The UK economy is set to “accelerate”, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said as it raised its growth forecast for this year.

The influential global organisation now expects the UK to grow by 1.1% this year, up from the 0.7% it forecast three months ago.

While slow compared to previous periods, this would put the UK in the middle of the pack of global nations.

The IMF’s outlook contrasts with Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s assessment of the UK economy after she claimed Labour had inherited the “worst set of circumstances since the Second World War” following 14 years of Conservative rule.

The chancellor is expected to outline tax rises and spending cuts aimed at raising £40bn at next week’s Budget.

Reeves welcomed the IMF’s more upbeat forecast, but said: “I know there is more work to do.”

The IMF and UK government have disagreed over previous predictions and economic forecasts are not always accurate.

The IMF has previously stated its forecasts for most advanced economies, such as the UK’s, have more often than not been within about 1.5 percentage points of what actually happens.

The IMF’s global forecast shows the world economy has proven resilient, with richer countries having made up for lost pandemic growth.

The US continues to outperform all its peers in the G7 group of advanced economies as the presidential election looms. Its economy is forecast to grow 2.8% this year and 2.2% next year.

The US has seen productivity gains outstripping wage growth, and has, according to the IMF, been “bolstered by substantial immigration flows that helped cool labour markets”.

Europe’s major economies, remain sluggish, especially Germany, but Spain is growing rapidly, by 2.9% this year and 2.1% next year.

Ahead of what is expected to be a tough Budget, the IMF backed maintaining and increasing public investment as being “positive” for growth, especially in areas that boost productivity and competitiveness, for example digital and public infrastructure.

The IMF pointed to internal research showing countries that spend a high proportion of their budgets on investment have significantly faster growing economies.

Reeves has inherited Conservative plans for a notable cut to public investment, measured as a share of the national economy.

The Treasury has clearly signalled in recent days that it could reverse that policy, instead maintaining or increasing investment.

Reeves is also expected to confirm in the Budget that the way in which the government defines its self-imposed rules on reducing the national debt will change to accommodate more investment in infrastructure projects.

Elsewhere in the world, the sanctions-hit Russian economy has had its forecast upgraded yet again, as its move to a war economy supports growth. This year it is expected to expand by 3.6%.

However, next year growth is expected to fall dramatically to 1.3% as private consumption and investment slow.

The IMF pointed to concerns that emerging economies had been left with more “permanent scars” and more persistent inflation from recent global crises.

The intersection of art and technology is creating exciting opportunities for financial growth among artists. Leveraging digital tools, modern platforms, and innovative techniques, you can elevate your creative practice while expanding your revenue streams.

Whether you’re an established artist or just starting out, embracing technological advancements can transform how you create, market, and sell your work.

Virtual reality galleries, crowdfunding campaigns, social media marketing, digital production tools, and online marketplaces are just a few ways that tech-savvy artists are finding new paths to success.

Let’s explore how these innovations can help you boost your career financially.

5 Ways Artists Leverage Technology for Financial Growth

1. Online Marketplaces

Online marketplaces have transformed the way artists sell their work. Sites like Etsy, Society6, and Redbubble offer platforms where you can showcase your art to a global audience.

These websites handle much of the logistical hassle – like payment processing and shipping – allowing you to focus on creating. By setting up an online shop, you not only gain exposure but also have the flexibility to manage your inventory and pricing strategies.

Engaging with customers through reviews and personalized messages builds community and fosters repeat buyers.

Additionally, these platforms often provide valuable analytics that help you understand market trends and improve your sales techniques over time.

2. Digital Music Production

Digital music production has revolutionized how musicians create and distribute their work. With affordable and user-friendly software, even independent artists can produce high-quality tracks from the comfort of their homes. Tools such as digital audio workstations (DAWs) have made recording, editing, and mixing more accessible than ever.

Additionally, advanced features like autotune and effects libraries help refine your sound to professional standards. Digital music mastering is simple with apps like Mixea, allowing you to perfect your tracks without needing an expensive studio setup.

This technological advancement empowers musicians to take full control of their creative process while also opening up new avenues for revenue generation.

3. Virtual Reality Galleries

Virtual reality (VR) galleries are changing the landscape for art exhibitions. With VR technology, you can create immersive, 3D gallery experiences that allow potential buyers to explore your artwork from the comfort of their homes.

This not only saves on physical space and travel costs but also broadens your reach to a global audience. When you offer high-definition views and interactive features, VR galleries provide an engaging experience that traditional online photos cannot match.

