London pub and restaurant sales buck the trend as casual dining chains struggle to stand out November 19, 2018 Pub and restaurant groups in the capital delivered “relatively healthy” like-for-like sales in October, but growth remained flat across the rest of the country. Overall like-for-like sales grew 2.5 per cent in London, compared with a 0.5 per cent fall outside the capital. Sales in managed pubs and bars were ahead of restaurants, increasing 3.6 [...]
Tax managers enjoy largest salary rise as tougher compliance regulation pays off November 19, 2018 Tax wonks have seen their salaries soar over the last year as businesses grapple with tougher compliance rules in the City. Operational tax managers topped the list of salary increases in 2018, enjoying a 6.7 per cent rise, according to figures from recruitment company Hays. The increase reflects the greater focus on compliance as firms [...]
The public still doesn’t understand audit – here’s why that matters November 19, 2018 A new study demonstrates the continued reality of the expectation gap – the term used within the audit sector to denote the difference between what the public think auditors’ responsibilities are, and what auditors themselves believe their responsibilities are. Only a quarter of the public understand what an audit consists of, but nearly half think auditors [...]
UK to build two communications satellites in deal worth in excess of €200m November 19, 2018 European satellites giant Eutelsat Communications has signed a deal worth in excess of €200m (£177.9m) to build two new satellites in the UK, business secretary Greg Clark announced today. The deal between Eutelsat and Airbus Defence and Space will see components and major parts for two new communications satellites assembled in the UK before final [...]
Buyers eye up Christmas offers as prices slip in November November 19, 2018 Homeowners hoping to sell their house are slashing prices and expectations, in a move that signals a boon for buyers in the run-up to the festive season. Property prices tumbled 1.7 per cent this month, marking the largest November drop since 2012, with London’s stagnant housing market continuing to see a sharper decline than any [...]
Cash machine ruling hits London councils with £60m rebate November 19, 2018 London councils are to cough up a hefty rebate to retailers following a recent court ruling that decided firms should not be liable for business rates on cash machines outside their stores. Nearly 2,400 supermarkets, small shops and petrol stations are set for a £60m windfall from London’s councils following a five-year legal dispute which [...]
Marilyn Monroe’s Golden Globe sells for record-breaking $250,000 at Hollywood auction November 18, 2018 Marilyn Monroe's 1961 Golden Globe award has sold for a record-breaking $250,000 (£195,000) at an auction in California. The actress' award for world film favourite female became the highest selling Golden Globe award in history when it fetched a quarter of a million dollars at Julien's Auction in Beverly Hills on Saturday. Monroe's 1956 Ford [...]
Evans Cycles set for closures in spite of ‘profit’ November 18, 2018 Sports Direct owner Mike Ashley is set to close a swathe of Evans Cycles stores in spite of recent suggestions that most of its outlets turn a profit. The retail magnate has warned that he might only be able to keep half of Evans Cycles stores open in the future “in order to save the [...]
Goldman Sachs offers UK staff gender-reassignment and fertility treatment as it tackles boys’ club image November 18, 2018 Goldman Sachs is offering its staff in London gender-reassignment surgery and fertility treatment, as it pushes on perks in an attempt to encourage women to work at the firm. The giant investment bank’s roughly 6,000 UK staff will have access to treatment and consultation for gender dysphoria, and an assisted fertility benefit that will include [...]
Water giant United Utilities forecasted to hit higher profits November 18, 2018 United Utilities, the UK’s largest listed water firm, is forecasted to post a rise in earnings and profits when it reveals its first-half results later this week. According to City estimates the FTSE 100 group is set to report earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) of £360m in the first six months of the financial [...]