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