The Treasury must get tough and enforce the bank referral scheme November 1, 2017 Today marks the end of the first year of the bank referral scheme. If a bank declines a loan to a small business, it must now offer that business the opportunity to be referred to one or more neutral aggregator platforms providing a wide range of business funding products. The recently published figures for the [...]
Group messaging service Slack is down because of a “server error” and workplaces around the world are freaking out November 1, 2017 The messaging service championed by Silicon Valley startup teams is experiencing a major outage, posting a “server error” message when people try to access the platform. “We’re sincerely sorry for the service disruption you’re seeing at the moment. We’re working on it with top priority,” Slack said in a tweet. We’re sincerely sorry for the [...]
Brexit aviation progress facing turbulence as France and Germany eye business opportunities October 31, 2017 The outgoing boss of London City Airport warned today of the need to be aware of “vested interests” from European countries that have the potential to disrupt progress on post-Brexit aviation agremeents. London City’s chief executive Declan Collier said that despite the overall focus on the benefits of retaining a positive relationship between the UK [...]
Fitness advice: How can you keep fit around all of these end-of-year parties? October 31, 2017 For many people, November is the start of the hardest time of year for keeping fit. Cold weather makes us crave stodgy comfort food, and that’s before you factor in the parties. But rather than wait until the new year for yet another resolution to get fit or lose weight, how about trying to [...]
UK retains seventh spot in ease of doing business ranking October 31, 2017 The UK retained its spot as the seventh best nation in the world for ease of doing business, according to an influential ranking published today. The US leapfrogged the UK to move up to sixth overall, according to the 15th annual Doing Business report from the World Bank, published today. In 2015 the UK came [...]
Bitcoin prices (BTC) climbed to a fresh high after CME Group announced plans for bitcoin futures October 31, 2017 Bitcoin prices have jumped to a new record high after CME Group announced plans to launch bitcoin futures by the end of the year. The cryptocurrency rose 4.26 per cent to $6,382.88 after the announcement, according to CoinDesk’s aggregate index, topping its previous high over the weekend of just over $6,300. The new bitcoin futures [...]
How the gambling industry reacted to the launch of the government’s consultation on fixed odds betting terminals (FOBTs) October 31, 2017 The long-awaited government review into the gambling industry finally kicked off today, as a new consultation was launched by the department of digital, culture, media and sport (DCMS) into possible measures to deal with problem gambling. Despite rumours that the chancellor was intervening to reduce the damage to the treasury’s coffers, it looks as if [...]
Rugby World Cup 2023: South Africa recommended ahead of Ireland to host the tournament October 31, 2017 South Africa has been recommended as host for the 2023 Rugby World Cup ahead of Ireland and France by the tournament’s organising board. Ireland had been the bookmakers’ favourites to win the right to stage the tournament for the first time, but Rugby World Cup Limited judged South Africa’s bid to come closest to fulfilling [...]
Live: FCA boss Andrew Bailey confirms details of second RBS-GRG investigation during intense Treasury committee grilling October 31, 2017 The Financial Conduct Authority’s second investigation into RBS’ small business unit could lead to enforcement, the City watchdog’s boss has said. Andrew Bailey came under fire from the Treasury Select Committee chair Nicky Morgan this morning for the FCA’s handling of its first report, claiming that many victims had lost their home, and their mental [...]
The currency hedging conundrum October 31, 2017 British savers have benefited from diversifying their investments away from UK shores in the quest for lower risk and better returns. Those who have held US equities for the past five years – rather than the FTSE – have enjoyed returns that are 40 per cent better in local currency terms, but 80 per cent [...]