BP sells Gelsenkirchen refinery to Klesch as portfolio streamlining accelerates

BP has agreed to sell its Gelsenkirchen refinery and related businesses to Klesch Group, an independent European refiner, in a deal that has enabled the oil major to increase its cost-reduction target by around $1 billion.

The disposal is the latest step in BP’s drive to simplify its portfolio and sharpen its downstream focus amid activist shareholder pressure to reduce its cost base.

The company now expects to deliver $6.5 to $7.5 billion of structural cost savings by 2027, equivalent to roughly 30 per cent of its 2023 cost base.

It is the second time BP has raised the target. The original range of $4 to $5 billion was set in February 2025, then bumped to $5.5 to $6.5 billion a year later following a strategic review of its Castrol lubricants business.

BP said the transaction is free-cash-flow accretive based on historical performance and will lower the cash breakeven for its remaining refining operations.

“With this transaction, we are strengthening our balance sheet, increasing our structural cost reduction target, and increasing the resilience of our focused refining portfolio,” said Carol Howle, interim CEO of BP.

“We will continue to take decisive action to reduce portfolio complexity – with a continued focus on growing cash flow and returns and delivering value for our shareholders.”

AIM movers: itim hit by Quiz loss and another Ramsdens upgrade

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Trading in the shares of 80 Mile (LON: 80M) is moving from SETSqx to SETS. This should help to improve liquidity. The share price jumped 17.15 to 1.47p.

Video monetisation platform provider SEEEN (LON: SEEN) and Tiger Tracks have signed a strategic collaboration and reseller partnership. This will enable video content to be used in performance marketing campaigns to improve returns. The share price increased 12.5% to 4.5p.

Gold recovery company Goldplat (LON: GDP) increased interim revenues by 53% to £45.2m, while pre-tax profit improved from £1.97m to £4.7m. Revenues in South Africa nearly trebled. Ghana revenues were lower due to a change in the basis of sales, while errors in sampling led to a much lower profit contribution. Net cash was £4.81m at the end of 2025. Goldplat is expanding in Brazil. The share price rose 10.4% to 13.25p.

Pawnbroker Ramsdens Holdings (LON: RFX) has published a second update in two months and it has sparked another forecast increase. Full year pre-tax profit is expected to be £24m, compared with £21.1m previously. Precious metals buying continues to boom with a 50% increase in volumes. Jewellery retail is 25% ahead, while pawnbroking is at record levels and forex is in line with expectations. The share price gained 10.3% to 402.5p.

Great Western Minerals (LON: GWMO) has extended the Defender Pine Crow tungsten project area in Nevada. This extends the northern and eastern boundaries of the existing project area. The share price is 9.68% higher at 1.7p. Trading in the shares will soon start on the US OTC Market.

Digital advertising services provider Dianomi (LON: DNM) improved its performance in the second half of 2025 and the 2025 loss will be lower than anticipated. Net cash is £5.8m. A loss of £600,000 is forecast with a similar loss next year despite around 10% growth in forecast revenues. Dianomi in conjunction with Dappier intends to launch an ad-enabled AI chatbot for publisher websites. The share price improved 3.85% to 13.5p.

FALLERS

Retail software provider itim Group (LON: ITIM) says 2025 revenues will be below 2024 levels at around £17.5m due to delays in contract wins. Former AIM-quoted retailer Quiz went into administration and that has increased the expected loss to £500,000. Cost savings could help itim breakeven in 2026 on limited growth in revenues. The share price dived 14.75 to 29p.

Futura Medical (LON: FUM) has been granted the formal US patent for erectile dysfunction treatment Eroxon and formulation derivatives. This should trigger a $2.5m milestone payment from US licensee Haleon. The share price dipped 3.96% to 1.1525p.

FTSE 100 higher as oil shows further signs of stabilisation

The FTSE 100 gained on Wednesday and looked set to extend its winning streak to a third day as energy prices showed further signs of stabilisation.

