Is the future bright for 2025?
With a new year comes new challenges, opportunities and goals – especially in our corporate, retail, financial, property and hospitality sectors. We asked some of our trusted leading business experts for their thoughts on everything from what the repercussions of Labour’s first budget under Sir Keir Starmer will have on the future economy as well as what trends they predict seeing in the commercial arena
LEGAL SECTOR
Joseph Oates and Victoria Sampson, Partners and co-leads of CooperBurnett LLP
“There will be a certain amount of ‘wait and see’ but we are not standing still”
Although without the benefit of a crystal ball, following announcements in the recent budget and ongoing changes in law, such as the Employment Rights Bill, we are aware of the challenges facing our clients at the moment.
We are working with our Corporate clients to help them navigate changes to NI contributions and employment law and the impact those might have on areas such as M&A (mergers and acquisitions), recruitment and business growth. And, we are supporting our Private Clients, as they navigate changes to Inheritance Tax in 2026, alterations to Stamp Duty Land Tax in April and a growth in pre-nups.
As a firm, we have seen good times and bad over four decades and have supported clients through both. This year, there will be a certain amount of ‘wait and see’ but we are not standing still. In fulfilment of our ambitious growth strategy CooperBurnett continues to add to its team, in particular increasing our expertise in areas such as construction and planning, while we are also continuing to invest and support our lawyers as they grow their careers here.
TeamCB is ready, willing and able to meet any challenges and opportunities that come our way in 2025.
www.coopercooperburnett.com
ARCHITECTURE & DEVELOPMENT
Tara de Linde – RIBA, Director, Atelier de Linde Ltd.
“The government’s target of 1.5 million homes could force policy makers to look holistically at regulation”
Our planning system is odd. It is comprised of policies that are supposedly prescriptive but are in fact ‘subject to interpretation’ and it is within these fissures that negotiating takes place. Negotiating is relevant as ultimately it is what facilitates planning progress, like case law or the self-repairing behaviour of organic matter.
The cracks though are widening. Design items that used to sit safely in the relatively low-risk zone of Building Control are now encroaching the more precarious zone of Planning. Demands around ecology, energy cycles and drainage are being made – often at great cost to the applicant – before the anxiously awaited Planning nod. What we are witnessing is different parts of a system that are changing at different rates. Whilst energy efficiency mandates are accelerating, planning policy is shuffling along at a temperate pace.
Add to the mix the government’s target of 1.5 million homes and we’re looking at fissures that are morphing into tectonic plate subductions. Perhaps this is what is needed. In the same way that Covid propelled us into embracing technology that lay dormant at our feet, so now, this challenge could force policy makers to look holistically at regulation and streamline the process in a way that won’t stifle development or compromise design quality.
www.atelierdelinde.co.uk
MARKETING & PR
Siobhan Stirling, Founder and Managing Director, Sharp Minds Communications
“Brands will have to create content that challenges, excites and inspires consumers, aligning with generational values”
The challenge for brands this year will be to capture consumer attention in an increasingly crowded and rapidly evolving landscape – at a time of likely shaky consumer confidence.
Effective marketing and communications strategies will be built on genuine engagement and authentic, personalised content.
Shifting consumer preferences and an oversaturated digital market mean that short-form videos will continue to dominate social strategies as an efficient way to capture attention. The explosion of podcasting will provide an alternative platform for more discursive engagement, creating the basis of longer-form content that can be repurposed to meet your audiences on their preferred channels, such as short social clips, blogs or longer white papers.
But to capture hearts and minds, brands will have to create content that challenges, excites and inspires consumers by creating entertaining, unique digital experiences. With millennials and Gen Z now making up around 40% of the population, companies will need to show how they align with their generational values, particularly demonstrating brand authenticity, commitment to diversity and environmentally sustainable policies.
It’s a tall order, but AI may provide some assistance. While it needs to be used judiciously – especially as obvious AI-generated content can seriously undermine the authenticity that consumers increasingly value – AI can take some of the grunt work out of mar-comms (for example personalising campaigns). This can allow internal teams and agencies to focus their expertise on delivering the spark of imagination required to exceed customer expectations.
www.sharpminds.agency
RENTAL SECTOR
Becky Moran, Founder and Director of TN Lettings
“Properties are going to auction due to increases in mortgages but this allows low value investors to add to their portfolios”
With 2024 being a rollercoaster of a year in terms of the rental market, I feel excited about what 2025 has in store for growth in the market for renters and landlords. There is obviously some concern with the Renters Reform Bill but I honestly don’t think it’s anything to currently worry about – and if you have a good letting agent, they will make sure this works for you and your property. I believe the market will be busy with lots more buy to let properties being purchased through Limited companies to take advantage of the tax benefits and also the stamp duty being at the lower level. This will naturally create more stock for the renter to be able to pick and choose a little more and steady rents for the coming year hopefully creating some stability but also making renting more achievable for the tenant.
There are lots of properties going to the auction market due to increases in mortgage payments as people come out of their fixed rates and this allows the clever low value investors to add to their portfolios. To summarise, our view is the market will get better with more properties to rent and investors gaining properties that others just cant afford to keep, making the whole rental market keep moving for the year ahead and allowing people to find their ideal home.
www.tnlettings.co.uk
NEW BUSINESS
Chris Weller, MD, Charles Century
Estate Agents
“We are expecting the market in 2025 to be year on year busier with prices not drastically changing in any direction”
The new Labour government has made an impact on the housing market. To be expected there was a slow down due to the impending budget, which was better than most expectations, but subsequently we have seen a slowdown in growth and in turn the Bank of England haven’t reduced interest rates as much as we were expecting. We have also seen stamp duty changes from the 1st April for the lower threshold which will be a negative impact on the markets.
