Bellway ‘taking steps to reduce headcount’ as rate hikes continue mortgage slowdown August 9, 2023 British housebuilder Bellway’s underlying operating margin will contract from 18.5 per cent to 16 per cent as mortgage rates continue to slow down demand in the sector. The home construction company completed the build of 10,945 homes in the year ended 31 July falling from 11,198 in the same period last year. As the central [...]
Former Britishvolt boss slams government’s EV strategy as takeover bid stalls August 9, 2023 The government lacks “innovative thinking” and a “joined up industrial strategy” to support the UK’s electric vehicle industry.
A damp start for EMEA M&A, but bright spots emerging for dealmakers August 8, 2023 | City Talk The EMEA M&A market is being impacted by market pressures. High inflation, dampening economic demand, and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war mean that dealmakers are operating in a period of uncertainty. What does this mean for dealmakers? A material impact on M&A activity in the region. Challenges persist for dealmakers Per Mergermarket data, the aggregate value [...]
UK competitiveness as base for big airlines key to unlocking £111bn by 2050, report says August 8, 2023 The UK could benefit to the tune of £111bn and create over 629,000 local jobs by 2050 if it stays competitive as a hub for airlines to be based. Transport consultancy Steer’s report, commissioned by industry body Airlines UK, said propping up British-based carriers boosts local employment and supply chains, whilst financing public services through [...]
Shapps warns fuel retailers he will ‘call out any foot-dragging’ on price transparency August 8, 2023 Energy Secretary Grant Shapps has warned fuel retailers he will “call out any foot-dragging” over the sharing of pump price data. He made the comment as drivers were hit by the largest weekly rise in petrol prices for more than a year. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is planning to launch an interim voluntary [...]
Beyond Meat: Pricey vegan alternative’s revenue falls 30 per cent as forecast slashed August 8, 2023 Beyond Meat slashed its annual forecast for the year as its revenues plummeted 30 per cent in the second quarter due to customers becoming more reluctant to buy into pricey fake meat alternatives amid the cost of living crisis. The US company, which supplies its vegan plant based burger patties to the likes of McDonald’s, [...]
Corinthia hotel London is where to take your date celebrity spotting August 8, 2023 The new Velvet Bar has opened at the Corinthia Hotel, one of the grandest central London hotels. We checked in to try it out A sharp intake of breath, then my masseuse pummelled me some more. “I like to fix people.” As I exhaled she put her bodyweight on a knot in my upper back [...]
Bitcoin and co showing more sideways movement – but its shuffling into the green August 8, 2023 Bitcoin continues to trade for around $29k, up by 0.6%, while Ethereum is changing hands for $1.8k, in the green by a marginal 0.05%.
Wilko: Gordon Brothers mull rescue deal for troubled retailer as 12,000 jobs on the line August 8, 2023 Troubled retailer Wilko could reportedly be rescued by global advisory and investment firm Gordon Brothers, which has a history of saving struggling brands. Last week the family owned business made notice of its intention to appoint administrators, after it spent the summer hunting for a rescue deal. Wilko, which has 400 sites across the UK, [...]
H&T: Pawnbroker to expand high street and online presence as profits soar 31 per cent August 8, 2023 H&T, Britain’s largest pawnbroker reported a 31 per cent rise in profit before tax to £8.8m – with the pawnbroker looking to cash in on desperate times by expanding its presence. Its pledge book, which includes short-term loans linked to customers’ belongings, grew 14 per cent in the six months ending 30 June, reaching £114.6m [...]