Connect with us
DAPA Banner

Business

Govt mulls stake sale in LIC via FPO in next financial year

Published

on

Govt mulls stake sale in LIC via FPO in next financial year
The government is actively considering further reducing its stake in insurance behemoth LIC through a public offering in the next financial year, Financial Services Secretary M Nagaraju said on Monday.

Currently, the government holds a 96.5 per cent stake in Life Insurance Corporation (LIC). It had sold 3.5 per cent through an initial public offering (IPO) in May 2022 at a price band of Rs 902-949 per share. The share sale fetched the government around Rs 21,000 crore.

Talking to reporters, Nagaraju said, “LIC public offer has to be done slowly. We have asked DIPAM (Department of Investment and Public Asset Management) to look at government stake dilution in LIC.”

“LIC FPO may come in the next financial year if all approvals are in place and market conditions are conducive,” he added.

Advertisement

The government is required to offload another 6.5 per cent stake in the public sector life insurer to meet the mandated 10 per cent public shareholding requirement by May 2027.


The quantum of stake sale, price and timing would be decided in due course.
The country’s biggest insurer, LIC, has a market capitalisation of Rs 5.08 lakh crore, with shares settling at around Rs 804 on the BSE on Monday.On the financial front, the state-owned insurer reported a 32 per cent year-on-year jump in net profit to Rs 10,053 crore in the three months ended September 2025 from Rs 7,621 crore in the corresponding period last fiscal. The increase in profit was driven by a lower commission outgo.

The total income improved to Rs 2,39,614 crore in the three months ended September 2025 compared to Rs 2,29,620 crore in the year-ago period.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Business

10+ MFs added these 8 stocks in February; 3 turned multibaggers, up to 140% in FY26

Published

on

The Economic Times

Over 10 mutual funds increased exposure to stocks like Multi Commodity Exchange of India, GE Vernova T&D India and National Aluminium Company in February, with three turning multibaggers and delivering up to 140% returns in FY26.

Continue Reading

Business

Delta raises revenue guidance as CEO says travel demand has been great

Published

on

Delta raises revenue guidance as CEO says travel demand has been great
Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian on state of travel, rising jet fuel costs and TSA staffing shortage

Delta Air Lines said Tuesday that the company was maintaining its profit guidance for the first quarter and raising revenue expectations, despite airlines dealing with higher jet fuel prices since the war in Iran started.

CEO Ed Bastian told CNBC’s Phil LeBeau that Delta had taken a $400 million hit so far for the fourth quarter, but that demand has been “really, really great,” which was leading to higher revenue growth than the airline had originally guided for.

“The higher revenue is offsetting the cost of not just the fuel, but we’ve also had a pretty tough winter season in terms of storms,” he said. “So you put that all together, we’re expecting to come in within the original guidance of 50 to 90 cents EPS.”

Delta had previously forecast an increase in sales of as much as 7% in the first three months of 2026 and adjusted earnings of between 50 cents per share and 90 cents per share for the first quarter.

Advertisement

Delta stock was up nearly 4% in premarket trading.

In an 8K filed Tuesday morning, Delta said it was raising revenue guidance due to momentum in demand, citing strength across the main cabin, premium, loyalty and more. The airline also said its domestic and international unit revenue are growing in the mid-single digits year-over-year.

Delta added that it has its strongest balance sheet in its history.

Bastian said most of Delta’s revenue comes from higher-spending customers who still want to travel, as well as from corporate customers.

Advertisement

“We’ve seen eight of the top 10 sales days in our history this quarter, and five of those just within the last two weeks, within just the last week of March,” he said. “Even with the war going on, our revenues, our bookings are up 25% year over year.”

Last quarter’s bookings are a softer comparison as the airline dealt with customers pulling back over tariff concerns.

Choose CNBC as your preferred source on Google and never miss a moment from the most trusted name in business news.
Continue Reading

Business

How to Download Telegram and Use the Chinese and Web Versions

Published

on

Europe’s youngest consumers are spearheading a growing shift towards refurbished smartphones, according to a new study that highlights changing attitudes to sustainable technology.

