In this Insights In Focus episode, we review the major events of 2022 and their contribution to ongoing economic uncertainty.

Despite inflation already beginning to rise, the year began with optimism, as tracked by the ICAEW Business Confidence Monitor. But events moved quickly and the effects of the invasion of Ukraine in February and successive political crises back home have challenged the resilience of businesses and individuals alike.

With Rishi Sunak and Jeremy Hunt now installed in Numbers 10 and 11, the year is closing with the new government’s promise of ‘Big Bang 2.0’ – a package of post-Brexit legislation designed to boost the financial services sector. But how far-reaching are the reforms and will they sufficiently differentiate the UK from Europe’s major financial hubs?

Host Philippa Lamb is joined by Frances Haque, Chief Economist at Santander UK; Iain Wright, ICAEW Managing Director, Reputation and Influence; and David Williamson, Political Editor at the Sunday Express.

Links
ICAEW Business Confidence Monitor
https://www.icaew.com/technical/economy/economic-insight/business-confidence-monitor-national

ICAEW Ukraine crisis: central resource hub
https://www.icaew.com/insights/insights-specials/ukraine-crisis-central-resource-hub 

ICAEW inflation hub
https://www.icaew.com/technical/economy/inflation 

ICAEW cost of doing business hub
https://www.icaew.com/technical/economy/cost-of-doing-business 

ICAEW energy crisis hub
https://www.icaew.com/technical/economy/energy-crisis 

Host
Philippa Lamb

Guests
Iain Wright, Managing Director, Reputation and Influence, ICAEW
David Williamson, Political Editor, Sunday Express
Frances Haque, Chief Economist, Santander UK

Producer
Natalie Chisholm 

Episode first published: 15 December 2022
Podcast recorded: 8 December 2022