London’s leading index was comfortably above 10,400 at 10,431 at the time of writing.

“Talk of a deal between Iraq and Turkey to restart oil supplies has helped to calm financial markets,” says Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell.

“This provided some relief to investors on the edge of their seats amid worries about disruptions to oil supplies. While the news helped to nudge down Brent prices by 0.5% to $102.89 a barrel, getting the commodity value significantly lower still depends on resolving issues around the Strait of Hormuz.”

Although there is still a significant threat to oil supplies from the Middle East, there are signs that initial fears of a prolonged shutdown look overblown.

Iran is reportedly allowing select tankers from ‘friendly’ nations to pass through the Strait, which will help ease concerns about an oil shock. But the situation remains fluid, with news breaking that major gas fields in the Middle East were under attack as this article was being written.

The marginal improvement in the perceptions of the situation in the Middle East filtered through to buying pressure in the FTSE 100’s cyclical sectors on Wednesday, with miners, banks, and airlines rallying.

Easyjet rose 3.4% while IAG added 2.6%.

Diploma was the FTSE 100’s top riser after the group wowed investors with a ‘significant’ upgrade to its guidance as strong performance continued into its H1.

Diploma shares were 17% higher at the time of writing, following the group’s increase in revenue guidance to 9% from 6% and in operating margin guidance to 25% from 22.5%. The result was a 13% upgrade to operating profit.

Babcock shares were 3% higher, as were Rolls-Royce shares, as investors picked up engineering and defence stocks.

Stabilising oil prices dented demand for BP and Shell shares, which were both down around 1%.

Prudential was among the fallers, dipping 2%, as investors digested the Asia-focused group’s 2025 results.

“Generous shareholder returns help demonstrate management’s faith in Prudential’s prospects as the company announced robust full-year results,” Russ Mould said.

“However, the market remains nervous about the business – likely in part thanks to current global tensions and an energy crisis which looks like it could disproportionately impact Asia.

“The attraction to Prudential of the African and Asian markets it has focused on since exiting most of its businesses in the developed world around the turn of the decade is their greater growth potential.”

Diversified direct equity investments in private companies with NB Private Equity Investment Trust

Jeremy Naylor sits down with NB Private Equity Fund Manager Luke Mason to discuss the Neuberger Berman-managed Investment Trust.

NB Private Equity Partners is a London-listed investment trust managed by Neuberger Berman that invests directly in a portfolio of around 90 private companies, primarily in the US.

The trust co-invests alongside top-tier private equity managers in their core areas of expertise, leveraging Neuberger Berman’s platform and relationships to access attractive deal flow. The portfolio is diversified across sectors, managers and company size, with a focus on businesses benefiting from long-term structural growth trends such as shifting consumer patterns and demographic change.

Notably, investments are typically made on a no-management-fee or carried-interest basis, and responsible investment principles are fully integrated into the process.

Why Some UK Homeowners Borrow Against Their Property for Big Life Changes

More UK homeowners are turning to their property’s equity when they need substantial funding for major life decisions. Situations such as debt consolidation, large-scale renovations or covering unexpected expenses often require access to higher borrowing limits than unsecured credit can provide. In this context, secured loans UK have become an established option for individuals who have built up sufficient equity in their homes.

The appeal lies in the ability to release capital without selling the property or restructuring an existing mortgage. Secured borrowing allows homeowners to spread repayments over longer terms while maintaining their current mortgage arrangements. Over the past decade, borrowing secured against residential property has increased across the UK, reflecting both rising property values and continued demand for structured lending solutions.

Before proceeding, borrowers must understand loan-to-value thresholds, associated fees and lender affordability criteria. Early research often involves reviewing borrowing limits and repayment estimates using online tools.Many homeowners compare borrowing scenarios before deciding whether secured funding aligns with their long-term financial position.

How Property Equity Becomes Accessible Capital

A secured personal loan, often described as a second-charge mortgage, enables a homeowner to borrow funds using their property as collateral. The lender places a legal charge against the home until the borrowing is repaid in full.

