Government to launch £4m fund to help boost UK’s video games industry October 12, 2015 A £4m fund has been launched by the government to help boost the UK's booming video games industry, hoping to help smaller companies to a sector "which has already given the world global blockbusters like Tomb Raider, Little Big Planet, Runescape, Monument Valley and Batman: Arkham Knight". Read more: Sales of video games help boost dwindling [...]
EU referendum: Business and markets need to start thinking through Brexit risks October 12, 2015 The formation of the 'leave' and 'remain' groups to fight their respective corners in the Brexit debate should be a further reminder to both business and markets that the referendum on the United Kingdom's place in the European Union is coming. We do not yet know the date for the referendum, nor are details of [...]
EU referendum: Lord Stuart Rose launches Britain Stronger in Europe “In” campaign October 12, 2015 The campaign for the UK to remain in the EU, Britain Stronger in Europe, has launched this morning at an event in east London. Business figures took a leading role in this morning's event, which included a campaign video featuring Easyjet chief executive Carolyn McCall saying, "Everything is easier because of Europe." Led by former Marks & Spencer [...]
Prime Minister David Cameron cracks down on councils over housebuilding October 12, 2015 Prime Minister David Cameron is putting pressure on local councils to green-light plans to build new houses today, as the government publishes its new housing and planning bill. The Prime Minister will warn local authorities that they must produce local plans for new homes in their area within the next two years – or the [...]
London house prices are costing the capital’s economy £1bn each year – CEBR October 12, 2015 Soaring house prices and rocketing rents are costing London’s economy over £1bn each year, according to a new report out today. The study – published by a new campaign to increase London’s housing supply called “Fifty Thousand Homes” – says employers across multiple sectors are facing more competition and staff retention problems as a result [...]
EEF: business needs a bigger say over devolution October 12, 2015 A leading industry group is calling on the government to give businesses more influence over the devolution of powers to local authorities. In a new paper out today, the EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, argues that firms “must be given a greater role in plans for devolution in England if the process is to result in [...]
EU referendum: Politicians and business leaders line up to campaign for and against Brexit October 12, 2015 Heavyweight politicians and business leaders have nailed their colours to the mast in the debate over Britain’s EU membership by throwing their support behind the “in” and “out” campaigns, as referendum battle lines are drawn. The campaign for the UK to remain in the EU, Britain Stronger in Europe, officially launches today. Led by former Marks [...]
Seven Eurosceptic Conservative MPs form a band to compete in Eurovision in protest against the EU October 11, 2015 While the European Union debate will be fought with renewed vigour tomorrow as the "In" campaign gets ready for battle with the "Out" campaign that launched last week, some politicians don't appear satisfied that will be enough to ensure their desired outcome of a Brexit. Having beaten former shadow chancellor, Andrea Jenkyns will now head up a [...]
Ken Clarke tells chancellor George Osborne to push ahead with tax credit cuts despite criticism October 11, 2015 Former chancellor of the exchequer Ken Clarke has said that current chancellor George Osborne should push ahead with reforms. Read more: Chancellor George Osborne faces backbench revolt over cuts to tax credits The Tory grandee, speaking on BBC's The Andrew Marr show, said: When you've got yourself a mandate to put things right, get on with [...]
Scottish independence: A second referendum is now “inevitable”, says Nicola Sturgeon October 11, 2015 While all parties should respect the result of last years Scottish independence referendum, a second vote is "inevitable" in the future, leader of the Scottish National Party Nicola Sturgeon has said. Read more: A yes vote would have plunged Scotland into a deep depression Speaking on BBC's The Andrew Marr show, Sturgeon said she believed a [...]