Compass Group returns to profit in Q4 following ‘challenging year’ November 24, 2020 Compass Group has made an operating profit of £561m in 2020 after a difficult year that saw parts of the business closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The catering giant 2020 operating profit was down on last year’s £1,852m. Nearly two-thirds of Compass Group’s revenue came from north America. The group was able to return [...]
The good, the bad, and the orange: In search of the perfect 2020 Christmas ad November 24, 2020 To call 2020 a “garbage fire” of a year would not be unfair. This year has turned people’s worlds upside-down in so many ways. But at least a few things remain a constant presence in life — one of which is the return of the blockbuster Christmas TV advert. While the advertising budgets look a [...]
Curfew to be pushed back to 11pm but pubs warn restrictions will ‘destroy’ sector November 23, 2020 The Prime Minister has confirmed that the curfew for pubs and restaurants will be pushed back to 11pm when the coronavirus lockdown ends next month, but the hospitality industry has slammed new restrictions as “disastrous” for the sector. In a statement to Parliament this afternoon, Boris Johnson announced that the lockdown will be lifted on [...]
Healthy fast food chain Leon explores restructuring options November 23, 2020 Healthy fast food chain Leon is reportedly drawing up plans for an insolvency arrangement to allow it to secure rent cuts from its landlords. The firm is working on proposals for a company voluntary arrangement, and has hired advisors to help with the plans, Sky News reported. The proposals, which are likely to involve seeking [...]
Retailers ‘relieved’ as shops get green light to open before Christmas November 23, 2020 The Prime Minister has announced that non-essential stores in England can reopen next month, in what retailers hope will provide a lifeline for the high street in the run-up to Christmas. In a statement in the House of Commons this afternoon, Boris Johnson confirmed that stores that were forced to close during the coronavirus lockdown [...]
Coronavirus lockdown: Central London retail footfall plunges 80 per cent November 23, 2020 Central London retail footfall fell 80.4 per cent last week compared to 2019 levels as the England-wide coronavirus lockdown continued to take its toll on the nation’s struggling high streets. The latest data showed that the capital was the worst affected region due to the impact of home-working, the lack of domestic and international tourists [...]
Cineworld secures $750m funding lifeline amid Covid-19 closures November 23, 2020 Cineworld has secured $750m (£561m) in additional cash to help bolster its balance sheet amid coronavirus closures. The FTSE 100 group, which is the world’s second largest cinema chain, said it has agreed a new $450m debt facility and a waiver on all banks covenants on its debt until June 2022. Other measures include an [...]
Gyms and non-essential shops to open cross-country post-lockdown November 23, 2020 Gyms and non-essential shops in all areas are expected to be allowed to reopen when England’s national lockdown ends. This afternoon Boris Johnson will give details on England’s return to the ‘three tier system’ when lockdown ends on 2 December, the BBC reported. Although parts of the tier system will be tougher, the 10pm curfew [...]
Second national lockdown to drive Black Friday sales down 20 per cent November 23, 2020 The introduction of a second national lockdown will push Black Friday sales down 20 per cent as consumers wait for shops to reopen to bag a bargain. Nationwide Building Society predicted a drop off in spending on 27 November, compared to a previous forecast of a 12 per cent increase, due to the month-long lockdown. [...]
Government to scrap 10pm hospitality curfew November 22, 2020 The government is expected to scrap the 10pm curfew for hospitality businesses when the current UK-wide lockdown ends. The Prime Minister is reportedly planning to extend pub and restaurant opening hours until 11pm when restrictions are eased on 2 December. Last orders will still be called at 10pm but customers will be given an extra [...]