Michel Barnier and Stephen Barclay have ‘constructive’ meeting on Brexit October 11, 2019 The EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier and UK Brexit secretary Stephen Barclay had a “constructive” meeting on Brexit today, an EU Commission spokesperson said. “We are working towards a deal,” said the spokeswoman, Mina Andreeva. “If there is a will, there is a way.” Barnier told assembled reporters that Brexit negotiations were like mountaineering. “Brexit [...]
Royal Mint launches solid gold debit card worth £20,000 October 11, 2019 The Royal Mint has produced a payment card made of 18-carat gold which will cost almost £20,000. The firm worked with Mastercard and payments technology firm Accomplish to produce the cards, which will use a Raris account. Read more: Royal Mint releases new coin after August gold rush The debit cards can be personalised for [...]
Why cash-rich renters are on the rise October 11, 2019 According to conventional British wisdom, renting is something you do when you can’t afford to buy a house. While that’s still true of the majority of London renters, there is another group – and they’re growing. Some are international executives coming here to work for a year or two. There are wealthy overseas students, too, [...]
Shares in housebuilders and UK banks jump on new Brexit deal optimism October 11, 2019 Shares in UK housebuilders and banks jumped this morning on renewed optimism a Brexit deal is achievable. Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar met yesterday, with Varadkar saying he believes a deal is possible by 31 October. Read more: Sterling barrels past $1.25 as Donald Tusk welcomes progress on Brexit talks [...]
James Murdoch acquires minority stake in Vice Media October 11, 2019 James Murdoch has agreed to buy a minority share in Vice Media as he looks to build his own media empire. The younger son of Rupert Murdoch created Lupa Systems earlier this year with the $2bn proceeds from the family’s $71bn sale of 21st Century Fox to Disney. Read more: Government and BBC ‘must reach [...]
Donald Tusk says he has received ‘promising signals’ from Leo Varadkar on Brexit October 11, 2019 European Council President Donald Tusk said this morning that he had received “promising signals” from Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar on Brexit. Tusk tweeted “The UK has still not come forward with a workable, realistic proposal. But I have received promising signals from Taoiseach Leo Varadkar that a deal is possible. Even the slightest chance [...]
Quiz’s half-year revenue falls five per cent due to ‘challenging’ high street conditions October 11, 2019 Fashion chain Quiz has revealed a 5 per cent fall in half-year revenue in a trading update today. The British business blamed the “challenging” high street conditions and decreased football in stores. Read more: Peppa Pig swings to loss days before Hasbro merger vote Quiz’s sales fell to £63.3m in the six months ending 30 [...]
Wework’s European operational losses skyrocket 900 per cent October 11, 2019 Huge rises in staff costs and management fees related to Wework’s stratospheric expansion plans have sunk its internal division to an £80m loss. 2018 filings for Wework International reported an 898 per cent increase in overall losses to £75.9m, up from £7.6m a year earlier. Read more: Goldman Sachs keeps a Wework space to fall [...]
Brexit talks continue as Boris Johnson eyes 31 October departure October 11, 2019 Brexit talks are set to continue today, with Brexit secretary Stephen Barclay due to meet chief EU negotiator Michel Barnier to see if they can rescue a deal. Talks between Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar sent the pound soaring yesterday as they said they could “see a pathway to a [...]
Jet 2-owner Dart Group says Thomas Cook collapse has boosted bookings October 11, 2019 The owner of airline Jet 2 said today its business has been boosted by the collapse of package holiday company Thomas Cook last month. Dart Group said it had experienced “increased levels of customer demand” since Thomas Cook went into compulsory liquidation. Read more: Fraudsters target refund process for collapsed airline The company said it [...]