MPs launch inquiry into government energy policy after nuclear setback March 1, 2019 MPs are set to review the government’s plans for Britain’s energy sector after a string of major projects were abandoned by international companies. The Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy Committee said it would look into the government’s plans to see if they are fit for purpose. It will examine if the country needs a new approach [...]
Rolls-Royce turbulence finally nearing an end February 28, 2019 On the the face of it, aircraft engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce looks to be stuck on the runway. Shares fell 2.5 per cent yesterday as it reported £2.9bn total losses in 2018. These were largely down to long-running mechanical problems which have grounded one of British Airways’ new Boeing 787 Dreamliner jets at Heathrow airport for [...]
National Express increases shareholder dividend by 10 per cent in ‘record’ set of results February 28, 2019 National Express shareholders were today rewarded with a 10 per cent increase in their dividend as the coach and bus firm delivered a "record" set of annual results. Pre-tax profits at the firm stood at £177.7m in 2018, up 13.6 per cent on the previous year. Revenue also increased from £2.32bn to £2.45bn, while operating [...]
Ex-Barclays boss John Varley says £322m Qatar payment ‘not conditional’ on its involvement in the bank’s fundraising February 28, 2019 The former chief executive of Barclays John Varley said the bank’s controversial £322m services agreements with Qatar were “not conditional” on the Gulf state’s participation in its financial crisis fundraising, a court heard today. Varley, who is on trial for fraud alongside former colleagues Roger Jenkins, Tom Kalaris and Richard Boath, was in court to [...]
City watchdog under fire for delaying report into RBS’s GRG unit February 28, 2019 The City watchdog has been accused of delaying a report into its controversial decision not to enforce action against individuals within RBS's disgraced global restructuring unit GRG. One MP has said he expects the report to be a "whitewash" when it is published. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) caused widespread dismay last year when it [...]
UK cannabis firm Jacana blazes a trail to possible London listing February 28, 2019 Cannabis firm Jacana is “considering” a stock market flotation this year after raising $20m (£15.08m) in private investment in 2018. Read more: England lock George Kruis has high hopes for cannabis oil business Serial entrepreneur Alexandra Chong, the company’s co-founder, said “all options were on the table” in terms of funding, as Jacana seeks to expand [...]
Insurer Hastings adds more customers as it grows profits and revenue February 28, 2019 Hastings’ share price ticked upwards today as it profit and revenue climbed in 2018 even as customer growth slowed. The figures Profit after tax rose three per cent year on year to £130.6m as revenue rose five per cent to £756.4m, compared to 2017’s £715.6m. Gross written premiums also climbed three per cent to £958.3m. [...]
Serial fintech entrepreneur Marta Krupinska focused on diversity as she relaunches Google for Startups UK February 28, 2019 Fintech entrepreneur Marta Krupinska has vowed to make diversity a priority as she takes over the reins at the relaunched Google for Startups UK. Read more: Revolut pushes ministers for fast-track tech visas Krupinska, who shot to fame after founding Azimo, the digital money transfer app, has been tasked with overseeing the Google project as [...]
Female fintech leaders highlighted as sector faces continued lack of gender diversity February 28, 2019 Senior figures at major banking and professional services firms including HSBC, Barclays, Schroders and Monzo have been recognised on a list of women excelling in Fintech. A total of 35 women including HSBC head of digital innovation Diana Biggs, Starling Bank founder Anne Boden and Monzo chief technology officer Meri Williams were highlighted on Innovate [...]
Aston Martin shares crash 18 per cent as investment bank warns car maker may ask investors for cash February 28, 2019 Aston Martin’s shares veered off the road today to fall 18 per cent on huge 2018 losses as at least one financial adviser urged investors to dump their shares. The luxury car maker made a loss before tax of £68.2m as the costs of its October initial public offering (IPO) weighed the British firm down. [...]