Recession in UK could almost be over

Officials from the National Institute of Economic and Social Research have recently stated that the recession in the UK has almost completed its course, and could soon be over despite concerns from other industry groups and officials that it could last for another one to two years. Read more

Tags: recession, growth, recessions, private sector, National Institute of Economic, profile, National Statistics

UKSIF plans week to promote greener investments

The UK Social Investment Forum (UKSIF) is to run the first National Ethical Investment Week next year, it has emerged.

Members of financial professions will be encouraged to raise awareness of the variety of green and ethical investment options available during the week, which will take place between May 18th and 24th.

The initiative has received the backing of some of the industry leaders in ethical and green investment products, such as Friends Provident, Norwich Union and Henderson Global Investors.

George Latham, head of SRI at Henderson Global Investors, commented: “The evidence can no longer be ignored: consumer interest in sustainable and responsible investing is continuing to grow rapidly.”

“This initiative is a welcome and necessary contribution to the ethical debate, raising the profile of the industry and underlining that investing with a conscience can be a powerful and profitable catalyst for change,” Mr Latham added.

Meanwhile, fund propositions manager at Norwich Union, James Dalby, said that the week would help dispel the “many myths” that surround ethical investment, which he said are “generally untrue”.

Tags: profile, norwich union, Business ethics, backing, National, investment options, Awareness, social investment forum

New car? New insurance

A new year brings a new set of registration plates and quite often a new car.

However, insuarncewide.com is warning drivers not to get too caught up in the excitement of buying a new car that they forget all about insurance.

The firm says that simply transferring your previous insurance policy could leave you out of pocket and it is always worth shopping around.

“Think new car, new policy, or at least do your research online to check whether you could get a better deal than your existing policy offers,” said James Harrison, chief executive of insurancewide.com.

“A driver’s profile will constantly change. Your age, occupation, address and type of car all affect your premium and the type of insurer capable of offering the most competitive product and price.”

Mr Harrison went on to say that it may be worth talking to your dealer to see if there is a period of free insurance on offer when buying the vehicle.

He also pointed out that many discounts are available online, before adding that those seeking insurance need to have their wits about them.

“Finally, don’t be misled by insurers’ advertising campaigns that don’t tell the whole story or that don’t really apply to you,” added Mr Harrison.

“Decide what cover you need for your own circumstances, then look for it.”

Tags: don't tell, story, Mr Harrison, com, insurance policy, new insurance, profile, economics