Borrowers reviewing their available equity and projected repayment capacity often analyse detailed secured lending calculations to secure a loan today based on property valuation, second-charge borrowing limits and structured repayment projections.

The amount available to borrow is determined primarily by the loan-to-value ratio. This calculation compares total borrowing secured on the property against its current market valuation. For example, a property valued at £300,000 with an outstanding mortgage of £150,000 may allow further borrowing within lender limits. Combined borrowing levels are commonly restricted to between 75% and 85% of property value, depending on risk assessment.

The secured loans UK market generally provides access to larger borrowing amounts than unsecured credit products. Repayment terms also extend over longer periods, supporting more manageable monthly commitments. Interest rates are often lower because the property provides security for the lender. This structure can improve affordability for borrowers who require higher funding levels.

Common Reasons Homeowners Tap Into Property Value

Home improvements remain one of the most common motivations for secured borrowing. Extensions, refurbishments or structural upgrades can increase both living space and long-term property value. Homeowners often begin by reviewing rules for a house extension in the UK before committing to major structural changes funded through residential equity. Education funding, business investment and significant one-off purchases are also regularly cited reasons for choosing a secure loan supported by property value.

Market demand continues to grow as homeowners seek flexible borrowing options that align with evolving financial priorities. During initial research, borrowers often model repayment scenarios before proceeding with formal applications for a secured personal loan. Lenders then conduct detailed affordability assessments to confirm that repayments remain sustainable throughout the full term.

These checks review verified income, existing financial commitments and overall debt exposure. Supporting documentation typically includes payslips, bank statements and confirmation of outstanding credit balances. Accurate information is essential to prevent delays or declined applications.

Debt Consolidation Through Secured Borrowing

Another frequent use of secured loans UK involves consolidating multiple higher-interest debts into a single structured repayment plan. Credit card balances and unsecured personal borrowing can carry variable rates and fluctuating monthly costs, making long-term budgeting more difficult. By combining these obligations into one secured personal loan, borrowers may achieve greater payment consistency and improved visibility over their overall financial commitments.

This approach can also simplify money management by reducing the number of separate lenders and repayment dates that must be monitored each month. Broader financial conditions and long-term borrowing structures are also shaped by the UK’s debt management framework, which influences interest rate expectations and overall lending stability. For homeowners with stable income and sufficient property equity, restructuring existing liabilities into a single secure loan may support more organised financial planning over time.

While interest rates tend to be lower due to the property-backed structure, borrowers must remain aware of long-term implications. Missing repayments introduces the risk of enforcement action by the lender, which may ultimately affect home ownership. Consolidation strategies should therefore form part of a carefully considered financial framework rather than a short-term reaction to rising debt pressure.

Regulatory Shifts Affecting Secured Lending in 2026

The UK lending environment continues to evolve as policymakers consider reforms aimed at improving transparency and consumer protection within collateral-based finance. Recent developments linked to consumer credit rule changes in 2026 highlight how compliance expectations and lending conduct standards are gradually being reshaped across the sector. Discussions around securitisation frameworks and credit product regulation indicate a broader shift towards clearer due diligence standards and more consistent reporting expectations across lenders.

Changes under consideration may influence how lenders assess risk, price secured borrowing products and determine eligibility thresholds. Greater regulatory clarity could also support improved borrower understanding of long-term repayment obligations, helping individuals make more measured financial decisions when releasing property equity. As compliance standards develop, lenders are likely to refine underwriting processes and affordability testing to reflect updated supervisory guidance.

These developments may influence lender participation and borrowing accessibility over time. International financial organisations continue to emphasise the importance of well-regulated secured lending markets in supporting broader economic stability. A balanced regulatory framework can help ensure that collateral-based borrowing remains available while safeguarding both borrowers and financial institutions against systemic risk exposure.

Weighing Costs and Risks Before Borrowing

The overall cost of a secured personal loan extends beyond headline interest rates. Borrowers must also consider broker charges, valuation fees and legal costs linked to registering the lender’s charge. These additional expenses can influence the total borrowing commitment and should be reviewed alongside monthly repayment projections.

