Number of firms paid late by Cabinet Office nearly triples since 2016 despite late payment crackdown January 15, 2019 The number of businesses receiving late payments from the Cabinet Office (CO) has nearly tripled in the last two years, despite the department imposing tough new rules on its own contractors who pay suppliers late. Minister of State for the CO David Lidington was today forced to reveal a 198.7 per cent increase in the number [...]
Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei rejects spying claims as daughter faces US extradition January 15, 2019 Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei today refuted claims the Chinese government is using his company to spy on foreign rivals. “I love my country, I support the Communist Party. But I will not do anything to harm the world. I don’t see a close connection between my personal political beliefs and the businesses of Huawei,” Ren [...]
MPs fear FCA proposals on overdraft rules could end free banking January 15, 2019 The head of the UK’s financial watchdog told MPs this morning that he is “very alert” to the possibility that proposed rules to tackle charges for unplanned overdrafts could raise the cost of planned consumer borrowing. MPs raised concerns that changes to overdraft rules could negatively impact the availability of free banking as banks would [...]
South Korean broadcasters team up to create streaming service rival to Netflix January 15, 2019 South Korea’s largest broadcasters are teaming up to create a streaming service to rival Netflix as the race to create on-demand platforms shows no signs of slowing. Broadcasting firms Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS), Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) and Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) have joined with SK Telecom to set up the new venture this year. [...]
JP Morgan disappoints as Wall Street’s dire December claims another scalp January 15, 2019 US bank JP Morgan saw its bond trading revenue plunge 18 per cent at the end of last year as Wall Street’s dire December claimed another major scalp. The bank – a bellwether for the financial industry – said “challenging market conditions” caused revenue declines in credit trading, rates and commodities, as it published results [...]
Housing services provider Mears Group shares down on reports of under-pressure budgets January 15, 2019 Housing and care services provider Mears’ shares fell five per cent this morning as it forecast financial results in line with expectations in “competitive trading environments”. Spending by customers in both sectors was “broadly stable,” the company said, but added budgets were “always under pressure”. Read more: Mears Group shares up as government awards asylum seeker housing [...]
UK betting stocks hit after US Justice Department makes online gambling U-turn January 15, 2019 UK betting stocks have fallen sharply after the US justice department performed a U-turn on its opinion of online gambling laws. The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has reversed its December 2011 opinion that the 1961 Wire Act, banning certain forms of betting across state borders, only applied to online sports betting. UK firms which have [...]
Digital marketing agencies Forward3D and PMX Agency to form global brand January 15, 2019 Digital marketing firm Forward3D is merging with PMX Agency to create a new global brand, the company said today. London-based Forward3D, whose clients include Asos, Virgin and Calvin Klein, will merge with US firm PMX to form ForwardPMX. Read more: Unlimited Group unveils alliance with German and Japanese agencies The combined agency will have a pool [...]
Experts pour cold water on CMA’s proposals for joint audits in first Beis committee hearing January 15, 2019 Audit academics and investment managers have called for caution over recommendations by the competition regulator to shake-up the audit sector. During the first in a series of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Select Committee hearings, held today, witnesses warned that the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) recommendation could risk unintended consequences for auditing. Led by [...]
The rise of digital tech innovation will drive sports revenue boom, report states January 15, 2019 The global sports industry is on the brink of “unprecedented commercial growth” as digital technology innovation kicks in, according to a new report. Broadcasters, rights holders and sports organisations are set to see a huge boost in revenues thanks to the rise of new tech such as streaming platforms, esports and virtual reality (VR), a [...]