Business

Car Finance Crisis Poses Threat to UK Economy, Warns Lloyds Bank CEO

Published

2 weeks ago

December 9, 2024

RTX

The deepening crisis in Britain’s car finance sector could have serious implications for the country’s economic prospects, according to Charlie Nunn, CEO of Lloyds Bank. Nunn expressed concerns that uncertainty following recent court rulings is undermining investor confidence, risking a multi-billion-pound claims storm reminiscent of the Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) scandal.

Nunn’s remarks followed a landmark ruling by the Court of Appeal last month, which declared that hidden commissions paid to car salespeople by banks were illegal. This decision has overturned a longstanding industry practice and challenges previous guidance issued by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The court’s ruling, which states that sales staff have a “fiduciary duty” to secure the best deal for consumers, could set a precedent for similar claims in other areas of consumer lending.

At a Financial Times event, Nunn explained: “Investors are looking at this and saying this principle of the courts coming up with decisions independently from the regulation… is bleeding across the whole economy.” He suggested that the uncertainty caused by the ruling, combined with regulatory indecision, is making it more difficult for both foreign and domestic investors to commit funds to the UK’s financial services sector, and by extension, the broader economy.

The potential fallout from the court’s decision is expected to be substantial, with some industry analysts drawing comparisons to the PPI scandal, which resulted in tens of billions of pounds in compensation payouts to consumers. Preliminary estimates suggest that compensation for the car finance issue could reach £16 billion, with some claims management firms predicting figures as high as £40 billion.

Lloyds, which entered the motor finance market through its Black Horse subsidiary, has already set aside £450 million in provisions for compensation claims. Close Brothers, another significant player in the sector, has seen its market value drop dramatically, from £1.5 billion to just £325 million, as lenders reassess their exposure to the legal risks.

The timing of the Court of Appeal’s judgment complicates an ongoing FCA investigation into mis-selling in the motor finance industry. While the Financial Ombudsman Service has supported consumer claims, the FCA’s own inquiry and any potential compensation scheme are not expected to conclude until mid-2025. As a result, many companies remain cautious about lending, waiting for greater clarity on the legal landscape.

With 85% of new cars and 65% of second-hand vehicles in the UK purchased using finance arrangements, the situation has become critical for both the automotive and banking sectors. Should consumer credit costs rise or availability decrease, it could hinder Britain’s post-pandemic recovery in the automotive sector and the wider economy.

Nunn emphasized the need for coordinated action to restore investor confidence, urging financial services, regulators, and the government to collaborate in providing certainty for consumers and the car industry. He stated, “Only together can we provide that certainty for consumers, for the car industry, and actually for investability in the UK economy.”

As lenders navigate the evolving situation, the resolution of the car finance crisis could have far-reaching implications for the UK’s economic stability and regulatory future.

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Business

AI Poised to Revolutionise UK Careers Advice, Helping Bridge Resource Gap

Published

2 days ago

December 20, 2024

RTX

As the debate around artificial intelligence (AI) focuses on job displacement, one sector stands ready to harness the technology for good: careers advice. Far from replacing human advisers, AI has the potential to enhance career guidance services, making them more personalised, timely, and accessible, while addressing the strain on resources in the UK.

Funding for careers advice has significantly decreased in recent years. The Gatsby Foundation reports that spending on school pupils’ career development dropped from £159 per pupil in 2009 to just £68 today, while adult career support has also seen a decrease of nearly a third, from £35 to £26 per person. Despite these cuts, effective career guidance remains crucial to long-term employment success. Research from the Investing in Careers report shows that for every £1 spent on careers support, schools see an average return of £2.50, and unemployed adults benefit by £3.20.

This funding gap underscores the need for innovation, and AI is emerging as a powerful solution. By leveraging advanced machine learning, AI can help careers advisers efficiently guide individuals in exploring career pathways, enhancing CVs, and preparing for interviews. AI can also identify transferable skills, highlight growing industries, and adapt to shifting job markets—critical as the skills required for jobs worldwide are expected to change by at least 65% by 2030, according to LinkedIn.