In a world where digital privacy feels harder to find, many people are looking for a messaging app that doesn’t just work well but also keeps their data safe.

If you have been looking for a fast, secure, and flexible way to stay in touch with friends or manage large communities, you have likely heard of Telegram. It is more than just a simple instant messaging app; it is a complete ecosystem for communication.

However, getting started can sometimes feel a bit confusing, especially if you are looking for specific features like the Telegram Chinese version or want to use the app without a phone via the browser-based web interface. In this guide, we will break down exactly how to set everything up, solve common login headaches, and make sure you are getting the most out of this powerful cross-platform tool.

Why Users are Moving Away from Traditional Messaging Apps

Many users feel stuck with apps that limit their file sizes or, worse, compromise their privacy. One of the biggest pain points for modern users is the lack of true message synchronization. It is frustrating to start a conversation on your phone and find that it hasn’t updated on your laptop.

Telegram solves this by being a cloud-based service. Unlike other apps that store data only on your physical device, this platform keeps your chats in a secure cloud. This means you can switch from your phone to your tablet or desktop client without missing a single word. Furthermore, for those who prioritize security, the end-to-end encryption used in voice calls and the secret chats feature provide peace of mind that your private business stays private.

Advertisement

A Complete Guide to the Telegram Download and Setup

Setting up the app is the first step toward better communication. Whether you are an Android fan or an iPhone loyalist, the process is designed to be user-friendly.

Installing the Mobile Version on iOS and Android

For most, the mobile app is the primary way to stay connected.

  1. Find the App: Open the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
  2. Download: Search for the official app. When you telegram下载, make sure you are selecting the official version with the blue paper plane icon to avoid third-party clones.
  3. Account Creation: Use your phone number to register. You will receive a verification code via SMS.
  4. Permissions: The app will ask for access to your contacts. This is optional but helps you find friends who are already using the service.

If you are in a region where the Play Store is restricted, you can always find the official Telegram APK on their website. This ensures that everyone has access to real-time messaging regardless of their location.

Setting Up Telegram for Desktop (Windows and Mac)

For professionals, typing on a phone all day isn’t ideal. The desktop version is a game-changer for productivity.

  1. Download the Installer: Visit the official website and download the setup file for your specific operating system.
  2. Installation: Run the file and follow the simple on-screen instructions.
  3. Fast Login: Instead of typing your number again, you can use the QR code login feature. Just open the app on your phone, go to settings, and scan the code on your computer screen. Your entire chat history will appear instantly.

Accessing the Telegram Web Version Without Installation

One common pain point is wanting to check messages on a computer where you aren’t allowed to install new software, like at a library or a shared office. The telegram网页版 is the perfect solution here.

The web-based interface works directly in your browser. You don’t need to download a single file. There are actually two versions available, often referred to as Web K and Web Z.

Advertisement
  • Web K is optimized for speed and works exceptionally well even on a slower internet connection.
  • Web Z offers a more polished user interface with modern animations and a look that mirrors the mobile app.

Using the web version is great for quick file sharing or sending a link from your browser. It keeps your data security intact by allowing you to “Log out of all other sessions” directly from your phone if you forget to sign out on a public computer.

How to Set Up the Telegram Chinese Version for Better Localization

Localization is key to a good user experience. If your primary language is Chinese, navigating an English menu can be a bit of a chore. While there isn’t a separate “app” specifically called the telegram中文 version, the platform makes it very easy to switch your language settings.

To change your interface to Chinese Simplified or Traditional, you can follow these steps:

  1. Search for Language Channels: There are many verified communities that provide localization files.
  2. Apply the Link: When you click a dedicated language link, the app will prompt you to “Change Language.”
  3. Instant Update: Once you confirm, the entire navigation experience, from settings to notification alerts, will be in your native tongue.

This level of multilingual support is one of the reasons the app has grown so quickly in global markets. It allows for a more intuitive design that feels natural to the user.

