• It’s designed to encourage people of all ages to enjoy some of the many health benefits of walking, including: Improving your mood
• Helping you sleep better
• Boosting your immune system
• Easing muscle pain and stiffness
• Helping with weight management.

According to the British Heart Foundation, it can also reduce your risk of developing heart and circulatory diseases and cancer.

If you fancy a challenge, spectacular scenery, or simply a nice walk, read on to discover six epic walks across the UK you could try this year.

Epic for: The challenge

Cape Wrath Trail, Scotland

According to Walk Highlands, this route has the reputation of being Britain’s toughest long-distance walk, so only undertake this if you’re an experienced walker.

It’s an unmarked route, which stretches around 350km, from Fort William up to Cape Wrath. Along the way, you’ll experience wild terrain and beautiful landscapes. As it’s unmarked and such a long walk, you’ll be able to plan your own exact route, although many operators can help you map out the separate stages.

You’ll be backpacking and will need to carry food and a tent, so you do need to be self-sufficient. There are plenty of “bothies” along the way, unlocked shelters which provide four walls and a roof, if you need to take a break.

It’s undeniably tough, but it’s also a true adventure.

The Pennine Way, England

This 431 km route begins in Edale in the Peak District and ends in the Scottish Borders. The first National Trail in England, it’s perhaps one of the UK’s most famous walks.

Although you can walk the trail all year round, it’s at its best from May to September. Just be warned, you might find snow in the more northerly parts of the walk if you do go during the winter months.

Along the route, you’ll take in the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, Swaledale Valley, and North Pennines. Finally, you’ll reach Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland, before you end at Kirk Yetholm in the Borders.

It’s a hilly walk, with some rough and rugged terrain. There are plenty of great places to take rest days, such as Hebden Bridge, Skipton, and Hadrian’s Wall.

Epic for: Scenery

Rhossili Headland, Gower, Wales

This walk is just 3.5 miles, but what it lacks in distance it makes up for with its picturesque views.

The full scenic sweep of Rhossili beach is the main event, but even right at the start of the walk, you’ll enjoy stunning scenery, such as the view of the Worm’s Head, a winding tidal island. You’ll also see the shipwreck of the Helvetia if you go during low tide.

Plus, you can take in the unusual sight of The Vile, a rare example of a medieval open-field strip system, with each distinctive, individual strip separated by low grassy banks.

Epic for: History

Hadrian’s Wall Path, England

Step into history as you follow Hadrian’s Wall, built by the Romans around AD 122 under Emperor Hadrian.

The wall was designed to control movement and acted as a physical boundary marking the north-west frontier of the Roman Empire.

Spanning around 135 km, the trail stretches coast to coast across northern England. Along the way, you’ll encounter a variety of terrain and landscapes, including urban areas, rolling farmland, and remote, open countryside.

Plus, there are spectacular views which stretch for miles.

You’ll also see small Roman forts, turrets, and defensive structures as you walk, with parts of the wall still visible.

Hadrian’s Wall is part of the Frontiers of the Roman Empire UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes sites across the UK and connected Roman frontiers in Germany and beyond.

Epic for: Filming locations

Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland

Game of Thrones fans will instantly recognise many of the spots along the way, as the region acted as a central filming base for the highly popular series.

Ballintoy Harbour was used as the setting for the Iron Islands, with its rugged, dramatic, exposed coastline proving the perfect backdrop.

Meanwhile, Cushendun Caves feature in key scenes involving Melisandre. Tucked away into the coastline, the smaller cave is open to visitors, but be aware that access is via a rocky, uneven beach.

And although the Giant’s Causeway isn’t directly seen in the show itself, it features more of the same type of beautiful coastal views and natural terrain.

Whether you’re a Game of Thrones fan or not, the whole area offers a dramatic, picturesque setting for a long coastal walk or a series of shorter walks.

Epic for: An easier walk

Buttermere Circuit, Lake District, England

If you’re looking for a scenic walk without the effort, this is the perfect choice. With flat, well-maintained paths, it’s often described as one of the most rewarding short walks in the UK.

The circular loop follows Buttermere Lake, and you’ll experience spectacular scenery and a constantly shifting landscape as you walk, from woodland paths to open lakeside.

Burtness Wood is a peaceful, shaded stretch offering a direct contrast to the open lakeside walks. Take a short detour, and you’ll reach Sourmilk Gill waterfall, which offers stunning views right across the valley.

The whole route is just 7.2km, making it ideal for beginners, families, or simply if you fancy a low effort walk instead of a demanding hike.

The post 6 epic UK walks to take on in 2026 appeared first on Morgan Williams & Co..

Whether you want to make changes to your lifestyle or achieve a lifelong dream, the thought of how far you have left to go can put you off even trying.

Rather than focusing on the long road ahead, it can help to take your journey one step at a time. By breaking your objectives down into regular, smaller milestones, you can make your goals feel less overwhelming.

Read on to learn how this “marginal gains” approach could empower you to make steady, continuous progress in improving your wellbeing.

What are “marginal gains”?

In 2003, cycling coach Dave Brailsford used his “aggregation of marginal gains” philosophy to transform the Great British cycling team.

