Understanding the UK economy

Why economic growth doesn’t always feel like progress

Behind every headline is a household, a business and a bigger story. Here’s how to connect the numbers with everyday life.

9 October 20263 min read

Beyond the headlines

Business & productivity

Why equipment, organisation and measurement matter when discussing output per hour.

9 October 20263 min read

Trade & industry

Goods, services and the meaning of a trade balance—without treating one number as a national scorecard.

9 October 20263 min read

Public finances

A clear guide to annual borrowing, accumulated debt and comparisons with the size of the economy.

9 October 20263 min read

The explainer desk

What do the numbers actually measure? What do they leave out? Start with the ideas behind the economic news.

Useful context, at your pace

Public finances

9 October 20263 min read

Reading the data

9 October 20263 min read

The local economy

9 October 20263 min read

Alderwick Ledger puts economic ideas in everyday terms, with original explanations, labelled examples and links to primary sources.