Essential Tips for Managing Your Telegram Experience

Once you are logged in, you might find the number of messages overwhelming. This is a common issue for new users joining large group chats or following popular channels.

Organizing with Chat Folders

If your chat list is getting messy, use the folders feature. You can create a “Work” folder and a “Personal” folder. This simple organization tip reduces digital clutter and ensures you never miss an important notification from a family member or a colleague.

Advertisement

Strengthening Your Privacy and Security

Since we are dealing with a cloud-based app, you should take an extra minute to lock down your account.

  • Enable 2FA: Activate Two-Step Verification in the privacy settings. This requires a password whenever you log in from a new device, preventing unauthorized access even if someone intercepts your SMS code.
  • Privacy Controls: You can choose who sees your “Last Seen” status or your profile picture. These privacy settings give you full control over your digital footprint.

Troubleshooting Common Connection and Login Issues

Sometimes, things don’t go perfectly. A common pain point is not receiving the verification code. If this happens, wait for the timer to end and choose the “Get code via phone call” option.

Another issue is when the app won’t connect due to local network restrictions. In these cases, you can use the built-in proxy settings. By adding a SOCKS5 or MTProto proxy, you can bypass blocks and maintain a stable release connection. This is a vital feature for users in regions where access to global social media is limited.

Conclusion: Why Telegram is the Future of Communication

Whether you are using it for the encrypted chat features or just because you need to send large files that other apps won’t allow, Telegram offers a level of freedom that is hard to find elsewhere. From the convenience of the browser-based web version to the localized ease of the Chinese interface, it is an app that truly adapts to the user.

By following this guide, you now have the tools to telegram下载 and set up your account like a pro. Remember to keep your security settings tight and use folders to keep your conversations organized. In an era of constant connectivity, having a reliable and secure platform is not just a luxury; it is a necessity.

Advertisement

Continue Reading

Business

From 29,300 to 24,900: Nomura slashes Nifty target, says another 5% correction possible! Here’s why

Published

on

From 29,300 to 24,900: Nomura slashes Nifty target, says another 5% correction possible! Here’s why
International brokerage firm Nomura has slashed the Nifty target for December 2026 to 24,900, a sharp 15% cut from its initial target of 29,300 it gave last year. Further, analysts have cautioned that the 50-share index could fall another 5% after already declining 8% since the onset of the US, Israel-Iran war on February 28.

“We think an additional 5% correction (similar to the correction during the Russia-Ukraine war) is a distinct possibility in the near term, with small and midcap stocks at relatively greater risk,” Nomura said in a report dated March 16. “Adverse flow dynamics can drive markets even lower in the short term. Domestic equity inflow growth has slowed down in the recent past. The valuation threshold for FIIs is lower, aggravated by concerns about the impact of AI and higher oil prices,” it added.

The sustained geopolitical tensions in the Middle East following the attack on Iran present a material risk to the oil and gas supply chain. Shipments through the critical Strait of Hormuz have come to a standstill. These shipments are primarily related to oil and gas. The oil and gas shipments through the chokepoint account for more than 20% of global trade in these commodities.

Also Read | Flexi cap mutual funds record highest inflows for 7 consecutive months. Will the trend continue?

Advertisement

India remains heavily dependent on imports for crude oil, natural gas and LPG, making it particularly vulnerable to external shocks. The Strait of Hormuz alone accounts for around 43% of the country’s crude oil imports and nearly 63% of its LNG imports, highlighting the scale of exposure to this critical route.


Any disruption in supplies can have a broad impact on the economy, as most manufacturing industries are closely linked to the oil and gas supply chain. A sustained rise in oil and gas prices could derail the nascent growth recovery, push inflation higher and put additional pressure on the country’s external balance, Nomura said.
The Indian markets, with the Nifty as a proxy, have corrected 8% over the past two weeks. Such a sharp decline has been seen only twice in the past decade, during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and at the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022.Valuations have also moderated meaningfully. In terms of price-to-earnings multiples and the spread over bond yields, the market is now at the lower end of the range seen over the past four years, the brokerage said.

