Tiktok inks licensing deal as it gears up for music streaming launch January 23, 2020 Tiktok has secured a licensing deal with a major music rights agency, marking a key step forward in the social media firm’s plans to launch a new rival to Spotify. The Chinese video app today said it has entered into a multi-territory partnership with Merlin, which represents tens of thousands of independent record labels. The [...]
Morrisons axes 3,000 management jobs January 23, 2020 Morrisons is preparing to cut 3,000 management jobs across its supermarkets, as it adds more hourly paid roles. The retailer announced today that it will create 7,000 new hourly paid jobs across its stores, which will result in a net 4,000 new jobs. The affected managers will be able to apply for the new roles, [...]
Comcast hikes dividend as broadband boost pushes up revenue January 23, 2020 Comcast today said it had ramped up its dividend after reporting a rise in both revenue and profit in the fourth quarter. The US media titan posted revenue of $28.4bn (£21.6bn), up two per cent on the same period last year, while earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation rose three per cent to $8.4bn. [...]
More than 280 jobs lost as Handmade Burger Co. collapses January 23, 2020 Casual dining chain Handmade Burger Co. collapsed into administration for the second time today, making more than 280 workers redundant. Leonard Curtis was appointed as administrator of The Burger Chain Limited this morning, after attempts to secure a sale of the business were unsuccessful. All 18 restaurants have closed, with the loss of 283 jobs, [...]
Shares in AI specialist Blue Prism surge after revenue jumps January 23, 2020 Shares in Blue Prism, a London-based robotic automation specialist, jumped over 20 per cent today after the company reported an 83 per cent increase in revenue. Blue Prism’s revenue for the 12 months ending 31 October rose to £101m, up from £55.2m in 2019, with monthly recurring revenue (MRR) coming in ahead of expectations. The [...]
Microsoft chief executive calls for ‘data dignity’ at Davos January 23, 2020 The chief executive of Microsoft has called for “data dignity” and that data and privacy be thought of as a human right. Speaking at the World Economic Forum at Davos, Satya Nadella said: “Data dignity goes further than privacy. People’s data has a value.” It came as part of a discussion on technology and globalisation [...]
British officials recommend ‘limited’ 5G role for Huawei January 23, 2020 British officials have reportedly recommended granting Huawei a limited role in the UK’s 5G network, despite US calls for a complete ban over security fears. The recommendation was made at a meeting of senior government officials and security chiefs this morning, Reuters reported, citing people with knowledge of the matter. It comes ahead of a [...]
European car sales set to drop for first time in seven years, says trade body January 23, 2020 Europe’s car sales are likely to decrease this year, according to the European automotive industry association ACEA. Car registrations are projected to drop two per cent in 2020, which would be the first drop in seven years. The forecast is likely to fuel growing concerns that car manufacturers’ best days are behind them. Companies are [...]
Ikea recalls travel mug over leaking chemicals risk January 23, 2020 Ikea has warned customers to stop using a travel mug bought from the store over concerns it could leak dangerous chemicals. The Swedish retailer issued a recall notice for its “Troligtvis” travel mug, after tests found it could leak levels of toxic Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) exceeding the safe limits. Owners of the travel cup – [...]
Chancellor launches search for next head of budget watchdog January 23, 2020 Chancellor Sajid Javid has launched the search for the next head of the UK’s budget watchdog, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), as the term of the current chair Robert Chote draws to an end. The OBR was formed in 2010 by newly-elected chancellor George Osborne to ensure the government stuck to its spending and [...]