News and insights

US tariff reset erodes UK’s advantage as exporters prepare for the next regime

The Trump administration has replaced the reciprocal tariffs regime that was struck down by the Supreme Court with a non-discriminatory tariff tool, shifting tariff risk to a more uncertain carve-out-driven framework. In this new regime, the UK’s prior relative advantage for non-exempt goods is no longer assured and outcomes depend on sector carve-outs, product mix and enforcement.

SMEs should frame AI as a productivity driver rather than a strategy

Artificial intelligence (AI) is widely positioned as a growth and innovation accelerator. But for most SMEs, AI is better framed as a productivity driver rather than a strategy.

UK construction activity stabilises but so far without recovery

UK construction activity spent the entire year in contraction territory in 2025, with conditions deteriorating sharply in November, when firms recorded the fastest decline in new orders in five and a half years. The slump was attributed to Budget-related uncertainty and deferred investment, which subdued demand, accentuated fragile client confidence and delayed spending decisions, contributing to weak sales pipelines into the year end. Expectations have improved from depressed levels in December, but this initial stabilisation has not yet developed into a recovery.

Bitcoin’s sharp correction during a flat year

Bitcoin has suffered its fastest and steepest correction in three years, with prices plunging 36% from the $126,000 October all-time-high to around $80,000 in just six weeks.

BTG strengthens asset finance division with new leadership and senior appointments

BTG has named James Dutton as its new Head of Asset Finance and made three senior hires to enhance the strategic financial expertise in its asset finance team for clients.

BTG supports The Experiential Learning Group in its sale to Alchemist Group

BTG has supported The Experiential Learning Group (TELG) on its sale to Alchemist Group, the parent company behind a portfolio of best-in-class learning brands, forming a powerhouse in behaviour-based leadership and sales development.

David Hayton and David Abbott discuss the impact of high-end investment on the care sector

The UK care home sector attracted almost $2bn of US investment in the first half of 2025, expanding the number of luxury care home options in the process. Writing for Caring Times, David Hayton and David Abbott from BTG discussed the impact on the rest of the market, including the opportunity for revitalisation through renovation.

Robert Insall comments on the impact of rising tariffs on toy brands

When tariffs rose at the start of 2025, Robert Insall, Partner at BTG, was asked to contribute his thoughts to a Bloomberg article about the impact on toy makers that were reliant on Chinese manufacturers for their products.