“Therefore, a correction beyond 5% from current levels should present a buying opportunity from a long-term perspective, in our view,” analysts added.

Earnings at risk?

A sustained high energy price environment is likely to weigh on FY27 earnings. If oil prices remain around $100 per barrel, aggregate corporate earnings could see a downward revision of 10-15% compared to current consensus estimates.

At present, consensus expectations factor in earnings growth of around 16% for FY27 (BSE 200+). However, such cuts could bring growth down sharply, resulting in flat to mid-single-digit earnings growth for the year.

Advertisement

FII selling to worsen?

FIIs have been net sellers, particularly in the secondary market, over the past two years. To start with, elevated valuations were a concern. This was followed by the emergence of the AI trade, where India is perceived as a net loser. Investors are concerned about the IT outsourcing business model, which could impact the broader economy. Elevated oil prices now present an additional headwind to sentiment. “Against this backdrop, we think the valuation threshold for FIIs is likely lower than in the past.”

Domestic inflows have been the bulwark of the equity markets in India. SIP flows have remained resilient, driving consistent positive inflows into mutual funds. However, Nomura says there has been a slowdown in inflow growth rates in the recent past. If the crisis prolongs, domestic inflow growth may slow further.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times.)

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Business

Close Brothers to axe 600 jobs as motor finance losses mount

Published

on

Business Live

FTSE 250 bank will cut fifth of workforce following £300m provisions for car finance mis-selling redress scheme

Close Brothers is in the midst of an operations overhaul.

Close Brothers is aiming to slash costs(Image: Supplied by City AM)

Close Brothers has announced it will cut up to a fifth of its workforce as the bank presses ahead with its aggressive cost-cutting drive amid mounting losses tied to the motor finance scandal.

Advertisement

The FTSE 250 lender revealed it would slash 600 full-time positions by the end of the 2027 financial year, representing approximately 20 per cent of the firm’s total workforce. The redundancies come as the bank aims to trim costs by roughly £85m.

The move follows the bank posting a £65.5m loss in the first half of the year after being compelled to increase its provisions for the motor finance scandal. The figure did represent an improvement from a £102.2m loss in the corresponding period the previous year.

Losses were fuelled by the substantial £135m set aside in October after the UK’s financial watchdog outlined proposals for its industry-wide redress scheme for the car mis-selling saga. The additional funds pushed the bank’s total provisions to £300m, as reported by City AM.

However, the latest update on Tuesday came after a bombshell report from short-seller Viceroy, which cautioned the bank would need to “at least” double its existing provisions following “examination” of the watchdog’s redress scheme.

Advertisement

The note accused Close Brothers of “systematically misrepresenting” its exposure to the motor finance scandal and warned in a worst-case scenario the bank could face regulatory intervention and leave shareholders “substantially wiped out”. The bank maintained its earlier guidance regarding dividends, confirming that reinstatement will not occur until there is greater certainty surrounding the financial regulator’s upcoming motor finance compensation programme.

Operating income dropped to £333.8m, down from £355.4m during the corresponding period last year, affected by a reduced average loan book and the deliberate winding down of certain business operations.

Meanwhile, expenses declined to £359.8m, down from £409.5m, as chief executive Mike Morgan pressed ahead with his cost-reduction restructuring programme.

“We remain focused on delivering our strategic priorities: simplify, optimise, and grow. With the simplification of our business largely complete, we are firmly in the optimisation stage, and have accelerated our cost savings plans,” Morgan said on Tuesday.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Business

10 Things You Must Know About Veteran CB Darius Slay as He Announces Retirement After 13 NFL Seasons

Published

on

Darius Slay

Six-time Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay announced his retirement from the NFL on March 16, 2026, capping a 13-year career defined by lockdown coverage, big-play interceptions and a Super Bowl championship. The 35-year-old, known as “Big Play Slay,” shared an emotional farewell on social media, thanking football for providing peace, joy and family support while reflecting on his journey from a second-round draft pick to one of the league’s most respected defensive backs.

