatory marriages”, where an individual marries with the intention of inheriting.

But until any legal reforms are enacted, Will Aid is warning that anyone who marries or remarries in England and Wales must make a new Will if they want their estate to pass according to their wishes.

Chris Adiole, Director at Penerley Solicitors, said: “I often come across people who assume their existing Will continues to stand after they get married, and they’re genuinely surprised to learn that the law cancels it automatically. That can cause real problems for families, leaving everything up in the air at the worst possible time.

“It’s always worth reviewing your Will after big life changes like marriage, divorce or having children. It gives you peace of mind and makes sure your wishes are carried out properly.”

Peter de Vena Franks, Campaign Director for Will Aid, said: “It is shocking that so many people are unaware that marriage or remarriage cancels an existing Will. This could mean children from a previous relationship are unintentionally disinherited, or that estates are distributed in a way the deceased never intended.

“Making a Will is the only way to make sure your wishes are respected. And if you are getting married, you should make a new Will either in contemplation of that marriage or as soon as possible afterwards.”

Will Aid is encouraging people to use its upcoming campaign month in November to write or update their Wills with a participating solicitor, while also supporting UK charities including Age UK, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, NSPCC, SCIAF (Scotland), Trócaire (Northern Ireland) and – new for this year, Shelter and Crisis.

Will Aid is a nationwide campaign that takes place every November and sees participating solicitors across the UK volunteer their time to write basic Wills, waiving their usual fee in exchange for a voluntary donation.

Suggested donations are £120 for a single Will and £200 for a pair of mirror Wills – with all donations supporting the vital work of eight leading UK charities.

Appointments are available now and can be made with a participating firm either in person or remotely.

For more information, visit www.willaid.org.uk.

September 23rd, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

Cleaning fees are the leading cause of tenancy deposit deductions, according to the results of a new study. In the past two years, almost two-thirds (63%) of renters who lost some of their deposit said cleaning fees were among the reasons given – the highest proportion of any category in the research. Now, tenants are being advised on how to maximise their chances of retaining their deposit.

The figures come from the latest renters survey by Go.Compare home insurance. After cleaning fees, cited by 63% of respondents, property damage and redecoration costs were the next most likely reason deposits were withheld from tenants. Both of these were stated by just over a quarter (26%) of renters in the survey of tenants who have lost some of their deposit in the last couple of years.

Less common reasons included fees for disposing of abandoned items (6%), as well as unpaid rent and missing items, both of which were reasons landlords gave to 4% of renters. A further 2% were told that some of their deposit was retained to cover outstanding bills.

A small number of renters were given more dubious reasons for their deposit being retained. One claimed they were told that the grass wasn’t short enough in the garden, while another said they were charged for missing keys that were never provided in the first place. A few added that they were given no reason whatsoever, while others stated that the reasons were completely fabricated.

The home insurance comparison site said that younger tenants are the most likely to have their deposit withheld. Just under a third (31%) of under-35s who have left a rental property in the last two years said they lost some of their deposit, almost double the percentage of over-54s (12%).

Nathan Blackler, home insurance expert at Go.Compare, said: “Deposit returns can be a source of friction when tenancies come to an end. Clearly, most renters who’ve experienced this feel their money was kept unfairly. If this is the case, it means landlords are wrongfully retaining thousands of pounds of deposits.

“To minimise the chances of losing your deposit, take photos of the property when you first move in and when you leave to show how you left it compared to the start of your tenancy. You can ask your landlord to sign a checkout inventory that covers the condition of the fixtures and fittings. Make sure all outstanding fees for the property have been paid, too.

“If you do lose some of your deposit but feel it’s been kept wrongfully, you can dispute it via your deposit protection scheme. If your deposit wasn’t put in a protection scheme, you’ll need to go to small claims court. Consider going to Citizens Advice before deciding what action to take, as they could help you to assess your circumstances and decide on the best option going forward.”

More information about withheld deposits can be found on Go.Compare’s website.

September 22nd, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

If you’re wondering how to give your business a financial makeover, you’re not alone. A lot of companies would love to learn how to increase their revenues and reduce their costs. 

But what, exactly, should you be doing? How can you transform your business’s finances so that they go more in the direction of what you want? 

Assess Where You Are Now

The first step is to think about where you are now. If you can put together a picture of your current position, you are in a much better place to move forward. 

Make sure you look at your key metrics, like expenses, profit margins and debt levels. Then, ensure that you have the proper tools and tax services to calculate what you owe the government, and what you need to report. 

Create A Realistic Budget

After that, you’ll want to look into creating a realistic budget. You want something that is going to make sense and deal with things like expenses, income, and so on. 

With a budget, you can figure out if you are spending money in the right areas. You know what you have available, what your ROI should be, and there you should be putting the lion’s share of your resources. 