Artists can host virtual openings, complete with live chats and guided tours, making it easier to connect with collectors in real-time. This innovative approach is proving to be a game-changer in how art is marketed and sold.

4. Crowdfunding Campaigns

Crowdfunding campaigns have become a powerful tool for artists looking to fund their projects. Platforms like Kickstarter and Netcapital allow you to pitch your ideas directly to backers.

This approach not only democratizes the funding process but also helps build a dedicated community around your work. If you offer exclusive rewards such as limited edition prints, behind-the-scenes content, or personalized experiences, you can incentivize support and engage with your audience on a deeper level.

Successful campaigns provide essential financial backing while maintaining creative control. Additionally, crowdfunding introduces your art to new audiences who may become lifelong fans.

5. Social Media Marketing

Social media marketing has become indispensable for artists seeking to reach wider audiences. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook offer unprecedented opportunities for showcasing your work, engaging with fans, and driving sales.

By sharing regular updates on your creative process, upcoming projects, or finished pieces, you can build a dedicated following. Engaging content such as stories, live sessions, and behind-the-scenes glimpses creates a personal connection with your audience.

Utilizing hashtags and collaborations with other artists or influencers can further expand your visibility. Effective social media strategies not only enhance brand recognition but also direct potential buyers to your online stores or galleries.

Technology Can Be An Artist’s Best Friend

Embracing technology can unlock new doors for your artistic journey, offering endless possibilities for growth and financial success. Don’t hesitate to explore these innovative tools and platforms, integrating them into your creative process.

Start experimenting with online marketplaces, virtual galleries, crowdfunding, social media marketing, and digital production today. Each step you take opens up more opportunities to connect with audiences worldwide and monetize your talents in fresh ways.

HALLOWEEN is right around the corner which means households are starting to stock up on goodies for trick-or-treaters.

So we found the cheapest places to buy your spooky sweets this week to save you splashing out – and prices start at just 59p.

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The best deal around is from B&M with a huge 600g Swizzels Sweet Treat tub selling for £3.

Another bargain deal we found was in Sainsbury’s, where a whopping 800g bumper box of Haribo Starmix costs just £5 with a Nectar Card.

These are currently the cheapest places to buy these sweet brands in bulk.

There are also a wide range of spooky sweets selling for bargain price in shops like Aldi, Poundland and Asda.

Their quantities are smaller, so might require you to stock up on a couple bags, but include spooky editions of brand favourites.

For example, you can also buy 160g packets of Haribo Monsters and Skeletons for the cheapest price in Aldi at just 99p.

Poundland is also a strong contender with all kinds of gruesome treats, such as eye balls and blood bags, selling for £1.

Keep in mind that supermarket prices can change day to day and vary between stores.

So it’s always a good idea to check prices online before you shop – or visit a comparison site like Trolley to sweep the best deals.

To find out which deals we rated the best and where to get them, read below.

Swizzels Sweet Treat Tub – £3

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The 600g Swizzels tub is the best deal around at only 50p per 100g in B&M.

It is currently reduced to £3 from its original price, £4.

And with the huge amount of sweets, you could be set for the whole Halloween for bargain price.

It features all the favourites – including Parma Violets, Drumsticks, Refreshers and Love Hearts.

B&M is the cheapest place to buy the tub, but you can also get it for £3.49 in Aldi, or more expensive in Iceland for £5.50.

You can also buy smaller 173g bags of Swizzels in B&m for £1 or Aldi for 99p.

Though this is 57p per 100g, meaning the 600g Sweet Treat Tub is the best bang for your buck.

Haribo Starmix Bumper Box – £5

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This 800g box contains 50 treat size bags making it just 10p per serving.

You can buy it in Sainsbury’s for £5.50, or just £5 if you have a Nectar Card.

We couldn’t find this product in any other supermarket, meaning you should be quick to grab the deal from your nearest Sainsbury’s.

One seller has listed it on Ebay for £11 – over double the Sainsbury’s price.

To find your local Sainsbury’s go to the website and use the Store Locator.

Haribo Monsters and Skeletons – 99p

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The cheapest place to buy spooky Haribo sharing bags is Aldi, with the 160g packets priced at just 99p.

Haribo has two spooky editions: skeletons and monsters.

You can also buy them in Iceland for £1, or £1.25 in Asda and Morrisons.

Aldi sells a range of sweets at their 99p price, including Drumsticks, Skittles and Candy Kitten dupes.

Another option on their Halloween confectionary range is the Nature’s Pick candy apple, which costs just 59p, but only serves one.

