Generali cuts costs, returns cash to investors and promises independence March 16, 2017 Generali, one the world's largest insurance firms, today pledged to speed up €200m (£174m) of cost cuts and keep its head below the M&A paraphet. The Italian firm posted its best ever operating profit of €4.8bn, rewarding investors from its cash-rich coffers by hiking its dividend over 11 per cent. Shares in the firm rose over 2.5 per cent in [...]
Irish minister says the UK’s Brexit plan is “encouraging”, despite admitting desire for details March 16, 2017 Ireland's education minister has backed the UK's approach to Brexit as "encouraging" and stressed commitment to an open border with Northern Ireland, regardless of the outcome of trade negotiations. Fine Gael minister Richard Bruton said he supported a February white paper from Prime Minister Theresa May's ministers, despite admitting that European governments would like to see more detail [...]
The Institute of Directors (IoD) is reviving its Brussels branch to forge connections ahead of Brexit March 16, 2017 The Institute of Directors (IoD) has revived its Brussels branch, proving that, indeed, it is possible to do a quick deal with the EU. The Brussels arm will work to forge bonds between internationally-focused British and Belgian business people, which will be vital after Brexit, said Stephen Martin, director general of the IoD. "The EU will continue to be the UK’s single [...]
OneSavings Bank reckons the Co-op Bank sale may fail and is ready to restart talks if it does March 16, 2017 Challenger OneSavings Bank will reignite its interest in buying part of Co-op Bank because it expects the beleaguered lender’s sale of itself to fall through. Co-op Bank previously opened its books to OneSavings, which today reported better than expected annual results. Negotiations were put on ice when Co-op Bank put itself up for sale, after its US hedge fund backers [...]
McDonald’s goes rogue with insulting tweet to US President Donald Trump March 16, 2017 The McDonald's corporate comms team apparently went rogue this afternoon, with an insulting tweet directed at US President Donald Trump. A tweet from the @McDonaldsCorp account was sent addressing the President, stating: "@realDonaldTrump You are actually a disgusting excuse of a President and we would love to have @BarackObama back, also you have tiny hands". Terri Hickey, [...]
The Night Tube is set for major disruption after Aslef and RMT drivers announce strikes on 8 and 29 April March 16, 2017 More Night Tube drivers have voted for strike action in a row over "fair access to full-time jobs" and will strike on the nights of Saturday 8 April and Saturday 29 April. Members of train drivers' union Aslef have voted in favour of a strike and action short of a strike. As they represent the [...]
Miton shares leap 10 per cent as asset manager reports 70 per cent profit jump and management shake-up March 16, 2017 Fund manager Miton’s share price leapt 10 per cent today as the company announced a 70 per cent jump in profits and a senior management shake-up. The figures Miton’s assets under management (AUM) at 31 December were £2.91bn, up from £2.78bn a year before. Adjusted pre-tax profits for the year were up 70 per cent [...]
Delays expected as Euston station evacuated after fire alarms set off – no arrivals or departures March 16, 2017 Euston station has reopened after being evacuated in a false alarm when fire alarms were set off this afternoon. National Rail warned delays were to be expected as services recover. #Euston Lines are now open following a fire alarm sounding within the station. Expect residual delays as services recover. @nationalrailenq — Network Rail (@networkrail) March [...]
Chaos on the Tube ahead of rush hour this evening with severe delays on the Hammersmith & City, District, Circle, Piccadilly and Victoria lines. March 16, 2017 There is severe disruption across London's underground network this afternoon, with severe delays on the Hammersmith & City, District, Circle, Piccadilly and Victoria lines. The Hammersmith & City, District and Circle line services have been affected by an accident at Shepherd's Bush Market station earlier today, in which a man died after being struck by a [...]
Remain campaign advertising agency M&C Saatchi eyes Scottish independence referendum role March 16, 2017 Nicola Sturgeon’s demand for a Scottish referendum may not have gone down too well with companies hoping for some stability after the EU vote last summer. But the vote, which the government wants to reject, presents an opportunity for some. Advertising agency M&C Saatchi, which today reported growing revenues and profits for 2016, will be aiming [...]