Politicians live in a social media-driven world. Is this a good thing? October 3, 2019 It’s odd to see a constitutional crisis be upstaged by a disposable cup. Yet that’s exactly what happened at the Conservative party conference this week. Amid the platitudes, lanyards, and infighting, it was a simple receptacle that took centre stage. While TV cameras escorted Boris Johnson through the halls of Manchester Central Convention Complex on [...]
The hurdles holding back home ownership October 3, 2019 There is good news and bad news when it comes to the numbers of first-time buyers in 2019. The good news is that, despite existing homeowners taking a more cautious approach in this uncertain political and economic climate, sales are up almost six per cent compared to this time last year. However, the positive statistics [...]
What do people want? Policies conceived by Dominic Cummings October 3, 2019 One of the criticisms frequently levelled at Number 10’s de facto chief of staff Dominic Cummings is that he has no ideology or long-term vision. Once Brexit is done, it is argued, he will disappear in a puff of smoke and leave Britain to stew in whatever mess he leaves behind. Beyond leaving the EU, [...]
Businesses don’t need Labour to adopt a more flexible work week October 3, 2019 Labour’s pledge at its party conference to introduce a four-day working week on five-day’s pay has grabbed headlines and been greeted with concern in some quarters and optimism in others. Questions abound from journalists and employers alike. How could this be achieved? Would it mean shutting offices and factories for a three-day weekend? How much [...]
DEBATE: Is the departure of Dave Lewis a problem for Tesco? October 3, 2019 Is the surprise departure of Tesco chief executive Dave Lewis a serious problem for the company? YES, says Adam Vettese, an investment analyst at multi-asset investment platform eToro. It’s going to be a challenge for Tesco. To say that Dave Lewis will be a tough act to follow is an understatement. He took over at [...]
Ignore the parades, China has no claim to any kind of greatness October 3, 2019 Seventy years ago this week, Chairman Mao Zedong inaugurated the People’s Republic of China after his decisive victory in the Chinese Civil War over the rival Kuomintang. With the defeated Chiang Kai-shek having fled to Taiwan, the new dictator set in motion his vision of what China should look like and aspire to. Much of [...]
Skills shortage to cost small UK businesses £145,000 next year October 3, 2019 Small and medium-sized British businesses face a shortage of skilled employees that will cost them on average £145,000 next year, according to new research. Read more: Brexit prep has cut productivity of UK businesses, says Bank of England The so-called skills gap has widened as a result of “a shrinking talent pool due to Brexit” [...]
Petrol prices fell even as drones struck Saudi oil October 3, 2019 Worries that drone strikes in Saudi Arabia would drive up prices at the pumps for customers seemed unfounded, new data showed as petrol prices fell in September. The cost at the pumps dropped by 0.87p to 127.95 for unleaded petrol, even as diesel rose by a third of a pence to 132.07p per litre. However [...]
City moves for 3 October – Who’s switching jobs at Montagu Evans, Kapten and Hambro Perks October 2, 2019 Today’s City Moves includes Montagu Evans, Kapten and Hambro Perks Montagu Evans Planning and development consultancy Montagu Evans has appointed Jenny Rydon as its new head of healthcare. Jenny joins from built asset design and consultancy firm Arcadis, where she was director and sector leader for healthcare. Before that, Jenny undertook a number of roles [...]
Tesla share price falls after it misses deliveries target October 2, 2019 Shares in Tesla fell as much as six per cent in post-close trading after it delivered fewer vehicles than expected in the third quarter. Elon Musk’s firm delivered a record 97,000 vehicles in the quarter, up 1.9 per cent on the previous three months. However, this was below estimates of 97,477. The total consisted of [...]