Gagging orders face the ban amid allegations against Sir Philip Green March 3, 2019 Leading politicians have vowed today to ban controversial “gagging orders” that have risen to prominence in the wake of recent harassment allegations made against retail tycoon Sir Philip Green. Ministers have revealed sweeping plans this morning to tighten rules around non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), which have been at the centre of bullying claims surrounding the Topshop owner [...]
McDonald’s kicks off National Apprenticeship Week with 750 apprenticeships March 3, 2019 McDonald’s will today announce more than £2m worth of apprenticeship opportunities for new and current employees in the UK this year, making use of the government’s apprenticeship levy. The fast food chain plans to create 750 new apprenticeship spaces in the UK. McDonald’s promised last summer that it would employ 43,000 apprentices in Europe by [...]
Number of late night alcohol licences falls as consumer behaviour changes March 3, 2019 The number of pubs, bars and nightclubs with late-night licences has fallen by a fifth over the last five years as would-be revellers opt for dating apps and Netflix over boozy nights out, according to new research. While the number of pubs and clubs with 24-hour licences has dropped from 919 in 2018 to 742 [...]
Swann and Geddes in contention for John Lewis post March 3, 2019 Two City heavyweights are reportedly being weighed up for the top job at John Lewis Partnership, following the news of Sir Charlie Mayfield’s planned departure as chairman next year. Direct Line’s outgoing chief executive Paul Geddes and departing SSP boss Kate Swann are both in the running to succeed Mayfield, along with the department store [...]
Ex-Superdry boss Dunkerton calls shareholder meeting in bid to return to board March 1, 2019 A power struggle at the top of Superdry looks set to intensify as Julian Dunkerton, the founder and former chief of the troubled designer, has requisitioned a shareholder meeting in a bid to muscle back on to the firm’s board. Dunkerton, who is still an 18.4 per cent shareholder, left the business a year ago because [...]
Ebay launches strategic review after activist investor pressure March 1, 2019 Ebay has given into pressure from activist investors Elliott Management and Starboard Value to launch a strategic review of the company. The online auction website will appoint two new board members and review the company’s Stubhub and Ebay Classifieds Group. Read more: Ebay shares spike as activist investor Elliott reveals $1.4bn stake Jesse Cohn of [...]
Gap shares surge on plans to close 230 stores as it splits off Old Navy March 1, 2019 Gap is set to split off Old Navy into its own brand, it said today as it revealed 230 planned store closures. The news sent shares soaring in the late afternoon, with their value climbing 19 per cent to $30.21. As a part of the restructuring, Gap will split into Old Navy and an as yet unnamed [...]
HMV reopens Ayr store in Scotland, becoming 10th outlet to reopen after weeks of closure March 1, 2019 The swathe of store reopenings at music retailer HMV continued on Friday morning as the firm resumed service at its outlet in Ayr, south west Scotland. Read more: The mood music is encouraging at HMV after it is saved by Sunrise https://twitter.com/hmvtweets/status/1101443048905625600 HMV Ayr is the 10th store that has reopened its doors since being [...]
LK Bennett lines up administrator with 500 jobs ‘at risk’ March 1, 2019 Fashion chain LK Bennett has filed for administration as it attempts to find a way to stay afloat. The retailer has selected EY as an administrator for the business, Sky News first reported, which will oversee its insolvency if no new investment can be found. Read more: Revolution Bars issues profit warning amid 'challenging' conditions [...]
William Hill swings to £722m loss for 2018 after regulatory changes hit bottom line March 1, 2019 William Hill fell to a staggering loss of £722m last year, it confirmed today, as the bookmaker recommitted to meeting guidance for 2019. Read more: William Hill confirms likely 2018 profit drop The figures The gambling firm swung to a loss of £721.9m in 2018, down from 2017’s profit before tax of £146.5m. Revenue rose [...]