His strategy was fairly simple: improve everything by 1% at a time, from redesigning bike seats to finding the right pillows to improve riders’ sleep quality. These enhancements combined and compounded to deliver significant performance improvements over time.

In just a few years, they went from being notoriously mediocre to record-breaking Olympic gold medallists. Having won only a single gold medal in the previous 100 years, British cyclists took home 60% of the gold cycling medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. In 2012, the team set nine Olympic records and seven world records.

You can apply this philosophy to almost any goal. Making small, regular improvements could add up to a significant evolution and allow you to achieve big things with a series of small tweaks.

“Something” is better than “nothing”

When you adopt an “all or nothing” approach, you might often default to “nothing”. Going all-in and trying to do everything at once can be overwhelming, causing you to shut off from the goal completely.

For example, if you want to exercise more, the thought of going to the gym for an hour a day might be too much. As a result, you may end up doing no exercise at all.

The marginal gains philosophy means accepting that “all” might not be feasible right away, and “something” is better than “nothing”.

In some cases, you might continuously increase your effort to build up towards your goal. The NHS’s “Couch to 5k” is a prime example of this, where you start your exercise off at a low level and gradually increase it until you can run a full 5k.

In others, just a few small changes might be enough, provided they’re sustained over a prolonged period.

3 lifestyle tweaks to enhance your wellbeing

When it comes to boosting your wellbeing, even small changes can have a big impact.

A study published by the Lancet found that tweaking your sleep, diet, and exercise behaviours can deliver significant benefits and even prolong your life. In fact, it suggests that small improvements in these three areas can deliver a greater impact than focusing heavily on just one.

1. Sleep

The University of Sydney found that the least healthy people in the study got five and a half hours of sleep each night. For this cohort, getting just an extra five minutes of sleep each night could help extend their life by a year.

2. Diet

According to the study, those with the lowest average “diet quality score” could also help add an extra year to their life simply by eating an extra half-serving of vegetables a day.

3. Exercise

Finally, just two more minutes of exercise a day could also contribute to a longer life for those with the least healthy lifestyles.

These three changes may be barely noticeable. After all, who’s going to notice you eating one more broccoli spear or going to bed five minutes earlier? But by making all three changes together, you could make a notable difference to your wellbeing and longevity.

What’s more, the study suggests that by continuing to make marginal gains in all three areas, you can form healthy habits that could help add nine years or more to your life.

Start small

If you’re looking to boost your overall health and wellbeing, here are just a few ideas of small steps that could help you get started:

• Drink an extra glass of water a day
• Swap one daily snack for a healthier alternative
• Incorporate small amounts of exercise throughout your daily routine
• Move your regular bedtime forward
• Cut back on weekly units of alcohol.

By adopting this marginal gains philosophy, you may find you can change for the better, without changing much at all.

The post How a marginal gains strategy could improve your wellbeing appeared first on Morgan Williams & Co..

Telling the story of Odysseus’s journey home after the battle of Troy, the film brings Homer’s epic poem to the big screen. The hero faces a multitude of challenges along the way, clashing with sea monsters, Sirens, the Cyclops, and the god of the sea himself, Poseidon.

Greek myths are enduring, captivating tales which can still hold our attention thousands of years after they were first written. They can teach us plenty about the world and life, too.

Read on to discover seven lasting financial lessons we can learn from Greek myths.

1. Odysseus: Adapt your plan to weather the unexpected

King of Ithaca, Odysseus, embarks on a 10-year journey to return home from Troy to his wife and son. However, the journey is fraught with danger. Along the way, he faces the one-eyed Cyclops, the alluring but murderous Sirens, the many-headed monster Scylla, and the wrath of the gods. He and his men have to demonstrate resilience at every turn, as they face up to each new challenge.

While today’s challenges may be a little less dramatic, the concept remains the same. Creating a plan for your financial journey is an important starting point. However, it’s wise to always expect the unexpected, and having a robust plan that can be adapted to encompass changing circumstances can help you withstand any of the more modern trials life can throw your way.

2. King Midas: Wealth alone won’t bring you happiness

King Midas famously wished that everything he touched would turn to gold. However, when his wish was granted, he found he was unable to smell flowers, taste food, or even hug his beloved daughter without turning everything to gold.

It’s not a difficult jump from his tale to the present day, as the same caution around an excessive focus on wealth accumulation still applies. While it’s a good idea to save and invest for your future, we will always encourage you to consider what makes you happy in life.

Smelling the roses and hugging your family can always continue to be a priority. Your wealth is there to help your wishes come true; it’s not the end solution in itself.

3. Icarus: Overconfidence can be as dangerous as not taking any risk

Escaping imprisonment, Icarus and his father Daedalus fly away using wings made of wax and feathers. Filled with hubris, Icarus flew too close to the sun, the wax melted, and he fell to his death.

When we help you create your financial plan, we’ll always discuss your attitude to risk and plan your investments accordingly. For the most part, a balanced portfolio can offer you long-term returns. Overconfidence, especially early on, can be almost as bad as taking no risk at all, as Icarus found out to his detriment.

4. Ariadne: A safety net is important

The story of Ariadne tells how she fell in love with Theseus and gave him a ball of thread to help him navigate the labyrinth of the Minotaur, so he could always return to his starting point.

