Trump’s likely EU ambassador escalates his war of words with Europe February 8, 2017 Donald Trump's likely ambassador to the European Union has bemoaned "anti-Americanism" on the continent, after EU politicians attacked his potential appointment. Last week saw the leaders of the socialist, liberal and conservative European parliament groups attacking Dr Ted Malloch, accusing him of "outrageous malevolence" for comments in which he said the EU needed "taming". And now [...]
UK investment levels expected to stay low says Bank of England February 8, 2017 The Bank of England says it expects investment levels to stay weak in the UK, as it finds four in five publicly owned firms saying pressure to create short-term returns has dented investment levels over the past five years. Sir Jon Cunliffe, a deputy governor and member of the rate-setting Monetary Policy Committee, said in a [...]
When fintechs and banks go speed dating February 8, 2017 While the seemingly age-old debate about whether fintech startups will kill banks still rages on, FinovateEurope demonstrates why that question is now largely redundant – things have moved on. The 80 startups on stage at the two day event in the heart of the City are pitching the banks, insurers and City institutions in attendance more [...]
Malaysian developer spends £10m saving Georgian terraces at One Crown Place February 8, 2017 Malaysian developer AlloyMtd is spending £10m on the refurbishment of a Georgian terrace in the Sun Street conservation area as part of its residential development One Crown Place. Hackney Council insisted on the developer restoring the historic buildings as part of the planning permission for the £500m scheme, which will provide 246 apartments and 140,000 square [...]
MPs add to calls for fairer overdraft charges February 8, 2017 MPs have today added to calls to urgently review overdraft charges, placing a cap on the amount lenders can levy if needs be. Rachel Reeves, the Labour MP who brought this morning's Westminster Hall debate, described some of the current levels of overdraft charges as "disproportionate with the offence you have committed", adding: "I don't [...]
The snow moon, New Year comet and penumbral lunar eclipse will all be visible on Friday – here’s what you need to know February 8, 2017 Whether you’re an astronomy fanatic or just an occasional stargazer, you don't want to miss this weekend’s events – when we’ll be treated to not one but three celestial displays on the same day. The lunar eclipse, Snow Moon and New Year comet will all be visible the night of 10 February, until the early [...]
AmazonFresh parks tanks in Waitrose territory with expansion into Home Counties February 8, 2017 Already widely available across London, Amazon’s grocery delivery service is now expanding into the suburbs of Hampshire and Surrey. Launched in June last year, AmazonFresh was initially available within 69 London postcodes, before increasing its remit to 190 postcodes in the city and a total of 260 across the country. Amazon says that “Prime” customers [...]
Property of the Week: This former hosepipe factory in Peckham is made for people who love hidden bookcases February 8, 2017 The Hosepipe Factory, Peckham, £2.295m It’s surprisingly easy to walk past this enormous former hosepipe factory. I did, three times, to be exact, pacing between a timber merchants and a row of Victorian terraced houses. Eventually, I spot the estate agent from Urban Spaces and he ushers me past a slim electric gate, like he’s [...]
We built it, they didn’t come: TSB to shut branches as more people bank online February 8, 2017 TSB is closing the doors on 29 of its branches, as people increasingly favour banking online. The challenger bank, which was spun out from Lloyds before being snapped up by Spanish Sabadell in 2015, said today some of its least popular locations are now serving fewer than 200 customers per week, pushing it to make the decision to [...]
It’s time for big oil to embrace the digital age February 8, 2017 The 2014 oil price bust very quickly changed the agenda of the oil industry, prioritising efficiency as a tool of keeping costs down. This emphasis on efficiency was the best outcome of the crisis that pushed the larger part of the industry into survival mode. Now the crisis is over, or at least sector players [...]