Dr. Deirdre Hughes OBE, author of Careers 2035, sees a transformative role for AI in the sector. “Access to equitable AI-enhanced resources can help ensure that all individuals benefit,” she explains. “The future of career guidance must embrace innovation while breaking down barriers to ensure no one is left behind.”

AI is not meant to replace the human element of career advice, but rather to enhance it. Careers advisers remain essential for providing personal contact, empathy, and an understanding of individual circumstances. AI tools can allow them to make better use of their time, supporting more people and offering guidance that is more tailored to each person’s needs.

Chris Glennie, chief executive of Morrisby, one of the UK’s leading career guidance platforms, argues that advisers will remain central to the process. While acknowledging the challenges faced by the profession, including low pay and a significant turnover rate, he sees AI as an opportunity for advisers to shape the future of the industry. “AI can become a trusted ally,” Glennie says, allowing advisers to play an active role in refining the technology and ensuring its accuracy.

For schools, AI could help fill gaps in careers guidance. Many secondary schools are required to offer career advice from Year 7 to Year 13, yet 11% of students still miss out on one-to-one meetings with qualified advisers by the end of Year 11. AI could provide initial insights into students’ interests and strengths, freeing advisers to focus on more in-depth, personalised support.

As career paths evolve rapidly, AI systems that provide up-to-date information will help advisers stay abreast of industry changes. With the right approach, AI can bridge the resource gap, improving careers advice services and ensuring that all individuals, regardless of background, have access to the guidance they need to build successful careers.

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Business

UK Businesses Embrace AI and ESG Priorities as They Navigate 2025 Challenges

Published

3 days ago

December 19, 2024

RTX

As the UK business landscape enters 2025, companies are focusing on two key priorities: accelerating artificial intelligence (AI) adoption and preparing for incoming environmental, social, and governance (ESG) regulations. These trends reflect broader efforts to enhance efficiency, stay competitive, and comply with regulatory shifts.

AI has moved beyond its experimental phase, with businesses increasingly investing in the technology. A recent report from Capterra shows that over three-quarters of UK businesses plan to boost their software budgets in 2025, including significant investment in AI. Nicky Tozer, SVP EMEA at Oracle NetSuite, highlighted that AI is becoming a central focus for companies seeking to improve operational efficiency and gain a competitive edge.

While AI adoption among UK small businesses has been relatively slow — only 20% were using the technology as of March 2024, according to the Federation of Small Business — that is set to change. Data from Capterra reveals that AI is now emerging as a priority, alongside IT security, as businesses seek to avoid missing out on its potential. Forrester reports that in 2025, business leaders will shift focus from experimentation to driving bottom-line results through AI, with an emphasis on return on investment (ROI).

One area where AI is expected to have a major impact is in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. Leading ERP vendors are rolling out AI features embedded in workflows to help businesses improve decision-making and enhance performance. This shift is reflected in the growing understanding of how to maximize the value of AI, particularly by connecting and standardising data across business lines.

However, to fully reap the benefits of AI, businesses must ensure that employees across all departments are onboard with the technology. According to Capterra, 57% of UK companies that implemented software solutions in the past year also introduced learning management systems (LMS) to support employee onboarding. As AI adoption spreads, business leaders are prioritizing intuitive design and adaptability to ensure that workers can interact with the technology effectively. Natural Language Processing (NLP) is expected to play a key role in enabling more intuitive interactions with AI systems, reducing the need for specialized training.

Alongside AI, businesses must prepare for new ESG regulations. Starting in 2025, the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) will require companies to report on their environmental and social impact. This regulatory shift is part of a broader trend toward increased transparency, with stakeholders — including investors, customers, and employees — demanding more accountability from businesses. Deloitte’s 2024 research revealed that 74% of public companies plan to invest in ESG reporting tools, underscoring the importance of technology in meeting these new requirements.

As businesses navigate 2025, the convergence of AI adoption and ESG compliance will shape their strategies, driving efficiency, transparency, and long-term sustainability in a rapidly evolving market.

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