This safety net stopped Theseus from getting hopelessly lost and was a simple act which likely saved his life.

In financial terms, your safety net is also important. This could be in terms of protection, such as life insurance or critical illness cover. Or it could be in terms of keeping a small amount of your wealth as cash reserves, saving between three to six months’ worth of basic expenses in an accessible account.

5. Achilles: Understand your weaknesses

The Greek warrior Achilles was dipped in the River Styx as a baby, with his mother holding his heel as she did so. He became invulnerable except for this tiny area, and the Achilles heel is now the common term for a sign of weakness.

Ultimately, Achilles was killed by an arrow which hit his weak point. Understanding more about your own weaknesses can protect your wealth from suffering.

For example, are you prone to taking too much risk, or too little? Do you struggle to stick to a budget? Once you’ve identified your financial vulnerabilities, it can be much easier to overcome them.

6. The Trojan Horse: Be aware of hidden risks and costs

Hiding inside the Trojan Horse, the Greeks managed to enter the city of Troy unnoticed, going on to conquer it.

It’s always a good idea to understand exactly what the implications are of any financial transaction or investment, so you don’t get trapped by hidden issues in the shape of risks or costs.

Always do your due diligence before making any commitment, and if you’re in doubt, please speak to us first.

7. Orpheus and Eurydice: Don’t keep checking your investments

After his beloved wife Eurydice died, Orpheus persuaded Hades, the god of the underworld, to release her. Hades agreed, but on the condition that Orpheus not look back until he and Eurydice were both in the sunlight. Orpheus was unable to resist the temptation to look, and his wife was swallowed by the underworld forever.

While this darkly tragic tale is an extreme example, it can demonstrate the risks of constant checking. By all means, look at how your investment portfolio is faring a few times a year. But if you fall into the trap of checking every day, you could start to panic during times of volatility. Historically, these have righted themselves, and there is nothing to gain from constant over-checking.

Please note: This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at individuals only.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.

The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

Investments should be considered over the longer term and should fit in with your overall attitude to risk and financial circumstances.

Note that life insurance and financial protection plans typically have no cash in value at any time and cover will cease at the end of the term. If premiums stop, then cover will lapse.

Cover is subject to terms and conditions and may have exclusions. Definitions of illnesses vary from product provider and will be explained within the policy documentation.

The post 7 timeless financial planning lessons you can discover in classic Greek myths appeared first on Morgan Williams & Co..

According to a survey carried out by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) (17 January 2025), two-thirds of employees are increasingly concerned about being overworked, and 60% believe their employers prioritise profit and productivity over their wellbeing.

Burnout could have a material impact on your business.

First, employees who are feeling stressed are less likely to be engaged with their work, and they could be more likely to make mistakes. Second, the CIPD report also noted that it may cause employees to take time off, which could stall your operations or place additional pressure on other team members.

It’s not only your employees on whom you might want to consider the effect of burnout. You could also experience its impact, which may harm your ability to make decisions or carry out your usual tasks.

In addition, exposure to prolonged stress as a business owner might mean you’re not in a position to support your employees who are also experiencing burnout.

The signs of burnout are varied and might not appear as you’d expect. So, familiarising yourself with them could help you identify when it might be a threat to your business.

4 things about burnout that business owners should know

1. Burnout may be linked to anxiety or depression

While the World Health Organisation doesn’t consider burnout to be a mental health condition or illness, it does have similarities to, or links with, health conditions.

For example, people who are experiencing burnout might also show signs of anxiety or depression, such as feeling hopeless, experiencing emotional detachment, or feeling unmotivated. Another key symptom is exhaustion, which could mean employees find it difficult to maintain productivity or show the same care as they previously did.

If someone’s performance has unexpectedly slipped, arranging a chat to understand what is behind it and how you might offer support could be beneficial.

2. Burnout can affect employees who are most passionate about their job

If someone is experiencing burnout, you might assume that they are using it as an excuse to avoid work or that it’s because they’re unmotivated. However, this often isn’t the case.

Speaking to the Guardian (15 February 2026), Amelia Nagoski, author of Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle, said: “If working hard cured burnout, so many of us would be cured.”

Indeed, she added that burnout often affects people who feel very passionate about their job because they overly commit themselves, which can lead to exhaustion. So, it could be that burnout affects your most productive and engaged employees.

3. A short holiday or reducing working hours may not ease burnout

When people are feeling stressed, a break could be a useful way to reset and come back to work refreshed. If someone takes a holiday and is still showing signs of stress or anxiety, it could be due to burnout.

A short break often isn’t enough to relieve the symptoms of burnout because the underlying issues haven’t been fixed. Similarly, simply reducing working hours may not support an employee affected by burnout either, particularly if there’s still an expectation to manage the same amount of work.

One way to ease burnout is to separate work from your personal life, and use your personal time doing things you love, such as pursuing a hobby or spending time with friends. For your employees, making it clear that they don’t need to respond to emails or calls outside of working hours could help them carve out time for themselves and enable them to be more productive when at work.

4. Burnout can cause physical symptoms

Burnout is a mental state, but it may cause physical symptoms associated with high stress, such as headaches, muscle tension, high blood pressure, and an irregular heartbeat.

