UK construction sector shrinks again amid election uncertainty December 3, 2019 The UK construction sector contracted for the seventh month running in November as new work fell sharply amid yet more political uncertainty, survey data has shown. The poor performance of the sector led firms to lay off workers for the eighth month in a row, in the latest sign that Britain’s jobs boom is slowing. [...]
To tackle regional inequality, we must rethink the ‘left behind’ places December 3, 2019 From Brexit to crime to the future of the NHS in a US-UK trade deal, this election has been dominated by national issues. But while the politicians tour the country with their lofty nationwide visions, Britain continues to suffer from a regional inequality. While many of our cities have done well over the last two [...]
Bolt is best placed app to take Uber’s London crown, says report December 2, 2019 Bolt is the best-placed ride-hailing app to capitalise from Uber’s failure to secure a new London licence, according to a new study. Figures from market intelligence company SimilarWeb show that the Estonian app has had the largest amount of Android downloads out of Uber’s competitors in the months leading up to the app’s ban last [...]
British drivers launch Volkswagen ‘Dieselgate’ action in High Court December 2, 2019 Tens of thousands of motorists have accused Volkswagen of fitting its cars with software to cheat emissions tests, as the UK’s biggest class action case kicked off at the High Court this morning. British drivers who bought Volkswagen diesel vehicles are seeking compensation following the Dieselgate emissions scandal. Read more: Volkswagen cuts forecasts amid downturn [...]
Private equity firm Cerberus mulls Addison Lee bid December 2, 2019 US private equity firm Cerberus is reportedly among those considering a bid for Addison Lee as the minicab company’s owner tries to secure a quick sale. Read more: Addison Lee lenders ‘circle’ taxi giant as sale effort continues Cerberus Capital Management submitted a bid for the minicab firm ahead of a recent deadline for offers, [...]
TfL is finally giving the Tube an Apple Pay upgrade December 2, 2019 Apple Pay users will be able to move through Tube stations faster, after the app upgraded its payment system with Transport for London (TfL). Apple Pay’s Express Transit allows people to tap through Tube stations without first having to use authentication measures. Read more: TfL deficit shrinks thanks to Ulez and increased Tube numbers Formerly, [...]
Labour to cut rail fares and create ‘London-style’ ticketing for the UK December 1, 2019 Labour will reform the country’s rail ticketing system to create a one-stop shop for tickets if elected, while also promising to cut fares by 33 per cent. The party wants to create a uniform “London-style” ticketing system that allows contactless payments and sets out fares on a zonal basis. Read more: Train companies to hike [...]
Heathrow Airport to be penalised if expansion goes over-budget December 1, 2019 Heathrow Airport will be penalised by Britain’s transport watchdog if it fails to build its planned third runway efficiently. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has placed a new clause into the airport’s licence due to concerns the project could go over-budget. Read more: British Airways passengers face huge delays after technical issue The clause is [...]
Andrew Tinkler aims to offer rival resolution at crunch Eddie Stobart shareholder vote December 1, 2019 Former Stobart Group boss Andrew Tinkler is aiming to offer Eddie Stobart shareholders a rival funding package to vote on at the struggling trucking firm’s general meeting on Friday. Eddie Stobart’s board has recommended an offer from fund Dbay which would provide an emergency £55m high-interest loan to the haulier in exchange for a 51 [...]
Sir Vince Cable calls Royal Mail share slump ‘vindicating’ December 1, 2019 Former Lib Dem business secretary Sir Vince Cable has said he has been “vindicated” by the collapse in Royal Mail’s share price after his handling of the firm’s privatisation six years ago drew criticism. The coalition government was attacked at the time of the float for undervaluing Royal Mail after its shares soared by more [...]