Bitcoin is in serious danger of becoming very boring December 12, 2017 Like it or loathe it, the digital currency bitcoin is certainly causing a stir. From its inception in 2009, there’s been hacking attacks, major thefts, bankruptcies, spin-offs, street protests, rants from Wall Street chief executives and a very, very peculiar car chase in Los Angeles. That’s not even mentioning the gravity-defying price surge towards $20,000 [...]
Cities are still at the heart of Britain’s prosperity – but the north-south divide is getting even bigger December 12, 2017 In the aftermath of the financial crisis much was written about Britain’s supposed need to “rebalance” its economy away from London and, specifically, the City. Numerous commentators argued that new drivers of growth must be found in other parts of the UK, and called for policies aimed at reviving British manufacturing and reducing our reliance [...]
Digital challenger Starling to hit profit in 2019 says founder Anne Boden as European expansion takes crucial step December 12, 2017 Digital-only challenger bank Starling will “definitely” be in profit by the end of 2019, its chief executive told City A.M., as it announced a major step in its plans for European expansion. Anne Boden, who started work on the bank in 2014, said Starling will be “breaking even in about two years’ time” as it [...]
Brexit transition work to begin “immediately” after sufficient progress declared as business groups urge speed and clarity December 12, 2017 Work on a Brexit transition period will begin “immediately” after sufficient progress in negotiations has been confirmed, Theresa May said last night, as business groups urged the government to seal a commitment in the first weeks of the new year. During her first Commons update since being given the thumbs up by Jean-Claude Juncker to [...]
Oh, balls: Sir Richard Branson reignites five-year-old bet with Willie Walsh promising a “knee in the groin” December 12, 2017 One of the most high profile rivalries of the skies was reignited yesterday, threatening the manhood – and perhaps the pockets – of Britain’s two largest airline personalities. The sensational stand-off came to a head when Sir Richard Branson claimed he had won a five-year-old bet against rival Willie Walsh. Walsh, the boss of British [...]
Apple acquires music app Shazam: Deal pleases early investors despite “unicorn” valuation loss of tech startup December 11, 2017 Apple is acquiring music discovery app Shazam, saying it is a “natural fit” and has “exciting plans in store” for the nearly two-decade-old British startup. The value of the deal was not disclosed by the tech giant but has been reported to be worth around the $400m mark. Apple said in a statement confirming earlier [...]
Football Association chiefs to probe Old Trafford tunnel fracas December 11, 2017 Football chiefs have launched an investigation into the fracas in the Old Trafford tunnel which marred Sunday’s derby between Manchester United and runaway Premier League leaders Manchester City. City coach and former Arsenal skipper Mikel Arteta suffered a cut to the head and milk and water was thrown in the direction of United boss Jose [...]
Business as usual: Chancellor Philip Hammond to take LSE boss on China trade mission December 11, 2017 Chancellor Philip Hammond will this week lead a trade mission to China along with City representatives – including a senior executive from the London Stock Exchange (LSE) ahead of a crunch shareholder vote. Hammond will be joined by HSBC chairman Mark Tucker, City of London Corporation policy chair Catherine McGuinness, and Square Mile grandee and [...]
Ostersunds’ English manager Graham Potter welcomes Arsenal Europa League tie December 11, 2017 The unheralded Englishman who has helped to transform Ostersunds from Swedish fourth division side to Europa League contenders has welcomed the prospect of a David and Goliath tie against Arsenal. The Gunners have been drawn against giant-killing Ostersunds in what is – on paper at least – one of the mismatches of the Europa League [...]
BMW M5 review: By giving it a four wheel drive for the first time, BMW has made the M5 relevant again December 11, 2017 The previous BMW M5 was a disappointment. Sure, it was supercar fast, but it wasn’t supercar fun. The fact BMW had to feed artificial engine noise into the cabin from a sound symposer says it all. The latest in a famed line of iconic cars, dating back to 1984, was a damp squib. Had BMW [...]