If you or your employees experience these signs, it’s important to seek medical advice, especially if they’re occurring frequently. Doing so could rule out other potential causes and highlight how you might reduce workplace stress that may support wellbeing.

Contact us

As a business owner, your attention is often pulled in numerous directions. Working with a professional could ease some of the burden. As your financial planner, we might be able to help you manage both your personal and business finances. Please get in touch to discuss how we might work together.

Please note: This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at individuals only.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.

The post The burnout signs business owners should be aware of appeared first on Morgan Williams & Co..

Over the next few months, you can read tips on managing short-, medium-, and long-term financial goals, and how a financial plan could help you bring them together on our blog. This month, read on to find out why short-term goals are just as important as your long-term ones, and how you might make the most of your money.

Short-term goals are an important part of your financial plan

Typically, short-term goals are defined as those occurring within the next two years. They might include going on holiday, buying a car, or paying for a wedding.

Alongside saving for retirement or paying off your mortgage, your short-term goals might feel less important. However, they’re just as valuable for your overall wellbeing and play an important role in your financial plan.

When you’re working towards a short-term goal, holding the money in cash is often appropriate. This is because if you invest your money, it could be exposed to short-term market volatility, which could affect your ability to reach your goals.

While the value of your savings in real terms is lower if the interest paid is lower than the rate of inflation, the effect of this over the short term is less severe than if you were saving for a long-term goal.

As well as goals you’re working towards in the next two years, you might also want to include an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses as part of your cash savings. This fund could provide you with peace of mind and financial security should something happen, such as your roof leaking or an inability to work due to illness.

As you want to be able to access the money quickly in the event of an emergency, a cash account often makes sense.

3 ways to hold your cash that could be more effective than a piggy bank

Even when you’re working towards short-term goals, there may be ways you can make your money work harder. Here are three options you might want to consider when holding cash.

1. Savings account

A savings account is a common place to hold cash for short-term goals.

The money you deposit will earn interest. It’s worth looking at different accounts as the interest offered can vary significantly, and some may offer higher introductory rates or attractive incentives, such as a one-off bonus. Even a small difference in the interest rate could boost your savings.

It could be useful to automate payments to your savings account, so it’s part of your regular budget. Viewing savings as essential may help you stay on track and mean you’re less likely to spend the money on something else.

2. Cash ISA

A Cash ISA is similar to a traditional savings account – your deposited money earns interest. However, ISAs offer a tax-efficient way to save and could be valuable if you might otherwise pay tax on the interest earned.

The Personal Savings Allowance (PSA) is the amount you could earn in interest before tax may be due. The allowance depends on the rate of Income Tax you pay. In 2026/27, the PSA is:

• £1,000 for basic-rate taxpayers
• £500 for higher-rate taxpayers
• £0 for additional-rate taxpayers

You might be surprised by how easy it is to exceed the PSA. For example, if your savings account paid interest of 4.5%, you’d only need to deposit £11,111 before you could start paying tax on the interest if you are a higher-rate taxpayer.

The good news is that interest earned from money held in a Cash ISA is not liable for Income Tax.

So, if you might pay tax on your savings, a Cash ISA may provide a way to reduce or eliminate the potential bill.

In 2026/27, you can deposit up to £20,000 into ISAs, and you may place the full amount into a Cash ISA if you choose. From 6 April 2027, if you are under the age of 65, your total ISA allowance will remain at £20,000; however, the Cash ISA limit will fall to £12,000.

3. Premium Bonds

Finally, Premium Bonds might be an option for your cash savings.

Premium Bonds are issued by NS&I, so they’re backed and guaranteed by the Treasury. Rather than paying interest on savings, bonds are entered into a monthly prize draw. As of April 2026, each bond has a roughly 23,000-to-1 chance of winning, with prizes ranging from £25 to £1 million.

While the opportunity to win big is exciting, keep in mind that Premium Bonds do not pay interest, so the value of your savings could fall due to the effects of inflation if you don’t win.

The maximum you can hold in Premium Bonds is £50,000.

Transfers from a Premium Bonds account can take several days, so this option might not be suitable as your emergency fund.

Contact us

If you’d like to talk to us about your goals and how you might use your money to reach them, please get in touch.

Next month, read our blog to discover how you might manage your money when you’re working towards medium-term goals.

Please note: This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at individuals only.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.

Please do not act based on anything you might read in this article. All contents are based on our understanding of HMRC legislation, which is subject to change.

The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

Investments should be considered over the longer term and should fit in with your overall attitude to risk and financial circumstances.

The post Balancing your goals: 3 options for short-term savings appeared first on Morgan Williams & Co..

While the ongoing uncertainty may feel unsettling for investors, remember that your strategy reflects your long-term goals and considers periods of volatility.

Oil prices rising and ongoing uncertainty led to stock markets falling

On Saturday, 28 February, the US and Israel began strikes on Iran, which led to markets falling when they opened on Monday 2 March.

The FTSE 100 recorded its biggest loss since November 2025 when it fell 1.2%, with airlines, luxury goods makers, and banks particularly affected. In contrast, defence stocks increased, including the UK’s BAE Systems, which was up 7% at the start of trading.