Interest rate structure remains a key factor in long-term affordability. Fixed rates support payment stability, while variable rates may change if wider lending conditions shift. Borrowers also consider broader property market expectations, including UK house price forecasts, when assessing how future value trends may influence borrowing risk and repayment confidence.

Secured borrowing can offer UK homeowners a structured way to fund major life changes when property equity is used with careful planning. Understanding affordability, long-term costs and wider market conditions helps borrowers align funding decisions with realistic financial stability goals. When approached with clear expectations and responsible budgeting, releasing property value can support meaningful transitions without undermining future security.

Moonpig woos investors with fresh £65m buyback

Moonpig Group has confirmed it remains on track to hit full-year expectations and announced a new share buyback programme worth up to £65 million.

The group said it expects to deliver mid-single digit percentage growth in adjusted EBITDA for the year ending 30 April 2026, in line with previous guidance.

Adjusted earnings per share growth is set to come in at the top end of its 8% to 12% target range, helped by strong free cash flow and the accretive effect of share buybacks.

On the top line, the core Moonpig brand is expected to post high single-digit revenue growth for the full year.

“The latest update from Moonpig Group Plc has clearly struck a chord, with shares jumping on the open. Trading remains firmly in line with expectations, with steady EBITDA growth and solid revenue momentum pointing to a business that continues to deliver without unpleasant surprises,” said Mark Crouch, market analyst for eToro.

Moonpig shares were 7% higher at the time of writing.

Its Dutch arm, Greetz, has maintained low single-digit growth in constant currency, with a further tailwind from sterling translation. The Experiences division has fared slightly better than feared but is still heading for a mid-single digit revenue decline.

The company is on course to complete £60 million of buybacks by the end of the current financial year, with leverage expected to sit at around 1.1 times adjusted EBITDA. The new £65 million programme will run through FY27, reflecting what the board called continued strong cash generation and a positive outlook for the business.

“Moonpig benefits from a compelling customer proposition and leading market positions in online greeting cards and gifting,” said Catherine Faiers, CEO.

“Looking ahead, I see a clear opportunity to build on our proprietary data and strong customer relationships to become even more relevant to customers and inspire even greater creativity in how people celebrate and connect.”

Diploma upgrades forecasts

Diploma has issued a significant upgrade to its full-year forecasts, raising organic revenue growth expectations to 9 per cent from 6 per cent and lifting its operating margin guidance to around 25%, up from 22.5%.

The upgrade represents a roughly 13% increase to consensus operating profit.

The news was cheered by investors, and shares rose around 15% on the open on Wednesday.

Diploma said it now expects earnings growth of more than 20% for the year, describing the outlook as another period of “sustainable quality compounding” at strong returns on capital. Net acquisition growth remains at 3%, though this could rise if further deals are completed.

Much of the momentum is being driven by the Controls division. Peerless, the aerospace-focused business, continues to deliver outstanding organic growth on the back of favourable demand and supply dynamics.

Elsewhere in Controls, IS Group, Clarendon, and Windy City Wire are all performing well across structural growth markets, including energy, defence, datacentres, and digital antenna systems.

North American Seals is showing good progress, particularly in infrastructure and nuclear power generation.

Life Sciences is holding steady in a difficult healthcare environment, gaining share in medtech and IVD.

Margins are expanding through a combination of Peerless’s accretive contribution and steady improvement across the wider group. Organic growth excluding Peerless is running well ahead of Diploma’s financial model.

Diploma, like many stocks, has suffered since the war broke out in the Middle East. However, today’s jump puts Diploma shares back in the all-time-high range.

Five ways to trim your ISA costs by AJ Bell

AJ Bell has set out five ways investors can implement to reduce the cost of investing through an ISA to ensure you keep more of your savings and investments.

