Louis Theroux leaves BBC Studios to launch his own production company October 23, 2019 Louis Theroux has parted ways with BBC Studios to set up his own production company, sparking speculation that the documentary maker could be eyeing deals with streaming rivals. Theroux, who has worked with the broadcaster’s commercial arm for two decades, has set up a new firm called Mindhouse Productions alongside his executive producer Arron Fellows. [...]
Real estate tech company Blueground launches in London October 23, 2019 Blueground, a startup providing tech-driven flexible apartment rentals, is launching in London and has raised $50m (£39m) in a funding round. The real estate tech firm offers Airbnb-style apartment rentals aimed at business travellers, offering rental lengths of one month or longer. Read more: Exclusive: Flexible office space firm Central Working falls into administration Blueground, [...]
Handelsbanken in cost-cutting drive October 23, 2019 Handelsbanken reported a double-digit dip in net profit this morning as it revealed a major cost-cutting strategy. The Swedish lender plans to cut 800 jobs and pull out of several markets globally in an effort to slash annual spending by roughly 1.5bn crowns (£120m). Read more: Four things to watch out for in Metro Bank’s [...]
CBI urges government to protect UK’s booming creative industries after Brexit October 23, 2019 The CBI has called on the government to roll out new measures to protect the UK’s booming creative industries after Brexit. In a report published today, the business group hailed the creative industries as a key driver of growth, with exports of goods and services from the sector now contributing £50bn per year to the [...]
Twitter goes bonkers over Innocent’s fake conkers drink October 23, 2019 Smoothie maker Innocent, famous for its playful advertising, has been forced to warn people not to eat conkers after putting out an advert for a fake autumnal drink. The company’s promotion of a new range of Innocent nut milks backfired when it included a seasonal addition of conker-based milk, telling customers: “Your taste buds are [...]
AIG eyes wealthy clients after launching new syndicate at Lloyd’s of London October 23, 2019 Lloyd’s of London has been given a major boost today after American International Group (AIG) revealed plans to set up its new high-end business at the historic marketplace. AIG is launching a syndicate at Lloyd’s of London aimed at serving the specialist US high net worth market in a move that it said could generate [...]
Tiktok launches safety campaign after removing IS propaganda videos October 23, 2019 Tiktok has rolled out a new safety campaign days after it emerged Islamic State (IS) militants had used the platform to spread propaganda videos. The video-sharing app has released a series of so-called awareness videos that it said will help to keep its users informed by highlighting safety features. Read more: Social media firms urged [...]
Boeing’s profits slump 51 per cent after 737 Max ban October 23, 2019 Boeing expects its 737 Max will return to the skies before the new year it said today, after revealing net earnings slumped 57 per cent in its third quarter. Boeing attributed the fall in sales to the ban of the aircraft and a subsequent decline in sales. Read more: Boeing regrets leaked 737 Max Whatsapp [...]
Administrators hunt Bell Pottinger partners in bid to claw back ‘excess’ pay October 23, 2019 Former partners at the disgraced PR firm Bell Pottinger have been forced to repay hundreds of thousands of pounds in salaries they earned before the business collapsed. The London-based PR company went into administration in 2017 following a scandal over its work for the billionaire Gupta family in South Africa, where it was accused of [...]
Uncertainty to weigh on economy even after Brexit deal, warns Moody’s October 23, 2019 Uncertainty will continue to hold back the UK economy even if Britain passes Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal, credit rating agency Moody’s has warned. Read more: Brexit latest: Brussels edges towards 31 January extension Yesterday’s vote by MPs to in principle approve the deal means “the likelihood of the UK leaving the EU with [...]