It was a similar picture in Europe. The main indices in France, Germany, Italy, and Spain were down 2.2% or more. When markets opened in the US, the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the wider S&P 500 both dropped 1%.

As the Middle East is a major oil-exporting region, conflict there led to prices rising. Deutsche Bank stated Brent crude was up 8.4%, though it added it was only the 38th largest oil spike since 1990.

The volatility continued on 3 March, with the FTSE 100 recording the biggest daily loss in 11 months when it fell 2.75%. Germany’s DAX (-3.6%), France’s CAC 40 (-3.5%), and Italy’s FTSE MIB (-3.9%) also suffered losses.

Asia-Pacific markets weren’t immune to the effects of the war in Iran either. Japan’s Nikkei index fell 3.6%, and South Korea’s KOSPI was down 12% on 4 March due to concerns about shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key sea passage for trade, particularly for oil.

On 11 March, the International Energy Agency proposed the largest release of oil reserves in history to bring crude prices down. The news led to Asian shares climbing, with the main indices in Japan and South Korea rising by 1.4%.

However, energy fears continued to influence European markets. On 16 March, the FTSE 100 was down by 1.9%, and the index’s 2026 gains were wiped out on 20 March.

Markets briefly rallied on 23 March following news that negotiations would take place between the US and Iran. However, there were conflicting reports that led to confusion. Despite this, US markets improved, with the Dow Jones up 2%, and construction equipment firm Caterpillar leading the way with a 4.4% rise.

UK

The Office for National Statistics said the UK economy stagnated in January 2026. The data suggests the economy was weakening even before the effects of the conflict in the Middle East were felt. Furthermore, inflation in the 12 months to February 2026 was 3%, stubbornly sticking above the Bank of England’s (BoE) 2% target.

The British Chambers of Commerce commented that the UK is stuck in a “low-growth pattern”, after the 2026 GDP forecast was downgraded from 1.2% to 1%. The organisation said the revised estimate reflects weak productivity, subdued investment, and cautious consumer spending.

At the start of March 2026, Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered the government’s Spring Statement. In it, she said inflation would fall faster than expected, economic growth would pick up in 2027 and 2028, and there was headroom in the budget.

However, the calculations were made before the conflict in the Middle East began, which is expected to affect the economic outlook.

For instance, rising energy prices could influence inflation. Indeed, the Office for Budget Responsibility estimated the Iran war would add 1% to UK inflation this year. In turn, high inflation may lead to the BoE increasing interest rates, which would place pressure on consumers and businesses.

Data from S&P Global’s Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) was positive for the manufacturing and service sectors.

In February 2026, the manufacturing PMI continued to grow, recording a reading of 51.7 – a figure above 50 indicates growth – and a rise in business both at home and abroad. The service sector fell slightly compared to the previous month to 53.9, but still shows growth.

In contrast, the construction sector fell to 44.5 in February, which marked 14 consecutive months of contraction.

Europe

Across the eurozone, the annual inflation rate was 1.9% in February 2026, up from 1.7% a month earlier, and very close to the European Central Bank’s (ECB) 2% target.

The ECB opted to hold interest rates in March, but warned that uncertainty could lead to higher inflation and pose risks to economic growth, which might lead to higher interest rates in the coming months.

The European Commission consumer confidence survey highlights this fear among consumers, with the reading falling amid worries that the Iran war could drive up energy costs.

The S&P flash report on output in the eurozone fell to 50.5 in March, down from 51.9 in February. The reading represents a 10-month low, and it is close to the 50 mark, which signals stagnation.

US

As expected, inflation in the 12 months to February 2026 remained stable at 2.4%.

However, data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics was less positive. The US economy lost 92,000 jobs in February, which could be a sign that the market is cooling, and the ongoing conflict might lead to businesses taking a more cautious approach in the coming months.

A consumer sentiment survey carried out by the University of Michigan indicates that the Iran war is already influencing how confident people feel about their financial future. The reading fell from 56.6 in February to 55.5 in March.

Please note: This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at individuals only.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.

The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

Investments should be considered over the longer term and should fit in with your overall attitude to risk and financial circumstances.

The post Investment market update: March 2026 appeared first on Morgan Williams & Co..

As a non-traditional asset, you might overlook paying tax associated with crypto activities. Doing so could leave you with an unexpected bill and a potential HMRC fine, so it’s important to be aware of what tax you might be liable for.

As crypto becomes more common, regulations around these assets are changing and could affect you in the future. Keeping an eye on the changes could help you avoid surprises. Tax rules for cryptoassets are complex, and you might benefit from seeking specialist advice.

Cryptoassets could be liable for Income Tax, Capital Gains Tax, and Inheritance Tax

While crypto is often described as a digital or virtual currency, from a tax perspective, it is treated like shares, rather than cash. As a result, buying, selling, and holding crypto could attract a tax charge.

Income Tax

In some circumstances, you will need to pay Income Tax on crypto earnings.

If you’re paid in crypto, your income may be liable for Income Tax and National Insurance contributions. If you make money from mining crypto, whether you’re operating as a business or as a hobby, you might need to pay Income Tax on your earnings.