The savings can be significant. Charlene Young, senior pensions and savings expert at AJ Bell, highlighted the dramatic impact small changes to ISA costs can have over the long term.

“Reducing charges on an ISA portfolio worth £75,000 that you’re paying £500 per month into from 1% to 0.5% a year could mean £33,738 more in your pot after 20 years. Even a much smaller cost reduction of 0.2% a year could leave you £13,136 better off (based on 6% investment growth rate),” Young said.

“The average contribution into a Stocks and Shares ISA was £7,594 in 2022/23 – the most recent tax year HMRC publishes the in-depth splits for – meaning the cost savings on offer could be even higher for people investing the full £20,000 each year.”

Here are AJ Bell’s ‘Five ways to trim your ISA costs’:

  1. Consider passive funds and ETFs

Passive and tracker funds can come with charges of 0.1% per year or less, compared to around 0.75% for a typical actively managed fund. 

Index funds won’t outperform the market, whilst some active managers will do just that over the long term, even after charges. AJ Bell’s Manager versus Machine report recently found that less than a quarter (24%) of actively managed funds have beaten a passive alternative over the past 10 years. If you’re on the other side of the coin, you might be left wondering what you’re paying for.

To cut costs, consider replacing persistent underperformers with tracker funds, or use a combination of the two approaches across different markets or regions. For example, you might still want to use an active fund in a more specialist or niche area of your portfolio, like emerging markets.

You might find a successful investment trust can offer what you need from a particular sector at a lower cost than a traditional equity fund. For example, for UK equity exposure, the City of London Investment Trust has an ongoing charge of 0.36% which is much lower than the typical cost of an actively managed UK equity fund.

  1. Use a regular investment service

Lots of platforms offer an auto-investing option at a big discount when compared to dealing charges for ad hoc trades.Making an automatic regular monthly investment takes the emotion out of investing and can help you stay on track towards your long-term goals. 

“Markets can be up one month and down the next but avoiding trying to time the market can help you smooth those ups and downs thanks to something called pound cost averaging.

  1. Don’t overtrade

There are often good reasons to change investments but if you’re constantly tinkering with them, you’ll soon rack up extra charges. 

Costs include a difference in the buying and selling price of funds and shares (the spread), ad hoc dealing charges, and potentially UK stamp duty too.

Being disciplined with the number of times you check your investments and sticking to a plan on how often you review your portfolio will help.

  1. Consider fund accumulation units if you’re not drawing income

If you’re buying funds, you can choose between ‘income’ or ‘accumulation’ units. Whilst income units will pay out the income as cash, accumulation units will instead reinvest the income into the fund itself, increasing the price of each unit or share.

Accumulation units can save money if you’d otherwise be reinvesting fund income as you won’t need to pay additional dealing charges, and you’ll have less portfolio admin to do.

Platforms like AJ Bell also allow you to set up dividend reinvestment instructions for certain shares, including investment trusts and ETFs.

  1. Combine your investment ISAs

Bringing your ISAs under one roof is another way to cut down on admin and time costs, but you could also save money in the long term.

You’ve always been able to have more than one ISA per tax year and changes in 2024 let you pay into multiple ISAs of the same type in a single tax year. But over time this can lead to duplicate fees and dealing charges. For example, if you’re buying the same share in two different investment ISAs, you’ll be paying two dealing charges rather than just one if they were in the same ISA.

Look for platforms that offer capped charges on shares and ETFs, and tiered charges for higher balances in funds.

*ISA pot projections by growth rate and charges.

How Android App Development Is Reshaping the UK Tech Market

The UK technology sector continues to attract significant venture capital and private investment. Mobile technology plays a central role in this growth, particularly platforms built on Android. With Android devices representing the majority of global smartphone usage, companies building Android-based services gain immediate access to a broad user base.

For investors, this scale directly affects growth potential. Mobile platforms are now closely linked with revenue generation, digital service expansion, and startup valuation. UK companies that prioritise mobile infrastructure are increasingly positioned as attractive investment targets, particularly in fintech, retail technology, and digital health.

