Prime Minister ‘shocked’ by Manchester stabbing incident October 11, 2019 Boris Johnson has said he is “shocked” by the stabbings in Manchester, which left four hurt. Counter-terrorism police are currently investigating the incident which took place at a shopping centre in Manchester. Read more: Four dead as knifeman attacks Paris police headquarters A man in his 40s has been arrested on suspicion of serious assault, [...]
Quiz’s half-year revenue falls five per cent due to ‘challenging’ high street conditions October 11, 2019 Fashion chain Quiz has revealed a 5 per cent fall in half-year revenue in a trading update today. The British business blamed the “challenging” high street conditions and decreased football in stores. Read more: Peppa Pig swings to loss days before Hasbro merger vote Quiz’s sales fell to £63.3m in the six months ending 30 [...]
Government issues £10m in ‘Brexit readiness’ grants to business organisations October 11, 2019 The government is to issue £10.1m in grants to 124 business organisations to help them prepare the firms they represent for the UK’s departure from the European Union on 31 October. The grants will be issued by the Business Readiness Fund, which was launched to support trade associations and other business organisations in helping firms [...]
Potential loophole paves the way for conflicts of interest at HS2 October 10, 2019 Downing Street is being urged to close a route that could allow former High Speed 2 (HS2) rail executives to become consultants on the project without the usual vetting procedures. A number of former HS2 executives currently work at consultancy firms that advise on the controversial rail project, including former chief executive Simon Kirby. However [...]
Boris Johnson has until Monday to provide latest response to London Assembly in Arcuri probe October 10, 2019 The London Assembly has given prime minister Boris Johnson a Monday deadline to explain why it can’t publish his response to corruption allegations. A Number 10 representative delivered a submission to the assembly on Tuesday in response to an alleged conflict of interest in his dealings with businesswoman Jennifer Arcuri. The London Assembly requested details [...]
ULEZ should include all of London: Greens co-leader October 10, 2019 The ultra low emissions zone (ULEZ) charge will be levied on drivers across the whole of London if Greens candidate Sian Berry becomes mayor. The mayoral candidate said today she wants to radically alter the current road pricing system to ensure drivers contribute more to London’s transport budget. Read more: Tfl rakes in £220,000 a [...]
Business rates and Brexit eat up Pret a Manger profits October 10, 2019 Sandwich chain Pret a Manger suffered a slump in profit last year due to business rate increases and the threat of a no-deal Brexit. Turnover increased from £636.9m to £710m, but operating profit dropped from £57.9m to £19.6m in 2018. Earnings slumped to £91.38m from £97.79m. Read more: Parliament sees law to prevent allergy deaths [...]
Tui Airways adds extra flights by hiring Thomas Cook cabin and crew October 10, 2019 Europe’s largest travel company will fly up to two million more passengers in 2020 with the help of former Thomas Cook staff. Tui Airways has announced it will add an extra 10,000 flights next year by hiring former Thomas Cook pilots and cabin crew. Read more: Will buyout of Thomas Cook’s 555 high street stores [...]
Brexit: Johnson and Varadkar see ‘pathway to possible deal’ October 10, 2019 Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar have issued a joint statement saying they both see “a pathway to a possible deal”. The two will now consult with their respective negotiating teams, including the EU’s Taskforce 50, ahead of further talks. Sterling climbed 0.5 per cent to $1.2267 on the back of the [...]
Government criticised for refusal to extend financial watchdog’s remit October 10, 2019 The government has been criticised for refusing to back a policy that would allow the financial regulator to recommend changes to its remit after the chair of the watchdog warned that regulatory loopholes were being exploited by “bad people”. In a report released in August, the Treasury Select Committee (TSC) had recommended the Financial Conduct [...]