In addition, if you’re frequently trading large amounts of crypto, HMRC may consider you a trader. This would mean you pay Income Tax on trading profits rather than Capital Gains Tax (CGT). However, this is unusual for a typical crypto investor.

Capital Gains Tax

CGT is the type of tax that crypto investors will most commonly need to consider.

You may be liable for CGT when you sell or dispose of certain assets, including crypto, and make a profit.

Each tax year, you have a tax-free allowance, known as the “Annual Exempt Amount”. In 2026/27, this is £3,000 for individuals. You will only pay CGT if your total gains, including from other assets, are above this threshold. As a result, spreading out the disposal of assets could be a way to manage tax efficiency.

If CGT is due, the rate you pay depends on which tax band(s) the taxable gains fall into when added to your other income. In 2026/27:

• If you’re a higher- or additional-rate taxpayer, the rate would be 24% on your gains from chargeable assets.
• If you’re a basic-rate taxpayer, depending on your taxable income and the size of your gain, you might benefit from a lower CGT rate of 18% on chargeable assets.

Inheritance Tax

Under UK tax law, crypto is treated as property. This means when someone passes away, their cryptoassets will be included in their estate for Inheritance Tax (IHT) purposes.

The standard rate of IHT is 40%, so it could significantly reduce the value of assets you inherit or leave behind for loved ones.

If you hold cryptoassets and the total value of your estate is above the nil-rate band (£325,000 in 2026/27), you may benefit from creating an estate plan. An estate plan could help you organise and manage the distribution of your assets after death, including considering how to do so tax-efficiently.

Keeping accurate tax records is essential

You can pay the tax due on crypto gains by reporting them to HMRC, either via a Self Assessment tax return or by using the organisation’s real-time CGT service.

You must keep accurate records of your gains and disposals when investing in crypto. HMRC states that you must keep separate records of each transaction, including the:

• Type of tokens
• Date you disposed of them
• Number of tokens you’ve disposed of
• Number of tokens you have left
• Value of the tokens in pound sterling
• Bank statements
• Pooled costs before and after you disposed of them.

HMRC can audit your tax returns up to four years after the deadline, but in some circumstances the time limit can be longer, including up to 20 years for deliberate tax evasion.

Contact us

If you have questions about your current tax position and how to manage your liability tax-efficiently, please contact us.

Please note: This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at individuals only.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.

Cryptoassets are not regulated financial products so please be aware that trading them carries a considerable amount of risk for your capital. Cryptocurrencies are also not covered by existing consumer protection laws and are not suitable for the majority of investors.

The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

Investments should be considered over the longer term and should fit in with your overall attitude to risk and financial circumstances.

The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate tax planning, Inheritance Tax planning or estate planning.

The post Your essential guide to cryptocurrency and tax appeared first on Morgan Williams & Co..

The survey found that people saving for retirement outside a pension were using a mix of cash savings, Stocks and Shares ISA, buy-to-let property, and other investments with the aim of building long-term wealth.

For some people, these options could be appropriate for their financial circumstances and retirement goals. However, they might also have overlooked the benefits of using a pension.

4 reasons pensions are a valuable way to build retirement wealth

1. Your employer will contribute to your pension

If you’re an employee aged over 22 earning more than £10,000 a year, your employer must auto-enrol you into a pension. If you don’t opt out, your employer will need to contribute to your pension on your behalf at a minimum rate of 3% of your pensionable earnings, though they may contribute a higher percentage.

Should you choose not to save through a workplace pension, you’ll miss out on this additional money that could support you in retirement.

2. Pension contributions benefit from tax relief

To encourage workers to save for retirement, the government offers tax relief on pension contributions. In effect, this means some of the money you’ve paid in Income Tax is added to your retirement savings.

Pension tax relief is provided at your marginal tax rate. Usually, the basic rate is automatically added by your pension provider, and you can use a Self Assessment tax return to claim the remaining amount if you’re a higher- or additional-rate taxpayer.

In 2026/27, the amount you can contribute to a pension without facing a charge is usually £60,000 (the Annual Allowance) or 100% of your annual earnings, whichever is lower. If you’ve already taken an income from your pension or you’re a high earner, your pension Annual Allowance could be as low as £10,000.

3. Your pension is usually invested

The MoneyAge article notes that people are twice as likely to save for retirement in cash (43%) outside a pension compared to a Stocks and Shares ISA (21%).

While cash can be tempting to avoid exposure to investment risk, the interest from a savings account could be lower than investment returns. As many people save for retirement over a long-term time frame, low-yielding cash accounts could mean they retire with significantly smaller pots than they would have if they had invested.

Normally, the money you deposit into a pension will be invested with the aim of delivering long-term growth. While returns cannot be guaranteed, this provides an opportunity for growth that outpaces inflation or cash interest.

4. Investments held in a pension aren’t liable for Capital Gains Tax

When investments aren’t held in a tax-efficient wrapper, such as a pension, the gains you make when you dispose of them could be liable for Capital Gains Tax (CGT). As a result, a pension could be an effective way to invest for your retirement.

Some circumstances might mean a pension isn’t the most appropriate option

There are times when using a pension to save for retirement might not be the most appropriate option.

