M&S reveals next 17 stores in firing line for closure as hundreds of jobs face the chop January 15, 2019 Marks & Spencer revealed the identity of the latest stores that are earmarked for closure today, as a swathe of sites face the firing line amid a downturn for the beleaguered retailer. As many as 1,000 people could face losing their jobs as part of the latest stage in the company's turnaround plan that will [...]
Unlimited Group unveils alliance with German and Japanese agencies January 15, 2019 Digital marketing firm Unlimited Group today unveiled a new strategic alliance with international agencies in a bid to provide a global offering for its clients. UK-based Unlimited has signed an alliance with German ad giant Serviceplan and Japanese firm Hakuhodo to build joint teams offering a presence in all major markets. Read more: Brexit, ad fraud and [...]
German economy slumps to weakest growth in five years sending the euro down sharply January 15, 2019 The German economy grew at its weakest rate in five years in 2018 sending the euro down and further signalling a global downturn. Europe’s largest economy’s GDP grew by 1.5 per cent last year, compared with 2.2 per cent the previous year, according to data from the country’s Federal Statistics Office. The euro fell 0.3 per [...]
Former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn denied bail by Tokyo court January 15, 2019 The Tokyo District Court today denied Carlos Ghosn’s request for bail as the former Nissan chairman faces a lengthy wait behind bars for his trial. Lawyers for Ghosn, who was indicted on two fresh charges of financial misconduct last week, are likely to appeal the decision, as the executive may have to wait up to [...]
Shell’s kitchen: Jamie Oliver launches deli range at petrol stations across the UK January 15, 2019 TV chef Jamie Oliver has defended his partnership with Shell as he prepares to launch a new deli range across the oil giant’s service stations. The restaurateur and UN environmental champion said the deal will help him bring healthier food-to-go to more people, despite criticism from groups such as Greenpeace. Read more: Restaurant profits plummet [...]
Lender Provident Financial shares tumble on profit warning January 15, 2019 Provident Financial’s share price plunged more than 20 per cent in early morning trading after the sub-prime lender issued a profit warning. The FTSE 250 firm led the market fallers today after saying that it expects earnings for 2018 to be at the lower end of expectations, blaming modestly higher payment arrangements at its credit [...]
Gym Group shares down on increased debt predictions after year of site openings January 15, 2019 Gym Group shares were down five per cent this morning as it announced increased net debt in a trading update, despite growing profits and revenues. The listed fitness chain said it expected year-end debt to be £46m, up 22.6 per cent year-on-year from £37.5m, after the £20.6m acquisition of Easy Gym and investment in 17 [...]
Big Yellow quarterly revenue grows amid ‘aggressive’ expansion plan January 15, 2019 Big Yellow saw its revenues rise in the third quarter as it ploughs ahead with its plan to open a raft of new sites. The self-storage company said revenue for the three months to the end of December was up 7.1 per cent on the same period last year to £31.5m. Its closing occupancy was [...]
Dignity rises as profits beat expectations despite tough year January 15, 2019 Dignity’s problems are not terminal it seems as the company beat market expectations to rake in a £79m profit. The group rose 2.1 per cent as the markets opened this morning, bringing it to 735p, but well below its 1,880p price on this day last year. Read more: Dignity shares slide after regulator proposes funeral competition [...]
Hays reports strong quarterly growth as Germany boost outweighs Brexit slowdown January 15, 2019 Recruitment firm Hays delivered strong growth in the second quarter as rising fees in Germany outweighed the impact of Brexit uncertainty. The company said like-for-like net fees rose nine per cent in the three months to the end of December, with equal growth across temporary and permanent roles. Read more: Smaller companies forced to compete for [...]