Cut Unnecessary Costs

The third step is to think about cutting some of your unnecessary costs. All businesses have these, but some are worse than others because they are less disciplined. 

For example, check you’re paying as little as you can for all the essentials, like utilities, subscriptions and rent. Sometimes, you can find opportunities to save there. 

For everything else, consider negotiation. Try to strike a balance between your suppliers wanting your business and wanting to leave you. Sometimes, if you try to go too low, they’ll look for opportunities elsewhere. 

Check Your Cash Flow

If you’ve had problems with keeping money in the coffers long term, then you might want to go over your cash flow. This variable is often the one that companies fail to keep an eye on, and it can prevent them from staying in business, even if they would have been profitable. 

Because of this, it is critical to put financing options in place, just in case. It’s also essential to project likely spending forward so you know what your outlays will probably be in the future. This way, you can plan one month at a time. 

Get The Help Of A Professional

We also want to point out that getting help from professional financial services can help to transform your business finances. For example, if you’re struggling with registering for VAT in other countries such as the UK, vatnumberuk VAT services could be helpful. As well as this, an accountant can also make a huge impact on your business, taking the stress off of your shoulders while they’re at it.

Tackle Debt

Of course, you also want to tackle debt when you can. Making sure you prioritize high-interest debt first is probably the number one thing to do (if you have any), and then pay off other debts, like a mortgage on a commercial property. 

Don’t take on additional debt unless you think it is critical for growth. Spending too much in the early stages can cause a crisis later. 

Optimise Pricing

Lastly, you’ll want to take a look at your pricing and ask if you’re optimising it. A lot of companies stick with the same pricing for years, failing to add value.

September 22nd, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | Press Releases

You don’t need a moonshot to change your life. You need a sharper lens. Hidden in plain sight are ventures that sit just outside mainstream startup chatter, where regulation is navigable, margins are healthy, and demand is growing subtly but steadily. Here are opportunities with real edges, designed for founders who like building useful things for real people.

1) Retrofit Homes for Longevity

Most houses aren’t ready for ageing residents. The doorways, flooring and lighting are outdated for aging in place. Small changes keep people independent for years. Create a service that audits homes, installs safety upgrades, and offers a yearly subscription for tweaks as needs evolve. Partner with physiotherapists and community nurses for referrals. Simple work that has a high impact.

2) A “Last-Meter” EV Charging Concierge

Apartments and older homes struggle with charging access. Build a concierge that handles capacity checks, permits, hardware selection, and maintenance for buildings with 4–40 parking bays. Bill the body corporate a flat fee plus per-bay add-ons. You can upsell energy monitoring and demand response.

3) Local Data Stewardship, Not Just Labelling

Everyone talks about AI models; few talk about the data hygiene behind them. Offer a compliance-first service that inventories a company’s unstructured data, reduces duplication, redacts sensitive items, and prepares retrieval pipelines. Package it for midsize firms that can’t hire a full team. This business can ensure recurring revenue with measurable risk reduction.

4) Regenerative Landscaping for Small Commercial Lots

Office parks and retail strips waste water and topsoil. Introduce drought-smart plantings, micro-swales, and native pollinator corridors. You can charge for design, installation, and a maintenance subscription. Track biodiversity and stormwater savings, then report these numbers in a tidy quarterly PDF executives actually read.

5) Community Mobility Hubs

Think beyond ride-hailing. Aggregate e-bike leasing, car-share, parcel lockers, and shuttle links into a single app tied to a physical kiosk. Start with business parks or universities. You’re solving first- and last-mile pain, not trying to disrupt the entire transport grid on day one.

6) The Compassion Platform

Caregiving is fragmented. Build a coordination layer that manages rotas, meal planning, medication reminders, and respite scheduling across families and professionals. Pilot with churches, mosques, and community centres that already carry the emotional load. This is where a home care business can plug in naturally, extending hands-on support with software people actually want to use.

7) Waste-Heat Matchmaking

Restaurants, small data rooms, and micro-roasteries vent valuable heat. Indoor farms, laundries, and pools need it. Map sources and sinks within a suburb and install compact heat-recovery units. Charge for hardware plus ongoing savings participation. It’s not glamorous, but it 100% works.

8) Soil and Water Testing on Wheels

Extreme weather has farmers, schools, and homeowner associations anxious about soil health and runoff. Operate a mobile lab that delivers fast tests and practical mitigation plans. Add workshops for teachers and facilities teams. Revenue blends services, education, and supplies.

How to Pick Your Play

Start where friction is visible: waitlists, confusing paperwork, unnecessary travel, wasted energy. Talk to five buyers before you design anything. Price for outcomes rather than hours. Build small, repeatable packages and document everything. Then expand one neighbourhood at a time.

The Quiet Advantage

When you solve grounded problems, you attract steady demand and patient referrals. No theatrics. Just useful work that compounds. Choose one of these off-menu ideas, draw a simple plan, and knock on doors this week. Momentum likes people who move.

