Wake Up to Money Pub quizzed
Oct 17, 2025
Linda Yu, an economist from Oxford University, discusses the UK’s fiscal challenges and upcoming budget implications, emphasizing the need for stability amidst recurring budget shortfalls. Tom Snellick shares insights on his virtual clay-shooting venue, Clay's, revealing its growth strategy and appeal in shifting social habits. Phil Halliday, from HMV, highlights the resurgence of physical music formats and the ongoing relevance of full albums, especially after Sam Fender's recent Mercury Prize win. Together, they delve into economic trends affecting the high street and consumer behavior.
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Productivity Downgrades Widen The Fiscal Hole
- The UK faces a persistent fiscal gap influenced by downgraded productivity and unrealised welfare reforms.
- A 0.1% productivity downgrade can add ~£9bn to the fiscal hole, raising pressure for tax or spending changes.
Yield Rally Helps But Risks Remain
- Bond yields have recently fallen, easing borrowing costs and reducing the Chancellor's financing bill by around £2bn.
- But Anna and Linda caution weak data and rising borrowing could reverse the rally.
Restore Confidence To Boost Hospitality Demand
- Do prioritise policies that restore consumer confidence to drive hospitality bookings.
- Tom Snellick warns that delayed fiscal clarity reduces Christmas bookings and hurts hospitality cashflow.