Cadbury’s Pumpkin Patch Cakes – £2.50

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The Cadbury‘s box of 4 Pumpkin Patch Cakes is an exciting seasonal addition to shelves.

It can be bought in most supermarkets such as Asda, Sainsbury’s, Iceland and Tesco for £2.50.

This means each cake costs 63p – making it a pricier option if you’re looking to give them to trick-or-treaters.

But if you’re a Cadbury’s lover who’s looking to grab them for yourself, it helps to know they’re the same price across the board – unless you spot any reductions.

More Creepy Treats – £1

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If you’re looking for other places to bag great deals on sweets this Halloween, Poundland offers a range of options all for £1.

You can get realistic looking blood bags, jelly body parts, witches hair and creepy jelly insects.

In comparison, a giant spooky jelly spider is £3 in B&M.

And in Lidl a candy skull is £5 – which is £4 more expensive than Poundland.

However, remember that smaller bags of sweets like these may require you to buy multiple bags – in many cases it is better to bulk buy a tub of Swizells, for example, and stretch your cash further.

Read our other article to learn how you can also make spooky sweet treats at home.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

THE Boulevard Hotel in Blackpool was named the best Luxury Lifestyle Hotel in the UK at an awards show in Northern Ireland.

It beat the likes of The Ritz Hotel in London, The Caledonian in Edinburgh and The Chelsea Harbour Hotel & Spa to the top spot.  

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The Blackpool-based hotel scooped two other awards, including being named the Best Luxury Hotel in Northern Europe for the second year running and having the Best General Manager in Northern Europe.

Each of the nominations were evaluated based on several criteria, including luxury, presentation and guest feedback.

Over 300,000 guests and industry experts then voted on each of the nominations to name the winners.

Located on Blackpool‘s Ocean Boulevard, the aptly-named Boulevard Hotel first opened to the public in 2019.

Guests can book to stay in seven different types of rooms, including 120 Stylish Rooms, eight Junior Suites, two Park View Suites, eight Coastal Suites and family rooms.

Each of the rooms features bespoke artwork, including handmade furniture.

The Park View Suites have views overlooking Pleasure Beach Resort, one of the country’s best-loved seaside attractions.

These suites also have a separate living room, designer toiletries, bathrobes, slippers and a bottle of prosecco on arrival.

Meanwhile, the Coastal Suites have sea views and come equipped with an espresso machine, complimentary wine, luxury linen and Hungarian down duvets.

The £12 million hotel also has a restaurant called Beachside, which has enough space to seat 120 guests.

Afternoon tea is served between 12pm and 4pm every day and costs £29.95 per person, while dishes from the a la carte menu can be ordered from 5pm onwards.

Other facilities at the hotel include a state-of-the-art gym.

Amanda Thompson OBE, CEO of Boulevard Hotel said: “We opened Boulevard with the hope of introducing something rather unique to Blackpool, a truly luxurious hotel.

“Being able to add these awards to the hotel’s roster is a massive achievement – especially officially being Northern Europe’s Best Luxury Hotel for a second year running.

“A huge thanks to Klaus and all of the team who work so hard. And of course, thanks to all of our wonderful guests for voting for us.”

Previous visitors have raved about the hotel, with a 4.5/5 star rating from over 1,000 reviews on TripAdvisor.

One person wrote: “A great hotel stayed with comfortable areas and spacious rooms. We had dinner and breakfast and all were to a high standard.”

Another wonderful stay at this stunning hotel

Another added: “A beautiful modern and clean hotel, with very spacious rooms and lovely comfortable beds.”

A third person wrote: “Another wonderful stay at this stunning hotel.”

Rooms at the Boulevard Hotel start from £85 per night and include free tickets to Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort.

The Boulevard Hotel is a one-minute walk from Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort, a seaside theme park that has a host of A-list fans.

Tim Burton, who is arguably the town’s biggest fan, first visited Blackpool in 2006 to watch The Killers perform.

The Hollywood Director visited Blackpool last year when he was filming Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, boarding the theme park’s haunted ghost train for inspiration.

Other A-listers have been spotted in the northern seaside town, including Robbie Williams and Samuel L Jackson.

There are plenty of free activities in Blackpool too, including taking a selfie outside Blackpool Tower.

Stanley Park is also free to enter, with many activities costing just £1.

The town’s famous Blackpool Illuminations cost £2.4 million to stage, attracting more than 3.5 million visitors to the town every year.

Meanwhile, this theme park is the best value in the country and has the shortest queue times.

And this award-winning theme park is opening a new £300m attraction in the UK.

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