As businesses continue shifting toward mobile-first service delivery, partnering with a skilled android app development company has become a practical indicator of commercial scalability across the UK tech sector.

Android app development in the UK

The UK has developed a strong ecosystem for mobile technology companies. Venture capital investment in early-stage technology firms has created an environment where mobile products often serve as the primary gateway to market.

In many cases, startups collaborate with an android app development firm to accelerate product development and reduce time to launch. External development teams provide technical expertise that allows founders to focus on market strategy, funding, and customer acquisition.

Mobile Technology as a Funding Signal

Investors evaluating early-stage companies frequently examine how a product will scale across mobile platforms. Android applications often support this strategy due to:

  • global device distribution
  • lower development barriers compared with proprietary ecosystems
  • strong compatibility across device manufacturers

Startups building mobile services typically demonstrate faster customer acquisition because Android devices dominate many international markets.

Regional Growth in Mobile Technology

While London remains the centre of venture capital activity, regional technology clusters are expanding rapidly. Several cities now support strong mobile development communities.

CityKey Mobile Technology SectorInvestor Activity
LondonFintech and SaaSVery high
ManchesterE-commerce platformsHigh
LeedsDigital healthcareHigh
BristolArtificial intelligence applicationsGrowing
BirminghamEnterprise technologyModerate

These regional ecosystems contribute to the UK’s reputation as one of Europe’s leading technology investment destinations.

The Expanding Business Value of Android Apps

Mobile products have shifted from supplementary digital tools to core business infrastructure. Android apps frequently serve as the primary channel through which companies deliver services, collect data, and generate revenue.

For investors, mobile platforms provide measurable indicators of growth such as active users, retention rates, and transaction volume.

Revenue Models Supported by Mobile Platforms

Android applications support several revenue structures that appeal to technology investors:

  • subscription services
  • digital marketplaces
  • advertising platforms
  • financial transaction fees
  • premium feature upgrades

This flexibility allows companies to diversify income streams and reduce dependence on a single business model.

Sector Adoption Across the UK Economy

Several industries rely heavily on mobile infrastructure.

Fintech

Mobile banking platforms allow financial technology firms to reach customers without maintaining large physical networks. Many UK fintech companies operate primarily through mobile services.

Retail and Commerce

Retail technology companies increasingly depend on mobile applications for customer engagement, order processing, and loyalty programmes.

Digital Healthcare

Health technology companies use mobile platforms for remote consultations, prescription management, and patient monitoring.

Logistics

Delivery networks rely on mobile applications for route tracking, order management, and real-time operational data.

Across these sectors, mobile adoption often correlates with higher operational efficiency and improved customer engagement.

Investment Potential of Android App Development Solutions

Demand for Android app development solutions continues to increase as companies expand their digital services. These services typically include software architecture design, product engineering, security testing, and long-term platform maintenance.

For investors, companies providing development infrastructure represent a stable segment within the technology sector. Their revenue models are often based on ongoing contracts rather than short-term product launches.

Enterprise Demand for Mobile Platforms

Large organisations increasingly depend on mobile systems for internal operations and customer interaction.

Examples include:

  • logistics tracking platforms
  • workforce management systems
  • digital payment services
  • internal communication tools

Enterprise adoption of mobile technology creates long-term demand for development expertise and platform support.

Integration With Emerging Technologies

Modern mobile platforms often combine Android development with advanced technologies.

TechnologyBusiness Application
Artificial IntelligencePersonalised services and automation
Internet of ThingsSmart device integration
Cloud InfrastructureData processing and storage
BlockchainSecure digital transactions

Companies integrating these technologies into mobile products often attract strong investor attention due to the potential for scalable service platforms.

Cost Efficiency and Product Scalability

Android’s open architecture allows development teams to build applications that operate across a wide range of devices. This flexibility reduces entry barriers for startups while allowing products to scale rapidly as user demand increases.

For investors, scalable infrastructure represents a key indicator of long-term commercial viability.

