Like southern Europe, Britain’s stagnant regions are stuck in a monetary union trap November 28, 2018 The Economic Statistics Centre of Excellence created a bit of a stir at the end of last week with its estimates of growth in the regions of the UK. Since the recovery from the financial crisis began during 2009, London’s economy has grown by 26 per cent. At the other end of the scale, output [...]
Finally, the inheritance tax system is getting cleaned up – here’s what you need to know November 28, 2018 Inheritance tax (IHT) is not a modern phenomenon – in fact, the first “death tax” dates back to the late 1700s. Since then, IHT has been tweaked and amended, adding layer upon layer of rules. Now, in 2018, we’re caught in a system that is ridiculously confusing, riddled with legacy issues, and in desperate need [...]
Watchdog warns Experian-Clearscore merger would stifle competition November 28, 2018 Experian’s merger with credit score rival Clearscore could harm competition in the credit checking sector, a watchdog warned today. The proposed tie-up would “stifle product development”, hurting people trying to make sense of their finances, according to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). “Our investigation has shown that this is a fast-paced and evolving market, [...]
Ofcom reveals price cap for 118 directory enquiry service calls after charges hit £20 for a 90-second call November 28, 2018 Ofcom revealed plans today to cap the price of directory enquiry calls to protect consumers from high prices. The regulator said some services charge almost £20 for a 90-second phone call, while the popular 118 118 service charges £11.23 for a call of that duration. The telecoms watchdog will cap prices for 118 services at [...]
Small businesses face ‘wild west’ from big three mobile providers, report warns November 28, 2018 Small and medium-sized businesses in the UK are overpaying for mobile bills by £1bn due to a lack of competition in the market, a report has warned. Research by price comparison website Billmonitor estimates 49 per cent of UK businesses are paying more than twice what they should be for mobile services from EE, Vodafone [...]
UK jumps to seventh in global prosperity index but terror attacks hit safety and security rating November 28, 2018 The UK has climbed three places to seventh in the global prosperity index and had one of the best business environments in the world. Norway retained top spot in the Legatum Institute index, which takes into account a number of factors including the economy, business environment, education, health and national environment. The UK was named [...]
A change is as good as a repeat in the supermarket Christmas ad run November 28, 2018 Retailers are continuing to battle for ad supremacy as we approach Christmas, but which brands in the supermarket sector have been most successful in grabbing viewers’ attention? YouGov brand tracking data indicates that Aldi currently has the highest level of Ad Awareness (whether someone has seen or hear an advert for a brand in the [...]
‘This is Putin’s worst nightmare’: Browder hails German support for new EU sanctions against human rights abusers November 27, 2018 Investor and Kremlin critic Bill Browder said efforts to introduce an EU-wide sanctions regime that could hit countries like Russia and Saudi Arabia now have “real legs” after Germany signalled support for proposed new laws. Germany’s foreign office said today it is “committed” to supporting a Dutch proposal that would introduce an European equivalent to [...]
Patisserie Valerie searching for new auditor November 27, 2018 Patisserie Holdings, the parent firm of embattled cafe company Patisserie Valerie, has begun hunting for a new auditor to replace its under-fire accountant Grant Thornton. The bakery chain is in talks to find a successor to Grant Thornton, according to Sky News, days after the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) said it was probing the beancounter over [...]
Spark Energy customers moved to a new supplier after company reaches deal with Ovo November 27, 2018 Ovo Energy has come to the rescue of 290,000 customers after its former rival Spark collapsed last week. The company will serve the customers through its own license, but keep Spark’s name and staff after acquiring the business, a spokesperson told City A.M. Customers will remain on the same tariffs they had with Spark, Ofgem, [...]