Calling entrepreneurs: It’s time to be vocal about the post-Brexit visa system you need February 14, 2017 It's the lull before the storm. On 31 March, parts of the UK’s visa system will be overhauled. When Article 50 is triggered, European nationals will be treated differently to how they are now, but Theresa May is holding her cards close to her chest – a little too close for many European nationals, business owners and [...]
Almost half of financial advisers think Mifid II will hurt the industry, but a similar proportion aren’t sure what it will mean for them February 14, 2017 Almost half of financial advisers are worried a tougher set of rules for the sector, which are due to come into force in less than a year, will hurt their industry, but a similar proportion also still don't know what it will mean for their own business. Financial firms will have to comply with the [...]
Xafinity wants to take on the big boys with its London IPO February 14, 2017 The £190m float of a mid-tier actuarial and consulting firm will help it break the stranglehold of the largest three market players, its boss said today. Xafinity announced plans earlier this morning for a London listing and intends to make an official admission to the exchange on Thursday. Paul Cuff, the company's co-chief executive, told City A.M. he hopes the [...]
Meet Prodigy Finance: The fintech firm that went global on day one February 14, 2017 With Trump in the White House and a hard Brexit on the horizon, protectionism is back on the menu. Many entrepreneurs are concerned about the implications for the free movement of goods, capital and people. But at a recent Leap 100 breakfast, chief executive and co-founder of Prodigy Finance, Cameron Stevens, sounded a note of [...]
For successful businesses, failure is not an option – it’s a requirement February 14, 2017 Urgent memo to executives everywhere: please stop saying things like “failure is not an option”. You’re engaging stakeholders – not saving Private Ryan. And if you are fostering a fear of failure among your people, you probably aren’t winning either. Let’s look at winning in today’s world, where it is increasingly crucial to spark emotional [...]
The rise in insecure work is costing the Exchequer £4bn a year, warns the TUC February 14, 2017 The sharp rise in insecure work across the UK is costing the government – to the tune of nearly £4bn a year in lost tax income and benefit pay-outs. That's according to the Trades Union Congress (TUC), which says that total represents nearly a quarter of the social care budget spent in England. Its new [...]
City Moves for 14 February 2017 – who’s switching jobs? February 14, 2017 Today's City Moves cover investment management, residential property and the business of charities. Take a look at these movers and shakers: Close Brothers Asset Management Close Brothers Asset Management has bolstered its high net worth service with the appointment of Eileen O’Rourke as investment director. Eileen joins CBAM following a 23-year career at Brewin Dolphin, [...]
As the Co-Op Bank goes on sale, is now the time to buy UK banks? February 14, 2017 It wasn't hard to spot the irony when Paul Flowers, chairman of the avowedly ethical Co-Operative Bank and a methodist minister, was arrested for drug possession in 2013. In the same year, the mutual Co-operative Group ceded control of the ailing lender to its bondholders, after a massive £1.5bn hole was discovered in its balance [...]
Older people must shoulder their share of government spending cuts February 14, 2017 Given general improvements in technology and prosperity, younger generations should, in theory, always be better off than their parents. But with pensioner households now earning more than their working age equivalents, according to a new report from the Resolution Foundation, this can no longer be taken for granted. It is of course good news that older [...]
The building trades need to recruit more women as infrastructure investment rises February 13, 2017 Recruiting women into the plumbing, electrical, and building industries is just as economically important as encouraging more women to join FTSE 100 boards, a new report said. The building trades are a leading source of employment in the UK, but a stereotypes and lack of promotion to girls making career choices leave the field dominated by [...]
