World Cup 2018: Sweden doing just fine without Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s thoughts and Phil Neville’s ‘fake’ news for Granit Xhaka July 3, 2018 A penny for Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s thoughts. The former Sweden captain, who retired from international duty in 2016, reacted to their first two matches of the World Cup – a win and a loss – with characteristic humility, saying that he still felt he could play “much better” than his old team-mates. Oddly, then, by Zlatan’s [...]
Wimbledon 2018: Kyle Edmund and Johanna Konta through first round as Andy Murray’s presence looms large July 3, 2018 For the first time since 2007, all eyes are not on Andy Murray at Wimbledon. With the three-time grand slam champion sitting out the competition following a hip operation, attention has naturally fallen on other British players. Today it was all about Kyle Edmund and Johanna Konta. Both British No1s won their first round matches [...]
Oil prices in US hit $75 per barrel amid volatility between US President Donald Trump and Opec July 3, 2018 The price of crude oil in the US jumped above $75 (£57) a barrel today amid war of words between US President Donald Trump and oil cartel OPEC and fears of production losses in Iran and Venezuela. Prices for West Texas Intermediate Crude hit $75 a barrel today for the first time since 2014, before [...]
My Sporting Life: M&C Saatchi Sport and Entertainment boss Steve Martin on a life in rugby and golf with a World Cup final along the way July 3, 2018 This week M&C Saatchi Sport and Entertainment chief executive Steve Martin discusses a life raised in rugby, World Cup memories and his hopes for Rory McIlroy at next year’s Open. What are your sporting passions? Rugby and golf. I grew up in those environments. Rugby and golf are both very strong in Northern Ireland, where [...]
UK will cover cost if Trump visits Scotland July 3, 2018 The UK will cover the costs of a visit to Scotland should Donald Trump decide to travel north of the border, the government has said. Chief secretary to the Treasury Liz Truss confirmed the state would cough up “ring-fenced funding” of up to £5m if the President decides he wants to pay the nation a [...]
Amazon Prime Day July 2018: When does it start, how long does it last and what deals are on offer July 3, 2018 Amazon’s own version of Black Friday will be on 16 July, so here’s a roundup of everything you need to know before the shopping frenzy begins. What is Prime Day? Amazon Prime Day is a limited-time-only online shopping event, exclusive to those who are members of its premium subscription service Amazon Prime. This year will [...]
Crispin Odey-backed London insurtech startup Bought By Many has raised a £15m series B funding round, led by Commerzbank July 3, 2018 Billionnaire Tory donor and hedge-fund manager Crispin Odey has re-invested into London insurtech marketplace Bought By Many, which closed a £15m series B investment round today. The round was led by Commerzventures, the corporate venture capital arm of Commerzbank, alongside new investment from global insurance broker and risk management firm Marsh. Additional follow-on investment from [...]
Paragon buys Titlestone developer and loan book in £274m deal with Oaktree Capital Management July 3, 2018 Challenger bank Paragon today announced the purchase of £48m residential developer Titlestone and a £226m loan book from Oaktree Capital Management. Paragon, which offers mortgage and business lending, said the moves are part of a strategy to diversify into specialist lending markets. Titlestone advanced £274m in loans to small and medium-sized developers during the year [...]
Manchester Airport is introducing a new drop-off site from 10 July with charges to cut congestion July 3, 2018 Manchester Airport is launching a new drop-off site from 10 July in an effort to tackle congestion, which will involve charges for those who want to be dropped off directly outside each terminal and station. The airport hopes to slash the number of cars entering the busiest areas of the site with the new system. [...]
Bank of England bosses concerned banks’ financial stability buffers are not high enough July 3, 2018 Members of the Bank of England’s top financial stability body have expressed concerns that UK banks’ capital buffers may not be adequate in the face of riskier lending and increasing dangers to the global financial system. The Bank’s financial policy committee (FPC) maintained its countercyclical capital buffer (CCyB) at one per cent, but “some members [...]