Darius Slay
Darius Slay

Slay’s decision comes after a turbulent 2025 season that saw him sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers on a one-year, $10 million deal, play 10 games, then part ways midseason before being claimed by the Buffalo Bills — a move he declined to report for, ultimately landing on the reserve/did-not-report list. Just days before retiring, Slay stated publicly that only the Philadelphia Eagles could call him for a potential 2026 return, underscoring his deep loyalty to the team where he spent five standout seasons.

Here are 10 essential facts about Darius Slay’s career and legacy:

  1. Drafted by Detroit Lions in 2013 — Slay entered the NFL as a second-round pick (No. 36 overall) out of Mississippi State. He quickly established himself as a starter, earning his first Pro Bowl nod in 2014 after recording 61 tackles and two interceptions.
  2. Seven Seasons in Detroit Built His Reputation — Slay spent his first seven years with the Lions, earning four Pro Bowl selections (2014, 2016, 2017, 2019) and a First-Team All-Pro honor in 2017. He led the NFL with eight interceptions in 2017, showcasing elite ball skills and earning the “Big Play” nickname for game-changing plays.
  3. Traded to Philadelphia Eagles in 2020 — The Eagles acquired Slay via trade for a third- and fifth-round pick, a move that bolstered their secondary. He immediately became a cornerstone, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2020 and helping anchor a defense that reached the playoffs multiple times.
  4. Super Bowl Champion with Eagles in 2024 — Slay’s crowning achievement came during the 2024 season, when he contributed to Philadelphia’s Super Bowl victory. His coverage skills limited top receivers, and he celebrated the title as a key veteran leader in the secondary.
  5. Career Stats Reflect Consistency — Over 187 games (through 2025), Slay amassed 655 tackles, 28 interceptions (including three returned for touchdowns), 465 interception return yards and numerous passes defended. His 2025 stint with Pittsburgh included 28 solo tackles in 10 games, though no picks.
  6. Six Pro Bowls and All-Pro Accolades — Slay’s six Pro Bowl selections (2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, and one more during his Eagles tenure) highlight his sustained excellence. His 2017 All-Pro season remains a benchmark for shutdown corners.
  7. Brief but Tumultuous 2025 with Steelers — After the Eagles released him post-Super Bowl to manage cap space, Slay signed a one-year, fully guaranteed $10 million contract with Pittsburgh. Injuries, performance dips and a healthy scratch led to a mutual parting in December 2025. The Bills claimed him off waivers, but he opted not to report, contemplating retirement.
  8. Loyalty to Eagles Persisted — In mid-March 2026, Slay declared the Eagles the only team he’d consider for a comeback, reflecting his strong bond with Philadelphia fans and teammates. He even attended Eagles playoff games as a spectator, fueling reunion speculation before opting for retirement.
  9. Family and Post-Football Focus — Slay cited family time as a key factor in his late-2025 hesitation to join Buffalo and ultimately in retiring. His farewell messages emphasized gratitude for the opportunities football provided to support loved ones.
  10. Legacy as One of the Era’s Top Corners — Slay retires as a respected veteran who excelled in man coverage, disrupted passing games and mentored younger players. His impact spanned three teams — Lions, Eagles and Steelers — and included a championship ring, cementing his status among the NFL’s premier defensive backs of the 2010s and 2020s.

Slay’s retirement announcement drew tributes from teammates, coaches and fans across the league. Eagles supporters, in particular, praised his contributions during a successful era in Philadelphia. While questions lingered about a potential one-year return to the Eagles, Slay chose to close the chapter, turning the page to new endeavors.

As the NFL offseason unfolds, Slay’s exit leaves a void in veteran leadership at cornerback. His career exemplifies perseverance, elite skill and championship pedigree — traits that defined “Big Play Slay” throughout 13 memorable seasons.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Business

Wickes profit doubles as DIY retailer targets solar panel leadership

Published

on

Business Live

Home improvement retailer hits £1.6bn revenue as it positions itself to lead fragmented solar installation market

A Wickes home improvement and building materials store on a retail park in Chelmsford, Essex.