For example, if your financial circumstances could mean you need access to the money in the short or medium term, a pension would lock it away. As a result, you might feel more comfortable holding the money outside of a pension.

Alternatively, you can’t usually access your pension savings until you turn 55 (rising to 57 in 2028). So, if you’re hoping to retire sooner than that, you might need to establish savings outside of a pension to bridge the gap.

Many people in retirement will draw from multiple sources to create an income stream that suits their needs and financial situation. Contributing to a pension doesn’t mean you can’t build retirement wealth elsewhere or vice versa.

Get in touch to talk about your retirement

If you’re unsure about your options for saving for retirement, please get in touch. We can assess if a pension might be right for you, as well as explore the alternatives.

Please note: This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at individuals only.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.

Please do not act based on anything you might read in this article. All contents are based on our understanding of HMRC legislation, which is subject to change.

A pension is a long-term investment not normally accessible until 55 (57 from April 2028). The fund value may fluctuate and can go down, which would have an impact on the level of pension benefits available. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

The tax implications of pension withdrawals will be based on your individual circumstances. Thresholds, percentage rates, and tax legislation may change in subsequent Finance Acts.

Workplace pensions are regulated by The Pensions Regulator.

The post 4 practical factors to consider before saving for retirement outside of a pension appeared first on Morgan Williams & Co..

Here are five reasons to work with a financial planner as a business owner.

1. Creating a financial plan is an opportunity to discuss your personal goals

Some of your goals are likely to be related to your business and its success. Yet you likely have many others that aren’t related to your company, which you could be neglecting if you don’t review your personal finances.

If you have children, you might want to create a nest egg to support them when they study at university or to act as a deposit when they buy a home. Or perhaps you’d like to travel extensively when you retire and will need a pot to draw from.

A financial plan will focus on your personal goals, so you might take steps towards them alongside running your business.

2. A financial planner could identify ways to improve tax efficiency

You might already work with an accountant to manage your business’s finances and identify tax breaks. A financial planner could do the same for your personal finances.

For example, if you’re investing for a long-term goal, have you used your ISA Annual Allowance to reduce your Capital Gains Tax bill? Are you claiming back all the tax relief you’re entitled to when contributing to a pension?

A tailored financial plan could help you make use of appropriate tax allowances so your money goes further.

3. Reviewing your finances could highlight potential vulnerabilities

Life is full of unexpected events, and business can be unpredictable too.

A financial plan will usually include identifying potential weaknesses in your finances, so you’re able to take steps to protect yourself from financial shocks. For instance, you might consider how you’d cope if you faced a large, unexpected expense or serious illness.

By preparing for these financial shocks, you can feel more confident in your overall finances, which could be beneficial for your business as well. You might want to provide a cash injection to your firm, and understanding your personal finances could mean you’re able to weigh up the options with confidence.

4. A financial plan could cover how you’ll exit your business

Even if you hope to remain in your business for many more years, it’s worth thinking about how and when you’d like to exit. Your exit plan isn’t set in stone, but as your decision could affect tax liability, timelines, and profit, reviewing your options could be useful.

Your personal finances might influence your decision. Indeed, a survey reported in IFA Magazine (12 January 2026) found that 19% of business owners plan to pass their companies on to family members due to Inheritance Tax.

5. Your financial plan may help you transition once you leave your business

Right now, your focus might be on the success of your business, but eventually, you might want to step away from it. If you do, having a clear financial plan that reflects your aspirations could make the transition easier.

A long-term financial plan could also be useful when you’re negotiating a sale price for your firm, as you’ll understand how much you need to live the lifestyle you want.

Contact us to talk about your personal finances

Arrange a meeting with one of our team to discuss how we could work together to review your personal finances and create a plan that could support your goals.

Please note: This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at individuals only.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.

Please do not act based on anything you might read in this article. All contents are based on our understanding of HMRC legislation, which is subject to change.

The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

Investments should be considered over the longer term and should fit in with your overall attitude to risk and financial circumstances.

A pension is a long-term investment not normally accessible until 55 (57 from April 2028). The fund value may fluctuate and can go down, which would have an impact on the level of pension benefits available. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

The tax implications of pension withdrawals will be based on your individual circumstances. Thresholds, percentage rates, and tax legislation may change in subsequent Finance Acts.

The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate tax planning or estate planning.

The post Why business owners could benefit from working with a financial planner appeared first on Morgan Williams & Co..

Markets reached record highs but were affected by AI concerns and trade tariffs

The FTSE 100, an index of the largest companies listed on the London Stock Exchange, was off to a great start in February – it closed at a record high of 10,341 points on 2 February, with a range of sectors performing well, including retailers, banks, airlines, and hospitality.

Similarly, Asian markets reported a welcome uptick on 3 February. Japan’s Nikkei index reached a record high after closing almost 4% higher than its opening level. In addition, India’s Sensex index was up 2.8% after the country struck a trade deal with the US.

However, on 4 February, AI fears affected investors.

Worries that the adoption of AI would harm software and data companies led to a sell-off in European and Asia-Pacific markets. However, the CEO of Nvidia, a leading AI company, Jensen Huang, dismissed the concerns, stating they were “illogical”.

