HS2 ‘fundamental’ to hitting UK emissions target, says lobby group November 11, 2019 The HS2 rail project is “fundamental” to the UK hitting its net zero emissions target by 2050, according to a report commissioned by rail industry bosses. HS2, which is planned to link London with the north of England and Scotland via trains travelling at more than 200mph, will mean fewer people take cars and short-haul [...]
Uber co-founder Travis Kalanick offloads $550m in shares November 11, 2019 Uber’s ousted co-founder and chief executive Travis Kalanick has sold nearly 21 per cent of his stake in the ride-hailing app since restrictions on trading expired last week. Read more: Uber shares hit record low after IPO lock-up expiry In a series of transactions, Kalanick sold more than 20m shares worth roughly $547m (£425m), according [...]
Water industry set to announce new boss ahead of nationalisation fight November 11, 2019 A former Centrica executive is set to be announced as the new boss of the UK’s biggest water trade body as the industry gears up to fight nationalisation and a regulatory crackdown. Water UK is set to appoint Christine McGourty as its new chief executive, Sky News reported. The announcement of her appointment is expected [...]
Mobile shopping platform Rezolve bags tie-up with Korean retail giant Lotte November 11, 2019 Mobile shopping tech firm Rezolve has signed a multi-million-pound deal with South Korean conglomerate Lotte Corporation as it expands its presence in Asia. Lotte will use the London startup’s technology in its supermarket app, allowing customers to make purchases by scanning promotional print leaflets with their smartphone. Read more: Mobile shopping platform Rezolve secures bumper [...]
Walgreens Boots Alliance shares rise on reports of KKR buyout interest November 11, 2019 Shares in Walgreens Boots Alliance jumped in early trading today amid reports that KKR has approached the drugstore giant about taking it private. Read more: KKR to target record $15bn in Asia-focused buyout fund Private equity firm KKR is preparing a proposal to buy out shareholders of Walgreens Boots in what could be the biggest [...]
London Underground: Union threatens Christmas Tube strikes November 11, 2019 There may be “significant disruption” on the London Underground during the Christmas period as rail workers decide on whether to engage in strike action. One thousand Tube cleaners from the Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) union today began voting on whether to take industrial action in a bid for better pay and amenities. Read [...]
British Steel: China’s Jingye Group promises to save ‘thousands’ of jobs in £50m deal November 11, 2019 The future of troubled industrial firm British Steel has taken a step closer to being secured through a £50m rescue deal by Chinese conglomerate Jingye, in a move it is hoped will save about 4,000 jobs. The Insolvency Service confirmed the deal this afternoon, which involves Jingye buying British Steel’s Scunthorpe plant, as well as [...]
Vodafone expands full-fibre network with Openreach deal November 11, 2019 Vodafone is set to expand its full-fibre broadband network to three new UK cities after signing a new commercial deal with Openreach. Customers of the telecoms firm will be able to access the superfast network in Birmingham, Bristol and Liverpool from spring 2020, taking its total reach to 15 UK towns and cities. Read more: [...]
Experts split on impact of Farage’s decision to stand-down candidates November 11, 2019 Pollsters and Westminster strategists were split this afternoon over the impact of Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage’s decision not to stand candidates in 317 seats currently held by Conservatives. Whilst there had been calls for Farage to stand down candidates across the country, his party will continue to fight in seats held by the Lib [...]
Construction sector swings back to growth in third quarter November 11, 2019 Britain’s construction sector dodged a recession and swung back to growth in the third quarter, despite a slight dip last month. Construction output increased 0.6 per cent, or £253m in the three months to September, from months of turmoil caused in part by Brexit uncertainty. It follows a decrease of 1.2 per cent in the [...]