The market in November became increasingly busier due to the upper housing echelons starting to move and more houses going under offer around £800,000 to £1,000,000 and the trickle down to other price points. Charles Century is expecting the market in 2025/2026 to be year on year busier with prices not drastically changing in any direction.
Charles Century was set up in the middle of 2024 and came off the back of working within the industry for 10 + years and wanting give a better experience than previous estate agents. We are a traditional agent with modern methods to sell properties within East Sussex and Kent.
www.charlescentury.co.uk
HEALTH INSURANCE
Matthew Hill, Founder and Managing Director of PMI Brokers
“For businesses, the rising importance of employee wellbeing is shaping corporate health insurance strategies”
The health insurance landscape in the UK is poised for significant evolution. Several key trends are emerging, driven by economic shifts, technological advancements, and changing consumer and business expectations.
For businesses, the rising importance of employee wellbeing is shaping corporate health insurance strategies. Employers are increasingly offering comprehensive health plans as part of their benefits packages to attract and retain talent in a competitive job market. Customised group policies that address specific workforce needs, such as mental health support and proactive wellness, are gaining traction.
Digitalisation within the sector is also benefiting businesses. Providers are investing in AI-driven tools for faster claims processing and predictive analytics to tailor policies, ensuring companies can manage costs while delivering high-quality coverage to employees. Virtual healthcare platforms are proving invaluable for businesses seeking to minimise absenteeism by providing quick and efficient access to medical consultations.
The cost-of-living crisis and ongoing economic challenges are prompting businesses to explore more flexible health insurance options. Modular plans allow organisations to choose coverage that aligns with their budgets while still meeting employee expectations.
In 2025, health insurance could provide not only greater affordability and flexibility but also empower companies, individuals, and families to proactively address their health and wellbeing through enhanced services and coverage options.
www.pmibrokers.com
HOUSING MARKET
Deborah Richards, Founder and Managing Partner, Maddisons Residential
“A key focus for our business will be to reduce average transaction times down from an eyewatering 16 weeks”
2024 has been a year of stops and starts for the property market, with the General Election in the spring and then the budget in the autumn creating uncertainty. Overall though, sales volumes were strong, although price growth remained mooted as buyer and seller thoughts on property values continued to diverge.
Starting off in 2025, we have a large pipeline of sales agreed, as buyers look to beat the stamp duty increases that will take effect from 1st April. Overall I believe that 2025 will be a positive year for the housing market, with a probable Base Rate drop in February being a welcome stimulant. I predict that prices will rise by a fairly typical 3% to 4%.
A key focus for me at Maddisons will be to reduce average transaction times. The time to reach completion once an offer is agreed is currently an eye-watering 16 weeks, which in my opinion is unacceptable. One of the hardest parts of my job is breaking the devastating news to a buyer or seller that their home moving dreams have shattered, and the chance of a collapsed deal increases as time passes. More needs to be done to make sure that sellers are legally prepared, with targets set to achieve exchange of contracts, and agents doing all they can to maintain momentum in the deal.
www.maddisonsresidential.co.uk
TRAVEL & TOURISM
Kathryn Peel, co-founder of Peel+Williams Travel, Consumer & Lifestyle PR
“Gen Z is driving demand for authentic, tech-driven, and eco-friendly travel experiences, while ‘Set Jetting’, visiting film and TV locations, is gaining momentum”
Travel in 2025 will be shaped by evolving lifestyles, prioritising flexibility, well-being, and connection. As people seek richer experiences, destinations offering authenticity, cultural immersion, and sustainability will take centre stage. From eco-conscious adventures to wellness-focused retreats, travellers are placing greater value on journeys that nourish both mind and body.
Bleisure travel (combining work and leisure) remains popular as remote work provides flexibility for professionals to explore. Similarly, Set Jetting (visiting film and TV locations) will gain momentum, driven by streaming platforms and social media trends. Boomers are choosing to spend on experiences over saving, embracing travel as a way to fulfil lifelong dreams.
Trends like Slow Travel and Sustainable Travel reflect an increasing desire for deeper connections with local cultures, longer stays, and lower environmental impact. Wellness integrated with nature, such as forest bathing and yoga, appeals to travellers seeking relaxation and healing in natural settings. Generational preferences are diversifying. Gen Z is driving demand for authentic, tech-driven, and eco-friendly travel experiences, often shared via social media and AI tools will revolutionise travel planning with personalised, efficient itineraries and greener options.”
www.peelwilliams.com
RECRUITMENT
Neil Simmons, founder and Managing Director of TN Recruits
“Businesses who clearly communicate their culture and values will have the edge in attracting and retaining high-calibre professionals”
As we look ahead to 2025, the recruitment landscape will be defined by flexibility, technology, and a focus on candidate experience. The rise of AI and automation is already making recruitment more efficient, but it’s essential to strike a balance. While technology can handle repetitive tasks, the human element remains critical in building trust and ensuring a positive experience for candidates.
Flexibility in recruitment models will also take centre stage. Companies will need to be more agile, whether that’s through engaging passive talent, offering competitive compensation, or adapting quickly to market shifts. Employers who embrace this fluid approach will be better positioned to secure top talent.
Additionally, a strong employer brand and a well-defined Employee Value Proposition are becoming non-negotiable. Candidates today are discerning and value authenticity. Businesses that clearly communicate their culture and values will have a significant edge in attracting and retaining high-calibre professionals.
Lastly, diversity, equity, and inclusion will continue to be at the heart of recruitment strategies. Companies that promote inclusive environments will not only access a broader talent pool but also benefit from greater innovation and stronger team dynamics.”
www.tnrecruits.com
