How far will Trump’s war on climate change go? November 17, 2016 In a world of post-truth democracy, it is fitting that President-elect Donald Trump's new director of the Centre for Energy and Environment “is not a climate scientist. I'm just… the informed layman.” It would be truly fascinating and terrifying to take a peek at what Myron Ebell is reading. On the one hand, he believes [...]
Strictly star (and former shadow chancellor) Ed Balls wants Bank of England independence reformed November 17, 2016 The star of Strictly Come Dancing 2016 has spoken out on the Bank of England's independence. Yes, that's right: former shadow chancellor Ed Balls has called for the BoE's independence to be curbed in response to growing "popular discontent". He has co-authored an academic paper on central bank independence saying: "We need a more nuanced approach [...]
Junior market to get a makeover: London cosmetics firm plans Aim float November 17, 2016 The London Stock Exchange’s junior market is set for a makeover this month. Warpaint London, a cosmetics business, has announced plans to float on the Alternative Investment Market (Aim). Founded in 1992, the company’s flagship brand is W7, which was launched in 2002 and named after its founding postcode in west London. Read more: From [...]
Near-miss: A drone came within 20m of a passenger plane as it flew over the Shard this summer November 17, 2016 A drone almost collided with a passenger plane carrying 165 people as it passed over the Shard in July. A report from the UK Airprox Board, which records near-misses in the air, said the Airbus A320 was en route to Heathrow Airport on 17 July when its crew spotted a black drone out of their [...]
The Brexit bill? Chancellor Philip Hammond expected to announce £100bn black hole in Autumn Statement November 17, 2016 Chancellor Philip Hammond is expected to reveal a £100bn black hole in government finances in next week’s Autumn Statement. The estimated figure, built up cumulatively over the next five years, has been linked to the UK’s Brexit vote, because of the deterioration in forecasts since March. Read more: Public borrowing could overrun by £100bn over [...]
Weaker sterling gives Johnson Matthey a £27m profit bump November 17, 2016 Johnson Matthey is one of the companies that has welcomed post-Brexit currency volatility – the sustainable tech and chemicals firm today revealed that the weakened pound gave its profit a £27m bump in the six months to 30 September. The figures Sales were up five per cent to £1.68bn in the first half, from £1.6bn last [...]
Now Heathrow Airport’s trying to swoop in on the Christmas ad battle with this tear-jearker featuring two teddy bears November 17, 2016 First it was John Lewis that routinely took the crown for best Christmas ad. But in recent years other retailers have been upping the ante – from Sainsbury's to M&S to Waitrose's adorable robin. And now, not content with winning the battle over airport expansion (for now), Heathrow Airport has unveiled its very first Christmas ad [...]
A folding bike helmet made of paper scoops the 2016 James Dyson Award November 17, 2016 Occasional cyclists of London listen up, for designer Isis Shiffer has developed a helmet that you can whip out anytime, any place – and you can pop it in a handbag too. A recyclable folding helmet has won the international James Dyson Award. How's it foldable? Well, it's made of paper. Yes, you heard that [...]
Investec’s asset management division earns its stripes, but banking profits fall November 17, 2016 Investec has reported a seven per cent fall in specialist banking profit, but improvements in asset management and wealth and investment divisions. The figures The Anglo-South African group reported a 0.2 per cent drop in ongoing operating profit to £314.5m, though this would have been 0.6 per cent growth on a currency neutral basis. The financial [...]
Royal Mail revenue and profit rises as it continues with cost-cutting measures November 17, 2016 Royal Mail delivered an increase in revenue and profit in the 26 weeks to 25 September, but said the full-year performance is very much dependent on what happens over the busy festive period. The figures Royal Mail grew revenue by one per cent on an underlying basis in the first half of the year, from £4.4bn [...]