Advertising Week Europe begins today, so let’s remember that the creative industries are the unsung heroes of the UK economy March 18, 2019 When people think about television, they probably think of the BBC and UK programmes with global appeal, like Downton Abbey and Killing Eve. And even in literature and film, British characters are at the top of any list of the most memorable and loved creations – from James Bond to Harry Potter. Past and present, [...]
Half a million packets returned since launch of Walkers recycling scheme March 18, 2019 Walkers revealed today that more than half a million packets of crisps have been collected since it launched a recycling scheme in the wake of mounting public pressure late last year. Over 8,500 collection points for recycling Walkers crisp packets have been established since December, when the group began a new green initiative. The firm’s [...]
Alexa offers energetic assistance in link-up with Octopus Energy March 18, 2019 Octopus Energy has teamed up with Amazon to become the first energy company providing real-time energy pricing using voice automation with Alexa. The energy provider, which has 600,000 customers throughout the UK, is pioneering the drive toward greener and cheaper energy through its Agile Octopus tariff, allowing customers to use electricity when it is cheapest [...]
Oneweb lands $1.25bn in funding as it looks to launch global internet service March 18, 2019 UK communications startup Oneweb has secured $1.25bn (£942m) in funding as it looks to start mass production of satellites for global high-speed internet connections. Oneweb said the fundraising round, which was led by Softbank, Qualcomm and Virgin, will kickstart its plans to deliver a global communications network that will bring high-speed broadband access to everyone on earth [...]
Travelodge eyes expansion with 100 new hotels as turnaround delivers higher sales March 18, 2019 One of the UK’s largest budget hotel groups hailed its own turnaround plan this morning after posting a rise in revenues and plans for 100 new site openings seven years after being on the brink of collapse. Travelodge, which has lured more customers into its value hotels amid an economic slowdown, posted sales of £693m [...]
Domino’s Pizza hits back at reports it misled the City over franchisee row March 18, 2019 Domino’s Pizza published a statement today hitting back at allegations that it had misled the City over the state of its relationship with its franchisees. Domino’s said it “strongly refutes the reported allegations” and said it “has been clear and transparent that it has been in commercial discussions with franchisees, which are continuing.” The Sunday [...]
Raghuram Rajan: The central banker trying to save globalisation from itself March 18, 2019 Political and economic debate generally divides around two pillars: markets and state. Free-marketeers see a world where, when people are free to buy and sell according to the laws of supply and demand, business competition naturally drives quality up and prices down, resulting in prosperity and productivity for all. At the other end of the [...]
Want to break the Brexit deadlock? Change the negotiating terms March 18, 2019 Who knows, Theresa May’s deal may yet get through parliament at the third attempt. It seems unlikely given the scale of previous defeats. But making predictions about what will happen next in the Brexit saga is a mug’s game. If the deal fails again, the UK will request a long extension to the Article 50 [...]
The answer to the UK’s renewable energy future is blowing in the wind March 18, 2019 The UK’s offshore wind sector is booming. Auctions for new capacity held in 2017 resulted in deals at half the price of those signed just two years prior, while we are seeing a steady drumbeat of new records relating to clean power production. Just last month, the world’s largest offshore wind farm began generating power. Anchored [...]
Sorrell’s S4 Capital posts revenue rise as mergers help to reel in new clients March 18, 2019 Sir Martin Sorrell’s new advertising venture S4 Capital has posted a large rise in revenue for the year after a string of acquisitions helped it land big-name clients. Read more: S4 Capital ready to compete 'at the highest levels' after Mightyhive merger The figures Revenue jumped 58 per cent year-on-year to £54.8m. Billings hit £59.1m. [...]