Britain’s economic hopes rest not on productivity, but happiness January 14, 2019 They were the best of times, they were the worst of times. Thank you, Dickens, for words that capture the daily diet of our much-divided Britain. Happiness seems to be much on our minds, mainly because it seems so difficult to attain and then maintain. Next week we face Blue Monday, allegedly the most depressing [...]
Goals Soccer Centres miskicks on profits as US sales slow January 14, 2019 Goals Soccer Centres today warned that it is set to miss the target on its full-year profits. The five-a-side football firm blamed the mis-hit on slower US growth and tight margins in “ancillary activities” such as food and drink, sending shares down 2.8 per cent in early morning trading. As a result, Goals expects profits [...]
DEBATE: As Open Banking turns one year old, has it been a success? January 14, 2019 As Open Banking turns one year old, has it been a success? Didier Baclin, chief innovation officer at Zopa, says YES. A year on, Open Banking has already helped many people enjoy smoother experiences with certain financial providers, by enabling them to securely share their data through the open application programming interfaces. The initiative is about [...]
As London heads back to school, here’s how the City is kickstarting careers January 14, 2019 It’s back to school for students across the country. A new term is always an exciting prospect; pupils and teachers return with renewed energy and a readiness to learn and teach. Last month, the City of London Corporation, which sponsors 10 academies in London, was named by the Sutton Trust as the best UK academy [...]
JD Sports eyes strong profits thanks to international expansion January 14, 2019 JD Sports today said it expects full-year profits to hit the higher end of its targets as international growth helped defy tough retail conditions. The sports retailer reported total sales growth of 15 per cent in the 48 weeks to 5 January, with like-for-like sales up five per cent in the same period. Read more: Retail [...]
Off road: Is the car industry in reverse? January 14, 2019 The automotive industry faces recession and decline. Driverless cars are on the horizon, but has the moment for motors already passed? The first Model T Ford rolled off the production line in 1908. Available in “any colour… so long as it is black”, in the words of magnate Henry Ford, the car marked a breakthrough [...]
City moves for 14 January – who’s switching jobs at Robeco, Greenberg Traurig and Aminex? January 14, 2019 Who’s moving roles today? Robeco Robeco, the pure-play international asset manager, has appointed two senior members to its global fixed income macro team. Jamie Stuttard joined the team as co-head of the global fixed income macro team and fixed income strategist. Regina Borromeo (pictured) joined the team as portfolio manager. Jamie will co-manage Robeco’s global total [...]
Footfall slides in December as discounting does little to boost retail woes January 14, 2019 The number of shoppers visiting retail parks, shopping centre and high streets continued to slide during December, as attempts to claw back revenue lost earlier in the year through festive discounting failed to lift the fortunes for many of Britain’s bricks-and-mortar brands. New figures released by Springboard this morning have found that footfall in December tumbled [...]
Exclusive: Deloitte hires senior Magic Circle partner to lead its push into the UK legal market January 14, 2019 Big Four accountancy firm Deloitte has hired a senior partner from the Magic Circle to lead its expansion into the UK legal market after announcing plans to target the sector last year. The audit firm has appointed veteran Allen & Overy banking partner Michael Castle as managing partner for Deloitte Legal to lead its UK [...]
Consumer group calls on Ryanair to refund passengers hit by name change “glitch” January 14, 2019 Ryanair came under renewed criticism today from a leading consumer rights activist for refusing to refund customers who were allegedly charged fees in error. Hundreds of customers were required to pay a £115 name change surcharge due to a "glitch" on Ryanair's website which caused incorrect surnames to be recorded on passenger bookings, according to [...]