As a global trading hub, the City is ready to face the challenges of a new digital era June 3, 2019 With changes afoot both domestically and when it comes to our relationship with Europe, it is a challenging and frustrating time for many parts of the City. What we must not lose sight of is that London – and specifically the City – has been at the centre of global trade for centuries, and has [...]
Rise in customers with multiple current accounts as fintech boom hits high street banks June 3, 2019 An increasing number of Britons now have products from a range of different financial providers, as the rise in fintech has shifted the focus away from traditional high street banks. Research by peer-to-peer lending firm Zopa revealed one in three Brits holds two or more current accounts, an increase of 36 per cent on the [...]
Amazon hits back at Hammond’s digital tax with high street venture June 2, 2019 Amazon is launching a programme to help digital businesses find success on the high street, with a series of pop-up stores across the UK. The move follows comments from chancellor Philip Hammond that the tech giant and other online behemoths hold a “near-monopoly” over physical stores, contributing to retail's economic downturn. The e-commerce giant will open [...]
One in five digital transformation projects fails as tech knowledge falls short June 2, 2019 One in five businesses has launched an unsuccessful digital transformation project, new research has revealed, as companies fail to get to grips with new technology. Figures published by digital services firm Econocom showed a sharp increase in the number of businesses undergoing digital transformation, but revealed 20 per cent are doomed to fail. Read more: [...]
Chinese state hackers accused of ‘rigging’ 5G tests to protect Huawei June 2, 2019 China has reportedly been accused of rigging 5G security tests in a bid to discredit western companies and protect Chinese telecoms giant Huawei. Beijing has been leaking details of security vulnerabilities in equipment made by Huawei’s rivals to a 5G testing team as it looks to bolster the reputation of the controversial Chinese firm, the [...]
Just can’t get the staff these days? Brush up on data security May 31, 2019 Unemployment is at its lowest rate since the early 1970s. This is good news for those preparing to leave the nation’s schools, colleges, and universities over coming months, as they begin their climb up the career ladder. Employers, however, may view the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics with concern. There may be [...]
DEBATE: Should we really be that excited about the launch of 5G? May 31, 2019 Should we really be that excited about the launch of 5G? Leon Emirali, an entrepreneur and investor, says YES. 5G is well worth the wait. While there is no doubt that extra-fast internet speeds will be welcomed by consumers, we must look beyond our own mobile devices to see the real benefits of the 5G revolution. [...]
Uber loses $1bn in first quarterly results since stock market float May 30, 2019 Uber has reported a $1bn (£790m) loss in its first quarterly financial report as a public company, despite revenue rising by one-fifth. Read more: Uber partners with insurtech start-up to offer digital insurance The loss will not come as a surprise to investors in the ride-hailing giant, after it already predicted the figure in a [...]
Mark Zuckerberg survives shareholder revolt at annual Facebook meeting May 30, 2019 Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has survived a shareholder revolt which sought to strip him of his chairman title, and reduce his monopoly over the firm's controlling shares. Zuckerberg owns 60 per cent of Facebook's voting shares, and acts as both its chief executive and chairman. Other motions, which requested the breakup of Facebook as a [...]
Bristol scaleup Ultrahaptics buys US augmented reality rival for $30m May 30, 2019 Bristol-based firm Ultrahaptics has acquired one of its main Silicon Valley rivals in a deal valued at $30m (£23.8m). Leap Motion, which specialises in hand-tracking technology, will join Ultrahaptics, bringing over its staff and technology to the combined group. The two companies had been partnered for almost six years before the tie-up. Ultrahaptics' technology projects [...]