‘Everyday economy’ neglected by government’s industrial strategy, MPs warn March 19, 2019 Retail, hospitality and steel sectors are being neglected by the government’s industrial strategy, a group of MPs have warned. A report published today by the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee is calling on ministers to publish an “action plan” on how they will boost productivity in the ‘everyday economy’. The MPs also demanded the [...]
The UK government should take inspiration from an unlikely source when writing its post-Brexit migration plan March 19, 2019 Another day, another chance for UK politics to reach hitherto unimaginable levels of farce. But while Downing Street reels over speaker John Bercow's characteristically dramatic intervention, it's worth remembering that the government is capable of making a complete mess of many things – not just Brexit. Take immigration, for example. We have a Prime Minister who [...]
City Moves for 19 March – who’s switching jobs at EIP, Legal & General Investment Management and Oaknorth Analytical Intelligence? March 19, 2019 Who’s on the move today? EIP Leading intellectual property law firm EIP has appointed Nora Fowler as an associate in the firm’s trademark team in London. Nora joins from Novagraaf UK, where she managed worldwide trademark portfolios and provided strategic advice to clients from a multitude of sectors. Nora has a wealth of experience working [...]
Kier to appoint former Carillion hire Andrew Davies as chief executive March 18, 2019 Embattled construction firm Kier is set to appoint the executive who was hired by Carillion weeks before the contractors collapse to lead a turnaround at the company. Andrew Davies, who was due to step into the role of chief executive at Carillion before it plunged into liquidation last year, is expected to be appointed as [...]
‘Constitutional crisis’ as John Bercow blocks another vote on May’s Brexit deal March 18, 2019 Theresa May's bid to win parliamentary approval for her Brexit withdrawal deal has been dealt another dramatic blow after Commons Speaker John Bercow declared he could block any attempt to put the question to MPs again. In a surprise statement, Bercow said he would only allow the government to put its Brexit plan before MPs again [...]
Interserve wins £76m oil and gas contract despite falling into administration days ago March 18, 2019 An Interserve subsidiary has won a $100m (£76m) contract to carry out maintenance on oil and gas sites in Abu Dhabi, days after its parent company was forced into administration. The outsourcer will replace firewater pumps and liquid sulphur loading systems at offshore and onshore sites owned by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). Read [...]
BMW to make engines for Jim Ratcliffe’s upcoming Land Rover Defender rival March 18, 2019 Car maker BMW has been tasked with supplying the engines for an upcoming rival to the Land Rover Defender built by chemicals giant Ineos. The so-called Project Grenadier will see Ineos, which is owned by Britain’s richest man Jim Ratcliffe, release a four-by-four range onto the market in mid-2021, commercial director Mark Tennant told City [...]
Wage costs grow in Britain amid record high employment rates March 18, 2019 Wage costs in the UK grew 1.7 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2018 from the quarter before, compared to an average of 0.5 per cent quarter on quarter growth over the last 10 years. Wage costs per hour worked in Britain – meaning benefits in kind, wages and salaries – were 3.2 per cent higher in the [...]
Debenhams pressure mounts amid Sports Direct comments March 18, 2019 The war of words between Debenhams and retail tycoon Mike Ashley escalated once again this morning after Sports Direct’s finance chief confirmed City speculation that it would look to buy the department store chain if it collapsed into administration. Sports Direct’s finance chief Chris Wootton, who could potentially become Sports Direct boss if Ashley takes [...]
Pound drops as Commons speaker John Bercow rules out third meaningful vote on same Brexit deal March 18, 2019 House of Commons Speaker John Bercow has ruled out a third meaningful vote on Theresa May's Brexit deal unless it contains "substantial changes". Bercow said the government was now not able to "resubmit the same proposition or substantially the same proposition as that which was rejected" in January and March this year. Making an unexpected statement [...]