John Lewis could permanently close some stores when coronavirus lockdown ends April 27, 2020 John Lewis is reportedly considering permanently closing some department stores after the UK’s coronavirus lockdown restrictions are lifted. All John Lewis department stores closed last month after the government ordered all non-essential retailers to shut during the coronavirus lockdown. However, some of the less viable John Lewis stores could remain shut after the lockdown restrictions [...]
Rishi Sunak unveils 100 per cent state-backed ‘bounce back loans’ for small businesses April 27, 2020 The UK’s smallest businesses will have guaranteed access to loans of up to £50,000 within 24 hours of applying, chancellor Rishi Sunak announced today. The new “bounce back loans” will be 100 per cent guaranteed by the Treasury, meaning the government will take on all the default risk, and will be available from next Monday [...]
Private equity groups: EU state aid rules could block coronavirus loans April 27, 2020 Private equity firms are increasingly concerned that viable but highly-indebted or loss-making British firms, potentially including high-street names, will be ruled out of coronavirus business loan schemes due to European Union state aid rules. European lobbying groups representing the industry are set to write to the EU this week to try to ensure such firms [...]
Delays to UK’s full-fibre broadband rollout ‘could cost £30bn’ April 27, 2020 Delays to the government’s plan to roll out superfast broadband across the country could see the UK lose almost £30bn in economic benefits, according to research published today. Telecoms analysts warned a 12-month delay to the 2025 target would mean the UK misses out on a £9.7bn boost to the economy, while a two-year setback [...]
Easyjet board set for showdown with founder over Airbus contract April 27, 2020 Easyjet’s board has set the date for a showdown with founder Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, who has been calling for the airline to scrap a £4.5bn order with Airbus. On May 22, shareholders will vote on whether to back the board’s plan to go through with the deal, which has been modified in light of the [...]
Steelworks MP calls for changes to loan scheme after Tata bailout request April 27, 2020 The Labour MP for Aberavon, which contains Tata Steel’s Port Talbot steelworks, has written to chancellor Rishi Sunak asking him to lift the cap on the size of loans large companies can receive to limit the coronavirus damage. Yesterday it was reported that the firm, a subsidiary of giant Indian conglomerate Tata, was seeking £500m [...]
Times Radio taps BBC and Channel 4 stars ahead of summer launch April 27, 2020 Times Radio today unveiled its latest high-profile signings as Rupert Murdoch’s media empire pushes ahead with the talk radio station launch despite the coronavirus crisis. Radio 4 presenter Aasmah Mir, Channel 4 News anchor Cathy Newman and Times Literary Supplement editor Stig Abell are among the top-flight journalists to join the new venture. News UK, [...]
British spies urged to use artificial intelligence to fight security threats April 27, 2020 British spooks will need to use artificial intelligence (AI) to fight a range of threats to national security, according to a report published today. Intelligence agencies have been urged to use the technology to detect and block cyber attacks, analyse video and audio evidence, and automate administrative tasks. However, AI is unlikely to predict upcoming [...]
Coronavirus: Greggs to start reopening branches for takeaway and delivery April 27, 2020 High street bakery chain Greggs is preparing to reopen to provide a takeaway service during the coronavirus lockdown. All of the cafe chain’s stores are currently closed due to the UK’s coronavirus lockdown. However, the government restrictions allow cafes and restaurants to remain open for takeaway and delivery services. The company said it will trial [...]
Norwegian Air says planes set to remain grounded until April 2021 April 27, 2020 Low-cost carrier Norwegian Air does not expect to begin ramping up its number of flights until next April at the earliest, according to a proposal published ahead of a key stakeholder meeting this week. Unless the airline gets approval for its proposed rescue plan, it warned that it could run out of cash by mid-May. [...]