A Wickes home improvement and building materials store on a retail park in Chelmsford, Essex(Image: Nigel Harris via Getty Images)

Home improvement retailer Wickes has seen its profit double as the company aims to become a frontrunner in solar panel installation.

Advertisement

The company reported revenue of £1.6bn, an increase of six per cent, while pre-tax profit rose from £23m to £49m for the year ending December 2025.

Wickes was elevated to the FTSE 250 last year, seeing a turnaround after its revenue had been hit by a decrease in consumer demand for high-value items such as kitchen installations.

The DIY retailer’s share price rose in response to the favourable results, reaching 225p in early trading on Tuesday, a rise of five per cent from Monday’s close.

The company celebrated a record market share in retail, although its overall share in home improvement, kitchens and bathrooms is only at five per cent due to the £35bn size of this market, it stated, as reported by City AM.

Advertisement

Expenditure on DIY is increasing as the UK’s housing stock ages, with the majority of the UK’s 29m homes being over 60 years old, according to the tool seller.

A further one in five British homes are more than a century old, and UK houses are among the least energy efficient in Europe, Wickes said.

The group is banking on its solar installation brand as a route for growth, with the total market predicted to be worth £1.5bn per year by 2028.

The firm is ready to capitalise on this “fragmented” market, which currently lacks a clear leader, it said.

Advertisement

“With a trusted brand and significant experience in design and installation services at scale, Wickes is well placed to be a market leader in solar and other home energy solutions.”

Wickes has witnessed stronger performance in its design and installation offerings following a downturn in big-ticket purchases in recent years, with turnover for this division rising 4.4 per cent year on year.

Shoppers are responding favourably to the modifications implemented by Wickes as part of the transformation which propelled it into the FTSE 250, including making face-to-face design appointments more accessible and replacing its telephone reservation system with an online platform.

The home improvement retailer is also venturing into premium appliances and kitchen styling, such as by introducing a high-end pastel shade collection including “Ohio pink”.

Advertisement

As the company’s DIY retail division continues to deliver, Wickes is investing in its TradePro membership programme, which boasts 643,000 active participants – with transactions from these customers up nine per cent year on year.

Wickes launched five new outlets last year, taking its total number of UK locations to 230. The business intends to open four or five new sites this year, as the firm concentrates on refurbishing up to 20 stores with additional space for kitchen and bathroom displays.

“Continued investment in our proven growth levers positions us well for 2026, notwithstanding the uncertain consumer and geopolitical environment, the firm said. Wickes announced a final dividend of 7.3p, resulting in a total annual dividend of 10.9p, which is consistent with the previous year.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Business

Analysis: War threatens more than petrol prices

Published

on

Analysis: War threatens more than petrol prices

ANALYSIS: As conflict escalates in Iran and the Middle East, anxiety has settled on a familiar pressure point: the petrol bowser and just how high prices may climb.

Continue Reading

Business

If we want to address the housing crisis we simply need more builders

Published

on

Business Live

Chief executive of the Development Bank of Wales Giles Thorley says we need to increase the number of SME housing developers

Builder working on roof of a partially constructed house.

We need more SME housebuilders says Giles Thorley.(Image: Rui Vieira/PA Wire)

It can be tempting, when the economic weather turns, to put the hard hat back on the hook. Far easier say to pause developments, shelve regeneration schemes, stick to ‘essential’ repairs only and wait for confidence to return.

But that is not an option for Wales. We cannot afford to hit pause on what is fundamental to our long-term prosperity. We need more and better quality homes for people to live in. We still need town centres and public buildings that embrace and enhance the community and feel like assets. And we still need the energy and infrastructure that makes new investment possible.

Advertisement

That’s why I’m increasingly convinced that the next chapter for Wales will be written in bricks, mortar and connectivity.

Across the UK, recent data has shown construction activity can cool quickly when sentiment weakens, particularly in private housing and commercial building, where investors, developers and lenders become more cautious.

