Ernst & Young - Issues and Perspectives - Ernst & Young - United Kingdom

In today’s rapidly changing world, having an informed view of tomorrow is vital. That’s where we come in. Our 152,000 people combine global perspectives and experience with deep industry knowledge. Knowledge that can help you move your business forward with confidence.

We provide assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services to many of the world’s leading organizations. We help them manage their risks, grasp opportunities and achieve their business potential.

It’s how we make a difference.

Explore our issues pages:
Analysis of Profit Warnings | ITEM Club | Audit Committee Chair Forum | Chief Financial Officer programme | Finance leaders network | Financial controller network | Independent Director programme 

The ITEM Club: latest economic outlook

No double dip but, with luck, a precarious recovery starting later this year

In its Winter 2011-12 forecast, the ITEM Club says that global uncertainty has put the UK economy on hold. ITEM believes the UK is currently in a technical recession, and even if the Eurozone crisis is resolved promptly, it doesn't foresee the UK starting to recover until the autumn, when CPI inflation falls back to the 2% target. But unemployment will then be heading towards a peak of 3 million next year, hampering a recovery in consumer spending. In this precarious economic environment, ITEM says the only hope is that UK companies can boost sales to the new fast-growing economies – but they must also ensure they can deal with the inevitable shocks, as well as adapt to new situations and opportunities.

The ITEM Club, sponsored by Ernst & Young, is the only non-governmental economic forecasting group to use the HM Treasury model of the UK Economy. Its forecasts are independent of any political, economic or business bias. It’s another way Ernst & Young makes a difference, helping our clients achieve their potential.

For more on the ITEM Club’s forecast, visit our ITEM Club page.

2011 UK Attractiveness Survey

The UK remains Europe's top destination for foreign direct investment, but more needs to be done to attract new investors, particularly from the BRICs. Investors view financial services, telecommunications & technology and cleantech as the key sectors that will drive UK’s economic growth over the next two years. The focus is now on how to ensure UK maintains the leading recipient of inward investment and broaden its appeal both in terms of sectors and to the growing number of locations providing the investment.

Competing for growth: Winning in the new economy

Companies across all sectors and markets are expecting the new economy to be even more competitive than the old over the next two years, according to our survey of 1,400 executives from around the world. How should you adapt your business?

Managing in turbulent times

The global credit crisis changes day to day, forcing many individuals and businesses to make decisions in times of uncertainty. To help you, we’ve created a one-stop resource where you can find research, instructive articles, webcasts and professional insights on a range of issues surrounding the credit crisis.

Budget News website

Visit our Budget News website for insight and expert comment for Ernst & Young news, information, expert analysis and insight on the Budget and Pre-Budget.

Profit Warnings

Listed retailers issue more profit warnings in first six months of 2011 than the whole of 2010

Rising inflation, increasing debt and diminishing job security have significantly reduced high street spending, leaving some segments of the retail sector seemingly on their knees, according to our latest Profit Warnings report. Read the full report 430K, July 2011, and the press release.

Corporate Governance

Corporate Governance has become the shareholders’ mainstay. A means to help them rest assured that companies are managing their operations and risks in accordance with statute, regulation and best practice. Visit our Corporate Governance page and start to explore what we have to offer.