September 22nd, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

As we get further into September, many of us have already noticed the dip in temperatures and are contemplating turning the heating on.

Households in the UK are wasting hundreds of pounds each year on energy bills by making five simple mistakes with their home heating.

Heating specialist, Ryan Willdig from Heatforce is concerned that many Brits are unaware of how to reduce their monthly heating bills and wants to provide additional education to prevent Brits from wasting both money and energy.

1. Overusing the thermostat

“When it’s cold, many of us will boost the thermostat, thinking that it will heat our home faster. However, this isn’t the case, and while it won’t heat your home any faster, what it will do is waste energy and therefore waste money. Each degree above 19-20 degrees Celsius can add a whopping 10% to your annual heating costs.”

2. Leaving the heating on all day

“There has been a lot of misinformation over the years that leaving the heating on low all day is a lot more cost-efficient than just using it when you need it. In reality, it’s far more efficient and cost-effective to only use the heating when required.

As well as this, ensuring that radiators are off in any spare rooms is also key, but ensure that the doors for those rooms remain closed so that the heat isn’t going in there, and the cold air isn’t coming out.”

3. Blocking radiators

“Placing sofas, curtains, or even radiator covers in front of your radiators traps the heat behind them. It’ll force the systems to work that extra bit harder, increasing your bills, straining your boiler and producing heat that isn’t going to go anywhere.

Radiators shouldn’t have anything in front of them, and this includes (cosmetic) radiator covers. They need to be completely bare to ensure the heat can travel around the room properly that you want to heat.”

4. Ignoring boiler servicing

“Nobody likes maintenance, and those annual boiler services do creep around fast, but they wouldn’t be in place if they weren’t essential. Skipping your annual boiler service means minor issues could go unnoticed, which could reduce its efficiency.

If you’re due one, then it’s best to get this booked in September to avoid any serious malfunctions in peak winter when you need your heating the most.”

5. Neglecting insulation

“Poorly insulated homes, particularly lofts, walls and windows, allow heat to escape quickly. Simple and cheap fixes – such as draught excluders and radiator reflectors can save money in the long-run.

These won’t take long to put in place; you can dedicate an hour or two on a weekend to ensuring all of your windows and walls have the right insulation in place. A small, but noticeable difference when it comes to both how hot your house will get, but also your monthly bills.”

September 21st, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

Photo by Daria Nepriakhina 🇺🇦 on Unsplash

If you’re in the process of launching a startup, building a solid strategy is essential. Every company must find its own path to success, but every business can benefit from putting key features in place.

Focus on the following foundations for your startup, and your hopes of success will look far brighter.

An Efficient Workplace

The workplace setting is the first thing you should look to master as a business owner. It sets the tone for your company culture. This impacts everything from productivity to financial efficiency. Even if your startup is launching from home, a dedicated office space will be necessary.

When working from a commercial office, it’s not just about the size and location of the building that matters. What you do with the space is equally crucial.Professional office designers can implement ideas to build a platform for elevated productivity. And positivity. It supports your employees and can also integrate items like eco-friendly features.

Shop floors and warehouses also need calculated layouts to help your firm pack a power punch.

A Strong Workforce

There is little point in building a setting for workers to thrive only to sell yourself short with an inferior team. As a startup, it’s likely that you’ll have a relatively small team to start. If anything, that makes it even more important to hire the best candidates. 

A strong recruitment drive should be supported by ongoing staff training, as well as ideas like away days. This way, you will support both individual and collective outputs. While you should provide a framework for your employees, it’s also important to let them show some initiative. They have the skills and experience to fill in the gaps in your personal knowledge.

Just be sure to consider outsourced services and remote freelancers too.

Brand Image

As a startup owner, you will naturally place a lot of emphasis on products and services. Even before they look at these features, though, consumers will judge your brand. In many ways, the brand image is your entire business model. Do not overlook its significance for a second.

Knowing your place in the market before you start should guide all future decisions. When combined with a clear strategy of how to build an unforgettable brand, your company will never look back. A solid brand doesn’t only impress new customers, it actively encourages loyalty in the process. Existing clients can bring new ones through the door too.

Enter the arena with ambiguity, and your hopes of success will quickly fade.

Financial Organisation

Many metrics may be used to analyse the success of your startup. Ultimately, though, none of the others matter if you run out of capital. It is possible to launch businesses with relatively modest amounts of money. Still, researching the costs and raising the necessary funds is key.

It will probably take time for your business to start generating significant revenue. With this in mind, it’s also necessary to consider the ongoing costs. Business accountants can help manage your tax obligations and even suggest where costs could be cut. The key is to do this without compromising on your company outputs. Trim the fat, and your venture will look far better.

Right now, it’s a matter of surviving. But even as you grow, it allows you to keep thriving.