Conclusion

Mobile technology has become a central component of the UK’s technology investment environment. Android platforms allow companies to launch services quickly, reach international markets, and build scalable digital products.

Startups and established technology firms increasingly prioritise mobile development as part of their growth strategy. As digital services expand across industries such as finance, retail, and healthcare, Android infrastructure will continue to influence how investors evaluate technology companies across the UK.

FAQ

Why is Android development important for technology investors?

Android platforms provide access to a large global user base, making mobile products capable of rapid expansion and strong customer acquisition.

Do venture capital firms invest in mobile-first startups?

Yes. Venture capital investors often prioritise companies whose services operate primarily through mobile platforms because they can scale quickly.

Which UK sectors rely heavily on mobile applications?

Fintech, digital retail, health technology, and logistics companies depend on mobile infrastructure for service delivery and operational management.

How do development partnerships affect startup growth?

Startups frequently work with external development teams to reduce technical costs while accelerating product launch timelines.

Are mobile platforms important for long-term company valuation?

Yes. Mobile products generate measurable user metrics and recurring revenue streams, which are important indicators for investors.

UK Cities Attracting Property Investors in 2026  

Several UK cities have become prime investment hubs for those looking to purchase properties outside of London. This is due to several factors, such as regional and population growth in the North, increased investment in infrastructure, and increasing job opportunities.  

While London still has strong demand, affordability has become a key motivator for property investment in 2026.  

The cost of living in London remains significantly more expensive than in other areas of the UK, which makes purchasing property in areas such as the Midlands or the North a more financially safe option for investors.  

This includes cities such as Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool, all of which have had growing investment over the last few years. This article will explore why these cities have been prime locations for investment.  

Why Regional Cities Are Attracting Investors 

Regional cities are centres that are located outside traditional capital cities. There are around 12 major regional cities in the UK which all drive economic growth outside of London. They often focus on improved connectivity to boost the local economy.  

The lower costs of purchasing property in these regional cities mean lower entry prices for those looking to invest. With massive public investment in transport links and regeneration projects, the cost of property in these areas is generally increasing each year. This makes it an attractive proposition to invest in these regional cities earlier rather than later.  

While property remains a key asset class for investors, many also look to diversify into global markets using tools such as a CFD trading platform to gain exposure on stocks and commodities.  

For those looking to rent their property, another large reason for investing in these areas is their higher yields or the rental income a property generates as a percentage of its purchase price. Annual rental income in these areas often generates larger interest due to young professionals and students.  

Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool are all cities which have multiple universities. This means that a large influx of students comes to these areas every year, many of whom find jobs in the city after graduating.  

Top Four Cities to Invest in  

So, which is the best UK city to invest in? That choice is up to you, but below we can break down the top four most popular UK cities to invest in, and why this is the case.  

  • Manchester – Manchester has a projected capital growth of up to 27.6% by 2029, and is driven by young professionals and students (over 100,000). There are also huge investment projects such as Victoria North, which further demonstrates how the city is on the rise.  
  • Liverpool – Average property prices in Liverpool are lower than the national average. The whole of the North West is also predicted to have a high capital growth by 2029.  
  • Birmingham – Birmingham has excellent transport links to London, making it a more affordable place to live, while also being able to commute to work. Average property prices are around £230,000–£268,471. 
  • Leeds – Leeds has a very strong student demand for renters. It also has more affordable property prices than Manchester and London. 

Disclaimer: 
The information provided does not constitute investment research. The material has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is to be considered to be a marketing communication. 

All information has been prepared by ActivTrades (“AT”). The information does not contain a record of AT’s prices, or an offer of or solicitation for a transaction in any financial instrument. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. 

Any material provided does not have regard to the specific investment objective and financial situation of any person who may receive it. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. AT provides an execution-only service. Consequently, any person acting on the information provided does so at their own risk. Forecasts are not guarantees. Rates may change. Political risk is unpredictable. Central bank actions may vary. Platforms’ tools do not guarantee success.