Worries around AI intensified on 11 February when California-based firm Altruist Corp launched an AI service that it said could help advisers create personalised tax strategies. The announcement led to shares dipping for wealth managers, insurance firms, and price comparison sites.

On 12 February, the FTSE 100 reached another record high as it surpassed 10,500 points for the first time. This time it was lifted by shares in Schroders soaring by almost 30% in the first hours of trading after the asset management firm accepted a takeover offer from US investor Nuveen.

On 16 February, the BBC reported that the UK government was weighing up increasing defence spending at a faster pace than expected. The government previously set a target of spending 2.5% of economic output on defence by 2027, rising to 3% by the next parliament. The news led to defence stocks rising, including Babcock (2.5%), Melrose (2.2%), and BAE Systems (1.3%).

US trade tariffs have affected businesses and markets globally throughout 2025 and into 2026. On 20 February, the US Supreme Court ruled against the president’s economic policy of global tariffs, stating that Donald Trump had exceeded his authority by invoking emergency powers to impose them.

Following the announcement, the US Customs and Border Protection agency said it would stop collecting tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act from Tuesday, 24 February.

This led to market volatility as investors and businesses assessed what the announcement would mean for them.

Further uncertainty followed on 24 February when Trump’s new global tariff was introduced. The new tariff is being applied under the 1974 Trade Act, which allows the president to impose a charge for 150 days without congressional approval. The changing situation places pressure on businesses exporting to the US.

On 28 February, US-Israeli strikes on Iran triggered fresh geopolitical uncertainty, which is likely to affect stock markets in March 2026 and potentially beyond.

UK

Inflation in the UK fell to 3% in the 12 months to January 2026, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the fall would “ease the burden on people”.

Despite the inflation dip, the Bank of England chose to hold its base interest rate. However, it’s expected that a rate cut will happen in the coming months as inflation stabilises to support the economy.

Official GDP data suggests the UK economy grew by 0.1% in December 2025, and real annual GDP per capita grew following a period of no growth in the previous year. Chancellor Rachel Reeves commented that she expects stronger economic growth in 2026.

The UK posted its largest budget surplus since monthly records began in 1993. According to the ONS, the January surplus was £30.4 billion, compared to an expected £24 billion, which provided a boost to the chancellor ahead of the Spring Statement set to be delivered in March.

Readings from various S&P Global Purchasing Managers’ Indices (PMI) – which measure economic health based on surveys of purchasing managers – were positive.

• The manufacturing PMI hit a 17-month high with a reading of 51.8, surpassing the 50 mark that indicates growth. The PMI reported high sales volumes to Europe, the US, China, and several emerging markets.
• The construction sector posted a PMI reading of 46.4 in January. While the figure indicates contraction, it is an improvement on previous months and could signal that the worst of the downturn is over.
• The service sector PMI reading was 53.7. This is the fastest pace of growth recorded in almost two years.

Overall, the PMI data could support the chancellor’s assertions that economic growth will improve in 2026.

Europe

Figures from Eurostat show inflation across the eurozone fell to 1.7% in the 12 months to January 2026, taking it below the European Central Bank’s (ECB) 2% target.

The ECB opted to hold interest rates as inflation stabilised.

Economic data suggest the eurozone continues to face challenges. S&P Global’s manufacturing PMI recorded a reading of 49.5 in January, just below the 50 mark that indicates growth.

In addition, figures released by Eurostat show industrial production was down by 1.4% in December when compared to the previous month in the eurozone, and by 0.8% across the EU. The largest monthly decreases were recorded in Slovakia (-4.9%), Germany (-2.9%), and Spain (-2.6%).

However, the Sentix index, which measures investor morale, increased for the third consecutive month in the eurozone, which could suggest investors feel optimistic.

US

Inflation in the US fell by more than expected to 2.4% in the 12 months to January 2026. The news could mean the Federal Reserve is more likely to consider a cut to its interest rates in the coming months.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis reported economic growth of around 0.35% in the final three months of 2025, and an annualised rate of 1.4%, below the estimated 2.5%.

Figures from the Bureau of Labour Statistics indicate that US employers are feeling confident. In January, businesses hired 130,000 more workers, which was stronger than expected after the White House warned the number could fall because of its deportation program.

While positive, the Guardian noted that these figures may be revised downwards. Indeed, in 2025, the total new jobs for the year were revised significantly downwards to 181,000 from the initially reported 584,000.

Asia

Japan just avoided a technical recession – defined as two consecutive quarters of economic contraction. After the economy contracted by 0.7% in the third quarter of 2025, GDP figures showed weak growth of 0.1% in the following quarter. The news led to Japanese investment markets dipping, including the Nikkei 225 index (-0.24%) and the broader Topix index (-0.8%).

While China’s GDP was significantly higher at 4.5% in the final quarter of 2025, it was weaker than in previous years, partly due to trade frictions with the US. However, the country did hit its official 5% annual target.

Please note: This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at individuals only.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.

The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

Investments should be considered over the longer term and should fit in with your overall attitude to risk and financial circumstances.

The post Investment market update: February 2026 appeared first on Morgan Williams & Co..