Boris Johnson’s cabinet split over coronavirus lockdown period April 20, 2020 Boris Johnson is reportedly dealing with a cabinet split between those who want to end the coronavirus lockdown early and those who want to take a more cautious approach. Various media reports over the weekend said chancellor Rishi Sunak and Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove were pushing for the lockdown to be eased to avoid [...]
Coronavirus: Bank of England says 35 per cent GDP drop ‘not unrealistic’ April 20, 2020 A Bank of England deputy governor has said the economy could shrink by 35 per cent in the second quarter if the coronavirus lockdown lasts three months, saying the scenario produced last week by the UK’s budget watchdog was not “unrealistic”. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) said the UK economy could contract by 35 [...]
Opinion: Supermarkets look a good bet April 20, 2020 The received wisdom at present is that UK property capital markets have pretty much gone into suspended animation in the face of the pandemic, but this certainly isn’t the case in the grocery-led sector. There are currently seven substantial supermarket transactions totalling around £205m which are either under offer or due to imminently complete. And [...]
Coronavirus: British tech firms welcome government’s £1.25bn startup package April 20, 2020 The UK tech sector has hailed a “bold intervention” after the government unveiled a £1.25bn coronavirus support package for startups and research and development firms. The Treasury today announced a new £500m loan scheme for high-growth startups and £750m of grants for small and medium sized businesses focused on research and development. The support package, [...]
Richard Branson warns Virgin Atlantic needs coronavirus loan to survive April 20, 2020 Virgin Atlantic owner Sir Richard Branson has warned that the beleaguered airline will need government financial support in order to survive the coronavirus crisis. In a blog post to Virgin employees, Branson said: “The reality of this unprecedented crisis is that many airlines around the world need government support and many have already received it. “We will [...]
UK to trial using Covid-19 survivors’ blood plasma for treatment April 20, 2020 The United Kingdom is preparing to collect the blood from Covid-19 survivors to see if it can help create a treatment for the infection. British doctors will investigate if convalescent plasma transfusions could improve an infected patient’s speed of recovery and chances of survival. “NHS Blood and Transplant is preparing to collect Covid-19 convalescent plasma [...]
Future completes TI Media takeover as Covid-19 hits magazine sales April 20, 2020 Publishing group Future today said it had completed its takeover of rival TI Media but warned of job cuts as the coronavirus outbreak takes its toll on magazine sales. The competition watchdog last week cleared Future’s £140m offer for TI Media — which owns titles such as Country Life and Marie Claire UK — subject [...]
Coronavirus: keeping your company safe from cyber attacks April 20, 2020 | Sponsored The widespread destruction caused by the Covid-19 outbreak remains difficult to comprehend, with lives lost, businesses destroyed, and communities forced into isolation. Statistics show that even after this terrible disease has been beaten, the economic and social impact will be deep and long lasting, with surging unemployment and shattered dreams brought on by the necessary [...]
Mr Kipling owner Premier Foods boosts sales as shoppers stockpile sweet treats April 20, 2020 Shares in Premier Foods jumped almost 25 per cent in early trading today after the firm said it had experienced a sharp rise in demand during the coronavirus outbreak. The Mr Kipling maker said it expected sales to rise roughly 3.6 per cent year on year in the fourth quarter and 10.5 per cent in [...]
Plus500 chief executive Asaf Elimelech resigns with immediate effect April 20, 2020 Plus500 chief executive Asaf Elimelech has resigned from the company with immediate effect, after four years at the helm. The group’s chief operating officer, David Zruia, will assume the role of interim boss alongside his day to day responsibilities until a permanent replacement is found. Elimelech has a notice period of 12 months and will [...]