READ MORE: Huge company expands into Wales creating 75 jobsREAD MORE: Welsh Government invests £8m in deep water turbine platform firm

Yet the underlying need does not change. Housing shortages don’t disappear. Regeneration doesn’t become optional. Businesses don’t stop needing modern, energy-efficient premises. Public services don’t stop needing upgrades.

Advertisement

When such projects stall, the impact ripples far beyond the construction site. Construction supports an extensive supply chain, from local subcontractors to architects to manufacturers and logistics firms. It remains one of the economy’s most important drivers.

This is why synchronised investment matters and short-term fixes won’t do. Proper coordination across housing, property and energy is needed – and it must be aligned to achieve long-term outcomes.

Wales has been a pioneer in developing a long-term, strategic policy framework. The principles of that framework put communities, identity and long-term value creation at the heart of development. The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act sets a global benchmark for sustainable decision-making. It directs not just what we build, but why we build it, who benefits, and what legacy it leaves.

However, this framework can only deliver when projects on the ground are also commercially viable and being delivered. That often requires public and private partners to pull in the same direction.

Advertisement

That is because of a stark reality: neither public finance nor private finance can deliver the scale of transformation Wales needs on its own. Public capital brings stability, strategic intent and patience. Private capital brings discipline, innovation and the ability to scale. Together, they can complement each other and make a real difference.

Why SMEs matter?

Wales faces a persistent housing supply challenge. Developers are contending with rising costs, labour shortages, land availability planning constraints and, economic uncertainty. It is no wonder completions fall short of demand.

But there’s an underlying challenge here too: the disappearance of SME housebuilders. In the late 1980s, SMEs delivered around 40% of new homes in Wales. Today, that figure has fallen to just 9%.

Advertisement

The large national housebuilders are essential for volume, but an over-reliance on a small number of large players comes with risks. This concentration tends to reduce flexibility, narrow the pipeline of sites, and make delivery more vulnerable to shifts in the appetite of these large players.

Smaller, locally rooted builders play a different role. They are small companies, who employ local subcontractors and operate based on local demand. They also deliver projects that make sense size-wise in Wales: from two-home infill schemes to 60-plus home developments.

After the financial crash, smaller residential builders experienced an almost complete removal of funding options, creating a major constraint on housing delivery.

At that point, we built a commercial case that Wales needed a dedicated approach and over the past decade £300m of targeted property finance has underpinned 2,400 new homes and more than 245,000 sq ft of much needed commercial space.

Advertisement

The lesson is clear: if Wales wants more homes, it needs more builders. They, in turn, need access to the right kind of capital, at the right point in the cycle. I also believe there is a greater good here. Property investment is often framed as a balance sheet issue. I believe it is a wellbeing and an economic issue. Good social infrastructure can reduce poverty, improve health and support educational attainment; modern commercial space helps firms grow, recruit and retain talent. Mixed-use schemes can become catalysts for long-term community wealth creation, keeping spending power circulating locally.

We’re already seeing demand rise. Our property investment grew by 27% last year, a signal, not just of appetite, but of need. Projects like Parc Eirin in Rhondda Cynon Taf and innovative eco-developments such as Maes y Teirw in Carmarthenshire show what’s possible when funding accelerates delivery and helps raise standards.

And those schemes also underline something else: delivery depends on partnership. Developers, lenders, local authorities and government all have a role. Without joined-up action, sites remain locked, costs rise, and viable projects become unviable.Wales doesn’t lack ambition. It doesn’t lack policy frameworks. It doesn’t even lack opportunity.

What we need now is more delivery, at greater scale, upping the pace, grounded in place, backed by partnership, and financed in a way that supports long-term prosperity.

Advertisement

Because building Wales’ future isn’t a slogan but a practical programme of work. And the best time to get on with it is now.

Continue Reading

Business

Invesco Small Cap Growth Fund Q4 2025 Commentary

Published

on

Don’t Confuse Small-Cap Benchmark With Small-Cap Strategy

Invesco Small Cap Growth Fund Q4 2025 Commentary

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025