Report
Keith Hiscock ...
  • Mark Thomas

Hardman & Co Monthly: August 2025

Feature article: Economic growth: Cry me a river

The UK press and politicians are fixated on growth.

The Labour Government came into office 12 months ago promising a new dawn. Its top priority was growth. Its manifesto, “Labour Party Manifesto 2024: Our plan to change Britain” devoted an entire chapter to “Kickstart economic growth”.

In this article, we cover:

► Why growth is important
► The downside of growth
► What do politicians and markets mean by growth?
► Is growth in aggregate GDP the right measure to focus on?
► Mistaking current spending for investment in growth
► Critical elements needed for growth
► The UK’s recent track record
► What can be done to boost growth?
Underlyings
Accesso Technology Group

Accesso Technology Group is engaged in the development and application of ticketing, mobile and eCommerce technologies, and virtual queuing solutions for the attractions and leisure industry. Co.'s solutions include accesso LoQueue, accesso Passport, accesso Siriusware and accesso ShoWare. Co. primarily has operations or customers in the U.K., the U.S., Canada, Italy, Germany, Australia, Brazil, and Mexico.

Arbuthnot Banking Group

Arbuthnot Banking Group is primarily involved in banking and financial services. Co. is organized into three main operating segments: Retail banking (associate), which incorporates household cash management, personal lending and banking and insurance services; U.K. Private banking, which incorporates private banking, commercial banking and wealth management; and Group Centre, which is comprised in Co.'s Group Centre management. As of Dec 31 2016, Co.'s total assets were £1.27 billion.

ICG Enterprise Trust

ICG Enterprise Trust is an investment trust. Co. is a private equity investment company focused on buyouts in developed markets. Co. invests in private equity funds and also directly in private companies. As of Jan 31 2017, Co.'s total investment portfolio amounted to £594.3 million.

NB Private Equity Partners

Real Estate Credit Investments

Volta Finance (GBP)

Volta Finance is a closed-ended investment company with the objective of investing, among other asset types, in the following main asset classes: Collateralized Loan Obligation, Synthetic Corporate Credit, Cash Corporate Credit and ABS. Co. has appointed AXA Investment Managers Paris S.A., as its Alternative Investment Fund Manager to manage the investments of Co.

Provider
Hardman & Co
Hardman & Co

We are a rapidly growing, innovative corporate research & consultancy business, based in London, serving the needs of both public and private companies.

Our expert team of sector analysts and market professionals collectively have over 400 years of experience.  This depth of knowledge and a reputation for integrity have built trust with investors. With effective communication and precision distribution, we help companies disseminate their investment message to interested investors, as well as advise them on strategy.

Our smaller, boutique structure allows us to provide first-class customer service and to deliver a wide range of ad-hoc services for multiple clients with different needs.

Analysts
Keith Hiscock

Mark Thomas

Other Reports on these Companies
Other Reports from Hardman & Co

ResearchPool Subscriptions

Get the most out of your insights

Get in touch