Brittany Ferries calls on Govt to ‘refocus’ and improve seafarers’ conditions October 5, 2022 Brittany Ferries’ chief executive Christophe Mathieu has called on the UK Government to “refocus” its attention to improving conditions for those working in the Channel. “We welcomed former transport secretary Grant Shapps’ determination to drive up standards in the ferry sector and to set minimum wage requirements for ferry workers,” Mathieu said. “Now we urge [...]
Halfords buys commercial tyre firm Lodge Tyre for £37.2m October 5, 2022 Halfords has bought commercial tyre firm Lodge Tyre for £37.2m in cash, the motoring services retailer announced today. The London-listed company will pay an initial £33.2m while a further £4m will be paid in FY25 depending on performance. “The acquisition of Lodge Tyre is yet another example of Halfords’ strategic aim of becoming a motoring [...]
Chapter closed: Virgin Atlantic shuts Hong Kong route after 30 years October 5, 2022 Virgin Atlantic announced today it has dropped the Heathrow to Hong Kong route after almost 30 years due to the closure of Russia’s airspace and related issues. As part of the move, the airliner also shut down its office in the city-state. The legacy carrier said on Wednesday it would not resume flights – halted [...]
EV sales drive new car market growth in September October 5, 2022 The sale of electric vehicles (EVs) has driven a 4.6 per growth in September’s new car market, according to data published today. Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reported that new electric vehicle registrations grew by 16.5 per cent to more than 38,000 units. After March, September is the second-biggest month [...]
UK exports to Ireland reach record highs despite Brexit trade frictions October 5, 2022 UK exports of goods to Ireland have now posted consecutive monthly records in June and July, according to fresh data shared with City A.M. this morning. Analysis of the latest government trade data shows £2,861m and £2,693m worth of goods travelled into Ireland through the two months respectively, as trade with the UK’s closest neighbour [...]
Wednesday from hell for millions of Brits as rail strike gets underway October 5, 2022 Millions of train travellers brace themselves for major chaos today due to another strike in the long-running dispute over pay, jobs and conditions. Members of the drivers’ union Aslef and the Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA) will walk out, causing huge disruption to services with millions of Brits expected to work from home. Aslef general [...]
Half of UK logistics firms to make acquisitions despite volatile market October 5, 2022 Almost half of UK logistics firms is set to make an acquisition in the next year despite challenging market conditions. Data published today by Barclays Corporate Banking reported that 45 per cent of UK businesses were considering the move as a way to achieve economies of scale and expand services. This is the highest figure [...]
Drivers should have seen bigger fuel price cuts, says RAC October 5, 2022 Drivers should have seen a bigger cut in fuel prices at the pump after costs slumped in September. According to data published today by the RAC, the average price of a litre of petrol went down to 162.9p – the sixth biggest monthly drop since 2000. Filling up a 55-litre petrol car has gone back [...]
Rolls-Royce boss calls on aviation to ramp up use of biofuels October 4, 2022 Rolls-Royce’s chief executive Warren East has called on aviation to ramp up the use of biofuels to deliver its 2050 net-zero pledges. East – who will step down from the engine manufacturer at the end of the year – said the industry needs transitional technologies like sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) while it develops greener aircraft. [...]
Volkswagen boss: All of group’s brands preparing for IPO as exercise October 4, 2022 Volkswagen’s boss Oliver Blume said all of the group’s subsidiaries are preparing to float as an exercise. This comes on the heels of Porsche floating last Thursday in Frankfurt for €75bn (£67bn). Blume explained on Tuesday that top officials at each brand – including Audi, Bentley and Lamborghini – were sharpening their focus ahead of [...]